Do a grouping, preferably different sizes.

There are a lot of busy lines in there. Maybe something calm? It's ok to go subtle on the wall, the rug is pretty exciting on its own. Also, I think this room could use a plant or two!

The rug looks like a rectangle? I would try turning it the other way, so it doesn't fill the room wall-to-wall like it is currently.

Or, maybe you need to go bigger and really fill that wall! You are the artist. How about a long tree branch with a beautiful weave? (I've also seen this done with simple straight yarn, which looks lovely as long as the yarn itself is beautifully textured.)

Because of the strong curve in the rug, I like Seattle’s sugestion of something linear to be a counterpoint. I would like some of the olive incorporated, and I love the idea of a natural element like a branch. I could also see copper metal, or sea glass being integrated.

I also think you should soften the bench with a cushion, bringing another textile element. If not a cishion on the bench, what about the window?

I like your second example on the dark wall. any chance you would ’ike to go with a dark wall in there.

Lovely work! I like the wall painted black with the squares in the circle macrame.

Now...I'm thinking I want to do some string art.....

Unless you are going to paint the wall a dark color, I wouldn't use the natural color fiber. If the wall is going to remain off white, how about using a color from the rug?

Ditto the idea to go much bigger than the 48”. Much much bigger.

I say you know best. As an artist you have a feel for color/design. Go with YOUR gut.

I flipped it. And tried the other side. What do you think?

Honestly, I think it's not working for the space turned either direction. The size is awkward. But the bigger issue is that the pattern is so bold that it's dictating what you could put on the walls.

I realize you said your budget is tight, so I do apologize for the suggestion. I bought this mat from home depot for only $18, and I love it. It looks kind of plain on the website but I love it because it has a minimal look, almost scandi -- it looks like grey wool and has a subtle stripe texture. It has held up to five years worth of wet shoes, sap and pine needles and still looks new.

A simpler rug will free you up to put anything you want on the wall. Go big! You mentioned that you are the one making the textile artwork. A wood dowel from home depot will only be about $5, and you can create something big enough to fill the space.

I agree with Seattle. Your artwork is beautiful and shouldn't have to accommodate the rug. It should be the star.

I found the full version of the artwork from your inspiration pic. I do think a 48" hoop could work if you find a way to make the artwork taller, like this.

The color in this mockup is different, I do like the green and camel version you posted.

I agree that a simple solid color rug would work better there. The flooring itself is pretty busy and a solid rug doesn´t fight with it.

And the rug does should not be right up next to the door. No one steps in the first few inches of the doorway. Put the rug at least 6 inches from the threshold.

I think I have a black doormat in the basement! Let me look for it, I really like the idea!

I think I have a black doormat in the basement! Let me look for it,

Awesome! also "shop your house" for an accessory you could put on the bench, or on the floor next to it. A plant, pot, vase, or something. You can trim some branches from your yard to put in it. Or maybe a basket?

If you wanted to set something on the bench but was worried it will get knocked off, you can stick it in place damage-free with museum putty (poster putty will work in a pinch but is harder to work with).