When interior design becomes a dialogue between soul and style, we look to designers like Lauren Liess for more than just aesthetics—we look for guidance on how to turn ordinary spaces into sanctuaries of meaning. With her newest collaboration with Fabulive, Lauren has captivated audiences with earth-toned palettes, washed vintage motifs, and practical rug wisdom that transforms even the most lived-in rooms into havens of serenity.
In this exclusive Q&A session turned masterclass, Lauren answers real questions from real homeowners—ranging from Airbnb design to layering rugs and choosing the right size. These aren’t just tips—they’re design philosophies steeped in utility, warmth, and intention.
Let’s explore the heart of her answers and what they can teach us about designing from the ground up.
Q1: What Rugs Do You Recommend for High-Traffic Airbnb Spaces?
When one of her followers asked for advice on styling an Airbnb bunk room, Lauren responded with practicality and heart:
“I’d go with something that will hide what life in an Airbnb bunk room will throw at it. Some cheerful favorites of mine are the Romy Striped Indoor-Outdoor Rug, the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug, and the Lennox Medallion Tassel Rug. The Sycamore Striped Rug or the Taproot Easy-Jute Washable Striped Rug will add earthy charm and hide mishaps well, too.”
Translation: durability is key—but so is personality. In transient spaces like guest rooms or rental properties, rugs must do more than look pretty. They need to wear well, disguise dirt, and clean easily.
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Indoor-outdoor blends like the Romy Striped Rug offer stain resistance with woven resilience.
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Vintage-washable designs such as Myrtle and Lennox strike the ideal balance between pattern and practicality.
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Jute-wrapped washable hybrids (e.g., Taproot or Sycamore) channel rustic charm while disguising life’s little accidents.
These aren’t placeholders—they’re hardwearing heroes with a warm visual vocabulary.
Deep-Thought Moment: Designing for the Unknown
Airbnb interiors invite a revolving door of personalities. Some rooms are quietly enjoyed; others are romped through with sandy shoes or juice-box spills. Lauren’s answer isn’t just smart—it’s empathetic. Rugs in high-use zones must anchor the chaos without losing their soul. They should feel permanent, even in temporary lodgings. In choosing a rug for an Airbnb, you’re not just investing in décor—you’re investing in memory, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Q2: Can I Layer Rugs Over Carpet? What Should I Choose?
“Pick a rug that fits with the existing wall-to-wall carpet. For example, if you have a beige carpet, choose a rug with a pattern and some color.”
This tip opens the door to an often-overlooked concept: layering rugs over carpeting. While many hesitate to do so, Lauren embraces it and encourages contrast as the key to cohesion.
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A beige carpet? Try a deep green check or terracotta floral rug to pop.
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A patterned carpet? Anchor it with a subtle geometric washable rug in a faded tone.
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Plush wall-to-wall? Top with a flatweave or kilim for grounding clarity.
Why does this work? Because visual hierarchy matters. The top layer draws the eye, so it should offer enough distinction to feel purposeful, not accidental.
Insightful Angle: Why Layering Isn’t Just a Trend
Layering rugs is about dimensional storytelling. One rug can anchor, while the second narrates. For example, a soft jute base offers grounded warmth. A patterned cotton layer adds soul and theme. When laid atop carpet, this pairing defines zones, adds tactile variance, and even camouflages worn-out flooring.
In essence, you’re not hiding a floor—you’re elevating it.
Q3: What Size Rug Should I Use?
Lauren’s answer to this foundational question is refreshingly mathematical:
“Start with the dimensions of your room. If it’s a small room, your rug should be 3” to 12” away from the walls. If it’s a medium-sized room, it should be 12” to 24” away. And in a large room, it should be 24” to 36” away. Try to get all the legs of your furniture on the rug, if possible. If not, get at least the front two legs and as much of the rest of the piece as you can on it. When in doubt, go bigger—it increases the visual space.”
