What to know before you choose rugs & runners
An area rug is the design equivalent of drawing a line in the sand (but much softer). It helps define your space—especially in open floor plans—by framing furniture groupings and creating visual zones.
The trick to making an area rug work? Size and placement. Ideally, your rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on it. That way, everything feels cohesive, not like it’s floating in space.
Area rugs are available in endless patterns, textures, and pile heights. You can use them to introduce a bold focal point or to quietly tie the room together. Either way, they’re the element that makes everything else in the room make sense. And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside.
Runners are ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways—adding comfort and character in one long line.
Besides adding comfort underfoot, runners help guide the eye and add a finished look to spaces that are often overlooked. They’re perfect for layering in texture, adding a pop of color, or softening hard flooring in areas where you’re constantly on your feet.
And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside. Form and function, rolled into one long, stylish line.
A rug is one of the most transformative design tools at your disposal. Rugs ground your space (literally), add softness underfoot, and set the color tone for a room. Rugs are great for centering a room in your home, creating zones within a space, decorating, dancing on (the list goes on and on). Choose one that makes your room feel complete. And yes, they also absorb sound, reduce slips, and keep dust and dirt from traveling too far inside.
Rugs can be made of many fibers, such as nylon, wool, acrylic, cotton, or polyester. Wool is cozy and durable. Cotton is light and breathable. Synthetics are ultra-practical and budget-friendly. You’ll also find jute, sisal, and even recycled materials for more textural, eco-conscious options.
Whether you’re layering multiple rugs for depth or using one large area rug to unify a space, your rug choice can define the energy of a room. Just be sure to size it right—going too small is one of the most common design mistakes.
Pro tip: Area rugs and runner rugs that are meant to encompass an entire room or hallway should be 8-15” off of the wall creating a border of floor around them.
How do you select a color palette for mid century modern office rugs & runners?
Choosing the right color palette for your office is an exciting (and fun!) process. Incorporating color (or the lack thereof) into a space will dramatically influence the mood and aesthetic. While it may be tempting to hit up your local hardware store to buy a gallon (or two or three) of paint, and go to town, the planning process is an important step. No one wants to repaint a room once the furniture is in. So, here’s the best way to think about incorporating color into your space:
First, set the mood: Before deciding on your color palette, think about the mood or atmosphere you want to create in your office. Yearning for a calm and serene environment? Or perhaps a vibrant burst of energy? Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose hues that align with the desired mood or vibe of the room. Warm-toned colors (reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks) can make a space feel warm, inviting, and cozy. Cool-toned colors (greens, blues, purples, grays, and most whites) can make a room feel grounded, calming, and clean. But, using too many warm colors can make a room feel closed off, and too many cool tones in one room can make a space feel cold and unwelcoming. Neutral colors (blacks, whites, and browns) add a sense of sophistication and professionalism to a space.
Then, choose a color scheme: Now for the fun part! Once you’ve selected the mood, you can start to build your color palette. Take into account existing furniture and decor elements. Choose colors that complement or skillfully contrast your furnishings to create a cohesive look. A handy tip to a cohesive color story? Use the 60-30-10 rule as your guide. The dominant color (60%) sets the tone, the secondary color (30%) adds depth, and the accent color (10%) brings a pop of interest. Your dominant color in your color palette may be the color you choose to paint your walls or the color of a large area rug. Your secondary color may be used for upholstery or statement furniture. And for that final touch, the accent color brings a spark and is usually found in artworks, cushions, or decorative pieces. If you’re going for a monochromatic color scheme, consider the 60-30-10 rule in terms of shades of color.
Finally, find balance and contrast: Once you’re ready to start applying color in the office design with paint or decorative touches, achieving the right balance between colors in your color palette is crucial. Consider the visual weight of each color and distribute them evenly throughout the space. Neutral colors are often paired with brighter accent colors to contrast a space. Pairing complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) or juxtaposing shades of light and dark can enrich your design with depth and complexity.
