Adding a patterned rug is one of the easiest ways to brighten up, modernize or add visual interest to any room. Patterns in rugs are created through the weaving process itself and by varying the types, thicknesses, and/ or colors of the fibers used. 

Many natural fiber rugs show a pattern, like a basketweave or chevron, via the weave structure. Wool and sisal artfully woven together create interesting geometric or ornamental designs. And weaving in different colored yarns can create a multitude of pattern possibilities, like stripes, plaids or floral motifs. All of this adds up to limitless possibilities for enhancing and elevating your interior design style.

Like a treasured piece of artwork, a rug in your favorite colors or with an iconic pattern can become the design inspiration for an entire room. Building a design style around a patterned rug is easy, just keep these things in mind:

• Balance. Maintain a sense of harmony by complementing your patterned rug with neutral elements, like a solid colored sofa and monochromatic walls. Adding colorful throw blankets or decorative pillows is totally allowed, just stay within your color palette to avoid a visual competition. 

• Size. Does a patterned rug make room look smaller? Sometimes patterns can be overwhelming in petite spaces, especially a small-scale, repetitive pattern. If you have a small room and you want a graphic element, try weaves with large-scale motifs or look for rugs with textural patterns, like a herringbone or chevron.

• Contrast. Could your home use some visual intrigue? A little contrast here and there goes a long way in creating multidimensional decor. Black and white or grey and white rugs provide just the right juxtaposition to colorful interiors as well as a dose of vitality in monochromatic, natural spaces.

• Layer. Layering a patterned rug on top of a plain rug or carpet is another tried-and-true design trick to add interest. If you already have a pattern or motif at play in your space, bring that same pattern but in a larger scale into the mix with a large patterned area rug. Consider the color of your floors as well - lighter colored rugs look great on dark hardwoods and vice versa.

• Focal Point. What do you want to look at and feel when you enter a room? If you are fortunate enough to have a breathtaking view from your living room windows to the ocean or the mountains, a boldly patterned rug is an unnecessary distraction. Consider choosing a rug with calming hues and a very subtle pattern that blends in with your intended focal point. Maybe there is another room in your house that could use the drama and excitement that a patterned rug deserves?

• Disguise. Imperfections in the floor? Hide a wood floor that needs restoration with a patterned rug. Crumbs in the kitchen? A patterned rug helps hide the messes and spills.

Pattern has a place in any design style. Scale, color themes, pattern repetition and fiber content are some of the things to consider. 

• Coastal and beachy interiors embrace light and airy hues and natural fibers. A subtle diamond patterned rug is a nice counterpoint to the muted interiors of this design style.

• A nautical decor has saturated colors like deep blues and lively reds played against crisp white. A striped rug or a modern plaid patterned rug is at home in a nautical themed space.

• Traditional or transitional interiors have long been known for their love of natural fiber rugs. But adding a herringbone jute rug like Grenada or sisal rug with a geometric design infuse these classic styles with new energy.

• A low-contrast pattern like a braided or bouclé rug in muted tones harmonizes with the serene and restrained Scandinavian or minimalist design styles.

• Contemporary interiors, with minimalist aesthetics and a monochrome palette, are elevated with an expertly crafted basketweave rug. Or, add an intriguing geometric pattern to round out the look of this design style.