Leanne Ford Just Designed the Perfect Striped Rug

Interior designer Leanne Ford has launched her debut rug collection in collaboration with Loloi. The inspiration for the collection stemmed from Ford and her daughter Ever's reading of 'The Secret Garden,' which influenced the initial color palette of greens and pinks. However, the final designs feature earthy hues and organic patterns, deliberately avoiding literal floral illustrations to allow the overall room to be the focal point. Ford emphasized that the rugs are designed to complement, rather than dominate, the space, contributing to a calming and subtly whimsical ambiance. The collection comprises 25 rugs, with many options priced under $400 for a 5’x7’ size. These rugs, along with throw pillows, are available through major retailers such as Amazon, Wayfair, and Rugs Direct, in addition to trade-only channels. Ford shared insights into specific standouts from the collection and offered her perspectives on rug placement and styling. Among the featured pieces is the hand-tufted Craven rug, which introduces shades of dusty pink and terracotta. This represents a departure for Ford, who is typically known for her preference for crisp white interiors. The decision to incorporate these colors was influenced by her daughter's fondness for pink, leading to a compromise that offers a 'slight rebellion' against her usual aesthetic. Another notable design is the checkerboard Sowerby rug, also featuring rose-y hues. Ford’s 'Bracken rugs' pay homage to her childhood memories of her mother's meticulously vacuumed formal living room carpets. These super-plush rugs, available to the trade via Loloi, feature organic linear patterns reminiscent of vacuum marks, with a flatweave border that highlights the pile's depth. This design reflects a modern interpretation of a nostalgic element, transforming a simple domestic detail into a design feature. The Weatherstaff rugs, made from low-pile jute, are presented as the most affordable options in the collection. Their varying stripes are a direct result of Ford's freehand drawing process. These rugs are specifically designed for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and family rooms, as Ford intends for them to be worn down over time. The espresso and moss green tones of the Weatherstaff rugs are versatile, complementing homes with dark wood floors, including Ford's own 125-year-old Pennsylvania home and a new Texas project. Ford also shared unconventional advice on rug placement. For open-concept living spaces that are exceptionally large, she suggests using multiple smaller rugs to define distinct zones instead of a single, oversized rug. Her own living area incorporates three rugs to achieve this effect, emphasizing that rugs should always be centered within their respective seating areas. Additionally, Ford challenges traditional notions of runner placement. While runners are typically confined to hallways and kitchens, she experimented with placing one in front of her sofa, creating an unexpected and visually appealing effect. She also used a Weatherstaff runner partly under her desk and sofa, highlighting their ability to either connect or differentiate spaces. The collection is further complemented by decorative pillows and poufs, extending the design aesthetic beyond just rugs. #LeanneFord #LoloiRugs #RugCollection #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #ProductLaunch #AffordableRugs #RugPlacement

Leanne Ford, a prominent interior designer, has collaborated with Loloi, a company recognized for its craftsmanship, to introduce a debut collection of rugs and pillows. This new line features products made from natural materials and is GoodWeave-certified, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and ethical production. The collection is designed to bring an inviting atmosphere to any space through sensible designs and varied textural finishes. The inspiration for this collaboration stems from Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, _The Secret Garden_, which Leanne Ford was reading with her daughter during the design process. While the collection does not overtly display floral patterns, it subtly captures the book's essence through organic lines, a palette of soft pinks, earthy tones, and creamy neutrals, maintaining a grounded and natural feel. Among the featured collections is Bracken, known for its plush texture. This collection incorporates an organic, linear pattern achieved through drop-stitching, and it is framed by a flatweave border that enhances the depth of the pile, offering a rich tactile experience. In contrast, the Weatherstaff collection provides a different textural experience with its vertically striped, flat-woven jute area rugs that exhibit a distinct ribbed texture. Another highlight is the Craven collection, which showcases space-dyed wool and hand-tufting techniques. This line presents classic stripe and checkerboard patterns in a free-flowing, handcrafted style. The color scheme for the Craven collection includes beautiful neutrals and deep, earthy tones, adding versatility and warmth to its designs. The Lennox collection distinguishes itself with the use of natural, undyed wool in creamy neutral shades. These pieces are handwoven using a soumak weave, characterized by alternating rows of thick and thin looped yarns that create a subtle yet engaging tonal texture. Each collection within this collaboration aims to integrate natural elements and thoughtful design, providing a range of options for those seeking to enhance their living spaces with understated elegance and rich textures. The partnership between Leanne Ford and Loloi combines design sensibilities with manufacturing expertise to deliver a cohesive and inspired home decor offering. #LeanneFord #LoloiRugs #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #RugCollection #PillowCollection #NaturalMaterials #GoodWeaveCertified #SecretGardenInspired

