Accessories may help elevate a room, but there’s nothing quite like the transformative power of a rug. Whether you’re looking to revamp a living room, a bedroom or even a bathroom, nothing sets the tone quite like a woven work of art underfoot. Get inspired by these stunning spaces where the rug is the star of the show!
A warm-toned rug on a pale palette creates a spa-like atmosphere in this principal bathroom overlooking Lake Joseph.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home July/August 2020
Designer: Lorraine Franklin
Layering a natural-fibre rug underneath a vibrant green striped one breaks up the similar tones in the room, without losing impact.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home September 2020
Designer: Cynthia Fergusson
This family bathroom is warm and modern, thanks to an eye-catching vintage runner. It feels unexpected while still complementing the metal-trimmed vanity and classic subway tiles.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home May 2020
Designer: Peter Atkinson
The key to mastering a monochrome palette is pattern mixing! A dynamic rug complements this artful den ‘s gray-on-gray palette.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home May 2020
Designer: Daniel Harland, Roundabout Studio
In hotelier Christiane Germain’s dining room , a colourful rug works with the amethyst-hued dining chairs to bring a boost of energy to the lofty space.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home January/February 2021
Designer: Jane Charron
A cool-toned watercolor runner fills this hallway with cheer and looks great next to the custom Moroccan-inspired door.
Photographer: Tracey Ayton
Source: House & Home September 2020
Designer: Ben Leavitt, Plaidfox Studio
A children’s room is the perfect place to make some bold design moves! This pink patterned rug mixes whimsy and sophistication when paired with a bunny lampshade and tassel-trimmed bedding.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Ami McKay, Pure Design Inc.
There is so much to love about this farmhouse-style mudroom , from the burgundy speckled rug to the antique pine bench and greige armoire.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home October 2020
Designer: Allison Willson
Want to give a neutral living room some extra oomph? All you need is a blue rug (which reads as a neutral), and you’ve got a refreshed space!
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Grace Doyle & Sacha Leclair
This dining room by Susan Burns is grounded by a slate-toned rug and complementary navy chairs. It adds a modern touch to the rustic wood floors.
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home June 2020
Designer: Susan Burns
A geometric blue, gray and yellow rug grounds this calming home office , while adding a fresh and textured look to the space.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home January 2019
Designer: Cathy Radcliffe & Teigan Jorgensen
Bold fabrics abound in this stylish city condo . Using an array of patterns in different sizes — like this striking rug — keeps them from overpowering one another.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: Christine Johnson
A dreamy blue and pink rug creates a designated sitting area in this open-concept laneway house . “The whole design of the space is about flexibility,” says the homeowner.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home January 2020
Designer: Architecture by MA+HG Architects
Pairing a dynamic rug with laid-back leather chairs speaks to the inspiration for this new-build living room — Parisian style with a bit of West Coast.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Erin Feasby & Cindy Bleeks, Feasby & Bleeks Design
Designer Alda Pereira opted for a red patterned rug to add drama to the quiet but comfortable furnishings in this Whistler, British Columbia, ski chalet .
Photographer: Ema Peter
Source: Houe & Home February 2020
Designer: Alda Pereira
Designer Luke Havekes achieved a layered look in his country dining room by combining colors and patterns that give off a similar vibe: New England style with masculine touches.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home September 2019
Designer: Luke Havekes
A moody Scandi-inspired rug brings depth to this cheery seating area , and contrasts beautifully with the velvet Danish-modern sofa and other gold accents in the room.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: John Baker & Juli Daoust-Baker with Christine Ho Ping Kong & Peter Tan
A classic runner gives this bright and colorful kitchen a decorative moment and leads the eye to the vibrant painting across the room.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Barbara Purdy
In this principal bedroom’s mood-boosting seating area, a striped circular rug mimics the flow of the chairs and sofa, and adds visual interest underfoot.
