Design Notes
When redoing a room in your home, several key elements are considered, including color, furniture, and accent pieces. One piece that can often be overlooked or become an afterthought is a rug. Usually, a rug is selected based on something we like about it, or we hate a bare floor and need something to cover it. Rugs, however, are more than just something fuzzy under your feet; there are multiple benefits to having a good rug in your space, but what is a good rug? Let’s discuss what you need to know when buying a rug for your home.
What Size Rug?
Size is a key factor when selecting a rug for your home, as each area has different needs and measurements. Some other things that influence the size of a rug are:
- Function
- Furniture
- Style
All of this works together to create a look that begins with the correct size. In certain rooms, such as the living and dining areas, it is the furniture that dictates the dimensions, including the coffee table. This centerpiece guides your choice and gives you a few options as well. You can decide to have the rug stay with the couch and loveseat, have just two front legs on the rug, or have it all sitting within the rug. These are all acceptable design choices, but you need to decide on which is right for you so you can measure before going shopping. The standard for dining rooms is that the rug is larger than the table; this helps avoid an uneven surface for your chairs and prevents the legs from getting stuck on the rug. Many homeowners enjoy hardwood flooring throughout the home, meaning you may want a rug for your bedroom as well, since most of us dread those cold floor mornings. Typically, the rug should extend 18 to 24 inches beyond the bed, but you can, of course, go beyond that. It is also important to include any additional furniture pieces in the room that are near the bed, such as nightstands or benches at the foot of the bed. This will factor into the size of the rug you purchase for your bedroom. Be sure to take precise measurements for all areas in your home and write them down on a list, so they are within easy reach when shopping. This can also help a sales associate find options for you quickly.
Different Rug Materials
Rugs are designed to add beauty and bring comfort to the areas of your home, often achieved through the various materials used to make them. Some important things to keep in mind regarding materials include:
- Durability
- Stain resistance
- Cushion
The function of the room also comes into play here since certain areas will have higher traffic flow and exposure to food. For the dining room, it is important that a rug can withstand stains or is easy to clean, such as a harder, flat surface versus a three-inch thick shag carpet. Bedrooms are often designed around comfort, so a rug where you can sink your toes is much more appealing than a hard-woven option. Outdoor spaces need a material that can withstand the weather and the UV rays from the sun. Knowing the function of your space will help determine what material is best. When it comes to textile options, there are quite a few, such as:
- Wool
- Natural fibers
- Cotton
- Synthetic
- Leather
- Cloth
They also come in various variations, such as different patterns or colors, further increasing your options. Wool is a common material used in many rugs as it is naturally stain-resistant and retains heat well, making it a great choice for areas where you will spend a lot of time. Cotton tends to be more versatile and lower maintenance, though it can be slightly less durable. Since it is easy to clean, it makes an excellent choice for kitchen rugs around areas like the sink and even as aisle runners. New material selections are making their way into the design world, such as leather, giving you a chance to express your fun and unique side. For more details on materials and the different weaves, check out this article by Joss & Main.
Health Concerns With Rugs
Rugs are a great addition to the home, but they sometimes pose a few health concerns, such as allergies and being a trip hazard. Thickness and material can influence these aspects. Wool and Nylon carpet tend to be the popular choices when it comes to addressing hypoallergenic concerns for homeowners. Wool, being a natural fiber product, traps allergens such as dirt and pollen, acting as a filter by keeping them out of the air. Nylon has made the list as an alternative since it has a low pile, meaning it features short fibers and is less likely to collect excessive dirt, plus it is easy to vacuum. If allergies are a problem in your home, keep these options in mind when shopping and be sure to mention it to your designer or the sales associate helping you. Trip hazards can be another worry with carpets, especially as you grow older, since many carpets can have edges that like to curl or can slide on hardwood flooring. It is essential to choose a rug that is slip-resistant for open areas, such as entryways and laundry rooms, as there is no furniture to keep it steady. Vintage Vinyl is a wonderful company that designs stunning floor coverings in a variety of patterns and sizes. These floor coverings are durable and stylish, plus they lie flat on the ground. They are also extremely versatile and can be used inside a garage, patio, or within the home. Did we mention that they are also very easy to clean? If you are looking for a floor covering that provides peace of mind and visual interest, you can find it with Vintage Vinyl.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design