This wisdom can be applied universally, from city studios to farmhouse family rooms. The biggest mistake? Rugs that are too small break up the visual flow and make rooms feel disjointed.
Rug Sizing by Room:
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Living Rooms: Go for 8’x10’ or 9’x12’. Your sofa and accent chairs should sit partially or fully on the rug.
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Bedrooms: Aim for a rug that extends at least 18 inches beyond the bed. Queen beds typically pair well with 8’x10’ rugs.
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Dining Rooms: Choose a rug large enough that dining chairs stay on it, even when pulled out (usually 8’x10’ or 9’x12’).
Visual Clarity = Emotional Calm
A rug is a design container. When it properly frames your furniture, your space feels balanced, calm, and intuitive. With the right rug—like a soft vintage medallion or a checked grid—your room’s layout becomes effortless, even poetic.
Q4: What Are Your Favorite Rug Layering Combinations?
“I love to layer using a natural fiber rug on the bottom and a patterned rug on top. Some of my favorite combinations are the Juniper Jute Tiled Rug with the Yarrow Cotton Striped Rug, the Helga Jute Rug with the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug, and the Oak Sisal Rug with the Lennox Medallion Tassel Rug.”
Here, Lauren reveals one of her most signature styling techniques: tactile layering. And she’s not alone—designers everywhere are embracing this dimensional method.
How to Layer Like Lauren:
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Start with Texture: Begin with a foundational neutral like jute, sisal, or woven seagrass.
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Add Color and Story: Top with a smaller patterned cotton or wool rug. Go vintage, striped, or floral depending on mood.
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Keep Proportions Balanced: The top rug should be roughly ⅔ the size of the base rug for optimal layering.
Layering doesn’t just add visual interest—it invites intimacy. Rugs-on-rugs say, “This space has been lived in. This space has layers, stories, and care.”
Q5: What Are Your Favorite Pet-Friendly Rugs?
“All of our machine washable and indoor-outdoor rugs are amazing for pets. Some of my favorites are the Jessamine Washable Geometric Rug, the Bayberry Vintage Washable Rug, the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug, and the Chicory Easy-Jute Washable Arrow Rug.”
Pets bring joy—and mess. Luckily, Lauren and you have been covered.
Washable and indoor-outdoor rugs are the unsung heroes of modern life. They’re soft enough to snuggle on, durable enough to withstand claws, and washable enough to keep your home feeling fresh.
Pet-Friendly Perfection:
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Jessamine Rug: Subtle geometry hides fur and footprints.
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Bayberry Rug: Faded vintage elegance with stain-resistant fibers.
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Chicory Arrow Rug: Arrow-like patterning distracts from everyday wear.
Why does it matter? Because pet owners deserve style too. And no one should have to sacrifice design for durability.
Q6: What’s the Best Way to Clean Natural Fiber Rugs?
“It depends on the fiber itself. The most common natural fiber rugs are made of jute, seagrass, and sisal. For jute and seagrass, I use a bowl of warm water with a tiny bit of dish soap in it to spot clean. Blot and make sure to elevate the rug once it’s wet, then put a fan on it if possible. Sisal is trickier because it can get water stains easily; however, I would still use the same method. If there’s a water stain when you’re done, dampen the entire rug to get rid of it.”
This tip is pure gold. Natural fiber rugs are gorgeous, but they require a gentler touch.
Natural Fiber Cleaning Tips:
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Always blot, never rub.
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Use minimal moisture—these fibers are sensitive to water.
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Dry quickly to prevent mold or warping.
For sisal, uniform dampening can erase localized water stains—an old designer trick that still works wonders.
Texture, Pets, and Practicality — Styling Secrets
Layering Rugs Like a Designer
Q: What are some rug combo ideas for layering?
“I love to layer using a natural fiber rug on the bottom and a patterned rug on top. Some of my favorite combinations are the Juniper Jute Tiled Rug with the Yarrow Cotton Striped Rug, the Helga Jute Rug with the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug, and the Oak Sisal Rug with the Lennox Medallion Tassel Rug.”
