Statement Makers
By Babs Rodriguez
Many a rug has launched an interior design, and there is no one secret to success. Whether contemporary and graphic or traditional and muted, its colors can create a palette for any space, while patterns suggest the vibe. A floral is a given for rooting any room in a lively way. A traditional Turkish pattern makes a meditative focal point. For a textural dimension, a variety of weaves add interest. And while beauty underfoot is always a win, there are no rules to keep you from hanging anything artful on the wall.
Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of her eponymous rug company, Spanish interior designer Nani Marquina commissioned a sketch from artist/designer Jaime Hayon. Marquina revels in new ways of looking at nature; Hayon likes reinterpreting himself. The result of their collaboration is a rug that’s a wonderland. An “I spy with my little eye” exercise reveals that the artist has worked his lips, hands and heart into a pattern also populated with birds and fish. Clever, yes, but undisputedly a work of art; the Hayon X Nani rug/tapestry arrives with fabric loops in case you’re inclined to hang the 51-by-51-inch
hand-tufted wool piece. Wherever you place it, it’s spellbinding. Available online from Design Within Reach, $1,695, dwr.com.
Finely textured and handwoven jute can be as sophisticated as any wool rug while still being durable. The Dash & Albert Mosaic Woven Jute from Annie Selke is both hardworking and lovely, equal to high traffic but with elevated design chops, too. It’s easy to imagine its multicheck grid of gold, slate, brick and chartreuse on ivory pulling together a nursery, bedroom or veranda. Made with all-natural materials and vegetable dyes (will fade in direct sun) in seven sizes, $92 to $2,172, annieselke.com.
Photo courtesy of Annie Selke
Photo courtesy of Arhaus
A modern take on a traditional Persian carpet results in the timeless appeal of a beloved heirloom. The Kaira Collection features low pile but plush New Zealand wool with hand-knotted fringe. Shades of eggplant, rust, purple, mauve and taupe have a contemporary vibrance softened into compatibility by an antique finish. Comes in four sizes, both rectangular and round, $1,399 to $9,699, Arhaus, arhaus.com
Walking on Bari J. Ackerman’s tufted Wild Bloom rug is the next best thing to tiptoeing through a field of flowers. The founder of Bari J. Designs is known for bountiful blooms; you’ll find her original art on everything from bedding to wallpaper. This tufted design comes in four sizes, including an 8-foot round. Prices range from $458 to $1,538, anthropologie.com.
Photo courtesy of Anthropologie