Foundations of Style — The Art of Choosing the Right Rug
In the world of interior design, few elements are as quietly powerful as the humble rug. It’s not merely something you step on; it’s the axis upon which a room turns, a canvas upon which the entire aesthetic is painted. When thoughtfully chosen, a rug is both the starting point and the finishing touch—a tactile storyteller that bridges color, texture, and atmosphere into a cohesive whole. This is the central truth shared by the creative minds featured in the exclusive Designer’s Picks series.
These designers aren’t just selecting rugs—they’re selecting a mood, a statement, a foundation upon which the rest of the room builds its soul. With selections ranging from intricate florals to grounded neutrals, each rug becomes a character in the room’s unfolding narrative.
The Rug as the Genesis of Design
To understand the transformative nature of rugs, consider the perspective of Jennifer Laura, a grandmillennial style enthusiast known for marrying antique charm with budget-conscious elegance. “The rug sets the tone,” she says. “If you choose something neutral, you can play with bolder colors elsewhere. But if the rug is your color story, let it lead the way.”
Jennifer’s chosen a piece, the Floral Dream Fringe rug decorative floor covering. It’s a visual overture. Swirling with delicate petals and tonal depth, it offers a palette of possibilities for layering furniture, textiles, and accents. “That rug,” she notes, “inspired the paint color, the curtains, even the art I chose for the walls.”
This approach is rooted in a philosophy of intentional layering. Rather than adding a rug as an afterthought, Jennifer urges homeowners to begin with it. “It’s like dressing for a formal event,” she analogizes. “You wouldn’t pick out your earrings before the dress. Start with the statement.”
Scale, Proportion, and the Psychology of Size
While aesthetics are paramount, so is proportion—a factor overlooked. According to Jennifer, rug size can make or break the spatial harmony of a room. “A rug that’s too small is the design equivalent of high-water pants,” she quips. “It makes everything feel off.”
Her remedy? Always tape out the rug’s dimensions before purchasing. “Err on the side of larger scale. You want the front legs of all your furniture to rest on the rug. It’s what gives cohesion.” This strategy doesn’t just provide balance—it creates what she calls a ‘visual embrace.’ The room feels held together, centered, and complete.
This point is echoed by many designers who view rugs as the unsung architectural anchors of a room. When correctly placed, a rug becomes an invisible guide, directing how we navigate a space, where our eyes settle, and how the energy of a room flows.
Form Meets Function: The Practical Poetry of a Neutral Base
For Jess Hartman, founder of Hartman Haus, the design equation must include both form and function. “A rug should enhance, not distract,” she says, leaning back in a soft, minimalist living room layered with serenity. Her choice? The Handwoven Chaste rug is an understated marvel of texture and balance.
“This rug is in both our bedroom and our showroom,” Jess laughs. “That’s how versatile it is.”
Its natural weave and muted tones provide what Jess describes as a “visual pause”—an aesthetic breath that allows other design elements to sing without clamor. In a culture oversaturated with visual stimuli, such neutrality feels refreshing, almost soulful. “There’s an elegance in understatement,” she notes. “A rug doesn’t have to be loud to be memorable.”
Her tip for clients? Invest in one timeless, neutral rug per home that can shift from room to room over time. “Think of it like a favorite pair of jeans—if it fits well and works with everything, it’s worth every penny.”
Each rug we choose is a reflection of our inner world—silent yet expressive, grounding yet graceful. With you don’t just decorate—you discover your most authentic home story.
Tactile Depth and Layering: Rugs That Invite Interaction
A growing number of designers are advocating for what could be called interactive styling—a movement that prioritizes comfort, touch, and real-life practicality. “People live on their rugs,” Jess says. “Kids play here. Dogs nap here. You want something that’s not just beautiful, but livable.”
This is where textural layering enters the design lexicon. Start with a flatweave or jute rug—sturdy and grounding. Then, layer a washable or plush accent rug for softness and dimension. Fabulive’s collections offer ample opportunities for this type of styling, with rugs designed to layer without buckling or slipping.
