What is the best way to decorate with a bang without spending too much or having a major renovation? A simple yet effective technique that many homeowners use is decorating with area rugs. Yes, these no-fuss decors can instantly transform any space without the backbreaking moving around of furniture, expensive overhaul or use of grand furnishings. Area rugs can make any ugly ducking of a room become an impressive living space.
Contemporary area rugs are a favorite for their colors, shapes and patterns. Subtle is not the word to describe contemporary area rugs. Rather, contemporary rugs are bold, vivid and striking. Due to the unconventional qualities of contemporary area rugs, they cannot be easily paired with just about anything like plain or subtly colored rugs. It is important to use these area rugs the right way to achieve the best results.
Here are some decorating tips for using contemporary area rugs:
The Rug as the Focal Point
For a boldly colored, creatively formed or strikingly designed area rug, how can it not be a focal point? However, mixing it with other printed or colorful items can do more harm than good…to the eyes and taste, that is. Ever heard of the rule “never pair a print with a print?” Two printed materials can be an eyesore. The contemporary rug’s design or color will be more attractive when it stands out on its own. Let its color, shape or pattern shine without the excess baggage of other clashing decors.
Mix and Match
Sounds opposing from the previous tip? Don’t be confused with the idea of mixing and matching decorative items. This is applicable to the use of area rugs. When decorating with rugs, especially with contemporary rugs, you can experiment with various colors, shapes and sizes. For as long as they suit the space and the other furnishings, then you can be as creative and adventurous as you wish. You don’t have to stick to an all-blue color scheme or use only round rugs. Some colors look even more vivid when matched with others. If you have a big living room for instance, you can use multiple rugs in different sizes – smaller rugs to cushion the furniture pieces and a large rug in the middle of the room.
Apply Contrasting Elements in the Design
This is in relation to mixing and matching. A contrast in color in particular can create an attention-grabbing look, such as the classic black and white pair. You can also never go wrong with the light and dark ensemble. White works well with almost all dark or bright hues. My personal favorites are white with red, white with blue and white with yellow.
Contrast can also be applied on textures. The more varying textures you have in a room, the more appealing it will look…and feel. Make the most of this through the fabrics and materials. Marble flooring will feel warmer with a lush area rug to shield the feet from the cold floor. A hardwood floor will look less formal with a colorful area rug and the kitchen’s sterile appearance will be more inviting with a brightly colored or intricately designed rug as a floor decor.
Area rugs can do so much and it’s not just for improving the look of a space. Rugs as floor decors are also great protectors. Hardwood floor in particular can be spared from the usual scratches and stains with a rug. Tiles like in the bathroom become more user-friendly with a rug to guard against slipping accidents from the wet floor. More homes are using area rugs in the entryway to eliminate dirt, as well as make a warm welcoming sight.
Contemporary area rugs are all these and more. With the modern approach in design, these rugs can make any modern or traditionally designed home look as stylish and trendy as the latest fashion in the New York runways.