Expanded Take:
Rug layering is like the interior designer’s version of a perfectly styled outfit. It adds personality, textural interest, and visual depth to any room. When Lauren mentions pairing a natural jute base with a patterned top layer, she’s guiding us toward one of the most balanced and beautiful rug philosophies: contrast through cohesion.
Natural fiber rugs—like jute, sisal, and seagrass—create a tactile, neutral canvas that adds warmth and grounding to a room. When layered with a vintage-style washable rug, the combination feels curated and cozy without being overly busy. Lauren’s choices are also wonderfully versatile:
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The Juniper Jute + Yarrow Cotton pairing creates a look that’s relaxed and coastal—ideal for living rooms, sunrooms, or breezy bedrooms.
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The Helga Jute + Myrtle Washable combo adds artistic flair to traditional interiors, offering that lived-in patina that makes a room feel storied.
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The Oak Sisal + Lennox Medallion Tassel duo blends clean, earthy simplicity with old-world romance, perfect for bohemian or global-inspired homes.
Tips for Mastering the Layered Look:
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Stick to a neutral base rug in a flatweave or low-pile construction.
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Layer a patterned or tufted rug on top to introduce softness and visual rhythm.
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Offset slightly for a casual, textural aesthetic—or align symmetrically for a cleaner vibe.
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Don’t forget to secure both rugs with a non-slip pad or rug tape for safety.
Story Insight:
Layering is also functional. If your natural rug has seen better days but you’re not ready to part with it, a layered top rug is the perfect style band-aid. It’s also an excellent trick for renters who want to upgrade the aesthetic of a bland, generic flooring situation without permanent changes.
Stylish, Durable, and Pet-Approved Rugs
Q: What are your favorite pet-friendly rugs?
“All of our machine washable and indoor-outdoor rugs are amazing for pets. Some of my favorites are the Jessamine Washable Geometric Rug, the Bayberry Vintage Washable Rug, the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug, and the Chicory Easy-Jute Washable Arrow Rug.”
Expanded Take:
Pet ownership transforms how we live and design, and rugs are no exception. Lauren's picks reflect a smart balance of resilience and design integrity, offering aesthetics that don’t compromise on real-life functionality. Pet-friendly rugs must endure muddy paws, accidental spills, and daily wear while still looking beautiful.
What makes a rug truly pet-friendly?
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Washability: Accidents happen. Machine-washable rugs make cleanup effortless.
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Low pile or flatweave: Easier to vacuum and less likely to trap fur.
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Patterned or distressed designs: Conceal hair, stains, and wear gracefully.
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Durable materials: Look for polyester, recycled fibers, or performance weaves that resist claw pulls and moisture.
Our inclusion of indoor-outdoor rugs is especially genius for pets who spend time in both realms. These styles tend to be UV-resistant, moisture-repellent, and easy to rinse or wipe down.
Deep-Thought Paragraph — Emotional Design Meets Functional Style:
Home isn’t a showroom—it’s a living, breathing reflection of the beings that inhabit it. Pets bring movement, energy, and love into our spaces. The rugs we choose shouldn’t create tension between elegance and everyday life—they should bridge them. A washable rug in a timeless pattern says: “Yes, you can chase your tail across this.” A low-maintenance jute flatweave beneath a vintage floral overlay says: “Jump on the couch—it’s your home, too.” Designing with pets in mind isn’t a limitation; it’s a lens. It’s how we embed care, joy, and resilience into our living spaces. And when form meets function—when a Jessamine Washable Rug feels as good as it performs—we’re not compromising. We’re aligning.
Cleaning Natural Fiber Rugs the Lauren Way
Q: What’s the best way to clean a natural fiber rug?