Jennifer echoes this: “I’ve layered the Floral Dream Fringe over a larger neutral rug in my den. It softens the palette and brings this tactile lushness that feels like a warm hug.”
Design from the Ground Up: Anchoring Aesthetics with Purpose
Building a design from the floor up is not new, but it’s often forgotten. Too often, homeowners focus on wall colors or sofa shapes first, only to later realize their rug choice feels like an afterthought. “That’s a common mistake,” says Jess. “Design should flow upward, not just outward.”
Choosing the right rug first allows the rest of the room to fall into rhythm. It sets tonal vocabulary, whether embracing a minimalist Scandinavian calm or channeling an eclectic bohemian beat. The rug becomes the score to the home’s emotional soundtrack.
Let’s pause and consider the deeper implications of rug selection—not just as a design decision, but as a form of spatial storytelling. In every thoughtfully chosen rug, there’s a psychology at play. Rugs are more than floor coverings; they are emotional anchors, visual boundaries, and material metaphors for how we live.
A rug can turn a cavernous space into an intimate haven or elevate a basic room into a curated masterpiece. It speaks to your lifestyle—whether you need a washable rug for high-traffic areas, a soft wool pile underfoot for cozy nights, or a durable indoor-outdoor rug that blurs the lines between patio and parlor.
It collects answers to these calls with aesthetic nuance and structural integrity. It’s not just about surface beauty; it’s about building homes that feel as good as they look. Whether anchoring a family room or styling a sunroom, let your rug do more than decorate—let it define, comfort, and connect.
Beyond the Trends: Personal Expression Through Pattern and Pile
While trends come and go, your space should ultimately reflect you. That’s the ethos Jennifer and Jess return to repeatedly. “Design isn’t about copying a Pinterest board,” Jennifer laughs. “It’s about curating pieces that speak your language.”
For some, that language is whispered in shag rugs with plush dimension, evoking warmth and nostalgia. For others, it’s in the clean lines of a low-pile geometric piece, grounding a modernist vision. And for many, it’s in hand-knotted textures that hold history in every thread.
It offers collections that appeal to both ends of the spectrum—and every style in between. “There’s something for the maximalist and the minimalist,” says Jess. “That’s the beauty of a thoughtfully curated catalog.”
Your Rug, Your Signature
The right rug, say our featured designers, is never an accident. It’s an intention. A signature. A declaration that says, this is the kind of space I want to create how I want to feel when I come home.
Whether you’re drawn to intricate motifs, serene textures, or bold color play, let your rug be your co-designer. Start with it. Build around it. And watch as your room transforms—not just in look, but in atmosphere and emotion.
Because when you build from the ground up, you’re not just placing furniture—you’re composing a feeling.
Beyond the Surface — How Lifestyle Shapes Rug Choices
Design is not a sterile exercise in color theory and symmetry—it is a mirror of life. The best interiors are the ones that breathe with you, bend with your routines, and speak back in whispers of familiarity and function. This truth becomes resoundingly clear when you dive into the rug selection process. At first glance, it may seem like choosing a rug is about style. But when done right, it’s a reflection of how you live, move, rest, and gather.
This idea forms the core of designer Melanie Raver’s approach. A mother of three energetic daughters, a seasoned renovator, and a soul with a well-worn passport, Melanie doesn’t just select rugs for their looks—she selects them for their ability to endure, evolve, and elevate.
Aesthetics with Endurance: Living with Style and Movement
“I used to think the perfect rug had to be visually striking,” Melanie recalls. “But once you have kids, dogs, and a calendar full of life, you realize the perfect rug is the one that fits into your reality without compromising your style.”
Melanie’s journey through motherhood and travel has taught her to blend visual elegance with functional intelligence. Her home isn’t a showroom—it’s a sanctuary of mess, memories, and magic. “That’s why I fell for the Diamond Textured Trellis Tassel rug in ivory. It’s chic, it’s soft, and it hides just enough of life’s little spills.”
