Browsing by Author "Gunst, Hanna"

The aim of this study was to analyse how and what kind of rag rugs have been used in Finnish interiors presented in the Avotakka magazine and how the magazine deals with rag rugs in their writings between the years 1967–2018. The purpose of the study was to produce information about the role the rag rug has played in Finnish interior decoration, how the rag rug has adapted to different interior design trends and what kind of image Finland's largest interior design magazine has projected of the rag rug. Considering the popularity and long history of the rag rug, not much research has been conducted regarding the topic. No prior research has been made from the perspective of interior design magazines. The research material was gathered from Avotakka magazines published between 1967–2018. The research material was chosen through considerately selecting pictures featuring rag rugs from each annual volume of the magazine and all texts considering rag rugs were gathered. The pictures (N=52) and the written material (22 pcs A4 pages) were analyzed using Atlas.ti software and content analysis. The range of rag rugs presented in the Avotakka magazine between 1967–2018 was diverse in regard to colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. The prevalence of striped and multicolored rag rugs was distinct. The colors and patterns of the rugs have partly reflected the interior design trends of their era. Rag rugs were present in various domestic spaces and the study showed that it can fit all domestic spaces. The compositions were both creative and innovative, such as placing the rug from the floor onto a bench, practical, such as placing a rag rug in front of the dishwashing table, and traditional, such as placing rag rugs attached to each other. Rag rugs have been combined with a various range of interior design styles, for example, interior styles drawing inspiration from Japan and antiquities. Rag rugs have been also used for other purposes, other than covering the floor, for example as tablecloth. The Avotakka magazine dealt with rag rugs from the following perspectives: rag rug as an article of utility and decoration, the manufacturing, purchase and care of rag rugs and the historical and cultural status of the rag rug. The research showed that the rag rug is a versatile and respected household textile, that hasn't lost its status as a credible interior element during the research period.