Dear Alice | Interior Design Podcast Summary

Episode: Rugs | Next Time on Dear Alice
Hosts: Jessica Bennett & Suzanne Hall
Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Rugs | Next Time on Dear Alice," hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall delve into the intricate world of rug selection. As experts behind Alice Lane Interior Design, they share invaluable insights on how to evaluate the quality and craftsmanship of rugs, ensuring listeners make informed and stylish choices for their living spaces.

Evaluating Quality and Craftsmanship

Trusted Sources: Jessica emphasizes the importance of purchasing rugs from reputable sources. Ensuring that the vendor has a strong reputation can significantly impact the quality and authenticity of the rug.

Jessica (00:12): "Make sure you're buying it from a trusted source, you know, that somebody you know has reputable reputation."

Assessing Usage and Space: Understanding the environment where the rug will reside is crucial. Factors such as the presence of pets, children, foot traffic, and budget constraints play a vital role in selecting the appropriate rug.

Jessica (00:12): "Think about how are you going to live with that rug? What space is that rug going in? And as you said, you have pets, kids, what is the traffic and what is your budget."

Understanding Rug Construction

Handmade vs. Machine-Made: Jessica distinguishes between handmade and machine-made rugs, highlighting that while handmade rugs often carry a higher price tag, there are affordable options available without compromising quality. She shares her expertise in identifying various rug constructions by examining the back of the rug.

Jessica (00:12): "Look at the back of the rug and I can tell... it's either a nice flat weave or it's a hand knotted rug."

Identifying Tufted Rugs: A canvas backing typically indicates a hand-tufted rug, which can offer durability and a distinct aesthetic compared to machine-made counterparts.

Jessica (00:12): "If you have a canvas backing, then you'll know that it's a hand tufted rug."

Material and Fiber Considerations

Fiber Selection: Choosing the right fiber is essential for longevity and comfort. Wool is a popular choice due to its natural durability and ability to shed minimally over time.

Jessica (00:12): "Pick a fiber that's going to last you for a long time. Think about whether you like thin rugs or you like really plush rugs."

Touch and Feel: Jessica advises listeners to physically assess the rug's texture, ensuring it feels soft and well-made. The "rub test" is a practical method to check for initial shedding, which should diminish with high-quality fibers.

Jessica (00:12): "Touch and feel it to see if it has a soft hand... I always do the rub test again to see the shedding part."

Practical Tips for Rug Selection

Construction and Backing: A well-constructed rug with appropriate backing ensures durability and ease of maintenance. Jessica points out that examining the rug's construction and backing can provide insights into its quality.

Jessica (00:12): "Look at the materials, make sure you can look at the construction, look at the look and feel of the rug... The backing is always a good idea."

Profile and Design: Rugs come in various profiles, from plush piles to flat weaves. Understanding the desired profile helps in selecting a rug that complements the intended space without compromising on quality.

Jessica (00:12): "Rugs can be everything from beautiful plush piles all the way to, like, flat weaves... Knowing those things and asking for those ahead of time and doing a little bit of research always helps."

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Bennett (00:12): "Even though handmade rugs have the reputation of being more expensive, you can find an amazing handmade rug at a good price and value these days because there are so many different types of constructions."

• Jessica Bennett (00:12): "A good wool rug will stop shedding over time. And when you do that rub test, if you have a lot of coming out, that means it hasn't been... they didn't use the right length of the fibers."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Jessica Bennett provides a comprehensive guide to selecting high-quality rugs. From understanding different constructions and materials to practical evaluation tips, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to make confident and stylish rug choices. Suzanne Hall complements these insights, ensuring that the information is both accessible and actionable for interior design enthusiasts.

For more expert advice and stylish interior design tips, make sure to like and subscribe to the Dear Alice podcast.