Rugs and interior design: defining spaces with texture, color, and composition
In interior design, a rug does more than decorate the floor. It anchors a space, connects materials, and shapes the atmosphere of a room.
With texture, color, and composition, rugs create warmth and balance while telling a visual story that unfolds through their patterns, surfaces, and tones.
A rug’s texture defines how light plays across its surface, subtly shaping the mood of a room. The GUBI x GOLRAN rug, created exclusively for Gubi, is handwoven on vertical looms by master artisans in India. Crafted from New Zealand wool and viscose, it has a soft, silky touch yet remains durable and easy to maintain. Its rich texture brings a quiet sense of movement and refined elegance to contemporary interiors.
In contrast, the Rigadino rug by Cassina, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is made of wool with a tufted construction. Black lines—rigadin—weave across the surface to create a dynamic, layered effect available in four colorways. With its dense texture and fine wool, Rigadino stands out for both its visual impact and enduring quality.
In refined interiors, neutral tones take on new depth when paired with rich textures. The Yazd rug by Edelgrund Atelier showcases Persian craftsmanship through the traditional Zilou weaving technique. Part of the Heritage collection, Yazd balances enduring elegance with a contemporary edge. Its intricate, handwoven surface draws the eye, bringing together centuries of tradition with a distinctly modern sensibility.
The Fozzy rug by Jov combines linen and merino wool in a design that feels playful yet refined. Linen brings brightness and strength, while wool lends softness and warmth. Perfect for modern or sophisticated living spaces, Fozzy adds a sense of charm and comfort, turning any room into a welcoming, tactile setting.
The Squash rug by Faye Toogood for Poltrona Frau channels a 1970s spirit with a checkerboard of soft, rounded forms.
Each square is hand-painted on natural fibers with sustainable dyes, giving the surface a painterly, brushstroke effect. Deep and velvety in texture, Squash has a bold, tactile presence that naturally becomes the centerpiece of a room.
The Tweed rug by Tom Dixon layers three shades of green to create rich tonal depth. Variations in thread thickness give the surface a soft, lively texture. With its irregular pattern and tactile dimension, Tweed works just as well in contemporary settings as in more classic interiors, bringing character and a sense of harmony to the room.
The Herringbone rug by Dusty Deco is handwoven in pure wool with a subtle, tone-on-tone chevron pattern. By blending flat weave with long pile, it achieves a three-dimensional effect. The varied heights add both comfort and texture, making it a versatile choice for interiors ranging from modern to traditional.
The Sussurro rug by Laurids Gallée for JOV is inspired by clouds, with three versions that reflect the shifting colors of dawn and dusk. Subtle gradients and varied pile heights create sculptural, landscape-like surfaces. Handwoven in New Zealand wool and natural silk, Sussurro combines craftsmanship and contemporary design, bringing softness and quiet sophistication to any interior.
Designing with rugs is about creating interplay between surfaces. The Fendley rug by Evolution 21 for Jov takes this approach with an irregular, three-dimensional checkerboard. It combines two distinct textures: Soft cut 18 in Tencel™ Lyocell, smooth and lustrous, and Naya loop 12 in New Zealand wool, matte and durable. Soft works beautifully for luxury short-pile rugs, though it requires more careful upkeep, while Naya’s natural lanolin adds strength and stain resistance.
The Flat Works Brown rug by Ethan Cook for Hay reimagines textile art with bold blocks of color. Handwoven in the kilim tradition from New Zealand wool and organic cotton, each rug is one of a kind, marked by subtle variations in tone. Its warm brown palette makes it a natural fit for intimate spaces like living rooms and bedrooms.
In interior design, rugs bridge function and atmosphere. Their textures shape daily experience and help define the character of a room. Choosing the right rug means setting the tone for comfort and identity. Each of the designs highlighted here can be further explored through Mohd’s Interior Design Service, where every project is tailored to enhance the details of your home.
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