Athena Calderone reveals 3 essential steps to rug buying – as she launches her new collection

Athena Calderone has the secret to an effortless scheme, and it begins with the floor. The interior designer has collaborated with Moroccan rug company Beni Rugs to create Broken Symmetry – a collection of 12 geometric staples that will add an escapist aesthetic to your interiors.

The new collection offers a selection of patterns that reflect the harmonic and disharmonic cadence of shapes, tones, and textures through their beautiful imperfections. 

However, before you invest, Athena urges you to take time out to forward-plan – and follow the process she uses in her own home. This is how to choose a rug, the Athena Calderone way. 

1. Map out the size and shape

'It might feel like an extra step, but you should always take the time to measure and tape out the exact size of the rug on your floor,' Athena explains when planning modern hallway flooring ideas. 

'This is unbelievably helpful in visualizing how much area the rug will take up and where your existing furniture will sit within that framework. It's also especially important before purchasing Moroccan rugs as they can tend to be oddly shaped.' 

2. Ask for a sample of yarn

After mapping the space, Athena reveals she often asks the vendor for a color sample when planning living room rug ideas .

'If it's a new rug, consider asking the vendor for a color sample of the yarn. They should be able to send one so you can see the color with the other fabrics in the room against the wall color and the light,' Athena recommends. 

3. Check the lighting with photos

When decorating with pattern in a naturally lit room, Athena also suggests '[taking] photos at various times of the day so you can track how the rug looks in the room based on the light.'

'This step is so important because the light refracts differently throughout the day and has the potential to change the look and feel of the space entirely,' she adds. 

Now we're fully equipped to shop the Broken Symmetry collection; the only thing left to do is pre-plan before an inevitable purchase. You can shop the collection below.