With its raised diamond patterns and tasseled edges, the rug offers a whimsical touch without losing its sophistication. Melanie has styled it under a crib, beneath a reading nook, and at the foot of her guest bed. “It’s one of those rare pieces that looks intentional anywhere you place it.”
The Emotional Intelligence of Color
Before she buys any rug, Melanie begins with what she calls a “mood palette”—a combination of emotional intention and aesthetic purpose. “Color is energy,” she explains. “Sometimes I want calm, so I look for blush, ivory, or sage. Other times, I want to spark joy, so I’ll go with rust, cobalt, or mustard.”
Rather than isolating the rug as a stand-alone piece, she considers it in the context of an entire space. “Upload photos of your wallpaper, bedding, even your dog if you want—it’s about the total vibe,” she laughs. “When I can see everything together in a digital mockup or a Pinterest board, I make better decisions.”
This visual synergy is a cornerstone of thoughtful design. Rugs shouldn’t fight a room—they should flow with it, participating in the conversation, not trying to dominate it.
Functional Wisdom: Tools of the Trade
Though Melanie leans into aesthetics with full creative abandon, she never skips the tactile realities. “Painter’s tape is my secret weapon,” she says. “I’ll mark out the exact rug size on the floor before I even click 'add to cart.' It’s a low-effort way to avoid high-stakes regret.”
She recommends homeowners do the same. “It’s easy to fall in love with a look online, but you have to feel it in your space—even if it’s just blue tape. How does it frame your bed? Does it reach the sofa’s front legs? Does it crowd the dining chairs?”
This type of physical trial grounds the decision-making process, making it less impulsive and more intentional. It’s not just about what looks good—it’s about what lives well in your home.
Texture, Play, and the Layered Life
Melanie doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all rug philosophy. “My style is layered—literally and metaphorically,” she explains. “I’ll place a jute rug down first to ground the room and then add something playful on top. That’s where rugs like the Diamond Trellis come in.”
This concept of layering goes beyond mere visuals. It adds depth, movement, and personality to a space. The juxtaposition of textures—coarse jute against plush wool, or loop pile against flatweave—creates tactile intrigue that invites interaction. “It’s not just for the eyes,” Melanie adds. “It’s for the feet, the naps, the impromptu dance parties with my daughters.”
The genius of the catalog lies in this mixability. Many of their rugs are lightweight, durable, and designed for adaptive styling, allowing homeowners to create their tapestry of comfort and expression.
Homes with Heart: Designing for the Way You Live
At its essence, choosing a rug is choosing how you want your home to feel. Do you want your mornings to be quiet and grounded? Choose a low-contrast, tone-on-tone rug with minimal pattern. Do you want to feel energized and creative? Opt for a bold motif in electric blues or saffron gold.
Rug preferences often map closely to emotional rhythms. Melanie notes this correlation often when working with clients: “Some people want cozy nostalgia—they go for faded florals and warm tones. Others seek a reset, so they lean into modern geometrics or minimal neutrals.”
No matter the vibe, functionality reigns supreme. “With three kids, I can’t have a rug that’s delicate or high-maintenance. I need pieces that love my life back.”
That’s why washable options and easy-to-clean weaves have become staples in her home. “They’re not just pretty,” she says. “They’re participatory. They show up for you.”
The Unseen Power of a Well-Chosen Rug.
Every rug is a silent observer. It bears witness to life’s most sacred and mundane moments—morning coffee spills, bedtime stories, spontaneous laughter, tired feet, and open-hearted gatherings. The right rug doesn’t just lie flat on the floor—it becomes a container for memory, a surface for story, and a vessel for emotional grounding.
