A handmade wool or silk rug sets the tone for a room. Lighting, textiles, and furniture work best when they respond to its natural tones and textures rather than competing with them.

Choose accents in warm neutrals, muted earth colors, and natural fibers so the carpet remains the room's focal point. Layering a few carefully selected pieces creates depth without clutter.

In a living room, the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug, so furniture feels grouped rather than floating. In a dining room, the rug should extend well beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on the carpet when pulled out.

In bedrooms, place the rug beneath and beside the bed to frame it. Use a rug pad to keep the carpet flat and protected, and vacuum regularly with a gentle setting to preserve the fiber.

Begin with the rug, then build the rest of the room around it.