The Carpet Design Awards 2017, an international competition celebrating the best in handmade carpets and rugs, recently announced its winners. A distinguished panel of judges, led by multi-award-winning carpet designer Stephanie Odegard, evaluated 386 entries from 21 countries to select the top designs across eight distinct categories. The judging criteria encompassed various aspects, including design and concept, materials used, structural integrity and quality, execution, texture, sustainability, and brand presence. In the 'Best Flatweave Design' category, 'Scandinavian Flatweave 2' by Rug & Kilim was recognized for its original design demonstrating the flatweave technique. Jaipur Rugs' 'Unstring by Kavi' claimed the 'Best Modern Collection' award, celebrated for its contemporary design collections unified by a common theme. For 'Best Modern Design Deluxe,' Wool and Silk Rugs' 'Summit' stood out due to its original contemporary design and optimal use of materials. Similarly, Sterling Rugs' 'Super Moon' secured the 'Best Modern Design Superior' award, also lauded for its innovative contemporary design and material utilization. The 'Best Studio Artist Design' honor went to Simone Post for 'Vlisco Recycled,' acknowledging its original small-scale production from an artist or designer. Ayka Design's 'Vase Green' was awarded 'Best Traditional Design' for its successful interpretation of a traditional rug design. Hossein Rezvani's 'Shiraz sabz' received the 'Best Transitional Design' award, recognizing a new rug that blends traditional designs with a contemporary style. The 'Best Transitional Collection' was awarded to Edelgrund for its 'Alasht Collection,' showcasing traditional and transitional collections with a shared theme. Beyond the expert judging panel, the DOMOTEX show also included a 'People's Favourite Vote,' allowing visitors to cast their ballots for their preferred carpet among the 24 finalists. The 'Rapture 4 – The Kundan Pure Silk Collection' by Zollanvari emerged as the people's choice, indicating its widespread appeal among attendees. These awards highlight the innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic expression present in the global carpet and rug industry, celebrating both established and emerging designers. #CarpetDesignAwards #HandmadeRugs #InteriorDesign #Flooring #ModernDesign #TraditionalDesign #TextileArt #HomeDecor #DesignExcellence

The latest trend in rug design emphasizes the importance of borders, transforming these floor coverings into pieces of art. This spring, several prominent designers and brands have released new rug collections that draw inspiration from diverse sources, including Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, Viennese Art Deco, and children's books. The common thread among these collections is the focus on the rug's edges, utilizing graphic motifs, architectural elements, cinematic references, and two-tone color palettes to create distinct and impactful designs. Athena Calderone's "Salon" collection for Beni Rugs, inspired by her Tribeca home and European travels, showcases unique shapes, grids, and lines with a strong emphasis on intriguing borders. Calderone values the edge as much as the center of the rug, and the collection introduces a new low-pile style for Beni. Notable designs within this collection, such as "Fassade" and "Deco," directly reference specific architectural facades and museum walls, giving each rug a rich backstory and visual depth. Cold Picnic's "Audience/Embrace" line offers rugs and runners with two distinct conceptual approaches: being watched and being held. These designs, made from 100 percent TEX New Zealand wool with cotton backing, feature recurring eye patterns for "Audience" and outstretched arm motifs for "Embrace," drawing inspiration from folklore, children's books, and cinema. The hand-sheared finish adds a sculptural quality. Cold Picnic also launched a washable line inspired by MFK Fisher's book, "How to Cook a Wolf," designed for high-traffic areas, and a collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum featuring a random sheared interpretation of Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige's cherry blossom prints. Josh Greene's "Arcadia" collection, in partnership with Marc Phillips Rugs, pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes, characterized by low-slung architecture, local materials, natural light, and integration with nature. The six hand-knotted, sun-washed wool designs incorporate elements reminiscent of carved stone found in Wright's houses, with the "Gordon" and "Kinney" rugs particularly highlighting strong borders. The collection maintains a geometric focus, with the "Duncan" rug featuring a multihued grid. Block Shop, a well-established name in rug design, has expanded its offerings with the "Trellis" and "Ripple" rugs. The "Trellis" rug, a 100 percent jute flat-weave with a textured pattern, became highly requested after its initial creation for their Los Angeles shop. The "Ripple" rug, a jute-wool blend, continues the border trend with a playful, wiggly edge available in neutral and ochre color options. Both styles are ethically produced by V-Weave, a family-run weaving cooperative in India using traditional materials. Arvin Olano's collaboration with Rugs USA, featuring 22 designs, includes standout rugs that emphasize borders. Olano, a content creator known for approachable design, presents the two-tone "Gino" (100 percent wool) and the "Petra," which features a stamped-like quality. Both are handmade flat-weaves from India. Finally, Brigette Romanek's spring collection for Loloi features the "Orly" rug, the only design with a border, inspired by the veining in stone. The "Orly" rug, available in heathered colorways like natural and ink, with clay being a favored option, offers a subtly depressed detail around its edge, providing visual definition. These hand-loomed wool and viscose rugs are GoodWeave certified, underscoring a commitment to ethical production. #RugDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #BorderedRugs #DesignerCollaborations #HandmadeRugs #TextileArt #SpringCollection #EthicalProduction

