Rugs

A rug does two jobs at once: it warms a hard floor and it draws a boundary around furniture that would otherwise float. Ours are handwoven in wool, cotton and jute, with the texture and slight irregularity that machine-made rugs never quite fake.

Size is where most rug purchases go wrong. In a living room, the front legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on the rug, which usually means going one size larger than instinct says. Jute is tough and suits high traffic; wool is softer underfoot and better in a bedroom. Rotate every few months so wear stays even.

Finish the floor

Add smaller pieces from mats and floor coverings, drop a floor cushion beside it, and repeat the weave above in cushions and throws.