10 Spaces That Will Give You Rug-Envy

These homes display works of art underfoot.

A great area rug can make or break a room. It’s a key piece in most interior designs, adding texture, colour and pattern in one fell swoop, and transforming spaces from cold to cozy in a snap. Looking for a little inspiration? Like a rug on a concrete floor, we’ve got you covered.

1. Black and White Bombshell

The Lady Gaga portrait may be the first thing that catches the eye in this ultra-glam Arizona vacation home designed by Calgary’s James McIntyre, but the black-and-white rug from Indo Designer Rugs is a serious attention grabber in its own right. See the full home here. 

2. Retro Rules

A circa-1940 alpaca rug from Colombia, passed on to the homeowner from her grandmother, acts as the funky centrepiece of the main living space—and provides a textural balance to the white and glass and expansive views. More pics from this amazing Falken Reynolds-designed home. 

3. Feeling Blue

This graphic navy-striped rug adds a layer of pattern to this ’80s-cool space designed by Stephanie Brown. Read her designer tips for getting a similar look here. 

4. Top Texture

This gritty-meets-feminine Chinatown condo gets a cozy touch thanks to this textured West Elm diamond-pattern rug in the living space. Check out the rest of the awesome reno by Oliver Simon here. 

5. Saturated and Sublime

This Cross Decor-designed condo takes colour seriously. Not only is the sofa a gorgeous royal blue, but the rug is a vibrant piece from the same colour family. Get the full tour of this pretty penthouse here. 

6. Modern Mash-Up

Designer Aly Velji paired modern pieces with vintage touches in this Calgary home. One prime example? This sleek workspace, where a white-and-wood desk sits atop a retro rug. Check out the full renovation here. 

7. Shades of Blue

This Cedric Burgers-designed home would be a stunner even without furnishings and decor, but the woven wool rug in stripes of oceanic hues makes a lovely finishing touch atop the polished concrete floors in the master bedroom. Explore the rest of this modernist dream home here. 

8. Think Pink

The motto for this Aly Velji-designed living room? Go big or go home. The layers of opulent touches, bold patterns (that wallpaper) and colour are a playful take on maximalism. Our fave element though, is the fuchsia area rug, a feminine piece with some serious edge. See more bold-and-beautiful rooms like this one here. 

9. Layers on Layers

Can’t choose between two rugs? Follow Fox Design’s lead and just layer ’em up. In this Port Coquitlam townhouse, a lush sheepskin rug is laid atop a low-pile chartreuse carpet for a rich, textured look. More photos and design tips from this eclectic space here. 

10. Hip to Be Square

The ceilings in this Rachael Gray-designed Calgary home are soaring—but the living room manages to feel grounded, thanks in part to this nubbly, knotted charcoal grey rug. The square format helps make the seating area feel expansive and welcoming, even in a open, soaring space. Swoon over the rest of the spectacular house here. 

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