Joon Loloi, an extension of Loloi's home furnishing offerings, has launched its inaugural collaboration with Seattle-based interior designer Heidi Caillier. This collection introduces over 30 pieces, primarily bespoke rugs and throw pillows, reflecting Caillier's signature timeless aesthetic and affinity for patterns. Caillier, known for her design work, including projects that have garnered attention from figures like Joanna Gaines, designed these pieces with a focus on integrating them into a family home setting, specifically showcasing them within her own residence. This approach highlights the versatility and livability of the collection. The collaboration emphasizes layered looks within interior design. For example, Caillier incorporated the Mayla rug, characterized by its antique touches, into her living room, and the Lilette rug, noted for its vibrant hues, into her sons' bedroom. The collection features a variety of materials and constructions, ranging from hand-tufted wool to natural jute, catering to different textural preferences and functional needs. A notable inclusion is Loloi's CloudPile rugs, which are praised for their softness underfoot. Caillier's collection offers three CloudPile options, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and a plush feel. Each item in the collection, whether a rug or a pillow, possesses a distinct pattern and style, allowing for individualized room refreshes while maintaining a cohesive collaboration. The Lindy Hand Tufted Wool Rug, inspired by Scandinavian design, features a boxy yet floral pattern that adds texture without overwhelming a space. It is made of 100% hand-tufted wool. The Ginna CloudPile Printed Rug combines the plush feel of CloudPile with an antique pattern and is designed to be resistant to shedding, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. The Mayla CloudPile Printed Rug offers a neutral option with a subtle, faded floral pattern, power-loomed for durability and ease of care. Beyond rugs, the collection extends to throw pillows designed to complement the rug offerings. The Kayleigh Lumbar Pillow provides both style and support, available as a cover or with poly or down inserts. The Liam Pillow, with its denim-inspired layered geometric design, aims to add a lived-in feel to sofas or armchairs. The Kate Pillow, offered in Clay or Wheat colorways, serves as an all-purpose throw pillow with a double-flange edge, adding a subtle pattern to a neutral design. The Rainier Rug, named after a Washington mountain, introduces a checkerboard pattern in an earthy palette, aligning with current design trends. The Dana Pillow incorporates a nostalgic, hand-embroidered aesthetic with a floral design and fringe trim. Finally, the Shrader Jute Rug provides natural textures ideal for layering, while the Aster Rug, adorned with storybook-style roses, offers a romantic touch for various rooms, featuring a low pile suitable for placement under furniture. The collaboration presents diverse options for home decoration, blending timeless aesthetics with contemporary comfort and style. The pieces are designed to be integrated into different home environments, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical considerations like durability and ease of maintenance. #HeidiCaillier #JoonLoloi #RugCollection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ThrowPillows #NostalgiaInspired #CloudPileRugs #ScandinavianDesign

Rugs USA has expanded its offerings by collaborating with renowned designers and content creators, including Emily Henderson, Arvin Olano, and Lauren Liess. These new collections introduce a variety of rug styles, catering to different aesthetic preferences and budgets. Emily Henderson's inaugural rug collection with Rugs USA is inspired by Scandi farmhouses, featuring 20 classic and unfussy pieces. Her designs emphasize versatility, with several options in an indigo shade, which she likens to denim for its ability to complement any decor. The collection includes wool flat-weaves and cotton blends, providing both comfort and durability. Examples from her collection include the Blue Fountain Checked Wool Area Rug and the Natural Hillcrest Jute and Wool Area Rug, both designed to be accessible in terms of style and price. Arvin Olano, known for his minimalist aesthetic, contributes a 22-piece collection that offers a luxurious feel through wool-blend solid rugs. These rugs are crafted to mimic the look of silk, providing an elevated touch without a significant financial outlay. Olano’s color palette is sophisticated, featuring soothing terracottas, rich burnt reds, and subtle dusty ivy tones, making them suitable for creating an investment-piece ambiance. The Verdant Green Arrel Speckled Wool-Blend Area Rug and the Red Pompeii Checked Border Area Rug exemplify the collection's refined yet affordable approach. Lauren Liess's collection introduces 27 rugs that merge neutral and traditional design elements. Her designs range from striped jutes to romantic botanical prints, making them versatile enough for various home settings, from rustic cabins to modern beach houses. A key aspect of her collection is the encouragement of layering different styles, allowing for creative and personalized home decoration. The Beige Jessamine Washable Geometric Area Rug and the Royal Blue Calathea Striped Jute Area Rug highlight the blend of classic and contemporary patterns found in her line. Each designer brings a unique perspective to their respective collections, ensuring a wide array of options for consumers looking to enhance their living spaces with stylish and affordable rugs. The collaborations aim to make designer-quality rugs accessible, offering diverse textures, patterns, and color schemes to suit various home decor needs. #EmilyHenderson #RugsUSA #HomeDecor #RugDesign #InteriorDesign #AffordableHomeDecor #ArvinOlano #LaurenLiess #Collaboration

This article highlights the growing trend of patterned carpets, showcasing how they can introduce color, warmth, and personality into country homes. It explores various styles, from linear stripes to urban country plaids, gentle spots, heritage designs, and bold florals, offering insights from industry experts on how to integrate these patterns effectively into different living spaces. Linear striped carpets are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in living rooms, dining rooms, and playrooms. Mike Richardson, Managing Director of Kersaint Cobb, notes that these carpets act as a focal point in rooms with plain walls and neutral furnishings. He emphasizes that deep, rich colors not only create a warm and cozy atmosphere but also offer a practical solution for high-traffic areas, effectively concealing dirt. The 'urban country' trend sees a resurgence of classic patterns and prints. Lynne Pound, Product Manager at Brintons, describes their City Plaid collection as a celebration of this trend, drawing inspiration from vintage and reclaimed textiles. These collections feature subtle color palettes designed to create a warm and homely feel, making them ideal for country living rooms and dining rooms, especially when entertaining guests. For a softer aesthetic, 'sweet spot' carpets featuring gentle pastels and ice cream shades are well-suited for country homes. Natalie Littlehales, Consumer Marketing Manager at Brintons, points out that their Padstow collection's putty colors offer a fresh, modern appeal. The Candy Spot design, crafted from an 80% wool and 20% nylon blend, is highlighted for its softness and strength, making it perfect for high-traffic zones like hallways. 'Heritage piece' carpets, such as those designed by Margo Selby for Alternative Flooring, draw inspiration from the weaving process itself. Selby explains that her designs reflect the organized nature of hand-woven deflected double weave cloths, scaled up to add instant warmth and make a prominent feature of the floor. Finally, the 'floral fancy' trend reintroduces florals, moving away from ditsy prints towards bold, statement patterns. Clare Jenkinson, Designer at Ulster Carpets, suggests that retro-inspired boho designs like those in their collection offer a playful way to connect the garden with the interior. The fresh colorways are presented as an antidote to grey days, and the patterns are designed to coordinate with other designs in the collection or with plain Wilton carpets for a cohesive interior scheme. #PatternedCarpet #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FlooringTrends #CountryHome #StripedCarpet #FloralCarpet #WoolCarpet

