The Beat That My Heart Skipped.

Shetland Wool Rug, from £148 for 70 x 140 cm

Our home is clad in wood and stone flooring throughout and although it’s wonderful and airy during the summer months, it can need warming up when the weather gets chillier. For years I have stared longingly at the luscious thick pile rugs in home decor magazines or on-trend natural jute floor-coverings that set off a room perfectly, but when it comes to buy them I feel begrudged paying thousands for an elegant but essentially neutral rug.

On the hunt for modern rugs that weren’t totally going to bust my budget – I came across Rug Traders who stock magazine worthy pieces at very reasonable prices. From bright block coloured hall runners to pared back geometric prints or even bold designs if that’s your thing, they have a huge selection that will be kind to your wallet.

Rope Rug from £270 for 120 x 170cm

Jute Loop Rug from £79.99 for 120 x 180 cm

Brighton Hall Runner [available in many colours] £79 for 67 x 230cm

Botanical from £76.99 for 90 x 50cm

Bones Rug from £499 for 120×180

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It’s been nearly a year since we moved into our flat and although we have some nice pieces, I held back from buying too many decorative accessories until we had the basics right. We have wooden floors throughout the space and at the time I only allowed myself one rug [Olin Grey from Crate and Barrel] so I thought it was about time I started looking.

Plus it’s a pretty chilly January and It couldn’t hurt to have a little more warmth underfoot! Here’s my roundup of my 10 most covetable rugs on the high street.

[1] Cable Blue Rug made from hand-knotted Tibetan wool, 2.29m x 1.52m, £1,060, The Rug Company.

I’ve had my eye on this beautiful rug from The Rug Company for years now. I love its classic colours and contemporary design which for me make it the sign of a real investment piece. I dream of placing it under our beech dining table and walnut wood chairs as a glorious blanket of pattern between them and our wood floor.

[2] Pheonix Dhurrie, from £36.22-£553.69, West Elm

Pretty, pretty pink rug, perfect for a bedroom.

[3] Fairisle Rug 1.40m x 2m. Currently on sale reduced from £895 to £716, SCP.

This Fairisle rug by Donna Wilson in ‘peacock and orange’ is another on-trend but modern piece brought to life by a flash of almost neon orange. With a chunky knit texture and brightly coloured zigzag pattern the rug resembles a classic Fairisle sweater design.

[4] Trek Rug, from £275, John Lewis.

I love subtly hued rugs like this one with elaborate African inspired patterns that adds depth to a neutral colour palette.

[5] Ikea Stockholm Figur, £375, Ikea.

Pinks and reds are not really my thing but this luminous rug from Ikea reminds me of a stained glass window or the effects you get when coloured film overlaps. I love it.

[6] Diamante Cream and Charcoal, Flatweave Rug  from $599.99, Restoration Hardware

I could stare at the beautiful imperfections in this elegant and striking rug from Restoration Hardware all day. Handwoven from pure linen, slightly uneven edges enhance the relaxed, handcrafted look.

[7] Rainbow Petrol Flat Weave Wool Rug £115, Heals

A beautiful basic this simple rug is also available in dark red, lilac, sand and charcoal.

[8] Turquoise Mirror Diamond Rug 1.52m x 91cm £35, Urban Outfitters

This bright rug would look great in a teenager’s room or to spruce up a spare room.

[9] Hessum Flawoven rug, £15, Ikea

Hardwearing and with a super cool chevron pattern, this affordable, stylish hall runner from Ikea is practically perfect in every way!

[10] Enzo Medallion Dhurrie Rug, Grey from 43.61, The Pottery Barn

You’re probably cursing my mainly mono-chromatic tastes by now but this prettily patterned rug is also available in sunny yellow however would only look good if I lived in California – since I live in London – the grey one will have to do : )

I visited the Ambiente trade fair in Frankfurt last week and fell in love with a soft furnishings exhibitor from Jaipur in India – Manglam Arts…

They showed an exquisite collection of contemporary prints with traditional roots in ikat, batik and other dye techniques. I loved their display  of indigo and grey textiles…

Earlier this month, I was away for a mere two weeks and came back to discover Minimoderns, the wonderful brand for design conscious families, had in that short time launched a glorious amount of gorgeous items!

Firstly, a collaboration with Rug Designer brought about their first foray into the grander realms of soft furnishings. The collection of high quality, 100% wool rugs, based on some new and also classic Minimoderns prints, allows you to match designs with their existing wallpapers or to mix up patterns. Patterns include bold retro prints of bunches of flowers, vintage hot air balloons and my favourite, a toy town style scene of an Italian village.

Next, is their cool ‘Folk Rock’ collections of wallpaper inspired by the West Coast. The collection features four wallpapers with a soft psychedelic edge, ‘Pet Sounds’, ‘Alice’, ‘Fayre’s Fair’ and ‘C60′.

My personal favourite is the above, ingenious wallpaper pattern, ‘Pet Sounds’ which is a woodland cocophany of music making creatures! See the cute badgers and crafty squirrels? These are available soon in harvest orange, olive/powder paint blue and heather/bitter chocolate. Too exciting!

Lush imagery and even more lush floor-coverings from Crucial Trading… Each style is so subtle yet striking – complementing, warming  and transforming each interior.

I love the dusky pinks and charcoal greys, complex textures and thick piles – I don’t think I’ve ever coveted a weave so much!