“It depends on the fiber itself. The most common natural fiber rugs are made of jute, seagrass, and sisal. For jute and seagrass, I use a bowl of warm water with a tiny bit of dish soap in it to spot clean. Blot and make sure to elevate the rug once it’s wet, then put a fan on it if possible. Sisal is trickier because it can get water stains easily; however, I would still use the same method. If there’s a water stain when you’re done, dampen the entire rug to get rid of it.”
Expanded Take:
Natural fiber rugs are beloved for their eco-conscious appeal, rustic texture, and grounding visual tone—but they do require a little extra love. These rugs are porous, meaning they’re more likely to absorb moisture and stain if not properly cared for.
Lauren’s Spot-Cleaning Tips – Step by Step:
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Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean white cloth to absorb as much of the mess as possible.
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Diluted dish soap. Just a drop or two in warm water is enough.
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Light application. Gently dab the stained area—never soak.
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Dry quickly. Elevate the rug and use a fan to prevent mildew or water rings.
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Even out sisal stains. If discoloration remains, dampen the whole surface to blend.
Bonus Tips for Rug Longevity:
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Rotate rugs every few months to ensure even fading and wear.
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Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar) to prevent fiber damage.
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Avoid steam cleaning, as excessive moisture may weaken fibers.
Rug Care as a Design Ritual:
Caring for a natural rug isn’t just a chore—it’s part of a larger philosophy of intentional living. It slows you down, asks you to notice the materials beneath your feet, and honors the organic process of wear and renewal. These rugs evolve with time, deepening in color and character. And that’s part of their charm.
The Bigger Picture: Creating a Lifestyle with Rugs
They’re not just decoration. They’re emotional anchors.
They soften floors, define spaces, support morning routines, and catch spilled milk and muddy boots without resentment. In the homes Lauren imagines—and helps create—rugs are as much about story as they are about style. They host family dinners. They pad quiet evenings. They whisper elegance in the language of texture.
Layers of Meaning — Designing with Texture, Personality, and Purpose
The Art of Layering: Why Two Rugs Are Better Than One
One of the most memorable suggestions from the Q&A was about rug layering—a styling technique that adds depth, warmth, and dimension to any space. But for Lauren, it’s more than just a stylistic flourish; it’s a technique that reflects her fundamental design philosophy.
Layering rugs is like layering meaning. The base rug—usually natural and textured, like jute, sisal, or seagrass—acts as the foundation, grounding the space. It introduces a humble elegance and earthiness that is central to Lauren’s aesthetic. Then, a patterned or plush rug is placed on top to add narrative and softness. This top rug may speak of vintage roots or graphic modernism—either way, it creates contrast and rhythm.
Our favorite pairings include the Juniper Jute Tiled Rug beneath the Yarrow Cotton Striped Rug and the Oak Sisal Rug under the Lennox Medallion Tassel Rug. These pairings highlight her penchant for combining restraint with richness. The juxtaposition of flatweave and pile, geometric and floral, whisper and shout, is what makes her spaces sing.
Why Layering Works So Well:
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It allows for seasonal styling—you can swap the top rug with the seasons while maintaining a grounded neutral base.
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It’s a cost-effective trick—a smaller patterned rug can still make a big impact when layered over a large, less expensive base rug.
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It creates visual zones within open floor plans—perfect for delineating a reading nook, nursery corner, or play area within a larger living space.
And best of all? Layering rugs tells a story. It says: this space is thoughtful, curated, lived-in, and loved.
Texture, Tactility, and the Intangible Comfort of Home
If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a layered rug—say, a soft cotton weave placed over a hardy jute base—you know that rugs aren’t just about looks. They’re about how your body moves across your home. They’re about sensation and grounding.
The approach to rug texture is poetic. She uses texture the way others use color—boldly, emotionally, and intuitively. In her Q&A, she encouraged us to lean into that sensory experience. Rugs are, after all, one of the only decorative elements we physically interact with every day.
Consider how different textures shape emotion:
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A ribbed wool rug offers warmth and indulgence—perfect for bedrooms or intimate family rooms.
