We’re always in search of inspiration, ideas, and shopping advice from the pros. And no one dishes it up quite like author and design expert Will Taylor. Will, whose beloved @brightbazaar Instagram account serves up happy and colorful inspiration, is all about “design and style to make you smile.” And to our luck, he’s sharing all his best rug-related tips here! Keep reading to learn Will’s best styling ideas for rugs, and to shop some of his oh-so-stylish picks!
Tip #1: Add Scandinavian-Inspired Coziness with a Sheepskin Rug
“The design trend that just keeps growing right now is Scandinavian-inspired design, and Rugs USA has tons of versatile options that can give you that look for less. One of those is this beautiful sheepskin rug. I have them in my own home and I use them draped over an entryway bench. It’s inspired by what the Scandinavians call “hygge,” which means to bring a sense of coziness and comfort into your home. Trust me when I say this sheepskin does that. It’s so soft, you just want to cozy up in it and take a nap, which I might do after this.”
Tip #2: Create Character with Non-Boring Neutrals
“One of my other faves is the Sutton, a wool blend rug. And when I tell you this rug is soft and cozy, and I want to wrap myself up and cozy up in it, I am not kidding. This is such a beautiful rug to touch and feel. It has this really subtle chevron texture to it. And that is key for a neutral. Because what gives neutrals their personality is texture. Texture is what makes these neutral rugs sing. [It’s] a really great option if you want to bring in something that isn’t just a rug—it’s actually a multidimensional piece. It’s bringing you warmth, pattern, and texture all in one piece. It’s an easy way to tick the boxes for all those design solutions in your space.”
Tip #3: Go Worry-Free with a Washable Style
“If you want something at a more affordable price point that also has the practicality of being washable, you’re in luck, because Rugs USA has the largest selection of washable rugs on the market—including this washable rug called the Luna. It is so soft to the touch, and you needn’t worry that it’s a bright white like this, because you can just throw this one-piece rug straight into the wash, and it comes out looking brilliantly brand new. It’s perfect if you want that shag rug look and feel for high-traffic areas.”
Tip #4: Try an Outdoor Rug Indoors for Extra Durability
“I really [love] the Ashen rug, an indoor/outdoor rug that has such a unique design detail that I totally didn’t appreciate when I saw it on the site. But seeing it in person, it really is unlike any other rug I’ve seen before. It has this seamless, almost continuous tassel detail that I have genuinely not seen before, which I think makes such a unique design statement in a room. Even though it’s got durability because it’s an indoor/outdoor rug, it is so soft to the touch that you could have this in a nursery or in a living room—and you know it’s going to stand the test of time.”
Tip #5: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Color
“If you want to add an even brighter pop of color to your space without overpowering it, I love these textured Moroccan jutes. They have a really beautiful detail to them with an almost pom pom style jute detailing that I’ve never seen anywhere else on the market before. They’re slightly bold in color, but because of the organic nature of jute, they’re not going to be overpowering in your space. It’s a great [option] if you just want an accent color, you don’t want to go all out, or if you don’t have any other color in your space at the moment. These are going to be a great option to instantly add a pep of energy to your space.”
Tip #6: Add Luxe Detail with a Handwoven Rug
“If you’re looking to spend a little bit more money, if you have some flexibility in your budget, Rugs USA also has a huge selection of handwoven premium rugs, just like this beautiful Felted Wool Tasseled rug here, which is honestly so luxurious. Touching it and feeling it, it’s almost like something you would find in a five-star hotel. It’s such a beautiful piece. You can see how much skill and craftsmanship has gone into making it.”
Tip #7: Roll Out a Jute Rug—AKA a Designer’s Secret Weapon
“Jutes on Rugs USA are a designer’s secret weapon. There’s such diverse options for them, whether you want something with a tribal-inspired pattern like this, or want to go for something colorful, or something really classic and simple like this beachy casual stripe, which I love. Just seeing it, I almost feel like I can hear the waves of the ocean. It makes me feel relaxed. It’s amazing what the power of a rug can do to a room. It can just set the tone.”
Bonus Tip: Always Use a Rug Pad
“If you’ve fallen in love with a rug, don’t forget to add a rug pad to your basket, because it is the most important tool you can have in your back pocket to increase longevity of your rug. It’s going to make it feel more luxurious, it’s going to stop it from slipping, and it’s going to keep that pile nice and rich.”
