…5 Easy Home Decor Solutions for the New Year – Rugs

#2 Rugs!

If you’ve had the same oriental or printed rug in you family room or living room for a number of years and your style has simpy changed, I would really encourage you to repace it. I’ve walked into many a consultation and seen a pretty typical oriental rug in bright reds or colonel blues and I think now is the time to let these colors seep into the past. They are heavy, they take up alot of congestion visually, make the room look heavy and they are expensive! You will be much happier with a neutral carpet – I promise!

Natural fiber rugs are everywhere and that is for a reason. They go with many styles and can be found in really high-end homes and very casual/family homes.

I know the concern can be if they are comfortable and cozy as a rug should be and they are. They are also extremely easy to clean and will hide dirt like no other. They will not wear or pull like wool or looped rugs and if you happen to have  3 cats & a 100lb chocolate lab named Kane they will hold up.

There are some simple rules for choosing a natural fiber rug. PLEASE do not pick a colored border like burgendy or forest green or navy. Again, you will tire of it, your taste will change and you will have a rug color that just doesn’t work in the space. Every shop has a simple beige color. Pick this. Every shop has many textures. Pick the one you love. I’m partial to a knobby jute because it adds interest & warmth. I have 2 in my kitchen as runners kind of like the image above. If you want a rug under your kitchen table pick a smaller, tighter ply. Yes – and if you have kids you CAN put one under your kitchen table and not curse after every meal from the tater tots that fall. You will not see them much until you are ready to vacuum.

They can also go in every room in your house without looking repetitive and over done. They will add continuity to your layout, in fact.

I know some of you will not be convinced that these are the way to go, especially with all the color choices out there. The reason that natural fiber rugs is my pick is that they can go literally in any room and when you want to introduce your color, you will layer color with your pillows, throws, accessories – items that are easy to replace when you tired of that color or want to refresh in a few years. You will not want to refresh a carpet in 5 years, but that lime green vase can find a new home without heartache.

And if I still haven’t convinced you because you are so drawn to color and pattern then go for it, just be aware that it will be a statement and will define your other color choices in that space. You will start from that pattern and build from there with your coordinating pillows, wall decor, etc. I just know that it’s human nature to change your mind and if you commit to that Ikat print or a Chevron, a new trend will come along and you run the risk of having the entire room look dated. The other option is to choose a rug that has one “color” and then a neutral like this wool rug. But, wool looped rugs pull and pulled rugs looked worn and need to be replaced.

Ah, so I’m back again to our natural fiber.

Clean, simple, inviting.

Tomorrow #3 is the coffee table! A must.