We layer our clothes. We layer our desserts. We layer our bed (extra blanket? …. yes please!) …
but the floor? The last great layering frontier has been conquered, thanks to designers willing to think outside the box when it comes to rugs.
I first noticed this layering thing years ago in the now extinct (boo hoo) Nov ’08 issue of Domino Magazine — featuring Jenna lyons (J. crew’s adorable creative director) and her drool-worthy NYC loft. Do you remember seeing this dazzling living room and the zebra hide layered over a vintage moroccan shag?
Then I re-discovered the look again while on my semi recent trip to NYC. (From a design perspective I haven’t reported much from that jaunt as the focus was first and foremost to triumphantly conquer ok, more like slog through the world’s greatest marathon) — Nonetheless I had a few additional days, post race, to limp around do what I really love, and visit some of my favorite design shops. One of which, the ever famous ABC carpet and home, where I saw tons of this rug layering … again. Then a painful hobble to NYC’s Safaveigh Rugs, The Rug Co. and the NewYorkDesignCenter solidified this trend as full throttle ahead!

limping or no limping, it happened to be beautiful weather on my Rug shopping excursion. Love NYC in Novemeber!

Fill in the blanks! When you seriously love a rug but it doesn't quite cover the area you need it to, it's prime for layering. Stick a simple rug underneath in a natural material (jute, rattan or seagrass work well) to cover the difference.

The vibrancy of this rug would be diminished if placed directly on the similarly toned hardwoods. Amber Interior Design.

Layering at an angle adds a bit of sass! Although personally I'd have to supress the urge to straighten it.

Traditional interiors can pull off the look as well -- here it was even executed on wall to wall carpeting.

I Love the fringe on this vintage morrocan rug. Interiors by Tom Delvan. For Traditional Home. (oh and there's that plant again!)