Modernist Rugs Add Texture and Warmth to the Room
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The rug sets the tone of the room, and if your style is more of a contemporary design, you might be wondering if there are any choices in hand-knotted rugs for you. The creation of handmade area rugs is an art that goes back many centuries. Everyone is familiar with the beautiful, antique Persian rugs that are available in almost every color and rug design motifs and patterns. You will be happy to know that the tradition of making hand-knotted area rugs is still alive and well in modern designers.
Modernist rugs rely on texture and geometric rug design patterns as their main tool. Several design style trends feature modernist rugs as the perfect pick for the space. Let’s check out how modernist rugs can fit into some of the latest design trends.
What are “Modernist Rugs”?
“Modernist rugs” typically refer to a style of area rugs that emerged during the modernist movement in the 20th century. Modernism was an influential cultural, artistic, and design movement that spanned the late 19th and 20th centuries. It sought to break away from traditional forms and embrace innovation, often focusing on clean lines, geometric shapes, and a departure from ornate or historical styles.
Shopping For Modernist Area Rugs
In the context of rugs, modernist rugs are characterized by their minimalist design, bold geometric patterns, and a departure from the intricate, traditional designs found in many antique or Oriental rugs. These types of area rugs often feature simple color schemes, abstract shapes, and a focus on functionality and simplicity.
The mid-20th century, in particular, saw the rise of modernist design in various forms, including furniture, architecture, and textiles. Modernist rugs became popular during this period and were used to complement the sleek and minimalist aesthetic of modernist interiors. Some famous designers and architects, such as Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto, contributed to the design of modernist rugs.
While the modernist movement has evolved over the years, its influence can still be seen in contemporary design, and modernist rugs continue to be appreciated for their timeless and versatile appeal.
Geometric Earthy Brown Modern Area Rug #61002
What are the characteristics of modernist rugs?
Modernist rugs exhibit several distinctive characteristics that set them apart from traditional and antique rug styles.
Here are some key features of modernist rugs:
- Geometric Patterns: Modernist rugs often feature bold and geometric patterns. These can include clean lines, squares, rectangles, triangles, and other abstract shapes. The emphasis is on simplicity and a departure from intricate, ornate designs.
- Minimalist Design: Modernist rugs embrace a minimalism as a design philosophy. They tend to avoid excessive ornamentation, opting instead for a clean and simple aesthetic. This aligns with the broader principles of the modernist movement.
- Neutral Color Schemes: While modernist rugs can incorporate a range of colors, they often favor neutral and muted color schemes. Black, white, gray, and earth tones are common, contributing to the overall simplicity of the design.
- Functionality: Modernist design, including rugs, places a strong emphasis on functionality. Modernist rugs are often designed with usability and practicality in mind, serving as both decorative elements and functional floor coverings.
- Materials: Modernist rugs may utilize a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. The choice of materials can impact the texture and appearance of the rug.
- Asymmetry: Unlike traditional rugs that may be characterized by symmetry and balance, modernist rugs sometimes embrace asymmetry. This can contribute to a sense of dynamism and movement in the design.
- Influence of Modernist Art and Architecture: Modernist rugs are often influenced by the broader modernist movement in art and architecture. Design elements from famous modernist architects and artists may find expression in the patterns and shapes of these rugs.
- Versatility: Modernist rugs are known for their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of interior styles. Their simple and timeless designs make them suitable for modern and contemporary interiors.
- Innovation: The modernist movement was characterized by a spirit of innovation and a break from traditional norms. Modernist rug designers often experimented with new forms, materials, and techniques to create fresh and original designs.
Cream and Charcoal Color Modern Area Rug #11574
Overall, modernist rugs embody the principles of the modernist movement, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and a departure from the ornate styles of the past.
Creating A Layered Look With Modernist Rugs
The layered area rugs look is a popular way to display a collection of carpets. The most effective way to achieve this look is to start with a larger neutral piece and add small size area rugs at different angles. The key to this design is texture. This is where a modernist hand-knotted carpet can be the perfect piece.
