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B ut let's be real-- rugs are an investment. They can often be expensive, which makes selecting the perfect one that much more stressful. And there are many factors to consider, so how do you know where to start? We sat down with Omar Sid, the Creative Director for Rug Artisan, to learn a bit more about how to find the perfect fit. Rug Artisan is a well-known name in the floor coverings industry. What started out as a simple idea, to connect various Artisans to provide beautiful handmade rugs, transformed into a brand that can be found all over the world. In its innovative fashion, the company allows customers to virtually design their own rug, adding even more to the personalization of a handmade product. Despite all of that, choosing how to design the rest of the room is entirely up to the individual. Still, Sid recommends a certain starting point for all rug-consumers. "The first and foremost should be the color scheme, what sort of a place it's going into, and what the use will be," he said. "It's something to really consider-- it's an investment into a piece of art on the floor." Think of the intention. If you want to bring eyes to the floor, and to have the rug be the main visual for the room, a vibrant pattern may be what you're looking for to stand out. If you want attention elsewhere, picture how the rug comes into play. Envision the space that will hold the rug. What colors are around it? Are there neutral colors on the furniture's upholstery that would make for a good match? Is there a bold, colorful piece of art in the room that you wish to highlight instead? Patterns could also be a great way to utilize the rug for creative expression. A neutral, plain rug could have a completely different impact than one with a complex and eye-catching design. The uses of the rug are another important aspect to consider before diving headfirst into the process. Ask yourself what your living style V U E N J .C O M 83

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