Monday, March 31, 2014

Caring For Your Rugs: Part 2


We talked about several things you can do to keep your rug looking its best in Caring for Your Rugs: Part 1. What else can you do to be sure your investment lasts a lifetime?
Keep Moths and Other Pests Away
Moths are pesky creatures. They love nothing more than to dine on the most costly fabric investment in a home. Fortunately, periodic sweeping or vacuuming of your rug can easily keep them at bay. Moths hate to be disturbed and will generally infest a rug that is in storage or areas of your rug that are under furniture. Just as rotating helps ensure consistent wear and tear, it also sends a clear message to pests: keep out!

Protect Against Mildew
Mildew is a concern for any homeowner, especially those living in a humid climate like we do here in the Southeast. Mildew flourishes in areas that are damp and/or warm, as well as in areas where air is poorly circulated. Therefore, unfortunately, it can grow and survive on your rug—both when in storage and in use.
If you want or need to store your rug, be sure to do so in a well-vented and dry space. Unless you have an air-conditioned garage that is raised off the ground or are purchasing a conditioned storage unit, rug storage is not recommended for long periods of time.
In your home, keep air conditioned and circulating as well. If you don’t have an air conditioner, try utilizing fans and opening windows to get rid of moisture-laden air. As we mentioned in Caring for Your Rugs: Part 1, rug pads can also help prevent moisture from collecting under your rug by allowing air to move more freely. In the event of a small liquid spill, they can buy you time to blot the spill with a clean cloth and then keep air circulating so the spot dries without mildewing.   

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

3 Tricks of the Trade


Now that you've purchased a rug, there are some general guidelines for caring for your rug that every owner should know. Take a moment to review our Post(s) on Caring for your Handmade Rug here. In addition to general care, we'd like to share 3 tricks of the trade from experts here at Rug & Home.

1.  Put your rug on ice: Well, sort of. A great thing about hand-knotted rugs is that they’re made of wool fibers, which are resilient and can literally bounce back! If, over time, your furniture has left indentations on your rug and you’d like to get rid of them, take an ice cube and gently rub it over the depressions. You can use your fingers or even a brush as well once the areas are a bit moist to loosen the fibers and get them to fill the space again. Of course, you don’t want to soak the areas. While wool is naturally mold resistant, a saturated rug is never a great idea.

2.  Give your rug a hair cut: Handmade rugs often “sprout,” which means that a bit of the threading can rise or sprout up from the rug’s surface (face). If this has happened or is happening with your rug, don’t worry, it’s completely natural and harmless, as well as an easy fix! All you need to do is take a pair of scissors and snip the thread close to the rug’s face. Just don’t pull, as pulling could cause permanent damage.

3.  
Stop, drop, and roll: As mentioned above, handmade wool rugs are incredibly resilient. In addition to being able to bounce back from furniture impressions, they can also bounce back from being folded and stored. To help the rug lie flat on your surface from storage, first roll it. The shaping and smoothing action will help the rug fall naturally when unrolled. You can also vacuum the rug a few times to nudge it back to its natural shape. As you may have experienced, we often fold our tufted and machine-made rugs as well as our hand-knotted pieces to help you transport them from our stores. This rolling tip can certainly also be applied once you’ve gotten your rug home (as shown with the tufted rugs in the photo above), to help get it settled into its new space!

Be on the lookout for more home furnishings trade tricks here in the future. Have your own insider tip about rugs, furniture, artwork, etc. to add to this trio? Share your ideas in a comment on this post!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Caring for Your Handmade Rugs: Part 1