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A looped jute or braided seagrass provides a rustic, resilient base, anchoring the wild patterns or soft stripes layered on top.
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A high-pile geometric rug, like the Jessamine, brings a sense of design-forward luxury, ideal for layering on top in rooms where tactile richness is the goal.
And let’s not forget what Lauren calls “visual texture”—the interplay of pattern, shading, and material that tricks the eye into perceiving movement, even in a still image. Her rugs are filled with these moments of nuance.
Pets + Rugs = Harmony (Yes, Really)
One of the most relatable questions from Lauren’s audience was about pet-friendly rugs. Anyone who’s lived with a shedding golden retriever, a territorial cat, or a zoom-happy terrier knows the struggle of maintaining beautiful interiors in a pet-filled household.
Lauren’s answer was refreshingly practical: go washable. And thankfully, Fabulive has an abundance of stunning, design-forward machine-washable options.
Her top recommendations include:
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The Jessamine Washable Geometric Rug – clean-lined and playful with subtle patterning that hides messes.
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The Bayberry Vintage Washable Rug – a richly detailed design that looks antique but behaves like a performance rug.
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The Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug – a gentle floral with soft fading, designed for muddy paws and unexpected accidents.
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The Chicory Easy-Jute Washable Arrow Rug – ideal for layering and incredibly resilient.
Machine-washable rugs are no longer just for laundry rooms and kids’ play areas. These styles are soft, stylish, and full of character. They make life with pets effortless without sacrificing beauty.
Designing Around Pets with Personality in Mind
Pets, like design elements, have personalities. Some are quiet and shy, others are bold and chaotic. Lauren believes in designing with these nuances in mind. Here’s how she aligns rugs with real pet-filled life:
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Color Matching: Choose a rug that’s similar in color to your pet’s fur. It minimizes visible shedding and helps the room feel cohesive.
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Pattern Play: Subtle patterns disguise accidents better than solid-colored rugs.
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Low Pile = Low Fuss: Rugs with lower pile don’t trap hair and are easier to clean.
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Layer Smartly: Place washable rugs in the paths most traveled by your pets—entryways, under food dishes, and at the base of couches.
This balance of beauty and function is where Lauren’s wisdom shines brightest. She doesn’t believe in choosing between elegance and real life. She believes in design that welcomes it all.
Deep-Thought Segment: On Living Beautifully with Imperfection
In our obsession with polished spaces and Pinterest-perfect homes, we often forget that real life is unpredictable, messy, and utterly beautiful. Lauren Liess’s work reminds us that imperfection isn’t something to hide—it’s something to design for.
Machine-washable rugs aren’t just convenient—they’re empowering. They free us from the anxiety of accidental spills, the shame of muddy paw prints, and the tyranny of tiptoeing around our own homes. They say: this space is for living.
A vintage-inspired washable rug, like the Bayberry or Myrtle, feels storied the day you unroll it. Its subtle, distressing, and faded patterns suggest that this home has already lived through beautiful chaos—and emerged even more beloved.
This, perhaps, is the soul . These rugs are tools for building lives—not just looks. They are soft places to land, stretch out, play, nap, or spill. They’re design choices support emotional freedom and creative flexibility.
So when you choose one of these pet-friendly, family-ready rugs, you’re not compromising. You’re evolving. You’re choosing a design that listens. That adapts. That embraces the mess as part of the magic.
How to Style Your Pet-Friendly Rug with Flair
Lauren’s style is never sterile. Her rooms are soulful, layered, and full of life. Here's how to emulate her look while keeping your space functional for pets and family:
1. Layer Thoughtfully
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Use jute or sisal as the bottom layer for durability.
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Add a smaller, patterned washable rug on top to introduce design detail.
2. Go Earthy
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Warm neutrals, soft browns, and dusty greens hide dirt and wear beautifully.
3. Embrace Movement
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Choose patterns that feel organic—florals, distressed medallions, painterly strokes.
