Why bold hues and unexpected tones are finding favour — and how luxury handmade rugs can lead the way
In recent years, the rug market has been quietly undergoing a colour shift. Where once safe-neutrals dominated — soft greys, beiges, muted whites — we’re now seeing a meaningful move toward unusual colours, expressive palettes and tailored rug hues that break the “match-everything” mould. At Carpet Couture by Rashi, we’re tracking this trend and designing with it in mind, because we believe handmade, custom rugs are the perfect canvas for colour innovation.
1. What do we mean by “unusual colours”?
By “unusual colours” we mean rug hues that go beyond the standard neutral base (ecru, taupe, grey) or classic “oriental rug red/blue” palette. Examples include:
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Deep olive or moss green
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Rust, burnt sienna, terracotta or clay-tones
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Dusty rose, mauve, or muted lavender
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Charred charcoal, slate with undertones of blue/green
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Jewel-tones used in small or large-scale fields
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Colour fields or gradients rather than a single flat colour
2. Evidence of the shift: How the industry is responding
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According to the 2025 interior-design colour trend report from Architectural Digest PRO, designers are “embracing bold hues and techniques like colour-blocking and drenching to personalise spaces”, signalling a move away from decades of safe neutrals.
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Major decor reporting notes a parallel shift: one article highlights two diverging trends: “city-glow” (neon, bold, expressive) and “cottage-flow” (nature-inspired, rich tones) in home-decor for 2025.
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In the rug industry specifically, the trend report by House Beautiful shows that pastel-safe isn’t enough: its “Top Rug Trends of 2025” emphasise richer palettes, texture and boldness rather than purely neutral tone-on-tone.
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Another interior-trend article cites “bold yet earthy colour palettes” and contrasts as key for 2025.
Together, these signals point to a rising openness — among designers and clients — to using unusual colours in rugs and other textiles.
3. Why this shift is happening — the design & psychological drivers
a) Saturation of neutrals & desire for personality
For years the interiors world leaned heavily on minimalism and neutral palettes. Now many clients feel their spaces lack “soul”. Designers report a craving for homes that feel unique, expressive and grounded. Bold rug colours answer that need: they become focal points, mood-makers and design statements.
b) Rugs as “art underfoot”
In luxury interiors, rugs are no longer just functional floor coverings: they are artistic installations. Using an unusual colour transforms a rug into a bespoke design element. For a brand like Carpet Couture by Rashi — with bespoke sizing, shaped rugs and custom colour options — this is a major opportunity.
c) Colour psychology & emotional resonance
Colour carries emotional weight.
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Olive and moss green evoke connection to nature, calmness and richness.
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Rust/terracotta convey warmth, groundedness and tactile luxury.
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Dusty rose or muted mauve evoke softness with a twist — unexpected but approachable.
When a rug carries an unusual colour, the space shifts: it becomes layered, curated and expressive.
d) Spatial flexibility & modern living
Modern homes, open-plan layouts and mixed materials (wood, glass, metal, textiles) demand rugs that can anchor a space without overwhelming. Using less-expected colours — especially when paired with texture, custom shape or abstract pattern — can achieve this. The unique hue gives the room identity; the handmade quality supports luxury performance.
4. How to use unusual colours in rugs wisely
As a luxury rug brand, we often advise clients and designers as follows:
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Start with undertone harmony: Even if the hue is unusual, ensure that its undertones (warm vs cool) resonate with other fabrics and materials.
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Consider scale & field size: If the rug is large and dominant, an unusual bold colour may work best as an accent or under furniture groups. If smaller, you can be bolder.
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Texture and pile matter: The finish of the rug affects how the colour reads. A high-low pile, bamboo‐silk highlights, or hand-tufted texture can soften a strong colour or make a subtle hue pop.
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Balance with surroundings: For clients nervous about bold colour, one tactic is to use the unusual colour in the rug alongside neutral furnishings — the rug then becomes the punch of personality without distracting.
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Customise shape & design: With unusual colours, a shaped rug or irregular form can elevate the design further — you’re not just choosing a colour, you’re customising the space.
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Longevity & taste evolution: Consider that tastes evolve. Unusual colours can risk feeling dated faster than classic colours — but if the design is well-executed and the rug is of premium craftsmanship, the piece becomes a timeless statement rather than a fad.
5. Why this matters for Carpet Couture by Rashi and our clients
At Carpet Couture by Rashi, we specialise in custom handmade rugs where colour, size, shape and material are all variable. The growing openness to unusual colours means:
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We can offer bespoke colour options beyond stock neutrals — giving clients unique pieces tailored to their brand, home or hospitality project.
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Our large loom capacity supports oversized formats in unusual hues — meaning clients don’t have to compromise on scale for bold colour.
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For hospitality, boutique hotels and luxury residences, an unusual-colour rug becomes a signature piece, aligning with the trend toward expressive interiors.
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Our expertise in luxury materials (wool, bamboo silk, nettle yarn etc.) means that unusual colours are not just vivid — they have depth, nuance and craftsmanship behind them.
6. A few caution points & how to mitigate risk
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Over-saturation: If the rug colour is too dominant and clashes with the room’s materials, it can feel jarring. Mitigate by balancing with neutral accents and repetition of the hue in cushions/art.
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Trend-vs-timeless: Some unusual colours may quickly lose favour. Custom design, subtle accents and premium materials help the piece stay relevant.
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Maintenance & light: Strong or deep colours can reflect or fade with light differently — make sure clients are aware of placement, lighting and use.
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Resale or future needs: For clients who may move or redecorate frequently, offering a neutral base plus a pop of unusual colour via border, motif or shaped overlay can increase versatility.
7. Final thoughts: The “why” behind the openness
Yes — people are becoming more open to using unusual colours in their rugs. The drivers are clear: a desire for personality, for spaces that feel custom and expressive, for luxury pieces that go beyond “safe”. For a brand like Carpet Couture by Rashi, this is an exciting moment: it means the custom rug isn’t just finishing touch — it’s design leadership.
If you’re considering an unusual-colour rug, think of it as investing in mood, atmosphere and identity — and let craftsmanship, colour nuance and shape elevate the piece. When done right, the rug becomes the soul of the room.
