Whenever I help friends or clients pick color schemes for their spaces I often recommend the same advice: “If you stick with a neutral palette on your walls and hard surfaces, you have endless possibilities in changing a room’s style through the use of accessories and textiles.” It is far easier (and budget-friendly) to change out pillows, throw blankets, accessories and rugs in your space than it is to re-paint or change your countertops and tile. I also give this advice because it is the rule of thumb that I live by in my own home.
Personally, I find a neutral base palette to be calming for a space. I also like to have fun with my textile choices. Sometimes I like to play it up with bright, bold colors to make for an interesting and vibrant feel to a room. Other times I gravitate towards a more classic and subdued approach with natural tones. With a neutral base I have the ability to easily switch out my decor choices, whether it be to colors more in keeping with the season, or just because my tastes have changed. You truly have the ability to alter the entire feel of your space with a few very simple changes.
In order to demonstrate this approach, I have styled my upstairs hall bath with six area rugs in different colors and styles. This bathroom, as was featured in my last post, provided the perfect neutral base palette in classic black and white to serve as an example, however, this idea can translate to any neutral space in your home. I styled the space the same for each shot with the only change being the area rug. And the best part, all of the rugs that I have chosen for this piece are affordable options, making it easy to switch out as your style choices change.
Basic White. You really can’t go wrong in sticking with a clean and classic white in the bathroom. It’s not the most interesting choice, but it does allow you to bring in color with towels and decor. This rug is actually our everyday choice in our home. This bath is used primarily by our kids, so this fluffy, basic option is easy to throw in the wash and is pretty much impervious to splashes and wet feet. Similar rug Here.
Layered Rugs. To achieve a more eclectic feel, you can try layering a colorful Persian rug over a neutral area rug.
You can vary the way in which you layer the rugs to get a different look.
Persian Rug: River Market Antique Mall , Neutral Stripe Rug: Ikea (no longer available) but similar option Here.
Bold Pattern. You can still maintain a neutral color palette with some serious style with a patterned rug such as this black and white Ikat rug. Rug from Hobby Lobby.
Vintage Persian. Turkish and Persian rugs are immensely popular right now. They are classic, yet trendy. A good Persian rug can last for years and adds instant style to a space. Rug: Vintage but similar styles can be found Here.
You can add a little Boho flair to your space by layering a sheep skin over a Turkish or Persian styled rug. (Although I would be hesitant to do this in a bathroom space!) I don’t even want to think about what would end up on this in my kid’s bathroom!
Sheep Skin: Similar Here.
Bright and Colorful. This final option is all kinds of fun in a multi-colored striped chevron. If you really want to pack a design punch, a brightly colored rug such as this option will not disappoint.
Chevron Rug: Safavieh, similar Here.
You can be an artist in your space with your choices in rugs, textiles and accessories. You can change the mood and style of your room with the clever use of these simple items. Don’t be afraid to switch up your space up a bit from time to time. Move things around, try a new color or pattern, you might just be surprised by how much you love the change!
