Elevating Modernism With Warmth, Texture, And Bespoke Detail Of Custom Rugs.  Design firm Studio Ahead – founded by Elena Dendiberia and Homan Rajai – was tasked with transforming a mid-century modern home into a harmonious reflection of its dual-personality owners: a modernist, yacht-loving East Coast husband and a nature-centered, meditation-practicing Venezuelan-born, Southern California–bred wife. Their creative process involved not just architecture and furniture, but intimate touches like custom rugs that helped anchor and define the space.  Bridging Personalities Through Design  When Dendiberia and Rajai first stepped into the home – a low-slung, single-story structure nestled among oaks with views stretching to the San Francisco Bay – they saw opportunity in contrast.  The husband favored clean lines and hard materials, rooted in modernist tradition. The wife brought a softer energy, attuned to natural textures and organic forms. The challenge was to balance these contrasting aesthetics without sacrificing authenticity.  The result? A deeply personal space that feels both grounded and ethereal, with custom rugs playing a quiet but crucial role in this transformation.  Why Custom Rugs Were Key To The Transformation  Custom rugs are more than just a floor covering. A tactile layer of personality, intention, and craftsmanship ties together a room’s function and aesthetic. In this Silicon Valley home, rugs became the interiors’ literal and figurative foundation. Here’s why custom rugs were the perfect fit:  1. Tailored To The Space  Each room in the home was a study in spatial harmony, and a custom rug was essential in achieving scale and proportion. From anchoring the main living room’s cocoon-like seating area to defining transitions between open-plan zones, every carpet was designed to fit perfectly, with no compromises.  2. Balancing Textures And Energies  Nestled in a serene oak grove, the living room masterfully blends softness with structure. A custom curved sectional anchors the space, wrapped in textured upholstery that echoes the warmth of the floor-to-ceiling beige wool curtains. At its center, a sculptural Christian Liaigre coffee table adds quiet sophistication, while the plush, custom wool rug beneath mirrors the room’s neutral palette with subtle depth. The harmonious contrast between tactile softness and architectural elements, such as the clean-lined built-ins and layered artwork, creates a space that feels both grounded and gracefully refined. 3. Celebrating Craft And Local Artistry  Studio Ahead is known for celebrating Northern California artisans; that ethos extended to their rug choices. The rugs were often handcrafted using natural materials like wool and jute, some woven by local makers or sourced from studios prioritizing sustainability and slow design. These one-of-a-kind pieces served as a bridge between the home’s modern bones and the organic sensibility of its inhabitants.  The Living Room: Cocooned In Calm  The best expression of custom design is found in the living room. The walls and windows are wrapped in warm, woolen textures, creating a cocoon-like effect beneath the iconic Mario Bellini leather chairs and Christian Liaigre coffee table. A custom rug grounds the room with understated elegance.  A felt sculpture by Masako Miki and a platter by Peter Voulkos echo the rug’s soft curves and natural materials, amplifying the dialogue between furniture and art. It’s here, floating in this forested canopy, that the rug does its quiet work—inviting you to sit, stay, and be enveloped.  What To Consider When Choosing A Custom Rug  Whether furnishing a mid-century masterpiece or a downtown condo, a custom rug is one of the most impactful design choices. Here’s what to think about:  • Material  The choice of material affects how the rug feels and performs, from the plush luxury of silk to the durability of wool and the eco-friendliness of jute or sisal.  • Size  Don’t just “make do” with standard sizes. A custom rug allows you to scale your design exactly, ensuring the carpet aligns with furniture placement and room dimensions.  • Color And Pattern  Color is where personal expression shines. Do you want your rug to be a subtle backdrop or a bold statement? Whether inspired by the wife’s mindfulness or the husband’s affinity for minimalism, each rug in the home captured mood and identity.  • Weaving Technique  The home features various textures, from hand-knotted showpieces in high-traffic areas to soft tufted rugs in the bedroom. Each technique was selected to balance function and artistry.  Extending The Custom Touch Beyond The Living Room  Bedroom Sanctuary  The beauty of neutral rug In the primary suite, a mossy beige velvet-upholstered bed floats beneath a surreal Gordon Onslow Ford painting. The surrounding space is grounded by a custom rug that evokes the quiet serenity of a meditation retreat while subtly referencing the efficient, space-conscious interiors of a yacht. Entryways And Hallways  Even transitional spaces weren’t overlooked. A runner-style custom rug lined a hallway, guiding the eye and foot through the home while introducing a hint of texture underfoot.  Styles Of Custom Rugs Used In The Home  The home incorporated a wide range of styles that reflect the eclectic personalities of the owners:  The Enduring Value Of Custom Rugs  In this Silicon Valley home, custom rugs are not an accessory – it’s a co-creator of atmosphere. It provides grounding, guides flow, and most importantly, tells a story. Whether capturing the unconscious like the surrealist painting in the bedroom or honoring nature through felted forms and woolen layers, each rug contributes to a whole greater than the sum of its parts.   Studio Ahead’s vision – merging yin and yang, East and West, hard lines and soft textures – is made real through the subtle power of personalization.  Final Thoughts  As you consider furnishing your space, remember: custom rugs are your canvas. It can reflect who you are, how you live, and what you value. In an age of mass production, choosing to design your rug is a statement of care, craftsmanship, and individuality.  In this modernist home among the oaks, the rugs do more than soften the floor – they ground the spirit. At TAPIS Studio, we believe that a custom rug is more than a design element—it’s a statement of identity and

