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Design Solutions

by Sharon L. Anderson

Question: Coordinating intricate or busy fabric patterns for window treatments and area rugs can be difficult. I am having a problem finding an appropriate rug to blend with the fabric I have chosen for my client's window treatment. The room has a wood floor and needs the warmth, color and soft texture of an area rug to make it cozier. What can I do to solve this problem? Are there carpet manufacturers that will offer to make a design to your specification, affordably? Answer: The total look of a complete room with coordinating draperies and a custom area rug is not only inviting, but provides a sophisticated, uncluttered appearance because it looks finished as well as fashioned. Often it is the area rug that ties together the other elements of a room. Carpet manufacturers do specialize in custom area rug design and some mills have an extensive custom program. If you have a beautiful fabric with an exquisite floral pattern, the design can be made into an area rug to a custom size and color scheme to fit your needs. All you need to send is the design drawn to scale on graph paper, specifications for the colors; border, shape and design sizes; and a carpet style selection from the supplier's sample swatches. Try to find a mill in your area, however, this is not always possible. You may have to communicate by telephone and mail. A second option for your custom area rug design is surface decoration, such as carving and sculpting. The texture created from the surface variation of the rug creates its own subtle pattern to enhance the design. However, if you specify a solid color scheme the rug will blend easily with your fabric design, without overpowering the room. The outcome of the time and effort of a custom area rug is worth it. Your client will be impressed with the endless possibilities of a custom rug design as well as with the beauty and warmth it creates in her room. Editor's Note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson which will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings, as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to: DesignSolutions@DWCdesigNET.com Sharon L. Anderson, Associate Member, Interior Design Educator's Council (IDEC), has more than 14 years experience as a commercial and residential design professional. She has taught numerous courses at colleges and universities throughout Southern California and is a published author and frequent public speaker.