HGTV star Erin Napier, known for her show '_Home Town_', has introduced a viral 'tinfoil rule' for home design, particularly regarding area rugs. Her mantra, "if you think you've pulled off enough [tinfoil], pull a little more," directly applies to rug selection: if you believe a rug is large enough, opt for an even larger one. This advice aims to prevent one of the most common home decor missteps: choosing a rug that is too small for a room. Napier emphasizes that an undersized rug can diminish the overall aesthetic and make a space feel colder and less inviting. Napier shared this practical tip during an HGTV TikTok Q&A;, highlighting that rugs play a crucial role in a room's appearance and functionality, especially in bedrooms with non-carpeted floors. A properly sized rug adds warmth, defines spaces, and enhances the room's design value. She illustrates this by showcasing her own bedroom, where she uses a large rug under her bed and another under a desk to clearly delineate sleeping and working areas. This strategic use of rugs creates a visual separation, making the combined space feel more organized and purposeful. For those wondering where to find suitable rugs, Napier, who often incorporates unique and thoughtful elements into her designs, once revealed on Instagram that she sources many of her rugs from Etsy. While she did not name specific sellers, this indicates that unique and personal pieces can be found beyond traditional big-box stores. This approach encourages homeowners to explore diverse options and find rugs that truly reflect their individual style. Napier also demonstrates her innovative approach to rug selection by sharing an image of her daughters' craft room, which features a vinyl rug. This choice, while unconventional, prioritizes practicality, as vinyl rugs are easy to clean—a significant advantage in high-traffic or messy areas. This highlights Napier's philosophy that design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and suitable for the homeowners' lifestyle. Her signature style, celebrated on '_Home Town_' and '_Home Town Takeover_', blends functionality with a timeless, meaningful aesthetic, often incorporating a touch of 'maximalist flair'. The essence of her 'tinfoil rule' extends beyond just rugs to general decor: if a room lacks whimsy or character, more creative elements are needed to achieve her inspired look. #ErinNapier #HomeTown #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RugSelection #DesignTips #HGTV #RoomStyling

Interior designer Greg Natale has cultivated a distinct style since establishing his studio in 2001, characterized by a bold, eclectic approach to integrating architecture, design, and decoration. His work is far from conventional, often incorporating intricate layers of color and pattern, which he considers an innate aspect of his design philosophy. Clients typically seek his expertise for interiors that eschew muted tones, reflecting his signature maximalist aesthetic rather than a pared-back style. Natale's design methodology is comprehensive, extending beyond singular projects to include product development. He has ventured into furniture design, creating a range of residential wood-based pieces for Mortice and Tenon, alongside a line of more minimalist furniture for Stylecraft. These collaborations underscore his commitment to a 360-degree design approach, ensuring that every element within a space contributes to a cohesive vision. A notable collaboration includes a collection of six distinct New Zealand wool rugs designed in partnership with Designer Rugs. Natale emphasizes the critical role rugs play in his integrated design approach, serving not only as decorative elements but also as foundational anchors for furniture arrangements within a room. The names of these rugs—Corfu, Malibu, Monte Carlo—might suggest a relaxed ambiance, but their design ethos is rooted in a structured approach. The inspiration for the rug collection stems from Natale's passion for repeat patterns. He values the architectural quality of these patterns, noting their effectiveness in defining a room's aesthetic from multiple perspectives. His international travels have also significantly influenced the collection's designs. For example, the "South Beach" rug draws inspiration from an Art Deco building's screen wall, while "Palm Springs" reimagines a historical Chinese pattern encountered in that desert locale. Natale encourages both his team and his clients to embrace a holistic design journey, one that is characterized by continuous integration and innovation. He advocates for taking risks and pushing creative boundaries, believing that such an approach yields more engaging and interesting outcomes. His philosophy suggests that design does not need to be overly serious, but it should possess depth and layering to capture and hold interest. Through his studio and various design endeavors, Greg Natale continues to challenge conventional design norms, offering vibrant and distinctive interior solutions that reflect his unique vision and passion for design. #InteriorDesign #GregNatale #HomeDecor #PatternAndColor #RugDesign #FurnitureDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInnovation

