We have lived in our current rental home for over three years now, and have yet to touch the guest room (which is also the baby room). We are working on a bedroom overhaul with Anthropologie (stay tuned!), and I thought it would be fun to share the process of how I tackle a room from scratch. Here is what we are working with so far…
With our dining room, I started with the rug, and built up from there. This time, I put together the board of items we will be using from as well as chose the wall color (a light grey), and the rug choice is what will tie it all together. I recently stumbled on Loloi rugs, and was really impressed with their selection, their makers, and how unique the designs were. Here is what I consider when selecting a rug for a room…
1) Light or dark colors? – Think through your color scheme and layout a visual board to help you decide if you will go for a bold or subtle color. Bold or dark colors can pull out the more subtle patterns and tones in your room pieces. The rug color also affects how the light hits the room, and where your eye is drawn. I have a tendency for bold color, but since I am leaving the textiles mainly neutral with a hint of color, I wanted the rug to be a darker contrast.
2) Pattern or Solid? – If you have more of a bohemian style, you may be drawn to more pattern play. You can mix many patterns if they compliment each other. I chose my patterns to be mainly in the textiles so that if we need to change things up down the road those are the easiest to switch in and out. Since these patterns aren’t extremely bold, I knew I could go for a little more pattern in the rug. If you have a good deal going on in your bedspread or wallpaper, a solid color rug might be a better option.
3) Texture – The texture of a rug change the overall mood of the room. If you have a shaggy or ultra plush rug, it can offer a cozy bedroom vibe while a short haired/material rug gives a more clean and polished look. Again, this is all determined according to personal style, but I was looking for a short haired rug for the main goal for this space, which is also easier to vacuum and clean!
4) Wear and tear – If the rug will be in a high traffic area of your home you want to choose one that will require minimal cleaning and not reveal as much wear and tear. For instance, I knew my living and family room rugs would have frequent feet walking across them, so I went with darker colors with easy vacuum texture. In our bedroom, I knew it would be mainly just my husband and I in and out of the room so I knew I could get away with a white plush rug. This however wouldn’t survive in my children’s room. Since this room will eventually house the new baby, I chose a darker color that would hide any future stains that are almost guaranteed.
These are just a few things I think about when determining a rug choice. I took a risk with the black and tan rug from the Journey Collection (pictured middle right above), but have a feeling I will love the outcome. It is quite a beauty in person.
What are you drawn to in a rug? I will never tire of looking at and hunting for rugs. When my home is done I will come find rugs for yours, k? 😉
Have a happy hump day!
Anna
