how to use rugs to define spaces in a studio apartment

In the midst of house hunting, I realized that not only have I not given you guys a proper tour of the loft, but I also haven’t really shared a few of the difficulties that accompany decorating in a loft. I’m definitely planning to do a full house tour of the space before I move out, but today I wanted to share a some tips on how I selected rugs to define ‘zones’ when you live in one open space without walls. I’m no stranger to studio apartment living; in fact, I’ve never had a bedroom door as a renter. I didn’t really think that a loft would be much different, but somehow this one does! Perhaps it’s just that this is the biggest space in which I’ve ever lived… or maybe it’s the super-tall ceiling height. Whatever the reason, I felt a need to define spaces within the loft and rugs were a quick and easy way to do that.

I started with my bedroom ‘zone’ because I like to have something soft to put my feet on in the morning. I’m probably breaking all kinds of interior decorating rules, but I specifically chose a smaller, 5×7 sized rug for this area because I wanted the living room rug to make more of an impact. I selected the Loloi Nyla rug in the beige/blue colorway for sooooo many reasons: I knew the neutral color palette would pair well with any other rug I chose and also would complement my bedding. Also, I love the construction of rug itself. The yarns include viscose which is an awesome silk alternative. It provides a lovely sheen to the rug that feels more high-end, but without the expense and delicacy of a totally silk rug.

The ornate pattern of the Nyla rug is delicate and beautifully tonal. Depending on the angle and light in the loft, you will see the pattern more or less. I love that it evolves!

Then for the living room ‘zone,’ I knew I wanted a LOT more impact. My sofa is pretty neutral and my gallery wall has shaped up to be mostly black and white, so I took these design cues and went for an 8×10 of the Loloi Anastasia rug in the granite colorway. In my mind, this rug is a new classic — even as I move into my new house, I already know that this showstopper will fit in perfectly!

Again, I love the old world, ornate charm of this rug. The colors are dark and rich in some places, but light and neutral in others, thus providing a great balance within my space.

The rug also features a thin, black border, which I feel helps to create a living room zone separate from the rest of the loft. It’s a visual trick of the eye that really helps!

Not gonna lie, guys… it will be bittersweet to move out of this space at the end of the month!

For this post I received products to review from Loloi and Rugs Direct. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.

Photography by Meghan Klein.