Dane Pressner, the design director of D’Aquino Monaco in New York, maintains a compilation of samples, swatches, and inspirational images to constantly fuel his design ideas. His current mood board reflects a "moody and dramatic" aesthetic, characterized by saturated hues and diverse textures that, despite their apparent disparity, cohere harmoniously. Pressner emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design, noting that each element in his palette has a narrative, connected by his appreciation for craft, color, and the making process. He seeks to create a serene foundation, then introduces a contrasting element to add dynamism. Pressner details 20 specific items from his current inspiration. These include the "Victoria" fabric in denim by The Sign, valued for its saturated color and tactile quality, and the whimsical "Argo 2" fabric by Raf Simons for Kvadrat, chosen for its incredible color and playful nature. He incorporates "Anaconda Velvet" fabric in Petrol by House of Hackney, drawn to its symbolism of rebirth and transformation, and describes it as both luxurious and "menacing." Wood samples like "Iced Grey Fir" and "Iced Barn Wood" from Barn in the City are included for their "showstopping" potential. Artisanal elements such as glazed lava stone samples by Ian Felton Studio are highlighted for their sophisticated palette and Felton's understanding of proportion. Joseph Algieri’s "Large Cactus Foam Lamp" samples are noted for sparking joy with their unconventional green color. "Judy Stripe" wallpaper by Voutsa creates an illusion of draped fabric, which Pressner imagines Mame Dennis would have used. The "Series 108 Hardware Suite" by D’Aquino Monaco for SA Baxter, inspired by Francine Monaco and vintage automobiles, is praised for its versatility across modern and traditional interiors. Further inspirations include the "Lapis Glaze" sample by Danny Kaplan Studio, which features archaic yet modern forms and stunning new glazes, and metal finish samples by Alexandr Zhikulin of Lanin Design, whose straw marquetry interpretation in metal showcases boundless talent. Minimalist and sophisticated "Maykume Wood Panel" samples in Gris Noir by May Furniture are chosen for their texture and tone. The "C-Thru 2 lamp" by The Alpha Workshops, hand-cast in plaster with an aluminum-leaf faux bois finish, is appreciated for its beauty and the non-profit's mission. Pressner expresses an obsession with Pierre Frey's "Majestic" fabric in Noir & Or. Élitis's "Panama" wallpaper in Dandy is his go-to for natural textures, particularly the wild ones, envisioning an entire room in this black and natural grass cloth. "Raphia Rosace" wallcovering in Polaire by CMO Paris is described as magical, evoking an island ambiance due to its hand-crafted, 3D raffia. Custom hand-knotted zebra-print flat weave rugs by Tai Ping are valued for showcasing visible craftsmanship, which Pressner finds grounding. "Rialet Rug" samples by La Manufacture Cogolin are a "must-use" for their captivating color combinations. "Strata Linea Stone Plank Tile" by Clé Tile is appreciated for its innovative use of repurposed stone remnants, warmth, and color. "Sheepskin Upholstery" in Shadow by Opuzen is a frequently used fabric for its cozy texture and adaptability. Finally, "Armor Side Table Chain Mail" samples in Satin Nickel by Konekt are admired for their paradoxical ability to be both cold and soft, fitting into any decor scheme. #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #MoodBoard #TextileDesign #MaterialSelection #ArtisanCraftsmanship #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #SurfaceDesign

Jake Arnold, a British-born, Los Angeles-based interior designer renowned for his ability to blend London aesthetics with relaxed Californian style, has partnered with home decor brand Lulu & Georgia. To commemorate this collaboration, Arnold shared his expert rug styling tips, emphasizing key mistakes to avoid and strategies for successful rug placement. The primary mistake identified by Arnold is using a rug that is too small for a space. He stresses the importance of proper sizing, noting that undersized rugs can make a room feel incomplete and improperly scaled. His advice is to opt for a larger rug when in doubt, ensuring that all furniture can be positioned on top of it, thereby anchoring the room effectively. Arnold outlines a three-step process for selecting and styling rugs. The first step involves considering the materiality of the rug. He suggests jute for adding understated casualness, viscose or wool blends for a more formal and luxurious feel, and patterned rugs for introducing interest into minimalist or pared-back interiors. The choice of material should align with the desired ambiance and existing textures in the room. The second step focuses on using rugs to anchor the room. Arnold explains that in his studio, furniture selections and fabrics are often chosen simultaneously, with rugs being considered as a layering element to ground the space. He views rugs as complementary pieces rather than the main focal point, using them to introduce missing elements like texture, color, or pattern, depending on the room's function and current palette. Finally, Arnold recommends leveraging rugs as a neutral base against bolder prints and colors. He encourages experimentation with vibrant furniture, throw pillows, or wall coverings, asserting that rugs can be versatile foundations that work with a wide range of furnishings. This approach allows for more impactful room color ideas and playful furniture choices, with the rug maintaining a stylish, neutral presence. Arnold's collection with Lulu & Georgia, featuring prices from $98 to $4,698, includes various sizes and runner styles, designed to be adaptable to different homes and decor styles. His insights underscore that effective rug selection goes beyond aesthetics, playing a crucial role in defining the perceived scale, balance, and overall cohesion of an interior space. #RugSelection #InteriorDesignTips #JakeArnold #HomeDecor #LuluAndGeorgia #TextileStyling #RoomAnchoring #Materiality