While some colors are more popular than others for certain rooms or design styles, pick a color palette that feels right to you. Interior design is all about self expression. You do you. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to express your unique style. Want more interior design color tips? Check out our free online interior design course on Color Theory.
How do you pick a design style for a office rugs & runners makeover?
Picking an interior design style for your office is a personal and immersive journey. It starts with introspection and an exploration of your aesthetic preferences, daily habits, and the overall ambiance you wish to create. We recommend the office style match nicely with the rest of your house. Consider the architecture of your home, the flow of natural light, and how the space is used to ensure the design style not only looks appealing but also serves your needs effectively. The goal is to create a space that feels inviting, comfortable, and uniquely “you”.
There is no right or wrong way to define your style. Start by gathering ideas and inspiration. Identify what colors, moods, and materials you are drawn to. Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design? The warmth of rustic charm? The rich textures of bohemian flair? Or the sleek functionality of minimalism? Your chosen style should resonate with your personality and make your space feel like a true extension of yourself.
There are dozens of design styles. One style may speak to you the most and you’ll be ready to go all in (do it!). If not, mixing elements from different styles can yield a unique, eclectic look that’s distinctly yours. Need some help defining your style? We created our own design style quiz to help you learn more about what you gravitate towards in design. The result is like the perfect blend of your personality and home. Take the quiz and your Spoak Sign be your inspiration.
Once you know the design style you want to achieve for your office makeover, the fun begins! You can start planning out your color scheme and decor ideas.
All about mid century modern design
Mid-century modern interior design celebrates the aesthetic of the mid-20th century, characterized by organic shapes, clean lines, vibrant pops of color. This style reflects a love for sleek, timeless designs and an emphasis on both form and function making it a great design style choice for contemporary living.
The style's genesis post-World War II was a creative rebuttal to the period's austerity, with visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson at the forefront. These designers embraced novel materials such as molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastic to forge furniture that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also lightweight, durable, and accessible. Their work often featured futuristic elements reminiscent of space-age aesthetics, including aerodynamic forms and motifs like boomerang patterns and starbursts. Iconic mid century modern furniture pieces include platform beds, tulip bases for tables and chairs, and egg-shaped lounge chairs.
To achieve a mid century modern style in your office, look for pieces with tapered legs, streamlined silhouettes, and organic curves. Furniture pieces are often made of teak, walnut, or rosewood, with polished finishes and fluid forms. You can add mid-century flair with accessories like a statement sculptural light fixture or funky wall art featuring geometric or abstract patterns. Don't be afraid to experiment with color and vibrant hues. Common mid century modern color palettes include burnt oranges, deep teals, and lime greens mixed with warm neutral creams and beiges. Many mid century modern spaces embrace a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. If you don’t have outdoor space, consider bringing the outside in with greenery and plants.
What’s the best way to design and decorate a mid century modern office?
The design of your workspace can be as crucial to your productivity as your morning cup of coffee. Whether you're carving out a corner in an open-concept living room or in the process of a remodel to create a dedicated office space, these are our tips to help you create a space that works (pun intended) for you:
- Desk & Chair: The cornerstone of any office, your desk provides a designated workspace for your computer, monitor, books, and other essentials. It often serves as the focal point of an office or study, so place it where it best suits your workflow, ideally near natural light to boost mood and productivity.
- Bookshelves or Storage: Every office needs storage. The material you choose for your storage can really help lean into the desired mid century modern style of your workspace.
- Seating: Extra seating options, like an accent armchair, or sofa can add a cozy touch and provide a spot for guests or a change of scenery for you. Position these to encourage conversation without disrupting your work zone.
- Area Rug: An area rug adds warmth and can define a workspace within a larger room. Place it under your desk and chair to anchor the space, ensuring it's large enough to allow for easy chair movement.
- Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the office and complements the mid century modern style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall behind the desk to serve as a focal point.
- Decorative Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. A desk lamp is common for those late work nights burning the midnight oil. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows and evenly light the space. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
- Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the office. Don’t forget the curtain rod!
Remember, the best office design is one that reflects your personal work style and needs. Experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect balance of functionality and comfort. If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on Home Office Design.