Boldly patterned and colourful rugs characterise the living rooms of these apartments and houses around the world that we have collected for our most recent lookbook.
From historic French apartments that have been filled with eccentric art to a New York Long Island house that was revamped in a neutral palette, these statement rugs complement and contrast the furniture under which they sit.
The ten rugs found below directly reflect the colour shades around them with a colourful pattern, or, in the case of a black and white rug below found in a small California living space, contrast them completely.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring living rooms dominated by giant sofas, rooms divided by storage units and wooden kitchens.
Versailles townhouse, France, by RMGB
RMGB refreshed this apartment across from the Chateau de Versailles, preserving the original parquet flooring and mouldings before outfitting the space with bespoke and vintage furniture, including a star-burst patterned rug in a living space.
“The idea was to integrate colours and materials in small touches, such as the pinkish-orange of the sofa or the blue shade of the rug,” the studio said.
Find out more about Versailles townhouse ›
Paris apartment, France, by Hauvette & Madani
Local design studio Hauvette & Madani restored this Paris apartment to its former Haussmannian state, recreating intricate mouldings and cornices on largely white walls.
The neutral backdrop offset the resident’s considered and colourful selection of artwork and furniture, including an assortment of boldly patterned rugs throughout the space.
Find out more about Paris apartment ›
Karine Vilas Boas Apartment, Brazil, by Studio Juliana Camargo
In this Brazil apartment for a fashion editor, a large, geometric living rug by Brazilian brand Punto e Filo takes centre stage.
Its pink and green shapes are reflected in two bright green armchairs and a light pink sofa that sit on top.
Find out more about Karine Vilas Boas Apartment
Genesee Residence, USA, by Síol Studios
This Spanish colonial revival-style house in Los Angeles received a colourful interior revamp by San Francisco-based Síol Studios in contrast to its white walls and original arched windows.
In the living room, the studio layered a dark green floor pillow over a black rug, which offset a range of colours found in the boulders encased in a translucent coffee table.
Find out more about Genesee Residence ›
Cumberland Hideaway, USA, by Nwankpa Design
A bold, black and white striped rug by fashion designer Ralph Lauren contrasts the light orange, blue and pinks of the surrounding furniture in this studio space in California.
Designed by studio Nwankpa Design, the space was broken into blocks of colour to create variety within its small footprint.
Find out more about Cumberland Hideaway ›
Frederic Chopin Apartment, Brazil, by Tria Arquitetura
A number of area rugs complement the green, orange and white furniture found in the large living room of this renovated São Paulo apartment.
“In the living room there were three large main volumes that should be highlighted to bring texture and more cosiness,” Tria Arquitetura said.
Find out more about Frederic Chopin Apartment ›
Amagansett house, USA, by Athena Calderone
The den of this Long Island home features a sconce by Calderone with Simone Bodmer-Turner, a 1960s French walnut table and a wooden block by Milo Baughman set atop a rug that New York designer Tali Roth created with Empire Collection Rugs.
Owner Athena Calderone recently revamped the interiors of the mid-century house in a pale palette after purchasing it and renovating it ten years ago.
Find out more about Amagansett house ›
Courtyard House, USA, by No Architecture
Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, this house was organised around a central “fully-glazed courtyard” planted with native trees.
Patterned rugs of various sizes were placed throughout the home, the largest of which is a warm-toned area rug in a sitting area, which was paired with a navy blue couch and wooden coffee table.
Find out more about Courtyard House ›
Dream Weaver penthouse, Australia, by YSG
Quirky fixtures and furnishings were added to this Sydney penthouse for an empty-nester couple, which was informed in part by Spanish tapas bars and the colour palette of surrealist artworks.
As frequent entertainers, the living room received a number of unique pieces, including fluffy pink and patchwork armchairs which are offset by geometric rugs in similar hues.
Find out more about Sydney penthouse ›
Tsubo House, UK, by Fraher & Findlay
A shaggy rug sits at the centre of the living home in this London home, surrounded by velvet furnishings and an assortment of planters and vintage pieces.
The surrounding walls were stripped of decades-long paintwork, revealing original detailing around the ornate moulding, ceiling roses and skirting boards.
Find out more about Tsubo House ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring living rooms dominated by giant sofas, rooms divided by storage units and wooden kitchens.
