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.
Greenbrook DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
Walker Woodworking When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.
Walker Woodworking Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design