5 Interior Design Styles and the rugs to complement them

By: Annalese, Updated on: June 4, 2025 How a floor rug will warm up your winter in 2025 - Blog

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting a rugs style and perhaps because of this, it can feel rather daunting. A rug takes up a fair amount of physical and visual space in a room so it’s important to get it right. Stylistically, there are characteristics that lend themselves to common interior design styles and the rugs that work well within these homes can make them feel complete.

Here are a few of our favourite interior design styles which feature rugs from our collection– hopefully this will spark inspiration for your own home too!

Sustainable Style for Modern Living: Natura Wool Rug Collection. Handwoven in India from a blend of recycled wool, these rugs offer an organic feel with an eco-conscious touch. Featuring naturally beautiful and versatile colours, they seamlessly complement both modern and coastal décors. Lightweight and reversible, Natura rugs offer double the design potential. Woven by skilled artisans, each rug embodies a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. Natural in "Oatmeal"

CASUAL ELEGANCE

This is not so much a style but a way of decorating which could be at home in a coastal property, a city apartment or a family home. There’s a focus on subtle elements like materials (linen, cloth, wool, timber etc.), colours (pared-back, tonal) and pattern (not loud or harsh). There are a range of rugs from the Flooring Xtra collection that would work and one of our favourites is the Natura Collection. Handwoven in India, the subtle and timeless wool rug will add a touch of refined elegance to any room it’s installed in.

Casual elegance is all about balance: beauty meets practicality, restraint meets warmth. It’s ideal for those who enjoy timeless design without being too precious about their interiors.

Studio 324 ‘Silver Texture’

Bohemian Style

If you love colour, pattern, and texture, this could be the style your home already reflects or what you aspire for it to become. A bohemian home is about layers and stories. It’s not concerned with matching, minimalism, or even perfection. Instead, it celebrates personality, creativity, and a carefree spirit.

Rugs in a bohemian space are often bold and eclectic. You might find Moroccan patterns, Persian influences, tribal motifs, or colourful kilims. These rugs are rich in history and character. They’re often layered, one atop another, or placed in unexpected corners of the home to add surprise and charm. They can be round rugs, natural rugs and everything in between.

There’s freedom here to mix and match. Vintage rugs sit alongside modern art; a handwoven piece from overseas becomes a focal point. The result? A space that feels deeply personal and ever-evolving. Explore our range of Bohemian Rugs.

Zanzibar Navy rug cosy leather sofa Zanzibar ‘Navy’

Coastal Chic

Jute rugs, sisal, and anything similar in nature work beautifully in coastal homes. They echo the relaxed, breezy atmosphere of the sea while also reflecting the natural world outside. These rugs are often flat-woven, neutral in tone, and rich in texture. Better still, they’re incredibly resilient, making them a practical choice in high-traffic areas or holiday homes.

Coastal style can take many forms: the crisp blue-and-white palette of a Hamptons-style home; the weathered timbers and open windows of a beach shack; or the sun-bleached tones and natural textures of a contemporary seaside escape. But they all share a common thread: they’re unpretentious, comfortable, and relaxed. The right rug ties this look together. It softens hard flooring, anchors furniture, and adds that all-important feeling of home. The Atrium Rug is a perfect example of a rug fit for a coastal home. Fuss-free, jute and casual, the perfect addition to a beachside abode!

Atrium Pink Jute Polo Rug Atrium “Pink Jute Polo”

Worldly Comfort

Just like a cherished holiday memento, a worldly home celebrates the idea of travel and the memories it brings. It draws inspiration from various cultures and pays homage to their unique crafts and traditions. A rug here can be a subtle nod, like a Berber-inspired piece, or it can set the tone for the entire space. Modern rugs can also fit the bill, as long as it tells a story of a time and place.

These homes often feature items collected from different parts of the world: handcrafted bowls, embroidered textiles, and carved timber. A globally-inspired rug fits seamlessly into this story. It might showcase bold tribal patterns, intricate knotting, or bright, unexpected colour combinations. This style brings warmth and depth. The result is a home that feels soulful, layered, and full of life. Try the Marrakesh Rug for a character-rich layer.

Marrakesh runner rug in laundry Marrakesh 111 Runner ‘White’

Old Meets New

There’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage in modern interiors. What makes it even more intriguing is when these traditional elements are placed in contemporary settings or when they’re given a fresh, updated twist. This is the essence of the “old meets new” aesthetic.

A home styled this way might pair antique furniture with sleek finishes or mix a vintage mirror with modern lighting. Transitional rugs are a perfect fit. They take classic patterns, often inspired by Persian or Turkish designs and reinterpret them with faded finishes, modern colour palettes, and updated textures.

These rugs work in a variety of spaces: from inner-city apartments to grand period homes, from luxe interiors to family spaces in need of practicality. The aged look not only tells a story, but it also cleverly hides wear and tear, a bonus for busy households. To achieve this look, try the Evoke Range (rugs that are pet friendly!) or the Mirage Range.

mirage rug multi with armchair Mirage “Multi Moroccan 360′

FAQs

What is a pet-friendly rug?

A pet-friendly rug is a must in a home with dogs and cats! Look for attributes such as washable features, anti-stain qualities and non-loop pile fibres (for pet paws to get caught in).

How to stop rugs from moving on wooden floor.

Rugs are beautiful additions to any room but if not secured they can become a slip or trip hazard. There are a few ways to deal with this. You can either anchor the rug to the floor with furniture to restrict movement or use a non-slip pad between the floor and the rug.

How to clean a rug.

Rugs are like any type of flooring and require regular maintenance so they look great for longer. Each rug is different and care should be taken to ensure the correct methods are followed. Read our Rug Care Guide to learn more.

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Annalese

Stylist

In-house Stylist Annalese spends her days making homes beautiful and hunting down the perfect flooring solutions. With her finger on the design pulse, her advice on style, home design tips and creating happy, appealing homes can always be relied upon. Annalese’s favourite product is the Mathewson Tweed wool carpet from the Urban Instinct range because of its beautiful wool fibre together with its tailored loop pile design.

Want some expert advice?

From inspiration to installation and beyond, Flooring Xtra are here to help. If you’re uncertain what product will work best in your home or fit your budget the team are delighted to assist. Choosing new flooring is a big decision so whether it’s hard flooring or carpet you’re looking for, know that Flooring Xtra will have the perfect option for you! VISIT your nearest store
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