Oh My Styled Life
Custom Rugs: How To Elevate Spaces With Personal Touches
O’Hara Interiors Senior Designer Heidi Feliz-Grimm shares her new custom rug collection with Fay + Belle, plus expert insights on how to incorporate these custom pieces into the home.
O’Hara Interiors Senior Designer Heidi Feliz-Grimm recently collaborated with Fay + Belle Rugs to launch a stunning collection of custom rugs that demonstrates the power of bespoke design. With years of experience designing high-end interiors from coast to coast, Heidi understands the value of custom pieces that elevate a room’s atmosphere.
Make up by Cendel Castillo
“I wanted this collection to evoke a sense of nature’s harmony while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic,” says Heidi Feliz-Grimm. “Each rug has its own story which innately adds warmth and depth to any space – even beyond its material and texture.”
See some of Heidi’s recent design projects on our portfolio page.
Why Choose Custom Rugs?
O’Hara Interiors designers are known for their ability to source custom, one-of-a-kind pieces for homeowners, and one of the most sought-after pieces they select are custom rugs. These design elements have a major impact on a space’s ambiance, serving as a foundation for the room’s overall design. Designers may include a bold statement rug in a large foyer to welcome guests to the home or an oversized area rug that ties in colors and textures from furnishings in a living room. Custom rugs can also play a role in powder rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, where designers often experiment with more creative patterns that create a sense of intrigue in smaller spaces.
“One of the things I love about my collection is that even within each design, designers can be so creative with them,” says Heidi. “The designs are very personal to me, but also at the same time, you can create something so unique for a client’s project.”
Drawing Inspiration from Culture and Nature
Heidi’s latest collection takes inspiration from her upbringing in the Dominican Republic and her love for nature. For example, the Palos and Aalto designs mimic the organic look of water waves and ripples. Sosua is named after a beach town in the Dominican Republic, known for its large, colorful, petaled flowers, and Quisqueya is an homage to the national flower, the Bayahibe Rose. Her designs range from geometric patterns to traditional motifs, offering designers and clients a broad palette of options.
“There’s something special about creating a piece that tells a story, whether inspired by the Dominican landscape or a personal experience,” says Heidi.
Heidi’s favorite design is Lucy, a floral pattern that subtly makes the shape of a cow’s face, an homage to her passion for animal activism.
How to Use Custom Rugs in Your Design
Heidi emphasizes the importance of considering placement and purpose when choosing a custom rug. “You have to think about where the rug will go. Is it a statement piece for a foyer or a more intimate design for a private space like a bedroom? From there, you can decide on size, patterns, and colors.”
Her advice to those considering the possibilities of custom rugs: get creative. “Don’t focus too much on the pattern as is. Take that design and run with it. Choose materials that feel right for the space and experiment with the pile height or color palette to make the rug truly unique.”
Find creative, custom design inspiration for your next project.
The process of creating a custom rug with Heidi and Fay + Belle involves careful consideration and collaboration. “First, we discuss the project needs and finalize ideas,” Heidi explains. “Once we have a design in mind (the pattern, colors, size, and scale), we order a strike-off for approval. If we’re happy with the sample, the rug goes into production. This process can take four to six months.”
The beauty of custom rugs lies in their flexibility. “Each rug is entirely customizable,” says Heidi. “You can choose the material—whether it’s 100% Himalayan wool, 100% natural silk, or a refined mix of the two. You can adjust the pile height or play with ombre effects and color palettes. Every detail is uniquely custom.”
Explore the possibilities of custom design with O’Hara Interiors. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with Heidi’s exceptional designs.