You may have noticed that handmade rugs typically cost more than machine-made rugs. But don’t let the cost deter you, as they’re a great investment. With proper care, handmade rugs can easily last for hundreds of years thanks to the high quality fibers, dyes, and techniques used to create them. We’ll go into more detail on the process in other posts in this series, but for now, let’s focus on just what proper care entails.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning plays an important role in extending the life of your rug. While heavy-duty cleanings are best left to the professionals and should be preformed on a semi-regular basis, there’s plenty you can do to keep your rug looking its best, too. Here are some tips:
  • Sweep or vacuum daily/weekly. We know that there aren’t enough hours in the day. If you can’t sweep or vacuum daily, do try to make at least a weekly routine of caring for your rug. If vacuuming, you’ll want to choose a machine without beater bars—those rotating plastic brushes found on the undersides of almost all standard vacuum cleaners. They’re not gentle enough for handmade rugs and can tug at the fibers. You may be able to turn off the beater bar on your vacuum. But, if not, make the broom your friend!
  • Spill? Act quickly. For a liquid spill, blot immediately with a paper towel or clean white rag to soak up as much liquid as possible. For a solid spill, quickly blot with a paper towel or clean white rag, then gently scrape any remaining debris away with the dull edge of a knife or spoon. Still there? You may be able to use products you already have at home—like vinegar and wax paper—to help remove the spill. Or, you may need to use a cleaning product specifically made for rugs. Rug & Home recommends Capture products by Milliken (www.captureclean.com). Their cleaners contain no bleach, solvents, or harsh chemicals and are easy to use. All you need is a vacuum! For a list of possible spills and how to clean them, CLICK HERE. It’s also possible that a professional cleaning may be needed to properly remove the spill or stain. Please call Rug & Home for our recommendations on the best professional cleaners in your area.
Use a Rug Pad

Using a rug pad is a relatively inexpensive way to ensure that your purchase lasts a lifetime. Pads help minimize regular wear and tear. And, they offer some protection from mildew by allowing air to circulate under the rug, which also helps a vacuum cleaner remove dirt. Pads also help protect your floor from your rug. When placed on hardwood flooring for an extended period of time with no pad, a rug can cause scratches and other damage.
In addition to helping keep a rug in great shape, a pad provides several benefits for the homeowner. It helps grip the rug to the floor, which not only keeps the rug where it should be in a space but also helps prevent slips and falls. (Rugs on hardwood, tile, or other non-carpeted surfaces can slide around easily.) A pad also provides a little extra cushion for added comfort when walked on!

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is possibly a rug’s biggest enemy. Fortunately, it’s the easiest threat to combat. Simply drawing the curtains when you leave your house for the day will protect your rug for years to come.

If exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, work to ensure that your rug fades evenly. You can rotate your handmade rug every few months and avoid significant fading. Rotating also ensures that one portion of your rug won’t wear more significantly than another.

If your rug has already been damaged by the sun, don’t panic. Closely examine it. Is the fading only at the very tips of the pile, or raised surface of your rug? If so, remedying the problem could be as simple as a professional cleaning, which will abrade the ends of the pile and reduce the appearance of fading.

Friday, March 21, 2014

How to: Select the Best Rugs for your Bath

No one likes to step out of the shower or bath onto a cold tile floor. Not only is tile uncomfortable and even dangerous (due to the tendency of slipping), but it also adds no warmth to the room, but where do you begin? If you're determined to keep your bathroom void of a faux chenille with rubber backing, circa 1980, use these simple tips and shop with ease. 

If you've perused the aisles of your latest big box store, you've no doubt seen an assorted selection of rugs designed specifically for your bathroom. While I applaud Nate Berkus (I am a huge fan, in fact) for bringing stylish trends to Target, your choices extend beyond cotton bathmats and the well-known, inexpensive versions of branded "bath rugs" that these stores carry. You can absolutely take your high-quality taste into the bathroom with a high quality rug!

Most consumers associate hand-knotted with the terms "traditional" and "oriental" though a rug connoisseur and even you can attest that times have changed. Conventionally, hand-knotted rugs are more ornate and feature traditional borders though in recent years artisans have developed some of the most beautiful modern designs with the timeless features of bold colors and durability. A wool, hand-knotted rug is a wise choice for the bath because it doesn’t contain glue or synthetics that may erode when exposed to moisture over time. Steer clear of wool tufted rugs in the bathroom, however. Tufted rugs are known to shed and while we love a cozy sock, you likely will not love the feel of furry, wool-covered feet!

Natural fiber rugs (jute, hemp, or sisal) add a spa-like feel to your bathroom space and with neutral tones, work with most any decor. Like hand-knotted rugs, these typically do not have any artificial backing or glues that would decompose over time. Keep in mind, that these aren't typically characterized as "soft" rugs. While spa-like they aren't going to be plush under foot. 

