Rugs Direct: 4 Surprising Interior Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2015

4 Surprising Interior Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2015

As we approach the dawn of a brand new year, many folks in the interior design world are looking forward to what 2015 will hold. Despite the fact that we’re still a few weeks away, there are still some solid indicators about the interior design trends we may be seeing next year. So let’s take a look at the most likely design trends we’ll be seeing in 2015… some of which may surprise you!

4. Salvaged and upcycled materials

This has been a trend that’s been on the up-and-up for a few years now, but it’s set to really explode next year: salvaged and upcycled materials. The concept of taking an old piece and giving it new life, or even including salvaged materials (like driftwood and railway sleepers), is really gaining some traction. Keep an eye out for the use of some unusual ornaments and statement pieces in lounges and living room in 2015.

3. Modern and traditional fusion

As we move toward the future, there are many interior designers who look to the past for inspiration. This is a great thing because it allows a fusion of both schools of design. For example, the very 1960s trend of using vivid block colours on walls is something that’s really coming back into style. But this design aesthetic is partnered with modern furniture and artwork, causing a juxtaposition that actually works very well.

2. Organic and natural themes

Both in the world of art and wall coverings, there’s been a resurgence in the popularity of designs that include natural elements. Don’t be surprised to see depictions of vines, flowers, trees and other natural forms both in the wall coverings and also in the design of furniture and so on. Bringing this natural touch to a modern room in 2015 is a great way to make a real impression.

1. Monochrome

Here at Rugs Direct, we’ve already seen some of the design trends for 2015 come to life in the form of rug designs. One of the most popular at the moment is anything in monochrome, such the Arte Espina Reflective Rugs. The blend of blacks, whites and greys can create a stark contrast in a room and it’s something that’s already generating buzz in interior design circles and consumers alike.

What are your top picks for the design trends of 2015? Don’t hesitate to let us know. You can call us on 0845 8388638 anytime or find out more about our design trends in our online shop. 

Rugs: Don't be Square!

Don't Be Square: Why Unusually Shaped Rugs Are Making a Comeback

Take a look at any modern home with a rug and you’ll probably notice a trend: rectangles, squares and circles are all very popular rug shapes. It’s easy to see why; these are classic rug shapes that have stood the test of time. But there are some more unusual shapes out there that seem to be grabbing the attention of the rug-buying public. So what is that makes unusually shaped rugs so very popular? We at Rugs Direct think we’ve got the inside track on this emerging trend, so let’s dig in.

Unusual shapes make for eye-catching rooms

While it’s true that a classic rectangular rug can give a room some visual flair, an unusually shaped rug – like those in the Intersection 4210-41 rug range – can transform it. This example doesn’t just break the traditional rules of rug design, they re-invent them. By using right-angles and the appearance of multiple layered squares in varying colours, these unusually shaped rugs could easily pass for modern art, and bring a contemporary twist to any home.

New shapes mean a new approach to colour

If you’re a regular at the Rugs Direct blog, you’ll know that there are a huge number of colours on offer. But unusually shaped rugs give rug design a whole new lease of life. Another sub-set of the Intersection range, the 4209-75 unusually shaped rugs, have a very slapdash approach to shape and colour. An explosion of colours amidst many different geometric shapes, these examples really are unusually shaped rugs taken to the next level.

Unusually shaped rugs break from tradition

One of the major trends in recent times within the world of interior design is a rejection of so-called tradition. Call it post-modernism, call it whatever you’d like, the point is that unusually shaped rugs really do fit in nicely to this new aesthetic. They don’t feature any of the classic or traditional design elements, even down to their colour and design, and unusually shaped rugs are certainly anything but square! With more and more daring choices being made in people’s homes these days, it seems that there really is a place in the modern world for unusually shaped rugs.

If you’d like to explore the weird and wacky world of unusually shaped rugs for yourself, why not visit our online shop today? Alternatively, to quiz one of our friendly rug experts, just call 0845 838 8638.

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

It can’t have escaped your notice that the nights have drawn in and the time for hot-water bottles is once again upon us.

The winter has never been most people’s favourite season, and one of the main reasons behind that is the ever-increasing cost of warming the home. With energy prices in the UK going up all the time, we’re all on the lookout for ways to bring down those wintertime bills. Well, here at Rugs Direct we’ve got a few recommendations that could help you keep your home warm for less – so let’s take a look.

4. Block out drafts effectively

Drafts are one of the main factors in loss of heat within the home. Whether it’s a window slightly open or simply the crack under the door, cold air can easily get in and warm air can get out. To eliminate this issue, you should look at every area where air could escape and install either draft excluders or similar in order to block them out before they start.

3. Install underlay for existing rugs and carpets

Just like wearing multiple layers to keep your body warm, it’s a good idea also to ensure heat isn’t escaping via the cold ground below your home. You can add an extra layer of insulation by adding a high quality underlay to the existing rugs and carpets in your home. Of course, this solution isn’t ideal for very small rugs, but large rugs and 100% coverage carpets will benefit greatly from this measure.