4. Curate with Texture
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Mix rug fibers with soft textiles like linen curtains, boucle throws, and wood-grain furniture.
5. Anchor with Story
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Every rug tells a story. Let it reflect yours. Whether that’s slow mornings with coffee and your dog curled at your feet or a household full of curious toddlers, choose a rug that celebrates, not fears, that life.
The Soft Symphony Beneath Our Feet
In the heart of every room, there is a surface that supports everything else. The rug. It’s where the first steps of a child echo. Where the laughter of a dinner party lands. Where the dust settles after a long day. Qthe &A expansion, we’ve explored rugs not as accessories—but as foundational companions. They layer beauty. They protect. They soften. And when designed well, they make homes sing.
From layering tricks to pet-friendly practices, from visual texture to emotional resonance, these rugs are a reminder that what lies beneath matters just as much as what stands on top. They are symbols of comfort, resilience, and enduring style.
Design that Endures – How to Choose Rugs that Grow with You
Interior design, especially when it comes to soft surfaces like rugs, should be dynamic, not static. And Lauren’s guidance proves again and again that the best rugs aren’t just beautiful; they’re strategic investments in comfort, adaptability, and emotional continuity. In this final piece, we’ll look at how her answers translate into longer-term thinking around rug styling—what it means to design a home that reflects change, seasons of life, and the passage of time.
1. The Evolving Room: From Nursery to Teen Hangout
A key concern for many homeowners is adaptability. Life changes—children grow, needs shift, and rooms take on new identities. r about choosing washable, patterned rugs with durability shows how forward-thinking she is. Her favorite styles, like the Myrtle Washable Vintage Rug or the Jessamine Geometric Rug, are all about longevity.
These rugs work just as beautifully in a nursery full of plush toys as they do under a teen’s homework desk or reading chair. Their ability to handle spills, stains, and shifting furniture means you don’t need to replace your rug every time your room’s purpose evolves. And their design—never overly trendy, always grounded—ensures timelessness.
Design Tip: If you’re decorating a child’s room, choose a rug that can carry the space into adolescence. Neutral tones, vintage motifs, or natural fibers like those in the Oak Sisal Rug offer a base that matures with the room.
2. Seasons of Style: How to Refresh Without Replacing
Another major takeaway from Lauren’s Q&A is her endorsement of rug layering. Her favorite combinations—Juniper Jute + Yarrow Cotton, Helga Jute + Myrtle Vintage—demonstrate how a rug can shift in tone and texture with the seasons.
By layering rugs, you can breathe fresh life into a room without a complete redesign. For example, in spring, a light cotton rug layered atop a sisal base adds breeziness. Come fall, you can swap it for a warm wool blend. And in winter, a plush geometric pattern adds cozy depth.
Design Tip: Keep your bottom rug consistent—ideally a jute, sisal, or wool flatweave—and rotate the top rug based on season, mood, or even holiday. This technique allows for both budget-friendly creativity and consistent aesthetic grounding.
3. Anchoring Open Floor Plans
As open-concept living grows more popular, many people are turning to rugs as invisible architectural tools. In homes where the kitchen, dining, and living areas share space, it can be difficult to establish boundaries without walls.
Lauren’s insight here is subtle but crucial: Use rugs to zone spaces with intention. Choose a bold patterned rug like the Lennox Medallion Tassel for your dining space, a calming stripe like the Sycamore for the living area, and something rugged and washable for the kitchen zone.
Each area speaks its visual language, yet the rugs, when united by tone, motif family, or material, create harmony.
Design Tip: When selecting rugs for an open space, create a color story. Maybe one rug has olive accents, another features a muted rust, and the third includes sandy neutrals. Even if the patterns vary, the visual cohesion will read as sophisticated and whole.
