Cottage-style decorating is an interior design scheme that makes extensive use of rugs as essential parts of the décor. They are used to cover floors, unify color schemes, add a warm feeling to rooms, and even define different sections of rooms.
Some of the most common designs in country-style decorating are floral rugs, botanical rugs, and Southwestern rugs. However, these are not the only types that can be used in the many variations of this design.
For example, decorators can mix patterned and solid-colored rugs to add color. Furniture in solid fabrics can be complemented with patterned rugs to energize any room, while patterned furniture, like the toiles used in French country settings, looks best with solid-colored rugs. The choice for the designer is which aspect of the scheme will be the focal point of the room, the furniture or the rug.
A color wheel is key to mixing patterned and solid rugs in a farmhouse decor. By using a color wheel to find complementary colors, a decorator can be sure the combination will harmonize rather than clash.
Another use for area rugs in cottage-style decorating is to define larger room areas. For example, rugs of different sizes can be used to highlight a conversation area and a reading corner. Place a sofa, loveseat, and coffee table on a larger rug to create the conversation space, and place a chair or two on a smaller rug for a reading area. It’s important to use different sized rugs with this technique, because rugs of the same size will make the room look cut off. An alternative would be to use rugs of different shapes, such as large square rugs for the conversation area and smaller round rugs or oval rugs for the reading nook.
Rooms with terrazzo or tile floors can harmonize with a cottage decor theme through the use of area rugs as well. For example, measure a room with a tile or terrazzo floor and then subtract two feet from the dimensions. So a 10-by-12-foot room would need an 8-by-10-foot area rug. Properly placed, the large rug will appear to have a mosaic border around its edges, making the rug a focal point for the room.
Layering rugs over wall-to-wall rugs is also possible when creating cottage room decor. In this case, small and medium sized floral rugs should make the room cozy. For a bedroom, try placing rugs next to the bed, under the front of a chair, and in front of a dresser or dresser.
Runners are also great for stairs and hallways in farmhouse decor. Centering the tour will work the same way as with the tile floors mentioned above; the edges of the floor will act as a border for the corridor, giving it focus. For safety, it’s always best to use rug pads or rug tape under runners. On stairs, it may also be necessary to secure a runner with tacks or nails to prevent slipping.
Finally, small, attractive rugs with Native American or even braided designs can be used effectively as wall hangings, depending on the theme. Rugs are truly a versatile accessory in country house décor.
