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Top 10 Design Mistakes You’re Making in Your Home | ALL ABOUT AREA RUGS
Top 10 Design Mistakes You’re Making in Your Home | ALL ABOUT AREA RUGS
Decorating your home is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Often, it’s easy to overlook design principles that can transform your space into a cohesive and inviting haven. One of the key elements in home design is the area rug, which not only adds warmth but also ties the room together. However, many homeowners make common mistakes that can undermine their efforts. Here are the top 10 design mistakes you’re probably making in your home and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Size of Your Rug
One of the most frequent errors is selecting the wrong size area rug. A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disconnected and awkward. Ideally, all furniture should either sit on the rug or be within close proximity. Measure your space and choose a rug that appropriately scales with your furniture.
2. Skipping the Rug Pad
Many homeowners overlook the importance of a rug pad. This essential accessory provides cushioning for your feet, prevents slipping, and extends the life of the rug. A quality rug pad can also enhance the sound insulation of the room, making it cozier and quieter.
3. Choosing the Wrong Material
The material of your area rug should match the function and style of your room. For example, a delicate wool rug may not be suitable for high-traffic areas, where a durable synthetic fiber rug would perform better. Consider your lifestyle and opt for materials that will best suit your needs.
4. Clashing Colors and Patterns
Color theory plays a significant role in home design. If your area rug clashes with existing decor, it can create visual chaos. Stick to a color palette that complements your walls, furniture, and other decor items. If you’re using a patterned rug, ensure that it harmonizes with the other patterns in the room.
5. Neglecting to Layer Rugs
Layering rugs can add depth and interest to a space, but many homeowners shy away from this design technique. A smaller, patterned rug on top of a larger, neutral rug can create a unique focal point. Experiment with textures and colors to achieve a layered look that feels intentional and stylish.
6. Forcing Rugs into Too Many Spaces
While area rugs can enhance a room, using them in spaces where they don’t belong can disrupt flow. Avoid placing rugs in cramped or awkward areas, such as narrow hallways or entrances. Ensure that every rug you choose serves a purpose and enhances the overall design.
7. Forgetting About Maintenance
An often-overlooked aspect of rugs is maintenance. Selecting a rug that is easy to clean and maintain is crucial, especially in families with pets or children. Be sure to consider the upkeep required for your chosen material and pattern.
8. Underestimating Scale and Proportion
Many homeowners fail to consider how scale and proportion affect a room’s design. A small rug in a large room can make the space feel empty, while an oversized rug in a small room may overwhelm it. Use a combination of furniture size and rug dimensions to create a balanced look.
9. Making Rugs an Afterthought
Rugs often become an afterthought in the design process. Ideally, they should play a central role in the overall layout of your room. Start with your area rug and build your color scheme and furniture placement around it for a more cohesive and intentional design.
10. Ignoring Room Functionality
Lastly, consider the functionality of your space. An area rug in a dining room may require a different approach than one in a living room or bedroom. Ensure that your choices support the room’s intended use, whether that’s comfort, durability, or style.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common area rug design mistakes can dramatically improve your home’s aesthetic and functionality. By paying attention to size, material, maintenance, and overall design harmony, you can create inviting spaces that reflect your personal style. Remember, an area rug isn’t just an accessory; it’s an integral part of your home design that can set the tone for the entire room. Happy decorating!
You are so cool and the hair colour and cut .. so super!
Thank you for your great help and advice your the best!!!
What about bathrooms??
I'd love for you to do a segment on how to choose the best color for an area rug and maybe the different types. I am overwhelmed trying to find one that fits in my living room. I have three kids so it needs to be durable and comfortable for us. We currently have a grey rug that was given to us and I hate it. I would love to send you a picture for your advice if possible, thanks!
@ 4:20 -Yeah, imagine if that rug was a different size… Let's imagine the rug is the PERFECT size…. Unfortunately non-custom rugs come in specific sizes based on whatever the manufacturer decides and not what the customer or designer needs/wants. Let's imagine that rig wasn't just 18" deeper (or whatever it would be to fit Rebecca's ideal) but that the next size was large enough that it split the walk area behind the sectional so that as one walks, one foot is on the floor and the other on the rug. That also wouldn't be desirable. While interesting, we should keep reality in mind. A different approach would be: "What to Do When Dealing With a Less Than Ideal Rug Size". 😉
@ 4:38 -the "next" mistake is the walk-way issue….. So which is the worse mistake, not having the sectional completely on the rug or having a split walk way?
