Okay, so maybe that title is just a little deceptive since I am the last one to really follow any decorating rules. I will share my personal experience and tips for how I am working on making this new home of ours a little more comfy and cozy. I do what works for me and for my family especially now that we have moved into a much smaller space with a very interesting layout specifically in the living area.
I recently received a rug that I've been eyeing (and apparently a lot of you as well according to my Instagram post) from Rugs USA. This rug honestly changed the entire feel of our living space.
I started with this cowhide rug from World Market. It was a great base layer but the room still felt cold and unwelcoming in some ways although the cowhide did help add a bit of personality to the space.
I wish I could insert some amazing photo here and be an amazing blogger today but alas, I must disappoint and say that I have NOT ONE picture of the room before we layered our rugs. But, just go with me here an visualize it all, okay? :)
Anyhow, after searching for a while and looking at Dash and Albert, Pottery Barn and a few other retailers I always came back to this one from Rugs USA.
If you've looked at the Rugs USA site or even had your eye on a Moroccan inspired rug, you know that they have a billion and one choices on their site! I decided to go with this one since, in my opinion, it looked the most authentic, was made out of natural fibers vs. synthetic and had the tassels. I love the tassels. I think it adds a bit of whimsy and personality which I definitely want our living room to have.
Just to be clear, I honestly second guessed my selection and couldn't wait to get both of them down to see if what was in my head would look the same in real life.
Once I unpacked the rug and laid it all out I was SO pleased with the transformation of the room and the cozy feeling it gave the space especially with the layering of the cowhide. Extra warm. Extra cozy. Extra fun. Win.
For those of you wonderng if this rug is worth it, IT IS! I love the pile. Not too high and the perfect height. You've seen some of those shag rugs that your feet literally seem to get caught in while walking across...not this one! It will shed for a few weeks (according to RUGS USA site up to three months) but those of you who have had natural wool rugs, you know to expect this.
I also love the fact that it's a natural 100% wool fiber, not synthetic and it's hand knotted which gives it more a finished look than others.
I chose an 8x10 for our space and nestled our furniture just over the edge of each end of the rug. It fits perfectly and I like it that way.
And here is the final look. I'm getting better at photographing this teeny space and playing up it's strengths. Thank you for bearing with me, folks.
And for those in search of the perfect rug for their pad here are a few MY PERSONAL guidelines for finding the perfect rug for YOUR space:
1. Measure your space. Don't just buy a 5x7 rug because it's all that is available or what you can afford. Jute boucle rugs are relatively inexensive so if you have a space that really needs a larger rug and can handle it but you can't afford it, consider purchasing a jute rug and layer your favorite, smaller rug over the top of that rug. This way, the eye is still drawn out (creativing the illusion of a larger wide open space) vs. being drawn in.
2. Break the rules. I looked all over for inspiration of people layering cowhides with ANY other kind of rug and there wasn't much to see. I took a leap and decided to just try it and I won. Don't be afraid to do something different with your rugs. This could also apply to simply taking a rug from one room where it just doesn't seem to work and placing it in another space where it just may fit perfectly and change the entire mood of the room.
3. Step out of your comfort zone. I know it probably doesn't seem like I did this but if any of you remember our last living room it was extremely farmhouse and extremely traditional. It was comfortable and what I knew. I was and am determined in our new space to continue to challenge my comfort levels. I have always loved the look and feel of rustic, fresh, and modern but have never really been sure how to achieve it in our own home and complement our family and decorative personality. So, in essence, I guess what I am saying is step out of your rug comfort zone and try something new.
I sure hope this helped a bit with your rug search and decisions! I cannot wait to see what you all do in your own homes!
Friday, folks!
SOURCES
Cowhide Rug| World Market
Moroccan Shag | Rugs USA
Sofa and Cover | IKEA
DISCLAIMER: I was compensated by RUGS USA with a rug of my choice but unbiased opinions are all mine!
Your chairs look fab! I love the look of Black with wood - my old chairs were black too and sometimes houses for sale in Sedona AZ I miss them (although I love my new chairs too)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI also can attest to the amazingness that is this rug. I have 2 dogs and a baby and it has held up so well! For a natural fiber rug, I was surprised so many messes have come off with no problem. I just wish it didn't shed so much. Holy moly.
ReplyDeleteI know! It really is amazing but does shed a TON! The site says that it shouldn't last longer than a few months. I am sure it will slack off but not sure if it will ever completely stop if it's like any other wool rug I've owned. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteNeat Work!
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