Rug Q & A with Kristin Gilford

Our Senior Interior Designer & Stylist Kristin provides tips on rug selection and placement.

It's winter so the perfect time to warm a space with an artisan rug...or two.

I'm just loving the overall deliciousness of all these beautiful warm winter whites, caramel tones, and rich chocolate feels.  I put this little palette together this morning to show you what's currently available in Bungalow Interiors. We have a really nice edit here with a selection of textures and sizes.  They range in a size from 2 x 3m up to a 3 x 4m.  And note that we can always have rugs customised to your preferred shape and size.

What is the priority for placement for rugs?

I would choose a large fabulous signature rug for my living room first, because this is generally the largest living space in your house.  Use something really nice and light, with a cozy texture, even with a little ribbing through it. For your dining space I would always put a flat weave and place it under the dining table. A flat weave, will ensure your chair legs do not get stuck and potentially damage the rug. 

What would you suggest to somebody that didn't know where to start for rugs?

Choose a warm neutral colour and you can never go wrong as they hide all flooring evils and will match your furniture, home decor and wall coverings. They're timeless, welcoming and loyal like your morning coffee...

What is the number one mistake people make when choosing a rug? 

I would have to say without a doubt, the number one mistake is choosing the wrong size, for any space. I've been in a lot of places that have rugs that are too small for the space and subsequently the room feels smaller and more cluttered. So always go bigger if you can, and even have a smaller rug layered over the top of a larger rug.  And make sure that you pop the front legs of the sofa on the rug to create a clear anchor and delineation of the purpose of the space.  Plus it adds to the overall coziness and will make your space more elevated. 

The texture and make should always be considered for the purpose and placement.  Plus who and what will be using it.  As mentioned previously, flatweave is ideal for under dining tables while a plush style rug is perfect for a loungeroom.  Consider kids and pets too!  And of course, natural fibres will always be affected if in direct sunlight - even if indoors.

Where would you use these types of rugs displayed here? 

All over my home!

Like your loungeroom, always choose a beautiful soft and thick pile for bedrooms and again oversized always. When you step out of bed in the morning, you're stepping onto something really nice and luxurious.  For your living room, choose a rug that is more practical for high-traffic areas, such as hand knotted.  A hand knotted rug is timeless and such a great long-term investment.  Hall runners are also great options for long hallways and through kitchen areas and pantries.  Just make sure they are a practical, hard-wearing make.  

We have a vast selection of rug samples displayed in the Bungalow Interiors showroom and welcome you to visit during opening hours.  Some of our preferred brands include Baya, Bayliss, Zebra Home, The Rug Establishment, Unitex International and of course the Bungalow Interiors Signature Range from Surya.  Please bring along room dimensions and pictures of your space and furniture to match the most appropriate colour and style.