The rug industry is experiencing a renaissance, marked by an explosion of color, innovative designs, and diverse materials that elevate rugs beyond mere floor coverings to significant elements of interior design. This evolution is driven by various designers and brands introducing collections that showcase artistic expression, functionality, and sustainability. Julia Buckingham's "Raindrop" rug for Global Views exemplifies this trend with its vibrant gem colors, injecting energy into dramatic spaces characterized by white walls and high ceilings. The rug's whimsical design is complemented by a tea light chandelier, also from Buckingham's collection, creating a cohesive and lively aesthetic. Cedric Ragot's "Focus" rug for Roche Bobois presents a strong, geometric design with a sculpted appearance, mimicking tile inlays. Hand-tufted from pure New Zealand wool, this circular rug highlights the incorporation of architectural and textural elements into rug design. Hair-on-hide rugs have gained popularity, particularly those with sophisticated patchwork effects. Restoration Hardware's "Hexa" hide rug, part of the Ben Soleimani collection, uses premium hair-on cowhide tiles, hand-cut and pieced together to form a richly textured mosaic. These tiles, dyed while retaining natural tonal variations, offer a silky feel underfoot, combining luxury with a unique visual appeal. Golran's Lake collection, designed by Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay of Raw Edges, draws inspiration from optical art, featuring an iridescent quality that changes with the light, akin to a lake's surface. Based on traditional kilim techniques but incorporating varying pile heights, these rugs have received multiple design awards, underscoring their innovative blend of tradition and modernity. SHIIR rugs, designed by Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, emphasize embellishment and embroidery on flat-woven backgrounds. One notable silk flat-weave features a classic Moorish tile motif with delicate silk embroidery, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and elegant patterns. Doris Leslie Blau offers a Nepalese hand-knotted rug that resembles a modern painting, with an ivory wool background and blue silk pile, providing a strong artistic statement in a room. Another design from Doris Leslie Blau is a striking Turkish modernist kilim called Elmer, which creates an almost three-dimensional effect with black weaves appearing to pop from a colored ground. Handwoven from 100 percent wool, this flat-weave design honors centuries-old techniques while achieving a contemporary look. Roche Bobois's "Himal" rug, hand-knotted in Nepal from 100 percent Himalayan wool, stands out with bold colors and a distinctive high-low pile weaving technique. Feizy's hand-tufted "St. Germaine" rug from the John F collection, made of viscose in India, offers versatility with its mixed color palette, allowing for diverse decor integrations. NIBA's new flat-weave collection, including the "Treillage plaids," is characterized by its thin profile due to the absence of knots, making it ideal for stair runners and high-traffic areas. These rugs are customizable in fiber, color, and size, reflecting a demand for personalized home furnishings. Another NIBA design, a large-scale organic rug named "Jasmine," features plant fronds in bold colors, made from allo and wool, serving as a grounding element for room decor. Fashion designer Sybilla's contributions to Nanimarquina's "Melange" collection include contemporary kilims made from spun Afghan wool, featuring signature elements like red borders and diamonds that add a unique flair to classic designs. GAN's "Silai" collection by Charlotte Lancelot showcases hand-loomed rugs that mimic upscale knitting and embroidery, reflecting a focus on tactile qualities and craftwork. Artist Madeline Weinrib's atelier features a coexistence of new and old cotton flat-weaves, handwoven in India, renowned for their graphic impact and effortless chic, with designs such as "Blue Lulu," "Indigo Samosa," "Indigo Wesley," and "Indigo Darlington." Safavieh presents a geometric rug with a faded, worn look achieved through a dip-dyeing process. Made of 100 percent premium hand-tufted wool with traditional Moroccan motifs, it is dyed twice to create color gradations. Thomas O'Brien's "Guru" rug for Safavieh, made of knotted wool, showcases subtlety through an abstracted tonal pattern. ABC Carpet and Home offers a unique hand-knotted rug from India, made of hand-spun silk and overdyed in fiery hues, resembling a watercolor painting inspired by the ocean. This piece creates an enchanting composition of iridescent patterns. Nikki Chu's collection for Jaipur combines metallic fibers with black jute yarn to achieve subtle sheen and depth, with a focus on neutral palettes like gray and black that revitalize natural fibers and simplify global tribal patterns. Overall, the contemporary rug market is characterized by a blend of artistic innovation, diverse material use, and customizability, offering a broad spectrum of choices for enhancing interior spaces with unique textures, colors, and patterns. #RugDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #TextileArt #HandmadeRugs #ModernRugs #ContemporaryDesign #MaterialInnovation #ArtisticRugs

