Okay cuties, it’s officially time to cut a rug–see what I did there? In seriousness though, the right rug really does make all the difference in the overall interior design of any space. It’s also true that rug shopping can be stressful! It’s a lot of pressure to choose the perfect color, texture, size, and style.
I want all my KKH readers and customers to feel relaxed and confident while shopping…so who better to offer some expert advice on buying your next rug than a pro from one of my favorite designer rug brand, Solo Rugs. I caught up with the lovely Raelene Boylan, who is the director of Design and Product Development at Solo Rugs. She shared some really fantastic industry insider tips…read on and prepare to go boldly into the world of rugs as you look for the one that, in the words of The Dude, “ties the room together”!
“A high quality rug can be a sizable investment in your home, go with what you love and it will always be in style.” –Raelene Boylan, Director of Design and Product Development at Solo Rugs
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Hi Raelene–welcome to The Kuotes! I am so excited to talk all things rug-related. To kick it off: What are the top factors that a person should have in mind when starting to shop for a rug for their home? Honestly, I work in interiors and even I get overwhelmed with all the rugs out there!
First consider the look you are going for: Is it traditional, rustic, or modern? Using Pinterest, start searching for that style and gathering ideas for rugs used in those spaces. Once you have narrowed down your style, drill down to see who sells those looks and what the price points are.
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A Fabulous Rug = A Fabulous Room
When it comes to interior design and styling, do you have any tips for designing a room around a great rug?
The rug is really the back bone of the room, it pulls all the other elements together. If you are starting with the rug first, pull out the colors in the rug and repeat them throughout the space in the artwork, throw pillows, etc.
And on the flip side, can you offer advice for bringing a new rug into a room that already has a defined color palette and design style?
You can’t go wrong with a neutral rug when you need something to compliment but not compete with what is already going on in a space. Look for something with neutral tones, maybe marled yarns of ivory, beige and gray woven in subtle textured patterns.
Once someone has found the rug of their dreams, what are some expert tips for care and maintenance?
Materials can differ greatly, so always follow the cleaning instructions for your particular kind of rug. Vacuum a couple times a week, and as a general rule, turn off the beater bar when vacuuming your rug to prevent unwanted friction of the yarns.
“Don’t worry if you experience a little shedding from a handmade rug, this is to be expected and will dissipate over time.”
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Rug Trends & Techniques: Hand-Knotted, Hand-Loomed & Handmade, Oh My!
What should shoppers know about the term “hand-knotted”? What does it actually mean in terms of the quality and craftsmanship of a rug?
Hand-knotted rugs are constructed by tying one knot at a time to a base grid. The more knots per inch, the higher the detail and more labor intensive. Many different designs can be achieved by hand-knotting, from traditional Persian to modern shags. Hand-knotted rugs are very durable and will last a lifetime.
“This art form has been passed down through generations of master craftspeople. It is one of the oldest forms of rug construction and also one of the most revered.”
As you and I know, the world of interior design can be heavy on industry vocab. Aside from “hand-knotted,” there any other key terms that shoppers should look out for and understand on their rug shopping journey?
Rugs can be put into two buckets: Handmade and machine-made. Handmade rugs include;
- Hand-Knotted: Constructed by tying one knot at a time to a base grid
- Hand-Loomed: Presses the rug’s fiber together and joining them with thread
- Hand-Tufted: Yarn is pushed through gaps in cotton materials, and held together with a backing that is often glued on
- Hand-Woven: Woven flat without knots or tufts; the front and back will be identical
Machine-made rugs are often referred to as “power loomed” or “machine woven.” These rugs rely on an automated process once the initial yarn is set up on the machines. With handmade rugs, the tying, tufting and weaving are all done by hand. Handmade rugs are generally considered higher quality and will last longer than their machine made counterparts, however, machine made rugs come in a wide range of qualities and price points as well.
For the year to come, are there any exciting new rug trends you see becoming popular? Or any tried-and-true styles that are definitely here to stay?
We’re seeing an increase of recycled materials like P.E.T. used in rugs of all styles and constructions. This material can be made to mimic natural fibers like wool, cotton, or jute, yet is indoor/outdoor friendly.
“We are also seeing the younger generation starting to appreciate the craftsmanship and sustainability of hand knotted and hand woven rugs.”
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Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
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from Best Chandeliers And Home Lighting in Dubai, UAE – Homenoon https://www.homenoon.com/reviews/how-to-shop-for-rugs-like-an-interior-design-expert-home-lighting-ideas/
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