Interior design goes beyond which paint colors to use and where to put the furniture. It is the art of creating spaces that reflect your identity, support your day to day flow, and which at the same time offer comfort and style. A well done home is not only pretty it works for you. Whether you’re revamping a single room or the whole house out, right design elements bring in cohesiveness, balance and life into any space.
In the design of a home we see out that from furniture and lighting to wall art and textiles which we put thought into very carefully. Also what often is overlooked but which has great impact is the runner rug.
The Range of Benefits from Runner Rugs.
Runner rugs are a type of narrow rug which is ideal for tight and transitional spaces. Though in terms of size they are smaller in comparison to large area rugs, they sure do make up for it in terms of functionality and look. These rugs are a must in high traffic areas and also for sections which may not get a lot of visual attention.
Practical Benefits
In terms of what runner rugs do best is protect floors in high traffic areas. In a hallway, entryway, or the kitchen between the counters which see the most action in a home these narrow areas see the most wear and tear. Runners in these spots not only decrease that wear and at the same time they provide a soft cushioned feel.
Also, runners improve safety. In the case of tile, hardwood, or laminate floors, they may greatly reduce chance of slip which is a great benefit to have in homes with young kids, pets, or older people.
Aesthetic Appeal
Runner rugs go beyond the functional -- they also put forth a design statement. We see in them a great way to bring in color and pattern into narrow areas. A bright runner in a neutral hall can be that statement piece. Also in contrast we have the more subdued elegant runner which in a very designed entry way will tie all elements together subletly.
In the case of runner area rugs they are a means to create visual rhythm. Also like art on a gallery wall or trim on curtains, a runner does the job of guiding the eye, which in term creates a sense of continuity and flow in your home.
Ideal Placement for Runner Rugs
In certain key areas of the home runner rugs do well.
Hallways: In a similar vein, we see the use of a runner to break up the endless expanse of empty floor in hallways. It also brings warmth, visual and physical, to the space.
Entryways: Upon first entering your home, welcome guests and greet them into your space which you may do by way of an area rug at the entrance which also serves to trap soil from shoes.
Kitchens: In the open floor plan a runner between counters or along an island is a great touch which also defines the kitchen area.
Bedroom Sides: Along the edges of your bed place runners that create a cozy spot to step into in the morning, a touch of luxury.
Staircases: Though a more specific design but runner rugs do fit for stairs which also at the same time improve grip and create a seamless visual flow between rooms.
Designing Holistically
While runner area rugs are very flexible design pieces but it is in the context of a total interior design scheme that they really come into their own. Look at the other elements in your room a natural jute runner looks great with wood floors and brings out a rustic feel, also a hand knotted Persian runner will add a touch of luxury to either classic or mixed style interiors.
Balance is at the core. Use colors that are complementary to those in your rug in pillows, throws, or wall art for a cohesive look. If your area runner has a detailed pattern go for solids or very discrete textures in other elements which in turn will keep the visual noise to a minimum.
Light up your spaces with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting which in turn makes each area practical and inviting. Use mirrors and reflective materials to add to natural light, at the same time place your furniture in a way that it maintains an open airy feel.
Final Thoughts
Interior design is the art of living better. We are concerned with creating spaces that look great but also that are pleasant to be in. By adding in elements like area rugs we are able to improve the look, the use and the comfort of your home in very real ways. As you design a hall, a kitchen, or a nook in your bedroom don’t sleep on the impact of a thoughtfully placed rug which brings it all together.
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