In this light, rug collections go far beyond surface-level decor. They are designed for the lived-in, loved-in home. Whether placing one in a nursery where first steps will happen, or in a home office where reinvention takes place daily, your rug becomes more than an object—it becomes part of your ecosystem.
Rugs shape energy. They define zones in open-concept spaces, soften acoustics in lively homes, and provide thermal and emotional warmth in otherwise sterile settings. When paired with thoughtful materials, sustainable craftsmanship, and adaptable style—as achieved with handwoven neutrals and bold statement pieces—rugs become functional poetry underfoot.
So, when choosing a rug, consider not only the swatch or the style, but the soul of your space. Ask yourself: What kind of life will unfold here? Let the rug you choose support that life—gracefully, quietly, and with infinite welcome.
Practical Beauty: Where Design and Durability Collide
Melanie is quick to point out that beautiful doesn’t have to mean breakable. “I’m done buying rugs, I’m afraid to live on,” she says. That’s why her home features a mix of performance fabrics and soft cotton blends—especially in high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen nook.
Her preferred formula is simple: beauty + usability = sustainability. “I’d rather invest in one rug that holds up for years than swap out cheaper ones every season. And that’s better for the planet, too.”
The Diamond Textured Trellis Tassel rug fits this philosophy perfectly. Its subdued ivory palette hides pet hair and minor stains, while the tactile trellis pattern distracts the eye from everyday wear. “It’s a quiet workhorse,” she laughs. “The kind that makes everything else shine.”
Let Your Lifestyle Lead
Melanie’s final advice is to design from the inside out. “Don’t start with what looks good on a design blog,” she says. “Start with how you live. Then find pieces that support that.”
This approach shifts the narrative from trend-following to soulful styling. It encourages homeowners to be honest about their habits, rhythms, and emotional needs. “I love my rugs not just because they’re pretty,” Melanie says, “but because they make my house feel like home.”
So, whether you’re wrangling toddlers, hosting dinner parties, or savoring quiet afternoons with a book, let your rug support you, not the other way around. Let it be your partner in beauty and function, your co-creator in a space that feels just right.
Rug Wisdom from the Ground Up — Classic Meets Contemporary
In the world of interior design, where trends flicker like candle flames in a breeze, one design philosophy endures: start from the ground up. This is not just metaphorical advice—it is practical, poetic, and profoundly transformative. It’s also the design cornerstone for John and Megan Kaplar, the duo behind Arched Manor, who bring together timeless architecture and California-casual warmth to create homes that feel both established and effortless.
For the Kaplars, a well-chosen rug is not a finishing touch—it’s a foundational act of creation. “We always begin with the rug,” Megan explains. “It sets the color story and mood before anything else.”
Setting the Tone: The Eldorado Rug and the Poetry of Subtlety
The couple’s favorite go-to is the Eldorado rug in beige from a piece that walks the line between refined heritage and modern livability. “This rug,” says Megan, “is quiet, but full of character. The pattern is there, but it doesn’t overwhelm. It lets everything else in the room have its voice.”
With its faded medallion motif and gently distressed surface, the Eldorado rug offers depth without drama. “It adds sophistication without stuffiness,” John adds. “You don’t feel like you have to tiptoe around it.”
This elegance-through-restraint is at the heart of their design practice. Every room they create is rooted in harmony—a space that feels lived-in and layered, not staged or sterile. And rugs like Eldorado serve as visual and emotional bedrock.
Bigger is Better: The Rule That Transforms a Room
If there’s one design rule the Kaplars live by, it’s this: don’t go small when it comes to rugs. “We’ve seen it again and again,” John says. “A rug that’s too small throws everything off. But a large rug? It opens up the room—it makes it feel expansive, intentional, and complete.”
This principle goes beyond aesthetics—it’s also about function and flow. A generously sized rug defines zones, draws furniture into conversation, and eliminates visual clutter. “It’s a trick we use all the time to make modest spaces feel high-end,” Megan adds.