Hi Rebecca, I am a newer subscriber and I’ve been binge watching your videos. In regards to placement of area rugs what do you do if you’re working with a room that’s about 16 x 21 and you’ve got an oversized sofa which is approximately 140” on the 16 foot wall and another sofa that’s about 110 inches long on the 21 foot wall. Where do you put the area rug? I’m struggling and could use a professional opinion. Oh it’s also in a room with Berber carpet. Would you maybe just do the rug under the one sofa and coffee table and leave the other one? Thanks so much for your videos….. Newly subbed and will always watch! 🙏🏼💯
at what point do we say, just get carpet.
For the room with two rugs…would you suggest using two identical, appropriately sized rugs in adjoining areas like that, or omit one in the dining room altogether?
Are you still taking submissions?
I have the largest area rug I can have because of the walkway you talked about. And the way my den is laid out, I have a walkway on all 4 sides. So no walls have sitting furniture. BTW, I saw your 'too much stuff' video, first one I've ever seen. Everyone is right. You're spectacular. I subscribe to only a few channels and yours is one! TY. I'm gonna purge, and I changed from dark to light on my rug, can't change size. I love it! ❤️
A before and after picture would be so much better to understand for us visual people. Too many correction details to imagine here.
You don't mention a rug pad in your videos. I always use a nice rug pad, do you not recommend using them?
Hi Rebeca, please do a video with a corner fireplace, I don’t know what to do with mine, 😊
My goals is to get bigger area rug in the New Year
Please do a video on corner fireplaces! Love your videos
WHERE does one find such large rugs? All very well to recognize the need, but…
Your camera keeps moving. I am getting dizzy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
YES PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO ABOUT HOW TO DECORATE WHEN YOU HAVE A CORNER FIREPLACE 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😃😃
Wow, I've been doing rugs wrong all this time.
Rebecca… what are your thoughts on placing a rug on carpeting?
Love this series SO much!
Do you need an area rug if you have carpet? I took my area rug out because ot was so much easier to vacuum without it!
I love your videos! Question: I have an open layout. Is it bad to have 3 of the same rug in neighboring spaces? I found a rug I LOVE, but am finding it impossible to find any other rug that mixes well with it and also goes with my style, so I'd like to use the same rug in each space so it feels cohesive, but is this a big no-no?
Would you suggest a large area rug in a small living space with a corner fire place?
What about an area rug on top of carpet?
This is extremely helpful
Rebecca would it be silly to have an area rug on top of wall to wall carpet in a living room?
Love your videos! YES PLEASE do a video on angled fireplaces! Ours is pretty big with u-shaped brick that goes up to the top of vaulted ceiling. It's dark multi-toned brick and we tried to put our TV above it and it seemed to high because the room is small.
Yes! Corner Fireplace video, please!
Get your shoes off the sofa 😮
Lovely video…great ideas…just what I needed to know!!!Thank youxxx
What is your opinion about layering 2 rugs?
Design is the eye of the beholder.
Please do make a video about corner fireplaces!
I don't know where to start in my new home. Nothing I own is up to scale. And now, all my rugs are too small. 😥🤞
I like the biggest rug, for a room like that a 12'x 20' would have been awesome! Thanks Rebecca, I am very visual! Ahmady was amazing for letting you get your point across, what a great store!
Blessings 💕🤗
those rugs used in the demo are really cool – what shoes are you wearing in the demo at the end
Goodnight If You can a subtitles i'm spanish,I seeyou several years Sincé MEXICO Thanks…
HHAHA she said the rug should com around so that all the legs are on the furniture.
Rebecca, I am breaking SOOOOO many of your guidelines by building a [fake] corner fireplace in my square bedroom – AND angling the bed towards it! Due to a small corner window, my bedroom is off-balance anyway, and rather than fight the placement of closet and window, I’m embracing them so I can do a lavish window treatment (which would have been impossible had the bed been centered on the window wall) – while realizing my dream of gazing at a fireplace from bed.
I don’t understand why corner fireplaces are so difficult to work around. They make iron-no/glue-on edging for carpets, so all you need to do is lop off a corner of a rectilinear rug to correspond to the lines of the fireplace, and you’re good to go. Alternatively, circular and oval rugs can be employed. 😊
ps ~ I’m still abiding your advisory as to the need for balance (if not actual mirrored symmetry) in the bedroom – and will ensure the “weight” of the furniture & decor are distributed equally on either side of the bed!
I Love this rug episode! I learned so much. Thank you
Coffee table too little and weak.
My husband and I argue about pillows and rugs😂 However, we move around when we decor. Glass in hand, we sit in different places, move stuff around until we come to a joint feel good about our room. Same for pictures.