The most important thing to consider is your space and the dominant furniture style in the room. This can be the perfect way to top off a Boho chic, tribal, or nature-inspired design. It can also add interest to a minimalist or Scandinavian modern décor. If you like mid-century modern design, one of these modernist carpets can give it an updated look.
Modernist Rugs Can Add Bold Patterns
Another trend in rugs is the addition of carpets that have bold, geometric patterns. Chevrons and zig-zags are popular and have been for quite some time. They are often in a neutral color with alternating pattern stripes. Patterned rugs are finding their way into contemporary room styles, but a more subtle one can also pair well with traditional or eclectic styles.
Large Bold Contemporary Modern Area Rug #11842
A fun thing to do with this trend is to mix patterns. You can mix bold geometric with florals, stripes, tropical or polka dots if you are more daring. A modern patterned carpet gives the room character without being overpowering. They spark the imagination and can be the perfect accent to bring depth to the room design. A modernist geometric rug adds an element of surprise to the design.
Combine Shapes
Many designers use area rugs to mix and match geometric shapes. The conventions of traditional and modern design say that you do not mix curved and hard edges. Modern designers are breaking those traditions and mixing curves with squares and rectangles. You can find geometric, textured rugs in a free-flowing organic design that define the space and add line.
Abstract Geometric Modern Area Rug #11831
Consider adding smaller area rugs at an unexpected angle. They can effectively cause the area to look larger. Textured modernist carpets also add to the feeling of openness and expansiveness. Depending on the other pieces, they can also create coziness and warmth. Many of them have such a soft texture that are like a hug for your feet.
Modernist Rugs Also Have Subtle Geometric Patterns
If you are minimalist, you might be shy about adding too much color to the space, but it does not mean that you cannot add some subtle texture and neutral color. Geometrics with solid colors, or subtly colored designs, can be perfect for adding just enough texture to the space without disturbing its calm and tranquil feel.
Large Taupe Color Modern Area Rug #60941
Graphic, geometric designs are eye-catching and will work well in many modern and contemporary design styles. If you are using neutrals such as beige, gray, black, white, or even soft pastel colors, you can add some interest to the design without going over the top. You can achieve the layered look but in a more low-key way. They can give the space the perfect touch and add a bit of texture for those who like a less intense color palette.
Modernized Vintage Looks and Contemporary Modernist Rugs
Modernist geometric carpets can be the perfect touch for a retro or mid-century design. If you are going for complete authenticity, then an abstract carpet might be the perfect touch. Modernist rugs tend to favor using texture and a pile that is cut high to add loft. True vintage mid-century rugs are often neat and short, which can make the space feel rigid or cold.
Geometric Color Block Modern Area Rug #11739
A textured modern rug can help to tone down the harshness of a streamlined mid-century design and make it a bit cozier.
Comfort Is In With Modernist Rugs
Now, rugs are bringing more to the room than visual appeal. They are meant to bring texture and create a certain feel in the room. Modernist rugs with geometric designs and long, soft areas of pile give the space an inviting feel. The soft textures allow you to create a space that is perfect for curling up with a good book or piling up the pillows for a good movie. Now, people are considering the way the carpet feels as much as the way it looks. For this, there is nothing that beats a hand-knotted modern pile carpet.
Neutral Large Contemporary Modern Area Rug #11794
The idea of using traditional hand-knotted techniques to create 21st century area rugs was inevitable. There is nothing like the durability, softness, and look of a real hand-knotted rug. Carpet designers continue to innovate, as they have done for thousands of years. We still enjoy a good rug for its warmth and utility, and it can be the perfect touch to create a finished look in the room.
Modern Central Asian Area Rug #11782
Modernist hand-knotted pile rugs give you more options and something a bit different from the traditional rug patterns that are available. These rugs are made for new design trends, but they can also add interest to a traditional design, too. They are versatile and reflect the artistry and skill of the rug weaver, who draws on traditional techniques to create pieces that are perfect for contemporary interiors.
Large Geometric Flat Weave Modern Kilim Rug #11840
Regardless of your style, we encourage you to check out our collection of unique, hand-knotted modern carpets. You just might find the one that sparks your imagination and creates the perfect finishing touch to your decor.
This rug blog about modernist rugs was published by Nazmiyal Rugs in NYC.
