Why does your carpet make your home look old?

Alice Crawley bamboo striped wool rug, £1,150, layered

2. Texture does not suit the room

Tasseled and high pile carpets fit well in living rooms and bedrooms where they are not exposed to a lot of foot traffic and feel comfortable and luxurious under bare feet. But in high-traffic areas like hallways, you want a durable texture like a flat-weave rug that can be easily brushed, vacuumed, or thrown in the washing machine. Ruggable offers a two-layer system consisting of a thick base layer that grips the ground and provides cushioning and insulation, and a thinner, plain-weave top layer that is removable and machine washable.

Williamson is a fan of using rugs in kitchens and bathrooms; They can bring a more casual, decorated look to a room that might otherwise appear functional and clinical. “Brits still think kitchen rugs are a bit weird, but this is actually something that could really work,” he says. Again, flat weave rugs work best for this; they have a floor pad underneath to keep them in place (in a room with underfloor heating, check if the pad is compatible).

Keep in mind that although sisal and seagrass rugs may look thick and durable, they are quite difficult to clean and therefore are not the best choice for kitchen and dining areas.

3. The pattern is very impressive

In a neutral room that lacks character, a patterned rug can bring some energy, acting similar to a work of art. A patterned rug in a room that already has colorful decor can make the room feel cluttered and overly busy.

“I’ve made the mistake before of designing rugs with too many colors and patterns, which can be detrimental to creating a space,” says Williamson. “I got bored of them, they were too busy to allocate furniture and everything just got more complicated.” Her new rugs have a more restrained palette and simpler patterns, making them easier to mix with furniture and decor.

When it comes to choosing a pattern, he says: “Of course, there is no right or wrong; Choose one you like, one that speaks to you.” In an already highly decorative room, a tonal patterned rug or a plain colored rug with an interesting border will add some detail without overwhelming the space.

Five rugs to try

1. Aftas jute carpet

For those who prefer a muted palette, jute carpet is a good choice; The scalloped border on this will add a decorative touch.