Their advice? Always go at least large enough for the front legs of all major furniture pieces to sit comfortably on the rug. For dining areas, ensure chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. In bedrooms, rugs should extend beyond the bedframe by at least 24 inches. “Measure twice, invest once,” Megan quips.
Classic Meets Casual: The Sweet Spot of Arched Manor’s Aesthetic
The Kaplars’ homes strike a nuanced balance: architectural gravitas softened by California ease. Picture: traditional crown molding, paneled walls, and antique sconces paired with slipcovered sofas, nubby linens, and tonal rugs that whisper luxury.
This blend is where the classic meets contemporary, and rugs play a starring role. “A traditional medallion rug,” Megan notes, “brings a sense of permanence to a room. It tells a story. But when you pair it with modern elements like minimalist lighting or laid-back furnishings, it becomes fresh again.”
Its rug offerings shine in this crossover category. Pieces like the Eldorado are subtle enough to blend, but sophisticated enough to elevate. “It’s why we keep coming back to them,” John adds. “They offer that designer look without the designer markup.”
Layering Legacy: Why Traditional Motifs Endure
Design cycles will come and go—Memphis shapes, checkerboard prints, ultra-minimalist palettes—but some patterns never lose relevance. The Kaplars are firm believers in the everlasting allure of traditional medallion rugs. “They’re a visual heirloom,” says Megan. “Even if they’re brand new, they carry the aura of history.”
This resonance isn’t accidental. The motifs in many of the classic rugs are inspired by centuries-old weaving traditions—Persian, Turkish, and Moroccan among them. What makes these styles so enduring is their balance of symmetry, repetition, and grounded color palettes.
“These rugs center a room,” John observes. “When everything else is shifting—from kids’ toys to seasonal decor—a traditional rug provides stillness. A center of gravity.”
The Subconscious Power of Grounding Design
There’s something profoundly psychological about what lies beneath our feet. In the act of entering a space, we subconsciously register what supports us—what welcomes us into stillness, into conversation, into presence. This is the often-unspoken role of a well-placed rug. It’s not just aesthetic—it’s architectural therapy.
In today’s hyperstimulated digital world, our minds crave spaces that anchor, soften, and ground. A rug does precisely that. It creates a sensory pause. It mutes the clatter of footsteps and thoughts. And when designed with intention, like beige-toned Eldorado or the earth-inspired Antique Filigree Medallion rug, it becomes a visual meditation, subtle yet commanding.
Grounding design isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about playing it deep. It’s about understanding that when our spaces are supported, our spirits are too. The room where we unwind, connect, and dream deserves more than disposable decor. It deserves foundational beauty that speaks to permanence in an impermanent world.
So choose rugs that speak in tones you can feel. Choose ones that hold history and offer future flexibility. Let them be the soft scaffolding upon which your most meaningful moments rest.
Cost-Conscious Luxury: Elevated Looks Without Excess
The Kaplars know that good design doesn’t have to be synonymous with steep price tags. “We’ve built rooms with rugs that clients swore were from boutique showrooms,” John says. “And we’ve saved thousands doing it.”
Their advice for budget-conscious homeowners is clear: spend where it matters. Invest in pieces that have visual impact, structural resilience, and emotional resonance. Rugs often check all three boxes. “Your eye goes to the floor first—it’s where everything begins,” Megan notes. “So even if your sofa is from a budget line, a high-quality rug instantly elevates it.”
This is where the value proposition shines. Their collections are not only style-savvy but also crafted for longevity. With choices ranging from soft vintage-inspired wool blends to performance-engineered polyweaves, you can get designer-level elegance at real-life price points.
Harmonizing the Home: From Entryway to Bedroom
The Kaplars also think holistically about how rugs interact across the entire home. “We like continuity,” says Megan. “You don’t want every room to feel like it’s from a different planet.”
One strategy they recommend is selecting a unifying undertone—for example, warm beige or cool gray—and then varying texture and pattern within that tonal family. “This way, your home feels curated, not chaotic,” John adds.
