Homes that feature contemporary or modern design can often appear cold and uninviting. Warm up these chilly spaces with a modern rug design that becomes artwork for your floors.
The birth of a design style
A quick history lesson shows us that contemporary and/or modern design was born out of the Modernist movement that took place during the late 19th and early 20th century. Familiar names such as Picasso, Miro and Matisse, along with architects, writers and designers rebelled against the traditional and conservative values of the time that were expressed in architecture, literature, art and design. This revolt led to the experimentation with design that resulted in avant garde buildings, abstract art and the use of geometric shapes and bright colors that we associate with contemporary design today.
Warm up a contemporary space with rugs
A modern or contemporary home often features smooth surfaces, straight lines and the use of reflective finishes such as metal and glass. While beautiful to look at, these interiors can appear cold and lifeless. The simple addition of a contemporary rug on the floor visually warms the space, adds a bright pop of color and introduces the geometric shapes that are associated with modernism.
These rug designs might include a collection of colorful circles that add movement and softness to the sharp angles of a modern home. The primary shades of red, blue and yellow, softened with a light shade of gray, add a real punch when placed against a stark white background. An abstract artist such as Dutch painter Pieter Mondrian introduces us, through his contemporary paintings, to graphic lines and colorful cubes or blocks of color. This artwork can be interpreted and woven into a contemporary rug design that will enhance the linear design of many contemporary homes. If you are looking for a simple design that will not compete with your art collection or beautiful furniture, a simple border rug will work. Border rugs are most commonly found in rectangular and square shapes and feature a solid color border surrounding a contrasting solid color interior. For example, a black border might be placed against a white background for a crisp black and white contrast. The options are endless…bright red border against a yellow background, green border with a black background; the choice will be determined by your own personal design preferences.
Elements of contemporary rug design
When it comes to choosing a rug design for your home you will want to look for specific elements of contemporary design that will allow you to remain true to your design style and, at the same time, add comfort and color to your home. Modern design elements include:
• Bright saturated colors
• Bold and graphic lines
• Geometric shapes and patterns such as circles, triangles, squares and rectangles
• Stark contrast in pattern and background i.e. bold colors against white or white patterns against a black background
The addition of a contemporary rug to your home’s interior design will visually and physically warm the space, absorb sound and create a comfortable spot to rest your weary feet.
