Introducing Colors Through Rug Choice

People can sometimes be timid or conservative when it comes to introducing colors to their interiors. The challenge is often how to introduce colors in a room and still maintain harmony, equilibrium, and visual interest.
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People can sometimes be timid or conservative when it comes to introducing colors to their interiors. The challenge is often how to introduce colors in a room and still maintain harmony, equilibrium, and visual interest. Should colors be introduced through accents, furniture, artwork, or through a larger surface like a wall? I always opt for sizeable, "statement" introductions of color instead of smaller, subtle infusions. In the end, it is a question of finding the right balance and intensity with the rest of the room, its architecture, light and furnishings.

I recommend choosing a rug at the beginning of the design process instead of having the fabrics, furniture, or wall paint dictate how the floor should look. Creating a custom rug allows anyone to choose from a broad color palette, while not restricting creativity or the opportunity to really impact an interior. The other advantage is that custom dimensions can influence the perception of the size of a room.

An extensive selection of colors (whether or not associated with patterns) helps with the introduction of colors in a decorating plan. It could be done through a solid texture, fading, or with abstract or more decorative patterns, which will emphasize the use of bright hues. Because carpets are three-dimensional, even simple textures that at first sight can be described as solids, can have several tones or even merge cold and warm tints. A color can gain very different perceptions when taken in the context of the other colors selected for a particular room. The fibers used in a rug's design also allow the designer to play with colors and light reflection. A material like wool on a loop pile will absorb more light than on a cut pile, while silk with its shine and luster will bring more dimensionality to a room.

Developing a bespoke rug for an interior (even if multiple samples are needed) will facilitate the establishment of colors in a room's overall style. Options from conservative to bolder trials can lead you to a true design statement. I always say that the eye needs to get used to newness; a color that you didn't even notice yesterday can become your favorite one today. Experimenting is crucial and pushing boundaries is healthy!

Introducing colors to a room's design through a rug is also a proper way to achieve a sense of balance and rhythm that will ground the décor and impact the interior architecture. It is a good way to convey style and personality in a room with ordinary architecture or to draw focus to a space's best elements (like great windows). The right rug choice can also bring a sense of direction and movement to a space. I consider the rug an architectural element that serves as a color statement as opposed to a purely decorative element.

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