When cold weather keeps us indoors, there’s no better time to refresh our décor. Cooler temperatures rejuvenate the love for textiles within the home, and this week’s Five Finds rounds up the best of my favourite home décor item: the area rug. Neutrals provide a perfect palette for the floor, as it allows us to play with pattern and texture while maintaining an overall look that suits almost any space, from flat weaves with a graphic appeal to historically inspired pieces.
Willenz in Stone
Available at Vancouver Special (3612 Main). $945 for 88.6” x 63”; other sizes available
Designer Sylvain Willenz completed his education at the Royal College of Art in London, and has since spent his life travelling between Brussels, the US and the UK. Drawing on his global inspiration, the Willenz area rug takes a fresh approach to tradition by eliminating both corners and round edges to create a unique geometric style. The Willenz uses its four-tone monochromatic palette and graphic patterns to create a three-dimensional effect on the surface.
Ceres Dove & Angora
Available at The Cross Decor & Design (1198 Homer). $625 for 5’ x 8’; other sizes available
The intentionally distressed elements of the Ceres area rug show respect to its Turkish influences; with a blend of grey-tone geometric symmetry beautifully interrupted by a seemingly paint-spattered teal pattern, the textile creates a modern take on tradition for area rugs. Whether your décor is minimalist, modern or traditional, the Ceres offers itself as an upscale, globally chic floor covering.
Aerial ’48
Available at Burritt Bros Carpet and Floors (8385 Fraser). Prices upon request
A stunning introduction to Burritt Bros’ new River Design Quarter collection, the Aerial ’48 area rug embodies the impressive landscape of the design house’s new digs in the River District. The abstract imagery within the rug was inspired by a City of Vancouver archival photo depicting the 1948 flood of the Fraser, and is an aerial view of the farmlands and the mighty Fraser, pre-industrialization. The river in the pattern is created by a low-loop Chinese silk, while the surrounding landscape is made up of Himalayan wool; the contrast in materials and pile height offer a subtle yet stunning sense of movement within the rug, reflective of the area it is honouring.
Trace Mat by Ferm Living
Available at Vancouver Special or FermLiving.com
Monochromatic colour-blocking creates the punchy effect of this rug. Playing within the tonal ranges of soft to striking grey, the Trace offers a playfully geometric pop to any room. Its smaller size of 24” by 40” allows the mat to be ultra-versatile, suiting virtually any space, from the entryway to the kitchen or even as a fun bedside rug. The fringed edges soften the overall design and create a more relaxed vibe, while machine-washability makes the mat a practical addition to the home.
Agua Asgar Rug Drizzle
Available at The Cross Decor & Design. $475 for 5’ x 8’
This rug offers my favourite effect: tie dye in a subtle neutral palette. We’ve seen beautiful dyeing techniques from around the world make their mark in décor this past year, and the Agua Asgar Rug Drizzle pays homage to that in a fresh, muted colourway. This flat-weave piece is made in India of 100 per cent wool, allowing it to be dirt and stain resistant, and overall easy to care for.
