DECORATING WITH RUGS

• Build the decorating scheme of a room from the rug up. Is it going to be a feature or will it be hidden by furniture?

• Patterns are good if the whole rug is on view, while plain or textured is best if furniture is going over the top.

• Oriental rugs look great in formal rooms; kilims and dhurries work well in both modern and traditional homes.

• Homes with young children and pets need rugs that can manage a lot of wear and tear. Rugs with a bit of synthetic fibre mixed with a wool blend are ideal.

• “When selecting a rug think of family first,” says Sarah Price of Winton House, distributors of Dash & Albert Rugs. “Indoor/outdoor rugs are perfect for under dining tables, in children’s bedrooms, kitchens and living areas and, of course, in outdoor entertaining areas. They are so easy to look after — they can be cleaned with a little bit of elbow grease, a garden hose and left to air dry.”

• Big is often best. “When budget allows, always purchase the largest rug you can; it will anchor the room, define your space and make the room feel bigger,” says Sarah. “Another option is to purchase a cheaper large area rug in a natural fibre and layer a stunning wool or wool blend rug over the top. This will allow you to have the best of both; size and beauty.” For more advice on how to choose the right rug for your home, visit homelife.com.au