The Bold and the Beautiful

Nate Berkus masters the use of the graphic rug.

Recently, a friend was telling me how much she would like to transform her living areas without spending too much money. She wanted to keep the traditional furniture she already has, but wanted her house to have a more modern edge. I immediately suggested that we add some new accessories and that she should consider buying some new rugs in bold patterns.

Graphic rugs are not for the faint of heart, but they are one component of a room that can make a very bold statement. Quite often, they can balance out the more subdued or traditional sensibility of a room. However, bold rugs can also be found in rooms that are already dressed in bold colors, patterns, and textures. Rugs are one of my favorite ways of adding loads of style to a room and are often the key in pulling all of the individual elements together.

Nate Berkus

I love the way he uses rugs in his interiors. They make a statement without overwhelming the room.

Nate Berkus

David Jimenez

David pairs colorful, graphic rugs against the bold accessories and colors in these rooms in his home in Palm Springs.

David Jimenez

Jennifer Dyer

This chic living room actually belongs to Preston Lee's partner, Jennifer Dyer and features one of my favorite rugs ever.

The Hospes Granada Hotel in Spain

The graphic rug takes the otherwise serene room to the next level.

Thom Filicia

This rug works beautifully with the rest of the room. It complements the color scheme beautifully.

The rug in this office, featured in the October 2008 issue of Living Etc. has a very romantic quality and adds life to the room.

Kelley Wearstler: The undisputed queen of bold gestures

Kelley Wearstler

I love the rug Ryan Brown of Brown Design and Flipping Out chose for this family room. The colors and Sputnik chandelier give the room a very Palm Springs vibe.