In their own house, they’ve used the Eldorado rug in the dining room, the Vintage Alabaster Medallion rug in the living area, and a plush washed-out pattern rug in the guest suite. “They’re all different,” says Megan, “but they hum in the same key.”
Style that Stands the Test of Time
As the Kaplars see it, trends are fun, but timeless design is fulfilling. “Don’t chase what’s popular,” Megan advises. “Chase what you’ll love ten years from now.”
That’s why they continue to choose rugs with soulful patterns, muted palettes, and adaptable scale. Rugs that not only look stunning today but will still feel right when your life, style, or furniture inevitably evolves.
In the end, it’s not about impressing guests or winning Instagram likes. It’s about creating rooms that feel like home—rooms that calm you, reflect you, and grow with you. And for John and Megan, that always starts with the rug.
Deep Roots, Personal Stories — How Designers Find Their Rug Identity
Great interior design does more than fill a room with beautiful things—it reveals something essential about the person who lives there. At its best, it becomes an act of self-discovery, a language of form and fabric that translates emotion into space. For interior designer and entrepreneur Jamie Kinross of JamieLee Designs, this translation begins underfoot—with the right rug.
A rising star with a soul rooted in the natural world, Jamie brings together transitional elegance, bohemian whimsy, and a hint of western grit to curate interiors that are deeply personal and richly layered. Add in five joyful, often muddy, dogs and you get a lifestyle that demands not just charm and creativity, but resilience.
“I start every room with a feeling,” Jamie shares. “Not a look—a feeling. Then I find the rug that reflects that.”
The Heart of the Home: Where Function Meets Emotion
Jamie’s style sensibility is informed by contrast—sleek lines meet distressed woods, embroidered pillows rest against streamlined sectionals, and light-filled walls serve as a canvas for earthy textures. In this palette of contrasts, rugs become more than decorative layers—they are emotional punctuation marks that give rhythm and warmth to her spaces.
Her current go-to is the Moroccan Diamond Drop Tassel rug in off-white. “It’s the rug that grounds my home,” she says. “It’s soft, tactile, subtle, and incredibly forgiving—even with five dogs sprinting across it daily.”
The rug’s neutral color and slightly raised diamond pattern strike a beautiful balance—visually understated yet rich in texture. “It goes with everything, which is what I need,” Jamie notes. “Whether I’m styling a rustic den, a serene bedroom, or a sunroom filled with rattan and succulents—it just works.”
Intuitive Selection: The Inner Compass of Style
Unlike designers who begin with trends or color schemes, Jamie approaches rug shopping with introspection. “I always ask myself, ‘What am I trying to feel in this space?’” she explains. Sometimes, the answer is calm. Sometimes, it’s energy. And often, it’s a bit of both.
This soulful approach to styling isn’t based on formulas—it’s rooted in connection. She narrows her selection to two or three rugs, then studies each one closely. “I look at the material. I imagine my dogs lounging on it. I see how it complements the art on my walls and the furniture lines.”
Rug identity, in Jamie’s eyes, isn’t about boldness for boldness’ sake. It’s about resonance. “The right rug,” she says, “should make you feel more in your space.”
Moodsetters and Memory-Makers
Rugs, according to Jamie, are mood-makers. She sees each one as capable of shaping not just a room’s look, but its emotional timbre. “When I roll out a medallion rug in faded rust or indigo, the whole space starts to feel like a memory,” she says. “There’s something nostalgic about those soft, worn hues.”
On the other hand, she’ll reach for bold geometrics when a room calls for presence and punch. One of her favorites? The Native Symbols rug. With its crisp motifs and tribal influence, it evokes a spirit of travel and storytelling. “That rug is a conversation,” she smiles. “It brings history, heritage, and boldness in one breath.”
Whether evoking serenity or spontaneity, Jamie believes rugs should reflect the emotional undercurrent of daily life. “Design is energy,” she says. “The way your space feels changes how you move through your day.”
