When someone puts as much love, care, and intention into designing a collection as Emily Henderson put into hers, is it really possible to choose favorites? While she loves all her “children” (as she jokingly refers to them), she says that she can—and she did! Here’s the low-down on the five styles that make her heart sing the loudest.
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A Textural Delight: The Merrick Tasseled Cotton and Wool Rug
Her picks begin with the deserving and oh-so-comfy Merrick Tasseled Cotton and Wool Rug. “I would have to say that the Merrick might be my favorite. This rug has a broken stripe. I love a broken stripe. It just feels a little more contemporary, a little less expected,” she tells us.
But it’s not just the geometry of the design that drove Emily to place it in her living room. With its high-low pile and tasseled ends, this rug is a visual and tactile treat. “The texture variation in it is just so good, and makes it a little more forgiving,” she says. And let’s not forget how soft the material is. She swears that walking on it “just feels really good.”
The Next Level: The Rowena Checked Wool Rug
Next on Emily’s list is the Rowena Checked Wool Rug. This beautiful, mostly cream rug juxtaposes hues to create stunning visual impact in any room. With its captivating check pattern that features intersecting lines in two contrasting colors, it adds depth and dimension to your space. Add in the thoughtful design details and this rug will take any space to the next level.
Plus, she loves its versatility. “I did not expect this rug to work in as many rooms as it did. We put it in the family room, in the living room, in the bedroom—and it looked good in all three rooms,” she tells us.
Mid-Tone Magic: The Oregon Plaid Wool Rug
The Oregon Plaid Wool Rug is a true treasure. Crafted with precision, this rug comes in three unique hues to ensure there’s one to suit every space. As Emily puts it, “I love this rug because it has all these mid-tones and darker tones in it that make it forgiving. You won’t have to worry about this rug.” For someone that lives in a farmhouse—or really any home where life is lived—that’s a huge plus.
And yet again, it’s the details that really make this rug. It’s handmade and features a fat yarn stitching that Emily loves. “It looks so elevated and high-end, but it’s totally affordable,” she adds. Given that delivering high-quality, affordable rugs was a goal she set for herself while designing this collection, it’s no wonder this rug is one of her favorites.
Bar-Raising Jute Rugs: The Hillcrest Jute and Wool Rug & The Raleigh Striped Jute Rug
While loved by many, jute rugs are often overlooked when it comes to pattern and color. So, Emily put her own spin on these natural fiber styles to give them that simple but special aesthetic that’s become synonymous with her design sensibility. She took them to new heights, infusing them with pattern and color to make them more visually interesting, more exciting, and definitely elevated.
Of all the jute rugs in her collection, her two favorites are the Hillcrest Jute and Wool Rug and the Raleigh Striped Jute Rug. The Hillcrest pulls directly from Emily’s personal style, featuring layered textures and neutral tones. It’s a fresh take on a classic jute with the added element of mixed fibers and contrasting tones.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, the Raleigh strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary—a true transitional piece. Emily loves how this rug adds excitement to a room without being overly busy. She even placed it in her mudroom to add a touch of character to what is an often otherwise overlooked space.
While these five rugs may be Emily’s favorites, she really loves them all. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these work-anywhere styles. “I am so proud of this collection,” she says. “I hope you love it.” And we certainly do! There’s something for everyone in this collection, so feel free to explore until you find the style (or styles!) that’s just right for you.