I’ve been noticing a trend in rugs lately. After a strong showing of defined geometric and animal-hide patterns the last couple of years, the growing trend in rugs is a deconstructed version of those heavily-popular patterns. Not sure what I mean? Let me give you some examples.
Take the popular ikat (correctly pronounced ee-cot, rhymes with big shot) pattern. Here are several versions of what I’m calling “deconstructed” versions of that pattern.
I actually really like this trend, since some of the popular patterns were starting to wear a bit thin on me. But maybe that’s because I’m looking at rug and fabric patterns all the time!
Here’s a couple of deconstructed animal prints. First, the deconstructed zebra:
And here’s a really cute pink deconstructed cheetah:
I’ve got a soft spot for flamestitch myself.
I’m honestly glad to see a little deconstruction of the chevron pattern. Honestly, you know a pattern is over-saturating the market when you see it on Listerine bottles in Target (yes, I saw that last week)!
And here’s a deconstructed Aztec – you wouldn’t expect to find these kind of colors in an Aztec, would you?
I’m pretty sure this could be considered a deconstructed southwestern pattern, right?
Last but not least, the deconstructed vintage oriental, which I am seeing everywhere. I’ve heard it called over-dyed and burn-out:
What do you think of the deconstructed trend in rug patterns? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Thumbs up for sure!!!
I am loving the “blurred” patterns and variation of these still very popular trends. Thanks always for your great input and blog, you are very talented and appreciated by many other designers, like myself!
Thank you, Carol!!!
Love!!
Hey Kristie,
I feel that I made a (expensive) judgement error in purchasing a large (9X12) Karastan zebra print rug.
The pattern is so dominant that it looks as though it should go in one of those 2 story living rooms with kinda bold leather, masculine furniture. Though my LR has 10′ ceilings, and I have an out-of-Africa theme going on in there, but it still was too much. I switched it into the master,
but haven’t found a way to TAME that thing. Maybe with natural linen drapes? I did put a khaki colored down blanket on the bed, so far. (It has a tan background, not white, but it kinda reads whit-ish & high contrast) I’ll send you some photos, but any suggestions? Other than putting it on Craig’s list….? Thanks! Paula
Hmmm, it sounds like the background of the rug may be too strong or disconnected with other things in the room? Maybe bedding or panels in a similar color as the background of the rug – send a photo and I’ll see if I can tell.
I think there is a big trend by manufacturers to sell their mistakes as new trends. I’m thinking about the above pink oriental rug.
But I do like the new version of the animal prints …
I’m not meaning to be snarky … sorry if this didn’t come off as funny … I’m under the influence of 3 small children :))
Not snarky at all, Merri Ann! You actually may be correct about manufacturers selling their mistakes as “new trends!”
I think I like it. I just helped a client order one of these. I told her it was too dark for the living room, but she liked it, so we’ll switch her family and living room rugs to make it work.
what is the best source for rugs?
there are so many sources for rugs – hard to say what’s best. depends on if you value quality or bargains. if you follow the links on the photos I provide in the post, you’ll see where each of these are from.
I love some of these especially to add some color and energy to a room. I would not invest too heavily in any of them though as I think they are very trendy and I would tire of them just as quickly.
I agree, Linda – good point!
It would depend on how much I was going to spend on the rug. I don’t usually think of a big area rug as being a “short-term” purchase, so I wouldn’t want to follow a “trend” that eventually would make my home look dated. Back to your original question, “no” I don’t care for them! I love bright color on my walls and furniture, but like to keep my floors more neutral. On a different carpet topic, do you feel that the carpet on the stairs adjacent to the living room carpet needs to be an exact match? If not, how do you pick a “coordinating” carpet for the stairs that would have “something to do with” the adjacent room?
Good question – no, I prefer the rug in the living room and that on the stairs to be complementary, but not matching. It’s actually quite difficult to find something that does that, but it’s possible. I’m assuming you meant rugs, rather than carpet? Because if you meant wall-to-wall, well then I’d keep it all the same.
Two thumbs waaaaayyyyy way up! I love the deconstructed turn of the trends! Especially lovin the over dyed and burn out version of the classic orientals.
Great blog post!!
I do like seeing something fresh, but like Linda, would not spend a lot on these trendy patterns. Pretty colors!
I am glad we are getting into some new rug styles. We personally went for a deconstructed style after considering a shape. I thought the shape would be out and went a little more classic.
I also like the last rug, but at times this looks so old and worn, the higher quality rugs pull this off!
Great post, thank you!
Kelly @ yourcolorconsultant
This is one trend I’m slow to get behind. It may be gone before I decide to embrace it. I think rugs are so expensive that I’d prefer to get something timeless and classic, unless it’s for a kid’s room or other easily changed space. Probably the only rug I do like is the Oriental version. The others just don’t do it for me, which is surprising considering I usually can find something to like about most trends.
I love that deconstructed oriental rug the most, but they all have a room to brighten up, I’m sure. Do like the deconstructed chevron one as well, the colors are appealing.
Love!!