Explore this Paris Apartment redesigned with bold color, texture, and modern elegance. Step into a Paris apartment where every corner tells a story of bold creativity, refined craftsmanship, and luxurious comfort. In this vibrant 2,475-square-foot residence located in the heart of Paris, interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret has orchestrated a striking transformation. Originally marked by a dated layout and low ceilings, the apartment is now an open, light-filled sanctuary that feels both intimate and expansive. What makes this Paris apartment project stand out is not just its architectural reconfiguration or curated art collection, but the way textiles—especially rugs—play a central role in shaping the visual and emotional tone of each room. Let’s explore how Pailleret’s vision brought this apartment to life, layer by layer. Opening the Space: A Structural and Spatial Rebirth The Paris apartment, perched atop a 1980s building, offered potential but required a fundamental redesign. Its original layout was segmented and confining, lacking the fluidity expected in modern living. Pailleret reimagined the apartment by removing non-load-bearing walls and adjusting ceiling heights to create openness and flow. The result is a dynamic layout where spaces interact organically. The living room flows effortlessly into the kitchen and dining area, while the family room and bedrooms feel like serene extensions of the public areas. Light, both natural and artificial, now moves freely through the Paris apartment, accentuating each room’s design features—including the luxurious textiles underfoot. Layered Textures and a Lively Palette A hallmark of Pailleret’s style is her fearless use of materials and textures. In this apartment, she layers stone, lacquer, metal, velvet, and wood with effortless balance. But it’s the use of rugs—bold, sculptural, and richly textured—that unifies these diverse elements and brings warmth to every corner. In the living room, a sculptural rug by Codimat Collection features curved forms that echo the custom rounded floor lamps and curved sofas. Its organic shape softens the linear geometry of the Paris apartment’s architecture and creates a grounded space for conversation and relaxation. With soft tones that play well against the more saturated wall finishes and gold accents, the rug establishes both a functional and emotional foundation for the room. Art and Atmosphere: A Dialogue Between Pieces Art plays a significant role throughout the apartment. Works by Jeppe Hein, including a playful balloon sculpture, and evocative photographs by Marilyn Minter infuse the home with narrative and edge. These pieces are not treated as accessories but as central characters in the story of this Paris apartment. The rugs, in turn, are carefully chosen to support these bold statements. Rather than competing with the artwork, they enhance the experience by providing a rich, textured base. In rooms where the art is visually intense, the rugs are more neutral in tone, allowing the artwork to shine. In quieter areas of the apartment, rugs are more expressive, becoming focal points themselves. The Kitchen and Dining Experience: Function with Flair The kitchen of the apartment, outfitted with sleek cabinetry and high-end finishes, balances functionality with aesthetic intent. Here, Pailleret introduces bold design choices—such as high-contrast surfaces and contemporary lighting fixtures—that harmonize with the rest of the Paris apartment. The dining area is defined by a custom rug that adds cohesion and softness underfoot. In a space where materials like stone and lacquer dominate, the rug introduces warmth and intimacy, helping to transform the dining experience into something inviting and comfortable. Its geometric pattern reflects the designer’s ability to tie architecture and furniture together through textile design—a defining trait of this Paris apartment. A Family Room with a Pulse The family room serves as a relaxed, multifunctional space, yet it carries the same elegance found throughout the Paris apartment. Richly colored walls, plush seating, and an eye-catching rug create a mood that is both cozy and artistic. Here, the rug is especially integral—it becomes a visual anchor that sets the tone for the entire room. Its color palette mirrors the deeper hues of the artwork and furnishings, while its texture encourages lounging and barefoot comfort. This layering of luxury and casual design reflects Pailleret’s unique ability to create environments in this Paris apartment that are both sophisticated and lived-in. The Private Quarters: Bedrooms That Breathe Calm Each of the bedrooms in the Paris apartment offers a different interpretation of softness and tranquility. Color palettes range from gentle creams to blush tones, with bedding and furniture tailored to each room’s personality. Lighting is subtle and atmospheric, designed to promote rest and calm. Again, rugs take center stage in defining the experience. Rather than relying on uniformity, Pailleret selected different rugs for each bedroom—each with its own color, pattern, and feel. One room might feature a minimalist wool rug with slight tonal variations, while another might include a rug with bold geometry that energizes the space. In every case, the rug is not just a decorative element, but an essential part of the Paris apartment’s emotional architecture. Bathrooms as Personal