Photographer: Stephani Buchman
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Quinn Cooper
A dramatic turquoise rug adds a pop color to a long black dining table and mid-century modern Danish chairs in this Toronto home. Mounting a playful photograph adds even more personality to the gathering place.
Photographer: Stephani Buchman
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Quinn Cooper
In this mid-century modern dining room, a vibrant blue rug injects color into the otherwise neutral space.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home February 2015
Lofts can be quite stark at times so why not bring in a bold patterned rug to add texture and warmth? We love how the nature-inspired hues contrast with the velvet blue sofa here.
Tour the rest of this glamorous Montreal loft .
Photographer: Adrien Williams
Source: House & Home December 2017
Designer: Alexandre Blazys & Benoit Gérard of BlazysGérard
In this contemporary entryway, a vintage Persian rug offers an inviting, global feel.
In a room where the color palette is so saturated, only a bold patterned rug would do. In columnist Amoryn Engel’s den, an heirloom Persian anchors the room and is striking enough to balance against the blue lacquered walls.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home February 2018
Designer: J Gibson
In this modern family room, a Moroccan-inspired patchwork rug injects life and dimension to the grey and white color scheme.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January 2016
Designer: Samantha Farjo
For a global look, a vintage kilim is the perfect pick for this bathroom. The bold pattern is done in soft pastel hues to complement the serene atmosphere.
A pleated yellow cocktail chair paired with a vibrant aqua rug in this striking foyer makes for a memorable first impression.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home April 2017
Designer: Jennifer Worts
A simple way to break the tension in a formal living room? With an artsy carpet, of course. This splashy purple one complements the emerald sofa while offering a cool, unique look to the eclectic space.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January 2016
Designer: Samantha Farjo
For the minimalist, an intricately detailed rug is the perfect pick. This vintage piece adds warmth to the space and is undoubtedly the focal point.
Who says a neutral rug can’t be magnificent? This vintage Moroccan Beni boasts a beautiful deep purple, orange and charcoal palette, and is the standout feature in this light and bright living room.
When designing a feminine dressing room, two things are essential: a blush pink ottoman and an equally pretty rug. How perfect is this painterly piece?
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home April 2017
Designer: Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design; Leanne Tammaro & Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory
Layering a rug over a basic carpet is a yes in our books. Here, a plush patterned rug adds interest and dimension to the sisal carpet underneath.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home February 2016
Designer: Joel Bray
If you’re a maximalist, match your rug to the decor. Pumpkin, evidently, is a color that works really well for a tone-on-tone look.
Photographer: André Rider
Source: House & Home June 2016
Designer: Les Ensembliers
In this bright California foyer, a Persian rug offers a warm and inviting vibe to the otherwise streamlined space.
Photographer: Tessa Neustadt
Designer: Amber Lewis
We love how a purple-hued rug is paired with glossy lilac-colored tiles in this feminine bathroom.
This picture-perfect dining room by Studio McGee is anchored with an equally stunning rug underfoot.
For a formal feel, a pair of matching runners were added to this hallway, which are flattering to the stunningly carved wooden bench.
Photographer: Tessa Neustadt
Designer: Amber Lewis
In this modern-meets-old-world bathroom, a copper-toned rug offers a global look while adding warmth to the perfectly manicured space.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home June 2018
Designer: Lisa Worth
A flat woven kilim in the most stunning shade of blue adds boho flair to this bungalow in L.A., and is grounded by greys for a handsome look.
In this grey and white kitchen, a colorful runner breathes life into the space while contrasting with the Terracotta-tiled floors.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home June 2017
Designer: Virginie Martocq
Instead of bringing in a vibrant area rug, designer Christine Ralphs decided to keep her living room condo all white with a textured piece underfoot, which is just as striking.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home August 2018
Designer: Christine Ralphs
This poppy-printed rug ties all the colors of the furniture and decor together, creating a cohesive look.
Author: Jenna Wilhelmsen & Sabina Sohail