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Celia Rigby: Sought-After Authority in Interior Design
Jaffe Rug Gallery is fortunate to collaborate with some of the most talented and visionary interior designers in the industry, including Celia Rigby. Her creative genius and keen eye for detail have earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the world of interior design. With a wealth of experience in creating stunning, functional spaces, Celia’s expertise is invaluable when it comes to understanding the integral role rugs play in room design. Jaffe Rug Gallery has become a go-to place for inspiration when clients want to redo a room, thanks to our exceptional collection and collaborative partnerships with designers like Celia.
The Rug as the Foundation of Interior Design
“In Celia’s words, ‘Rugs are not merely floor coverings; they’re integral pieces of art that can make or break a space.’ She insists that selecting the right rug is akin to choosing the foundation upon which the rest of the room’s aesthetics are built. When it comes to designing interiors, Celia emphasizes one of the most efficient methods to create a balanced and visually pleasing area: begin with an exceptional rug. A select rug serves as the base for the room, providing a blueprint for the shades, surfaces, and motifs that will be integrated throughout the space.
Building on this point, Celia shares a piece of wisdom that underscores the transformative power of a well-chosen rug: ‘A well-chosen rug can make a $3,000 sofa look as good as a $10,000 one.’ This insight highlights the rug’s ability to elevate everything in its vicinity. By picking a rug initially, you can ensure that all other elements in the room will complement and enhance the overall design, resulting in a coherent and alluring atmosphere.”
Common Mistakes: Why Starting with Paint is a Misstep
“Starting with paint before selecting a rug is one of the biggest mistakes you can make,” says Celia Rigby. She warns that this common approach can result in an incongruent and unbalanced room. Why? Because it can be a struggle to find a rug that precisely complements pre-selected paint colors. Celia advises her clients to flip the script, treating the rug not merely as a floor covering but as a work of art that should take the lead in the design process. “When you start with a rug, you have a curated palette to pull from for your paint colors,” she explains. This approach guarantees a cohesive, thoughtfully designed space, underscoring her belief that rugs should be foundational elements in a room’s aesthetics.
Lifestyle and Functionality: More Than Just Décor
Celia emphasizes that “The rug you choose should be a reflection of your lifestyle.” One of the initial questions she asks her clients is, “How is the space going to be used? How do you live? Do you have a family or pets?” Your answers to these questions not only influence the style but also set the direction and budget for your rug selection.
Whether you have a family, pets, or specific aesthetic tastes, the rug should do more than just beautify the space; it should also meet your everyday needs. For example, if you have young children or pets, a durable and stain-resistant rug might be the best choice. Conversely, if the rug will be in a formal living room used mainly for entertaining, you might prefer a more luxurious and delicate piece.
Tailoring the Budget: Rugs for Every Lifestyle
“Celia Rigby concurs with Jaffe Rug Gallery’s belief that there’s an ideal rug for every lifestyle and budget. ‘It’s not about spending the most money but about finding the right fit for your space and way of life,’ she points out. Striking a balance between your aesthetic preferences and your financial constraints is critical. Celia adds, ‘Your budget doesn’t just dictate the type of rug you can get; it helps to focus your choices, leading you to find a piece that truly resonates with you.’ Remember, investing in a rug of exceptional quality is not just spending money; it’s an investment in your home that can greatly impact the overall ambiance of your space.”
The Showroom Experience: Inspirational Walkthrough
“Building the room you love often begins in a gallery, a place where inspiration comes to life,” suggests Celia Rigby. She can’t overstate the value of resources like Jaffe Rug Gallery in the creative process. “When I bring a client into the Jaffe Rug Gallery showroom, they express gratitude later and inform me that it felt like visiting an art museum,” she adds. This endorsement highlights how such a showroom acts as a treasure trove of design inspiration, showcasing pieces that are not just exquisite but full of character and artistry.
Celia emphasizes that resources like this are invaluable for uncovering the ideal aesthetic for any room. A well-curated rug gallery can spark fresh ideas, helping you to flesh out and ultimately bring your design vision to fruition. By connecting with such rich sources of inspiration, you set the stage for creating spaces that aren’t just visually pleasing, but also deeply meaningful.
Colors, Furniture, and Fabrics: Building Around the Rug
Once you’ve chosen the ideal rug, the next step is to weave it into the room’s overall design. ‘Your rug serves as a guide, dictating the selection of furniture and textiles,’ says Celia Rigby. She suggests drawing inspiration from the rug’s colors and patterns to find furniture and textiles that complement it, ensuring a unified and harmonious appearance throughout your space. ‘Don’t hesitate to carry over accent shades from the rug into other decorative elements like cushions, artwork, and window coverings,’ she adds.
Sometimes, even when you’ve found a rug that almost perfectly aligns with your vision, there might be a single color or design element that doesn’t quite match your room. In cases like these, Celia points out that resources like Jaffe Rug Gallery can have a custom rug made with the specific design or color you need. ‘When you’re designing a room that you’ll love for years, investing a bit more time to get a customized rug is entirely worth it,’ she assures. With the right rug in place, you set the stage for a room that’s not just visually stunning, but a complete reflection of your taste and lifestyle.”
The Art of Mixing Rugs
Rugs offer a unique canvas to meld traditional and contemporary design elements, enhancing the visual richness of a room. For example, pairing a traditional rug with modern furniture creates an intriguing juxtaposition that adds layers of complexity and personality to the space. Conversely, a contemporary rug can breathe new life into a room filled with classic furnishings, providing a fresh and updated look. But the blending of styles doesn’t have to stop at just one rug. Celia Rigby encourages her clients to consider mixing multiple rugs in a single room for an even more dynamic impact. ‘Don’t be afraid to mix two or even three rugs of differing styles, such as traditional and contemporary,’ she says. ‘This not only opens up new avenues for creativity but also makes for an exclusive and visually captivating design that speaks to your individuality.’ By artfully combining rugs, you can create a rich tapestry of textures and patterns that contribute to a nuanced and memorable living space.”
The Impact of Art: On the Floor and Walls
According to Celia, rugs and wall art should be thought of as co-stars in the room’s design. When choosing wall art, consider how it complements the rug. They can either echo each other’s patterns or introduce contrast, creating a multi-dimensional space. “In the end,” Celia sums up, “it’s about creating a space that’s a reflection of you, and a well-chosen rug can be the cornerstone of that personal expression.”
Expert Assistance: Darren and His Team
Jaffe Rug Gallery’s team of dedicated professionals, led by Darren, is committed to providing exceptional service and expert guidance throughout the rug selection process. We understand that finding the perfect rug can be a daunting task, so we’re here to help you navigate our extensive collection and offer insights on how to best integrate your chosen rug into your space. Visit Jaffe Rug Gallery for inspiration and the largest selection of unique rugs in Northeast Florida
