Discovering Great Art Underfoot : Interior Design Blog

Anyone looking to elevate the look of a room or start an interior design project should begin at the bottom. It’s a decorating truth: a great area rug can inspire a whole room and sometimes even ignite a creative direction for an entire home. Pattern, color and texture – favorites in any artist’s toolbox – are all at play in the wonderful world of area rugs. You’ll find great rugs in world-famous museums, stately homes, and exclusive auction houses. And, you’ll find some of today’s best rug-art creations locally at Robb & Stucky.



Entering the world of area rugs has been a journey of discovery for me. I learn more every day and love to share the experience with other people. There’s so much to know about rug design, cultural traditions, hand-knotting techniques and modern manufacturing approaches too. I feel so fortunate to be one of those lucky people who gets to do something I love for a living. Every day I engage with the area’s best interior designers and curious, creative homeowners to help “curate” rug masterpieces for the home.

The art-rug comparison is more than just a useful analogy. Selecting the right rug is a highly personal decision – just like buying a watercolor, an oil painting or a piece of sculpture. Art and rugs are in the eye of the beholder! And just like other forms of art, a rug’s price tag is not the only sign of greatness. Art and rugs need to speak to you. So, I always encourage people to gravitate toward what pleases the eye and, of course, what works in the room. Rug color and pattern usually lead the way. Size is important. Robb & Stucky rugs (all 500+ of them) start as small as 2’x3’ (perfect as bedside pairs). The largest rug in our gallery is a glorious 12’ x 15’ hand-knotted, wool-and-silk work of art. Many of our rugs are
one-of-a-kind masterpieces. It’s important to know, however, that many Robb & Stucky rugs can be customized to virtually any size.

One of the biggest rug trends I see today is that designers are avoiding typecasting. Let me explain. Creative designers will sometimes introduce a more traditional rug into a decidedly contemporary space. It softens the edges of the coveted modern look. Likewise, imagine a chic shag rug in a room with a Queen Anne high boy. The rug makes traditional more timely, less stuffy. Sort of like William and Kate – and now little Prince George too! Thoughtfully juxtaposing different styles is a great way to make your space all your own.

I think area rugs have probably been around since the early cavemen sought out better living spaces. Today, fine rugs are still made the old-fashioned way: knotted by hand. Machine-made rugs are a bit newer on the scene and offer some terrific options. And, the latest innovation in this ancient art is the advent of the outdoor rug. Circa 2013 in Southwest Florida, we like to merge inside and outside. Rugs help breathe life and creativity into your everyday living space.

ABOUT BILL SHEFFIELD: As Robb & Stucky’s Heir-Loomed Rug Gallery Manager, Bill Sheffield gets to combine two loves: interior design and rugs. A creative soul at heart, Bill is a designer’s best friend on the subject of area rugs. You can reach him at 239-415-2805.