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

Meredith Heron, a Toronto-based maximalist designer, consistently integrates a diverse range of patterns and color combinations into her projects. Her design philosophy revolves around the idea that "more is more," prompting her to incorporate multiple fabrics within a single room while consciously avoiding a "matchy-matchy" aesthetic. Heron also embraces challenging color palettes, often selecting hues that initially intimidate her, such as contrasting reds and greens, to push her creative boundaries. To harmonize these bold elements, Heron strategically employs a nuanced spectrum of gradient blues. This approach prevents her vibrant selections from clashing, instead creating a cohesive visual experience. A key technique she utilizes involves incorporating the same pattern in various colorways throughout a space. Additionally, she often chooses paint colors that are slightly off from fabric shades to achieve a more lived-in and organic feel, viewing this deliberate mismatch as an enjoyable design puzzle. Heron's mood board, which serves as a visual representation of her current inspirations, exemplifies her eclectic style. It features a blend of striking motifs, including multitonal stripes, flame-stitched chevrons, and animal prints. Each element is carefully chosen to contribute to her signature maximalist aesthetic, without overwhelming the space. She thoughtfully curates each component, demonstrating how disparate patterns and colors can coexist in a harmonious and sophisticated manner. Among the specific items highlighted in her mood board are the Handsart Key Rug in Merlot, which she appreciates for its meandering design that helps open up a space. The Camber Stripe Fabric in Green and Blue by Jane Churchill is noted for its mint hues, allowing her to integrate other mutable greens into her palette. The Inferno Fabric in Sapphire by S. Harris, a flame stitch, is a favored choice for sofas due to its distinctive texture and pattern. She also features the Regal Fancy Fabric in Verdant by S. Harris, an Art Deco-inspired green with a shimmering sheen, and the Midori Fabric in Verdure by Clarence House, which she describes as textural and luxurious, particularly when paired with leather. Heron also incorporates unique accent pieces, such as an antique cloisonné vase, which she sources from auctions to add a sense of history and a richer narrative to her designs. The Fissure Rug in Azure, from her own Meredith Heron Collection, showcases her passion for ombres, a design element she frequently includes in her rugs and fabrics. For hardware, she selects the Pyra Mitered Handle in Bright by Shayne Fox Hardware, appreciating the craftsmanship of a fellow Toronto designer. An animal print is almost always a staple in her projects, represented here by the Darwin Fabric in Blue by Jane Churchill, which, despite being a dotted pattern, evokes the texture of a stingray or shagreen. Wallpapers also play a significant role in her designs, with the Marble Tile 1 Wallpaper in Pebble by The Vale London being a choice for creating a faux marble effect on ceilings or within decorative molding. Another selection from The Vale London is the Bagan Wallpaper in Deep Sea, a pearlescent paper that caught her attention for its unique finish. For anchoring her color schemes, she uses the Giles Embroidery Fabric in Red/Blue by Lee Jofa, which incorporates the majority of colors present in a room. Finally, the Cleo Fabric in Copper and Red by Jane Churchill is chosen for its feathery, animal print-like qualities, contributing to the "well-traveled" ambiance she aims to achieve in her interiors. #MeredithHeron #MaximalistDesign #InteriorDesign #FabricPatterns #ColorPalettes #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #LuxuryInteriors #TextileDesign

Layered, a Stockholm-based interior design brand established in 2015 by Malin Glemme, has garnered attention for its distinctive blend of bold and modern design elements, coupled with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability. The company's latest collection draws inspiration from and is named after traditional Röllakan rugs. These historic rugs are characterized by their geometric and stylized patterns, which frequently feature plant and animal motifs, and were traditionally handwoven by women in their homes. For this contemporary reimagining, Layered's design team has curated a palette that is both rich and intense. The colors selected reflect Swedish nature and folk art, incorporating deep red, blue, yellow, dark ochre, and forest green. Complementary undyed black and white details are also integrated into the designs. This color scheme aims to evoke the aesthetic and cultural heritage of the original Röllakan rugs while offering a fresh, modern interpretation. The original Röllakan rugs were often cherished and passed down through generations as heirlooms, symbolizing enduring value and tradition. Layered's new interpretations are designed with a similar legacy in mind. The brand endeavors to create pieces that are not only visually appealing and current but also possess the timeless quality and craftsmanship that would make them suitable for being passed down as heirlooms in the future. This approach aligns with Layered's foundational commitment to sustainability and enduring design, ensuring that their products contribute to a more mindful consumption culture. The collection's focus on traditional techniques combined with contemporary design ensures a unique aesthetic that appeals to modern sensibilities while honoring historical artistry. The choice of natural colors and classic motifs, reinterpreted for a contemporary audience, allows these rugs to integrate seamlessly into various interior styles, from minimalist to more eclectic settings. Layered's ability to cross-pollinate design influences, merging traditional Swedish folk art with bold, modern aesthetics, positions the brand as a significant player in the interior design landscape, offering products that are both beautiful and ethically produced. #Layered #RöllakanRugs #SwedishDesign #ArtisanRugs #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #FolkArt

