Where to start when designing a room.

 

Source: Society 19

    A common question I get asked as a designer is where do I start 

when designing a room? Some designers would say with a mood board that has 

inspirational photos of how you want your room to look. Others would say, build 

off the focal point of the room like a fireplace or a piece of art. I would say if you 

are starting with a blank room that already has the floors and wall color 

complete, start with the rug. But before that I always ask my clients 2 questions; 

what will the room be used for and how do they want to feel in the space. This 

helps me decide on the durability, style, and function of the pieces I choose. 

Three reasons I say to start with the rug is, it is your base that furniture will go 

on top of and no one wants to move furniture to put a rug down last. Second, it 

is much easier to choose colors from a rug than it is to try and match a rug to 

the pieces in the space. Third, rugs offer an array of styles and colors that allow 

you to create the exact vibe you are wanting the space to have. 

    

    Society 19 chose a dark rug that grounds the space which is filled with many 

light fabrics and light wall color. The camel color leather chair adds warmth and 

compliments the dark rug tones and contrasts the cool light tones. 

Source: The Spruce

    The Spruce chose a very fluffy high-pile rug for this comfortable and casual 

living room. The walls, sofa, curtains, and rug are all in the same light tone, 

allowing the rust color ottoman and throw pillow to pop. In this example, the rug 

blends with the surroundings instead of grounding the room which gives the 

room a very airy feel.

    So you can see how area rugs can really change the entire feel of a room and 

really guide the rest of the pieces that you choose. Choosing the area rug first 

can help pick out furniture scale, style, and color. I would recommend shopping 

locally for an area rug, rather than online. You really should see the color in 

person, and feel the quality and texture of the rug before lugging it inside. When 

you order online, it's a bit difficult to roll the rug up and repackage it if you end 

up not liking it. Hope this helps and feel free to ask questions or comment below! 

Happy designing!