Embracing Wear and Realness
Jamie is quick to dismantle the myth of perfection. “I design for real life—not for Instagram,” she says. And that real life includes pet hair, muddy pawprints, and coffee cups occasionally tipped over during late-night movie marathons.
That’s why durability is a non-negotiable. “I need rugs that can handle chaos without looking tired.” It’s rugs, she adds, hit that sweet spot—beautiful enough for a styled shoot, yet rugged enough for actual living. “The Moroccan Diamond Drop has stayed fresh for months with minimal upkeep,” Jamie says. “It’s the ultimate blend of form and function.”
Washable styles, low-pile constructions, and subtle patterning all contribute to what she calls “graceful aging”—the art of looking better the more you live with it.
Emotional Resonance in Rugs: Designing From the Inside Out
Interior design is often perceived as a visual art, but at its most profound, it is an emotional practice. A home is not a showroom. It is a sanctuary, a stage for joy, vulnerability, reflection, and growth. And at the foundation of this sanctuary lies something surprisingly quiet, yet remarkably powerful: the rug.
The right rug doesn’t just fill a visual void. It grounds the room and its inhabitants. It encourages presence. It softens acoustics and sharp corners, turns a collection of furniture into a connected tableau, and transforms space into a personal ecosystem.
For designers like Jamie Kinross, this isn't just about aesthetics—it's about interior alignment. Rugs that resonate emotionally become anchors in our lives. A soft, vintage-inspired rug can feel like a gentle memory underfoot. A bold geometric piece might symbolize progress, reinvention, or courage. Its expansive collection reflects this emotional diversity. From calming neutrals to dynamic tribal motifs, each rug offers a different feeling—and a different version of home.
This is the essence of rug identity: choosing what feels right, not just what looks right. When you choose a rug that aligns with your lifestyle and your essence, you're not just decorating—you're curating a life lived with meaning.
Signature Style: Rustic Elegance Meets Eclectic Freedom
Jamie’s personal aesthetic defies easy categorization. “I’m transitional at heart,” she explains. “I love the softness of traditional pieces, but I’m always adding boho, western, or vintage layers.” Her interiors are textural and fluid—think earthy palettes, slouchy linen sofas, leather poufs, and vintage kilim pillows layered with modern prints.
In these soulful settings, the rug acts as a stylistic equalizer. It’s the thread that weaves together disparate influences and gives them cohesion. “Its rugs are made for this eclectic layering,” Jamie says. “They aren’t too loud, but they aren’t shy either.”
It’s the off-white Moroccan Diamond Drop grounding a sunroom with woven baskets and macramé, or a faded medallion piece anchoring a vintage leather bench. Jamie’s rug choices always reflect a keen sense of balance. “I want my spaces to feel curated but never contrived.”
Layers of Meaning: Rugs as Storytelling Objects
For Jamie, rugs are not just decor—they are storytelling objects. “Some of my favorite pieces tell a story without saying a word,” she says. “The slight fray in a fringe, the softness of a pattern, the way light shifts on the surface—it all speaks.”
She encourages clients to look beyond the showroom sheen. “Choose rugs that feel like they’ve lived a life, or will live one with you. They should evolve with your space, not dictate it.”
Its collections, rich in pattern history and modern sensibility, offer this dimension of storytelling. Whether styled in a minimalist home or a rustic cottage, they create rooms that feel not just designed, but deeply felt.
Final Reflections: Finding Your Rug Identity
In a world increasingly influenced by algorithmic trends and quick-fix aesthetics, Jamie Kinross invites us to take a different route—an introspective one. “Don’t pick a rug because it’s popular,” she says. “Pick it because it feels like you.”
This philosophy extends to every aspect of her design work. It’s not about chasing perfection—it’s about choosing honesty. A home, after all, is a living thing. It breathes. It holds history. It deserves pieces that support not just beauty, but also belong.