Fast pace of life combined with stress can take a huge toll on our mental health. It is no wonder that more and more people find solace in minimalism. This unique philosophy encourages to get rid of all unnecessary objects from our lives and appreciate simplicity. Minimalism was quickly adapted not only by fashion, but also interior design industry, presenting us with new solutions that were supposed to bring us peace, while making the world a more beautiful place. Minimalism can take on many different forms, from a laid-back luxury to a black and white paradise. While there are no set rules telling which elements of decor can be treated as minimalist or not, rugs sneakily found their way into it. Although a number of weavers tried to appeal to the fans of minimalism by creating simpler and more balanced designs, carpets don’t have to lose their natural charm in order to fit in. Decorative rugs, known for their opulent patterns and color palettes somehow perfectly complement simple forms of furniture and decor favored by minimalist approach. This strangely alluring contrast is what draws the attention to such interiors and inspires to try out even more risky combinations. In this article we would like to share some tips on how to pair minimalist interiors with decorative rugs without creating overbearing spaces.
To start out, think of which colors you want to include in your interior. Although minimalism seems to favor neutral hues, such as white, black or beige, it does not mean that your decorative rug has to be too! In order to avoid visually limiting the space, pick hues that are different from those on your walls. Instead look for colors that will complement them, while also brightening the atmosphere. Elements of red, yellow or orange can make a huge difference and ultimately change your interior for the better. However, be careful not to accidentally pick clashing hues, which can easily destroy what you managed to create.
Patterns are what makes decorative rugs so fascinating to look at. If you plan on making the carpet only piece of decor in an accommodation you have no need for worrying – just go with whatever design you find the most appealing. In case there are a few other patterned things in the room, such as covers or pillows, try looking for a “common ground” for them. It might be similar color or even texture. This part might be especially tricky, since minimalism often has a preference for geometric motifs, which can clash with for an example floral pattern.
Although it might seem trivial at first, the choice of material your rugs is made of can have a huge impact on your interior. The most popular are without a doubt rugs made of cotton, wool or silk. Each of them has different properties that might be attractive for you, but also some disadvantages. Vast majority of rugs utilize cotton due to its relatively low cost and decent quality. Wool is a bit more expensive than cotton, but more durable. And finally – silk. Known for luxurious luster and divine softness, silk rugs are highly sought-after amongst collectors and interior designers, but their prices can be quite high. There are also carpets made of plant-based fibers such as hemp or seagrass. They are quickly gaining popularity in the minimalist community due to their positive impact on the environment.
Size of your decorative rug might pose another problem. Just because something fits your room does not mean that it will be beneficial for it. Make sure that you know the size of your interior beforehand, so that you can pick a carpet in a perfect size. Big rugs can make it feel more cozy, while smaller ones create more orderly and intimate space. The perfect placement of a rug should create a defined space, a place where you could spend hours and hours, never getting tired of it at all. Oversized or large decorative rugs can immediately become the focus of entire room thanks to the size of their patterns. Small rugs are a great choice if you are looking for something that could bring together decor in your interior or if you want to use more than one carpet.
Next thing is to consider what type of pile would you prefer. Flat weave rugs are certainly one of the most popular types. Their flat surface makes it extremely easy to put them under any furniture with little risk of damaging them. This can prove especially useful in nurseries, as carpet’s flat surface allows children to slide toys across it, but also in dining rooms. On the other hand, shaggy rugs can be made from a large variety of materials, even leather or fur. If properly cared for, shaggy rugs can be extremely durable – many people consider them a perfect choice for high traffic areas which could be disastrous for other type of rug. Cleaning shaggy rugs can range from very simple to difficult, depending on the type of material are they made of, but generally are considered to be more demanding that flat weave rugs.
The choice between antique or modern decorative rug can be difficult. While antique rugs are generally considered to be more difficult and expensive to maintain, their presence in any interior will be immediately noticed. Antique rugs give rooms character and an elegant atmosphere, which cannot be achieved using newer carpets. Contemporary rugs, however, are easier to maintain and their prices tend to be much lower than those of antiques. Moreover, their patterns are usually more appealing to modern audiences and easier to fit into an interior.
If you want to experience the ultimate luxury, be sure to browse through Doris Leslie Blau’s collection of both antique rugs and contemporary carpets. We put a great deal of effort into making sure that our clientele gets only the highest quality and most beautiful antique rugs .This is why our rugs appear in the most popular interior design magazines, such as Architectural Digest and Elle Decor.