If you want to give your garden the designer look, then consider the latest in outdoor patio rugs to kick start your garden decor. These outdoor rugs not only look good, but they also have a practical purpose in softening hard surfaces such as natural stone or decking and they cut down on noise too. Most are made from materials which can be simply hosed down to keep them clean and you have no worries about having to take them indoors after a day in the sun. You might take them in over winter but otherwise they can stay outside enhancing your patio from one month to the next.
Of course, these garden rugs have been around for a while. First of all they were just dull old outdoor mats designed for wiping your feet before going indoors but now they are more akin to the kind of accent rugs you might have on your living room floor. Outdoor area rugs have certainly come a long way in a short time!
So what is the latest must have outdoor rug?
As usual in the world of interior design, there is not one particular style you must have but a number of trends. Here is what is hot in 2010.
1. Eco-friendly Materials
Green rugs these days don’t mean lime green and olive but using sustainable materials! You can get some great outdoor bamboo rugs which look wonderful in natural surroundings and of course, bamboo grows like wildfire and is a self-renewing resource. In contrast, to this very natural material, there are also braided rugs made out of largely recycled plastic material which are super colorful and surprisingly soft underfoot.
Black and White Outdoor Patio Rug (Click Image for Details)
The trend these days is to have not just a patio which looks like part of your garden but to have a space which looks as inviting as your living room with a seating area. An outdoor patio rug can form the focal point to this space and add color to coordinate with your seat cushions.
3. Indoor Outdoor Rugs
Many people are taking rugs meant for outdoors and using them as washable rugs for the kitchen. They are brilliant for super messy spaces or and make a great alternative to kids rugs for their rooms. It can work quite well too to have matching rugs indoors and out with one rug on the patio and a similar rug just inside the garden door.
4. Great Colors
The first outdoor rugs were in dark shades to hide dirt but colors and styles in patio rugs have come a long way and gray, brown and black outdoor rugs are no longer required unless those colors are just right for your patio. If not made from natural materials such as seagrass or bamboo, garden rugs are generally made from polypropylene which comes in every color of the rainbow. The trend this year is for bright colors. How about a turquoise outdoor rug or one with tropical colors of hot pink, yellow and green to brighten up your patio? If you prefer natural shades, then turn to olive, beige or sand colors which are all in this year. And any color making a comeback indoors is likely to be hot outdoors too – a purple rug or a red and white one would look just as wonderful in your yard as it will in your living room.
5. Contemporary Designs
While traditional country designs such as braided rugs and natural weaves such as bamboo will always be popular, look to the latest contemporary designs if you want your patio to have an up to the minute look. You’ll find contemporary rugs for your patio with large geometric designs in simple color combinations which might normally grace a loft apartment. Look out for bold circle, square and stripe designs in particular. Also stylish animal prints for a jungle effect in your back yard.