2. Only heat the room you’ll be spending time in

Why pay to heat a room nobody is in? The answer to that should be simple – and the ethos carries across the home. Try to isolate your heating by only switching on radiators in rooms that you’ll actually use. Electric heaters can actually be a better way to achieve this, even if the energy-efficiency of these units is often much higher.

1. Get those exposed floors covered up

If you have a lot of bare wooden floors in your home, or even concrete or other stone materials, you’re losing a lot of heat all the time. The cold ground will quickly sap any heat that’s being generated and boost your bills sky-high. To avoid this, look into purchasing a large rug for total coverage – the longer the pile, the better it will be at trapping warmth.

Remember: for more handy tips like this, keep your eye on the Rugs Direct blog. And if you’re looking for the very best rugs for winter or anytime of the year, head over to our online shop or call 0845 838 8638.

Stuck for a Present? The How about a Rug!

3 Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Rug

With the big day just around the corner, time is running out to secure those perfect Christmas presents.

But just because the festive season is all about giving doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself now and then, right? With that in mind – and to get into the Christmas spirit – we thought we’d take a look at the essential elements for the perfect Christmas rug. So if you’re looking to create a winter wonderland in your own home this December, our recommendations for a Christmas rug should really come in handy.

A seasonal colour scheme

Before you ask: we’re not talking about a Christmas rug that’s adorned with sparkles, tinsel, gold and silver (although if that’s your kind of thing, we won’t stop you). There are some colours that can be regarded as both festive and appropriate all year round, making them perfect for Christmas rugs. Take red and green for example; these are two classically festive colours that lots of rugs feature. The Swing Funky multi-textured rugs include a floral pattern with red and green highlights blended with just a touch of amber – a real contender for a Christmas rug!

A long pile for extra cosiness

What do you think of when you picture Christmas? Perhaps it’s the traditional image of a warm fireplace with cold weather outside? If so, the perfect Christmas rug has to include a thick, cosy texture for that extra touch of the warm and cosy. Any one of the shaggy rugs in our range would be an ideal choice – a great Christmas rug on which to open your presents on Christmas morning! Shaggy rugs are great as Christmas rugs because the long, soft and feathery pile makes them a real pleasure to sit on.

A traditional design for your Christmas rug

Okay, so it might not be ideal to have a rug in your home all year round which features Santa Claus or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy traditional designs. Intricate and ornate patterns such as those you see on our antique rug ranges are ideal for Christmas because they evoke images of a wintry, traditional England – and the blend of reds and greens doesn’t hurt the Christmas rug image either.

If we’ve inspired you to track down the ideal Christmas rug to add to your home this festive season, why not explore our full online rug shop? Or if you have any specific questions, just call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638. Ho, ho, ho!

The Best Black and White Rugs

Monochrome in Your Home: The Best Black and White Rugs

If you’re looking for the latest in interior design trends, you can’t miss out on monochrome.

In fact, it’s not just limited to interiors: the monochrome colour scheme can be seen in fashion design, too. At Rugs Direct, we aim to offer the freshest and most in-demand designs, which is why we stock plenty of eye-catching black and white rugs for you to choose from. But with so much choice, how can you decide which black and white rug is the one for you? Well, with a view to helping you make a better decision, we’ve chosen a handful of our favourite monochrome rugs – so let’s make a start!

Tashen Black and White Rug

For real texture and true character, you can’t beat a Tashen black and white rug. With its unmistakeable chunky pile, this rug has been designed to really catch the eye. A peppering of black and white can be a superb focal point for any room in your home. These rugs are made from the finest 100% New Zealand wool, and are easily one of our top choices for black and white rugs. See this black and white rug in our shop.

Monochrome Black Grey rug

Fancy a splash of geometry in your home? Then this black and white rug should fit the bill perfectly. With a design that’s made up of irregularly placed squares and triangles, this is a truly monochrome rug from the masters at Arte Espina. Hand-tufted in China and made from espirelle, this is a hard-wearing black and white rug which is totally colour-fast. Find out more now.

Splash Elements Ivory Rug

Nobody creates black and white rug designs quite like Elements, and this Ivory Rug is living proof. The contemporary and head-turning design is quite literally impossible to miss, and that’s paired effortlessly with a soft but thick pile made from 100% wool. This is a black and white rug you can really be proud of – and it’s perfect for a modern home. Get yours today.

Football Rug

We couldn’t end this post without something for this kids – and this technically falls into the black and white rug category. A football rug through-and-through, and made by the well-known brand Arte Espina, this black and white rug is perfect for the footie fan in your life. Although we’d probably recommend it for children – unless you’ve got a big kid in your house! Learn more about this rug.

We hope we’ve inspired you to check out our range of black and white rugs, but if none of the above tick your boxes, you can find plenty more in our shop. If you have any questions, please contact our crack team of rug specialists on 0845 8388638.