4. Rugs as Memory Keepers
There’s something emotional about rugs that Lauren touches on with gentle reverence. A rug is one of the most intimate design pieces in a home. We don’t just look at rugs—we walk on them, sit on them, play on them. They gather crumbs, comfort our pets, and mute the sound of family arguments or bursts of laughter. In many homes, rugs are woven with memory.
Lauren’s advocacy for natural fibers, layered looks, and vintage styles is not just aesthetic—it’s spiritual. She’s designing for the long haul, where every footstep adds to a legacy.
Deep-Thought Segment
The rug you choose today could be the one your child learns to crawl on. It might be the one your best friend spills wine on during a celebration. Or the one that absorbs quiet tears during a late-night conversation. Rugs are not just decor—they’re diaries. Each thread records a moment, each fringe whispers a memory. In a world obsessed with immediacy, a beautiful rug invites slowness. It teaches us to pause. To sit. To dwell in a space long enough to make it ours. And when you choose a rug from a collection like Lauren Liess x Fabulive, you’re not just choosing something that looks good in photos—you’re choosing something that will feel good in life. That’s design with soul. That’s luxury made real. That’s legacy.
5. The Subtle Science of Scale
We can’t leave without revisiting Lauren’s ultra-practical advice on rug sizing. Too many people choose rugs that are too small, she warns. And this mistake can visually shrink a room, make furniture feel cramped, and even trip the eye.
By encouraging people to choose the largest size that still fits the room’s layout (leaving 3–12 inches in small rooms, 12–24 inches in medium ones, and 24–36 inches in large spaces), Lauren ensures the rug serves its function: to anchor, not to float.
This advice isn’t just about measurement—it’s about scale harmony. In design, scale determines comfort. A too-small rug can feel like a missed note in an otherwise harmonious room.
Design Tip: Before purchasing a rug, tape out its dimensions using painter’s tape. This will give you a sense of flow, balance, and walkability. Visual space is just as important as physical space.
6. Eco-Aware Aesthetics
Lauren’s love for natural fibers is well-documented. From jute to sisal, she praises their tactile charm and eco-friendly credentials. These rugs are biodegradable, renewable, and lend an earthy sophistication to any room.
She also notes that caring for these rugs is more art than science—spot cleaning with gentle soap, using fans to dry, and embracing their organic aging process.
Design Tip: Layer a cotton or wool washable rug over a natural base to make the look more practical and plush. And if sustainability is your concern, opt for hand-loomed or natural-dyed options whenever possible.
7. Practicality Meets Poetry: Final Words
Lauren’s Q&A may have looked casual on the surface—but hidden in those short responses was a design ethos steeped in empathy, intuition, and enduring practicality. She doesn’t just talk about color and pattern—she speaks of how a room lives. Her advice transcends trends and touches on the very essence of home: comfort, adaptability, elegance without excess.
When she recommends rugs that are washable, pet-friendly, or rich in vintage personality, she’s not just selling products. She’s offering a toolkit for a more intentional life. One where a rug doesn’t just lie flat—it supports your living, loving, and learning.
Final Reflection: Living with Layers of Meaning
The Lauren Liess x Fabulive Q&A series reminds us that interior design is never really about the objects. It’s about the life those objects invite. A rug can help define a room, but more than that, it defines an era of your life. When chosen thoughtfully, considering materials, size, layering potential, and emotional resonance, it becomes more than floor decor. It becomes part of the home’s emotional DNA.
So choose boldly. Choose softly. Choose with story in mind. And let every step across your rug bring you closer to a home that holds, heals, and hums with authenticity.
Lauren Liess’s Q&A isn’t just a design checklist—it’s a philosophy of emotional resonance. Her responses remind us that rugs are not just grounding tools; they’re memory-keepers. They hold the scuff marks of pets, the bare feet of toddlers, the wine drops from laughter-filled nights. They root the room in comfort and continuity.
In choosing a rug—be it layered, washable, jute, geometric, or vintage—you’re not merely selecting a product. You’re selecting peace. A foundation. A beginning