when to choose the rug first

Assuming you're doing a project, at what point should you select an area rug? There are two options in my book, first or last.

Love color, pattern, drama.... on the floor? Are you brave enough to make a big commitment? If yes, then rug first is the way to go. And here's a perfect example.

James Rixner chose the rug first for his sophisticated, tailored and comfortable family room/kitchen for the Kips Bay 2012 Show House.

design by James Rixner. photo by Linda Pakravan.
colorful drama tastefully done.

Colorful, dramatic rugs are not shy. They take center stage and are at their best when everything else in the room is choreographed around them. This room has a fabulous supporting cast but there's no question that only one name headlines the marquee, RUG!

design by James Rixner. photo by Linda Pakravan.
every element in this room was expertly selected for color, shape, texture and scale.
note chair has only one leg on rug - this is perfectly fine.

Starting rug first doesn't mean starting without a plan. Before you head out to shop for your rug, make an outline drawing of the floor with measurements, and note the locations of windows, doors, openings, the cable for the TV, and such like. Then stand in the middle of your room and take pics with your cell phone. Refer to this handy info when you're at the store; share it with the sales associate.

A good rug store will let you take the rug home and try it out. When you get it home, unroll it and block out some future furniture pieces with blue painter's tape. Now you'll see if the rug's future coffee table will cover up part of the medallion (if there is one), if the rug "fits", how it feels underfoot. Plus they always look different in your home. 

If you're shopping on line for a colorful rug, check the return policy.

A glass topped coffee table so you can see the rug. These little ottomans are delightful and their wooden bases pick up on the tiny touches of tan in the rug. The tufted sofa has character, nail heads and style. The colorful pillows add a casual, comfortable feel and keep the sofa from looking a big white rectangle.
design by James Rixner. photo by Linda Pakravan.

James Rixner in the kitchen he designed for the Kips Bay Show House.  photo by Linda Pakravan.
for link to Mr. Rixner's website, see below.

I spoke with the delightful Mr. Rixner when I toured the Kips Bay Show House. I did not inquire as to the cost of the rug. My gut and my guess tell me it is $$$. Despair not! There are plenty of reasonably priced rugs bursting with enough color and pattern to please any drama diva. I found so many they would take forever to load so head on over to my pinterest board for more rug candy. Here's a tease.

Do not overlook your local rug stores. I found this in the close-out section of my local merchant, Landry and Arcari. It is a 7'9"x9'5" Bakshaish design, wool, hand knotted, Turkey --- for $975. Value.

Faux Hide, 6'7"x7'4", $275 at FLOR in this blazing orange and a gazillion other colors. Fun.
These are sculpted carpet tiles, 100% recycled nylon. Super easy to clean.

Follow the Arrows, cotton yarn, hooked rug from Dash and Albert. Comfortable. Soft underfoot. A 5'x8' is $770.

New this season from Designers Guild, Flora. Lots of pattern but done in tone on tone and the effect is soothing. This color is called Duck Egg, viscose and wool, tufted. Elegant. Love it. A 6'6"x9'8" is $2150, may not fall into everyone's concept of reasonable but think of it as an investment, say you have it 10 years -- and there is no reason why it shouldn't serve you well for 10 years. Your cost per day to enjoy it will be $1.70 per day. Now tell me again, how much is that Starbucks latte?

Are you brave? Could you commit to a colorful rug?

Thanks for reading,

Linda Pakravan

Links for this post: James Rixner Design, Landry and Arcari, FLOR, Dash and Albert, Designers Guild, my pinterest board with more Colorful and Patterned Rugs

and if you'd like help finding that perfect rug, colorful, patterned or not, email me!