This article explores a selection of new fabric launches designed to enhance home interior schemes. The right fabric, whether patterned or plain, can significantly influence the aesthetic of a room. The piece highlights eight distinct collections and designers, each bringing a unique approach to textile design. First, Haines, an online platform for salvaged fabrics, has collaborated with Gabby Deeming of Daydress to create a limited-edition collection. This collection features surplus textiles repurposed into fabrics and soft furnishings, characterized by pretty, ditsy floral patterns in fresh colorways, emphasizing sustainability and unique design. Next, London-based textile designer Beki Bright presents a range of hand screen-printed fabrics, cushions, lampshades, and wallpapers. Her designs draw inspiration from the English countryside of Suffolk, utilizing a signature palette of muted blues, pinks, soft peaches, and mustard yellows, reflecting a natural and serene aesthetic. Beata Heuman introduces a 'Jumbo Gingham' print, which pays tribute to traditional 18th-century Swedish checked textiles. This fabric offers a modest yet playful element, aiming to impart a homey feel to any interior without overwhelming the space. Sophia Frances showcases fabrics that blend traditional British textile heritage with contemporary twists. Her collection includes bold zigzags, painterly florals, large-scale stripes, subtle flowers, and delicate geometrical repeats, providing a versatile range for various design preferences. Zoe Glencross expands her style with the 'Aventura Collection,' inspired by her travels to Mallorca, Seville, Lisbon, and Porto. This collection incorporates Moorish mudejar and Portuguese azulejo patterning, with an earthy color palette of warm terracotta, pinky-beige tones, rich ochres, vibrant apple greens, and coastal blues, bringing a worldly and colorful dimension to interiors. Blithfield, known for its color-driven designs, launches the 'Bancroft Collection.' This collection combines historical references with a contemporary feel, featuring striking printed designs in signature colors. It includes new versions of Ikat Check, a printed stripe named Lambert, and two woven designs: the antique-inspired Jasper and the classic Bailey. Henry Prideaux, in collaboration with Christopher Farr, has re-imagined iconic designs from the Christopher Farr archives, including works by Michael Szell, Raoul Dufy, and Kit Kemp. The recolored fabrics are curated within a palette of terracotta and blue, aiming to infuse renewed sophistication and a modern quality into these classic prints. Finally, Susie Watson introduces 'Natasha,' an Uzbek-style fabric hand-printed on rustic linen. Inspired by the founder's travels, this heavyweight material is stonewashed to achieve a subtle, vintage effect. Available in 'Catkin,' 'Dusty Pink,' and 'Smokey Blue,' it is suitable for curtains and blinds, and can be accented with a pom-pom trim. The article also mentions Fermoie’s 'Circus' design, which features a repeating geometric pattern inspired by the movement of acrobats and jugglers. Fermoie emphasizes traditional printing methods on linen and cotton, using only natural pigments and colors. These launches collectively offer a wide array of choices for interior decorators, ranging from sustainable salvaged textiles and countryside-inspired prints to traditional patterns with contemporary twists and culturally rich designs, all aimed at enhancing the aesthetic and feel of a home. #FabricLaunches #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TextileDesign #PatternedFabrics #SustainableFabrics #DesignerFabrics #HomeTextiles #DecoratingTrends

The Nordic Knots _Folding Ribbon_ Rug, a collaboration between art and design atelier Campbell-Rey and Swedish textiles company Nordic Knots, has become a prominent and highly versatile piece in contemporary interior design. This rug, characterized by its vibrant zig-zag or folded ribbon motif, draws inspiration from 18th-century Gustavian furniture, particularly the ribbons and swags that adorned pieces of that era. Designers Charlotte Rey and Duncan Campbell were inspired by Werner’s _Nomenclature_, an 1814 taxonomy of natural colors, to select the deep amber and raspberry pink hues that define the rug. Since its release in 2022, the _Folding Ribbon_ rug has garnered significant attention from designers and design enthusiasts globally, establishing itself as a notable rug trend. Its widespread appeal stems from its unique ability to blend modern design with historical references, offering both boldness and grounding in various interior styles. The rug's versatility, warmth, and inviting qualities are frequently cited as reasons for its success. Designers integrate it into diverse projects, showcasing its adaptability across different aesthetic preferences and room types. For instance, in a moody bedroom designed by Nicki Bamford-Bowes of & Then They Went Wild, the rug serves as a central statement piece, uplifting a room decorated in deep, saturated tonal reds. Its contemporary edge and confident attitude complement the vintage references in the space, preventing it from feeling overly enclosed while adding luminosity. In a contemporary dining room by Amna Mesic, the _Folding Ribbon_ rug was chosen to anchor the dining setup and address the room's irregular shape. Amna noted that its bold and graphic structure brings energy and balance, breaking up the floor's expanse and engaging playfully with the space's geometry. The rug visually and literally softens the area, with its colors tastefully complementing other features and adding a contemporary touch. Similarly, Gabriella Gullberg used the rug in a transitional living room to create an inviting and exciting design scheme. She appreciated its ability to add depth and color without overpowering the space, harmonizing effectively with a Gubi lamp and a vintage marble coffee table while maintaining a fresh and youthful ambiance. Even in a cozy study by Studio Clementine, where the walls were painted in navy gloss and adorned with custom wallpaper to create a cocooning atmosphere, the _Folding Ribbon_ rug provided essential contrast. Georgina Wood, the designer, chose the rug for its feminine touch and the interplay of raspberry pink against deep blue, which prevents the room from feeling too enclosed and adds luminosity without compromising its sophisticated, moody aesthetic. In a vibrant dining room by Mary Kathryn Wells, the rug’s striking design thrives. Mary Kathryn, a proponent of color, found that the mix of warm, burnished brown and pinks in the rug felt unexpected, sophisticated, and fun, complementing the room’s wild custom wallpaper, bright red Ton chairs, and blue window walls. She also emphasized the practical benefits of its 100% wool material for durability and ease of cleaning. The _Folding Ribbon_ rug's capacity to be daring yet inviting, strong yet soft, and simultaneously modern and historically connected underscores its impact. The article also highlights similar rug styles, such as another variation of the _Folding Ribbon_ rug in burgundy and orange, the Ruggable Checker Border Pink & Orange Rug, and the West Elm Pierce & Ward Deco Border Handwoven Wool Rug, demonstrating alternative options that offer bold colors and playful designs to create a statement in any room. #FoldingRibbonRug #NordicKnots #CampbellRey #InteriorDesign #RugTrends #HomeDecor #GustavianStyle #ContemporaryDesign #TransitionalDesign