Buying guide: Rugs

Style solutions
To decide on a style, start by examining your existing furnishings. Feel free to mix it up a bit -modern pieces with a traditional Turkish rug, or '30s furniture on a contemporary geometric. But do choose a rug that incorporates one of the neutral colours on the walls or in the upholstery so that it blends with the room's colour scheme.

And whether you love geometric, oriental or floral patterns, "the trick is to create contrast," says Andrew Bottecchia. "If your sofa has a small floral, go for a larger patterned rug." Or if draperies and furnishings boast a large pattern, choose a smaller, more intricate motif. Pros mix up to five patterns, but novices should stick with about two per room.

If you haven't decided on furnishings, let the rug lead the way. "A rug is a great place to begin a decorative scheme," says STYLE AT HOME decorating editor Kimberley Seldon. "A really beautiful one makes everything that sits on it look great."

Top trends

1 Loads of shine. Silk and silky fibres add lustre.

2 A move to modern. Look for contemporary geometric designs, which can be paired with rugs that have traditional motifs.

3 Stuck on sisal. Sisal will stay strong, says Abe Jahromi, rug buyer for Elte. But look for new textures, patterns and coloured borders.

5 Thin is in. "Kilims and other flat weaves will be very popular," says Abe. "Pile rugs are still a good option, but choose a low pile."

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