Sanctuaries Even in the bathrooms, design and comfort go hand in hand. Luxurious materials—marble, brushed metal, high-gloss cabinetry—are paired with underfoot comfort in the form of thick, plush rugs. Though the bathrooms are smaller in scale, they reflect the same design rigor seen throughout the Paris apartment, with attention to how each space feels to inhabit. These carefully chosen rugs offer softness in contrast to the hard surfaces, making even utilitarian spaces in the Paris apartment feel warm and welcoming. The Rooftop Terrace: An Urban Escape The rooftop terrace of the Paris apartment offers a final exhale—a quiet space above the bustle of Paris, with a full view of the Eiffel Tower. Outfitted with woven furniture and upholstered cushions in dynamic Dedar fabrics, the terrace feels like an extension of the Paris apartment’s design story. Though open to the sky, the space is also anchored by tactile comfort. Outdoor-friendly rugs, subtle in color but rich in texture, give the space a finished feel and invite barefoot lounging, even outside. It’s a testament to Pailleret’s commitment to designing the Paris apartment

Brighten your space with dopamine decor rugs that uplift your mood and style. Explore joyful interiors with help from TAPIS Studio’s latest designs. Our homes have evolved beyond mere functional spaces; they now reflect our personalities, ever-changing moods, and unique creative expressions. Recognizing the growing importance of emotional well-being within our personal spaces, a bold and optimistic design philosophy has emerged: dopamine decor. This feel-good trend centers on using vibrant color, engaging texture, and playful design elements to elevate a room’s mood and atmosphere. From walls painted in a spectrum of joyful hues to an artful arrangement of mismatched furniture, dopamine decor thrives on the principles of uninhibited creativity and the freedom to express personal style. Within this dynamic movement, often overlooked rugs are stepping forward as crucial players in crafting vibrant and mood-boosting interiors. Understanding Dopamine Decor: Designing for Joy The term “dopamine decor” derives from dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. The core idea behind this style is simple yet powerful: surround yourself with items that genuinely spark happiness. This could involve incorporating favorite colors, embracing nostalgic patterns, or indulging in tactile textures that bring immediate joy. Unlike the restraint of minimalist or neutral aesthetics, dopamine decor encourages boldness, maximalism, and an unfiltered expression of personal taste. In dopamine decor’s vibrant world, bright pinks, energetic oranges, sunny yellows, and refreshing aquas are frequently embraced. However, the essence of this style extends beyond just color; it’s about the emotional interaction between various design elements. Imagine a funky rug beneath a neon-accented table or a captivating mix of patterns and textures that create a cohesive and stimulating environment. The ultimate aim of dopamine decor is to create spaces that instantly evoke a sense of joy and well-being. The Central Role of Rugs in Dopamine Decor In any interior design scheme, rugs play a significant role—grounding the space, providing a visual anchor, and adding warmth and texture. However, in the context of dopamine decor, rugs take on an even more prominent role. They are not merely background elements; they become key focal points that drive the energetic and joyful feel of the room. Rugs in this particular decor are far from subtle. They often feature unexpected shapes, intentionally clashing colors, bold, eye-catching graphics, and invitingly deep piles. Their textures are designed to be touched and experienced—think shaggy wool, playful tufts, and layered surfaces. Their colors are unapologetically vibrant—imagine the boldness of cherry reds, the sweetness of bubblegum pinks, and the cheerfulness of lemon yellows. These rugs embody the very essence of dopamine decor: to spark an immediate emotional response and uplift the mood of the space. How Rugs Influence Our Mood The field of color psychology has shown that specific tones can significantly impact our emotional state. A rug in a bright yellow can inject energy and optimism into a room. A soft, blush-toned shag rug can evoke feelings of comfort and tranquility. Rugs with vibrant multicolor patterns can introduce excitement and a sense of childlike joy. Since rugs often anchor a room, they are crucial in setting the atmosphere. In this decor, this makes them central to the design. Choosing the right carpet directly influences how the entire room feels—fun and playful, cozy and inviting, or energizing and stimulating. Design Strategies: Incorporating Rugs in Dopamine Decor Rugs for Every Room in a Dopamine Decor Style TAPIS Studio: Perfecting the Dopamine Decor Rug For those embracing the dopamine decor trend, TAPIS Studio offers a fantastic selection of rugs that make a statement. Known for their innovative and bold designs, TAPIS Studio’s collections embrace color and texture, essential elements of dopamine. Their Tapis Shaped Series, for example, features rugs with unique, irregular shapes and stunning color combinations. Tapis Rugs combine nostalgic colors with a modern twist, perfectly embodying the spirit of decor dopamine. TAPIS Studio‘s rugs provide an excellent starting point for creating a joyful and vibrant home. Embracing Joyful Living with Dopamine Decor Rugs In dopamine, rugs are more than just floor coverings; they catalyze joy. They shape our spaces‘ emotional and visual feel, helping us transform our homes into reflections of our most vibrant selves. If you’re ready to embrace this trend and bring more joy into your home, explore the world of colorful and expressive rugs and let your floor be the foundation of your happiest space. Sources: PORTER