BE AS SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG THIS SEASON
Floor coverings `finish a space' by adding style and flair to a room while warming it up
There is a chill in the air and its time to get warm and cosy inside. What better way than to lay a rug?
A rug can add style and flair to a room while also warming it up, protect your floors and reduce noise (which is great for condos).
But how do you know what to buy? What's the best fit for your space? Finding the ideal rug can be a challenge. Before you cough up the cash for that new rug, here's advice from experts Korhani Homes' creative director Kirsten Korhani and Cityline decor expert Christian Dare.
“Every great space starts with a great rug,” Korhani says. “Simply put, a rug finishes a space and completes the room.” Dare adds: “Rugs are a surefire way to add colour and texture to any room.”
DEFINE THE SPACE
“A rug can anchor a room, add warmth, and define it,” Dare says.
Define the space the rug will live in. Is it a large or small room? Is it a high traffic, busy space? Does it need to be used to make sense of usable space?
In today's open-concept living style, rugs can be used to separate a living room from an office space from a dining area without building walls.
SIZE MATTERS
Nothing throws a room off like a rug that is too big or too small. Size matters. It makes all the difference in balancing your room.
A design tip Korhani shares is that “at least the front legs of all furniture pieces should comfortably
fit on top of the rug's edges.”
In the living room, if your couch is against the wall then at least its front legs should be on it.
For an open concept where the rug is being used to define a space, your rug should be large
enough to contain all the furniture.
In the bedroom, either go with a rug large enough for your bed and night tables or two smaller rugs on either side. For a smaller bedroom you can lay a rug that is at least one-third under the legs of the bed.
ITS ALL MATERIAL
You can get a rug in everything from wool to cotton to cowhide to silk. Choosing the right material all depends on the traffic in the space.
For a stylish low-traffic spot like a formal living room or office, you can go luxury all the way.
A hallway, stairs, foyer and family room get a lot of wear and tear.
“If you are looking for a rug that will last, I would recommend wool. They really are worth it,” says Dare. “Consider an under pad. They may seem frivolous but they extend the life of your carpet while adding plushness to your step.”
If kids, pets, spills and stains are a concern, synthetic may be the way to go.
“Korhani Homes has created new, antimicrobial protected safe rugs. They prevent and limit bacteria, fungus, mould, mildew, all covered by a two-year warranty,” Korhani says. “They come in stylish patterns, are super soft durable, but yet the softest rug that one can imagine.”
They prevent and limit bacteria, fungus, mould ... come in stylish patterns, are super soft durable, but yet the softest rug that one can imagine.
BRING YOUR STYLE
For some, a rug is that last piece to their decorating puzzle, but if you have a rug you love it can be a great way to start your decor journey. Some rugs are like fine works of art, with bright colours or intricate patterns a perfect palette to add to any room. “Area rugs in abstract, painterly distressed and traditional distressed patterns with hints of blues and mustard yellows are really in style right now,” Korhani says.
“Choose a rug that complements the colours of your room's decor.” Dare adds, “Most of all, don't be afraid to add a punch of colour and have fun!”