The Block and Using Traditional Rugs

Well I managed to miss the second and third episodes of 'The Block' but I did check the website to see the finished rooms. Two of the couples had to design a space around a patchwork rug in traditional Persian rug colours; reds, oranges and mustard yellows.

I got the impression from the website afterwards the couples didn't really like the rugs. That said, they both did a pretty good job on their rooms considering the limited budget and time.

Designed by Larry and Jessie on 'The Block'.

Designed by Brad and Lara, competing in 'The Block'.

Now, repeat after me! Traditional rugs don't have to be in traditional rooms. There are lots of ways to reinterpret the style into something creative, beautiful and different...

Designed by Alissa Parker. Featured on Design*Sponge.

Designing with one of these beautiful traditional rugs is no different to using a patterned contemporary rug. If it has a complicated pattern and bold colours, let it be the star of the room. It is art for the floor.

Designer: Jonathan Skow and Trina Turk. Featured in Elle Decor.

Use the colours you can see in the rug to create your colour scheme, and it doesn't have to be red! Look at the subtler patterns within the rug...the corals, aquas, greys, blues and greens. By using these colours, and lots of neutrals, the rug won't be overpowering.

Designed by Tommy Smythe. Found at Rooms Bloom.

Don't feel like you need traditional pieces either. This space has mostly contemporary furniture pieces; simple lines, lucite. 

Designed by Gabriel Hendifar. Found at Elements of Style.

Designed by Sarah Richardson.

 And finally, these rugs don't have to be adult only! Buy a secondhand one, or a cheaper imitation and they become perfect for children's spaces. Why? The complicated pattern hides a multitude of sins, and the bold colours can be lovely in a kid's space when used properly like Erin's nursery below.

Designed by Erin from Design Crisis.

After all that, I don't own a Persian rug in my home but I might be considering one now! What about you?