 Area Rugs?
We've got you covered
By PRISCILLA KOHUTEK
Photography by ROBERT FRENCH
Feeding something to give your home a perfectly
pulled-together look — something user friendly, flexible
and functional? Think area rugs! Like paint, they’re
one of the best decorating tools available. But, choosing
the right rugs takes time and research. To make it easier, here’s
some helpful advice to consider.
Purpose: What is the reason for the rug?
Focal point: The star of the room will be strong and attentiongrabbing.
Intricately patterned Orientals, bright colors and bold
geometric designs are among the possible choices. To keep the “star” in the spotlight, upholstery fabrics and artwork should be fairly
neutral. If you have too much going on, the eye doesn’t know
where to rest, and your intended focal point may be lost.
Decorating tool: Area rugs are meant to pull color schemes
together, define conversation areas, ground floating coffee tables,
provide backgrounds for entire rooms and warm cold bare floors … among other things. Sizes and materials depend upon their
intended uses. Bijan Bonakchi of Bijan Exclusive Oriental Rugs says
that area rugs that are colored through a classic vegetable dye
process, bringing forth delicate muted colors and a soft antique
look, are extremely popular these days.
Practical additions: High traffic areas like hallways, doorways,
pathways in front of sofas and kitchen sinks often need extra
protection that area rugs can provide. Go for colors that don’t show
the dirt and materials that are soil resistant and durable.
 Materials
Wool is the ultimate material for
strength and durability. If cleaned and
cared for properly, wool rugs will last for
years. They take on a patina all their own
with time and wear. Most experts agree
that nothing else compares
to high-end wools.
It’s the measuring stick for
all other materials.
TIP: Watch for the
New Zealand Wool logo — some say it is the symbol
for the best money
can buy.
Flokati rugs — thick, hand-woven
Greek rugs with a shaggy wool pile — are
the hottest sellers for 2007. The look is
textural and sensual, something you want
to feel.
Leather shag rugs are good for contemporary
decorating accents, and cowhide
rugs are naturals for casual, rustic settings.
Synthetic materials mimic
wool and cost less, but they
aren’t the real thing so you can’t
expect the same performance.
On the other hand, synthetics
are good alternatives for people
who are allergic to wool. They
also have other strong points: i.e.,
nylon holds up in high traffic
areas; acrylic is mildew resistant — another plus for people with
allergies; polypropylene (olefin)
is sturdy, stain resistant and soft
to the touch.
Eco-friendly, plant-based
materials like sisal, sea grass,
jute, coir and bamboo are textural
and economical.
FYI: Caution: Pets love these
organic materials. Because of the natural scents in these materials,
they can’t tell the difference between your rugs and the
great outdoors.
Cotton is a softer material than wool and, of course, not as
durable. However, tightly woven cotton rugs, such as Indian
dhurries, can be much stronger than expected. Another plus for
dhurries — they’re reversible. When one side gets dirty, flip it
over and double the time between cleanings.
Silk is a very strong fiber, and silk rugs last for generations. They
are known for their intricate patterns and intense colors. Beware of
fake or artificial silk rugs if you’re paying for the real thing.
 Sizes and placement
According to the “rule book,” room-sized rugs should have
an equal amount of bare floor showing on all sides to form a
visual border. When this isn’t possible, the border on two parallel
sides should be equal, except in dining rooms, where the rug
should be at least 18 inches wider and longer than the table to
accommodate the chairs.
The true beauty of area rugs is the different
ways they can be used. We’ve seen
smashing rooms where rugs with Oriental
and tribal motifs were overlapped and
almost piled on top of each other. We’ve
also seen a room-sized Oriental placed on
the diagonal, and the unusual placement
made it the focal point of a stunning study.
So consider the “rules” (guidelines)
until you have enough confidence in your
decorating skills to do the unexpected.
Shopping
Start your quest by looking … and looking
some more. Take your time. Talk to the
experts at respected retailers, and don’t be
afraid to ask questions. Use the Internet as a
source for information. Study decorating
books and magazines for examples of how
area rugs have been used in well-appointed
rooms. In the end, buy what you love and
you’ll never go wrong.
Priscilla Kohutek is an internationally published
home decorating columnist and author of The
Guide to Home Decorating Indian Style.
Visit her Web site: www.askpriscilla.com.
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