This Brilliant Rug Display Stopped Me in My Tracks (It’s in the Most Unexpected Spot!)

There’s always a part of decorating a home that I dread. It’s not completing an amateur-looking painting project (turning on the overhead light in my blue-colored bedroom sometimes gives me a jump scare) or organizing my large collection of books on my windowsill. No, the project that I don’t look forward to is an activity that most people likely enjoy: picking out artwork. 

I can’t necessarily put my finger on why finding art to dot my walls gives me anxiety. Maybe it’s because buying art can be a heavier financial commitment. Or the effort of framing a piece and then disliking it would be too disappointing, and therefore, it’s much easier to avoid. But now, most of the walls in my apartment are empty, and it’s, admittedly, sad. 

The walls have been barren for far too long, and I’ve decided that I’m going to dip my toe into the search for ways to add color and personality to my walls. During my quest to find cool art pieces, I stumbled upon designer Christina Salway’s living room in her colorful Brooklyn townhouse. 

Instead of traditional wall art, like artwork or a family portrait, what hangs on the wall above a console is a little different — in the best way. It’s a tiger rug that was purchased at a Parisian street market. “It probably brings me the most joy,” Christina said at the time of the tour. “It just makes me smile whenever I walk in the house.”

What makes this piece special is not just the sentimental value that it adds to Christina’s living room but the rug itself. The shape is much more alluring than a typical square, the texture adds visual interest, and the colors are bold and vibrant. I’ve never stepped foot into the room (I’m open to invites, though!), and the rug makes me happy, too. 

I’ve never considered hanging a rug on my walls, but now that I’m open to adding more artwork, I feel the floodgates have opened up all possibilities. It’s fun and is likely the first thing guests look at when entering her charming living room. But this isn’t the only unique detail about the townhouse. To see more, visit the full house tour.