ACCENT WITH AN ANTIQUE RUG

Clever interior styling I am coveting right now is an ultra clean palette accented with one seriously old antique or ornate rug. It elevates an otherwise dangerously vanilla room into a space with a kick of flavour. Not to mention breathing new life and keeping treasured heirloom rugs in the family. Here are some of my favourite examples (including a neat idea of hanging a rug on the wall- as seen in the guest bedroom of Kirsty Davey and partner Simon Taylor in Jan Juc (Australia)...

Left image: Helsinki home of interior architect Joanna Laajisto and 

her husband Mikko Ryhanen. Photographed by Mikko.

Right image: Styling Jessica Clayton, photography Mikael Axelsson. 

Seen on blog my scandinavian home 

Photo Brooke Holm, Production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files

Don't own an antique rug and can't afford to splash out on one? I was surprised to discover that Urban Outfitters have a brilliant range of imitation antique rugs that can create this look on a shoe string. I have my eye on these. The Urban Outfitters one in a younger brighter palette (teals & turquoise) and this one from Next Home for it's authentic muted hues. Which do you prefer?

Next Home Majestic Red Rug £60-£250

Urban Outfitters Antique Blue Rug £55