Chenille and cotton are the most common choices for the bathroom. While they are typically
inexpensive and certainly very soft, they have some drawbacks. Most bath rugs in this category have a synthetic backing that will decompose over time. If you're looking for something you can throw in the washing machine, these make great temporary choices. You can change them easily for holidays and seasons, they typically fold with ease due to thin fibers, and you can find them in most home decor or big box stores. If you're using a cotton mat without a backing, I would always recommend a good rug pad to avoid slipping, allow for the rug to breath (to avoid unwanted odors), and to extend its life. 

Follow these few simple tips, and you won’t have to suffer from cold tile or cheap bathmats. Which one will you choose?

Written By: Samantha Palacio

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Trend Alert: Geometrics

Blocks, dots, and lattice, oh my! We know it all to well: the clean lines, the hard edges, the contemporary prints. If you put them into one category we call them: geometrics. They work in every home of the house where you may want to add a modern edge and there are no color restrictions or common colors. In fact, you can find a rug that includes [almost] every color of the rainbow in multicolored blocks. It's true!



It's an acquired taste, not everyone's cup of tea, though lately we are seeing the geometrics go viral. The wonderful thing about the geometric niche (if you are not a fan already) is that the clean lines make decorating a breeze. They can be artistic or a means to simply streamline a space. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new trend!

Here are some examples of basic geometric prints from popular collections:


Blocks
KAS 'Kidding Around'
Dots
American Rug Craftsmen 'Dryden'
Trellis
Momeni Geo

Which is your favorite?



By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, March 17, 2014

Styling with Rounds

"Styling and visual merchandising have become more of a personal reflection of the designer behind the brand, evocative of charm and character." - "Stories of Style" from Est Magazine Issue 12.

I love this statement made by an Est Magazine writer. Styling a home with round rugs requires a unique taste. Traditionally, rectangle rugs are preferred for their clean lines and ease of filling a room, but maybe you want something a little different. Maybe you have an odd shaped room? In any case, round rugs are no longer being used in dining rooms alone. Indoor/Outdoor options are available for patio use, living rooms can be styled with large rounds, and a round rug in a foyer can create a cozy landing strip. 

Mimic the same rules for the living room when using a round. The front legs should be touching and grounding the rug. It makes a perfect compliment to a round coffee table if you have one. 




You can also purchase a round large enough to fit all or most of the furniture on like pictured here: 
Steve Allen Photography via HGTV
Round rugs are traditionally used in large foyer areas, but look best when styled with a small table or some sort of vignette. Please don't create a landing strip in which your rug looks like the lonely island. A polka dot effect in a child's room can be seen as whimsical and cute, but from a design standpoint, please don't decorate your adult bedroom with a floating round rug.


Do:



Don't:



Entry way landing strip:

Hooked indoor/outdoor rugs are ideal in foyer areas because they are high trafficked and make the first impression. Kaleen makes beautiful round rugs with their Home and Porch collection - everything from traditional to contemporary in trendy patterns like this chevron pictured hereLikewise, these are the  perfect patio solutions under a bistro set during those summer barbecues.

Are you using rounds in your home? Send us a picture! We'd love to see how you've styled with rounds.

By: Samantha Palacio

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Beauty & Style of Flat Weaves

Typically made from wool, cotton, or jute, flat-woven rugs do not show traffic patterns like other rugs. They are so thin, that they are the perfect selection for a tight hallway space, or in an area where a door may craze over carpet. Since this ancient flooring technique has no pile, you can shuffle across flat-weaves for years with little wear. Furthermore, they are often reversible so you get twice the life out of them and they're unbelievably affordable at around $89 for a 3x5 rug! 


Many flat-weaves contain native patterns that can accentuate a Southwestern or mountain theme. You’ll likely find a variety of colors hand-woven into the rugs, ranging from orange and red to warm chocolate-brown and yellow. Flat-weaves are ideal for a casual or rustic setting in a family room or office.  However, designers have brought forth contemporary and transitional patterns that lend these rugs to work well in any room and with any decor. They are ideal for an eating space because they can withstand heavy traffic and sliding chairs. They can even be used as a wall hanging or backdrop behind a bed.
You can find flat-woven rugs in many sizes and styles. The most popular types are kilimsumac, and dhurrie:
  • Kilim rugs have been made since at least 1000 BC. Long admired for their practical applications as much as for their beauty, kilim rugs are created by tightly interweaving strands of wool. The ends of the strands create fringe, which are knotted to prevent pulling. You’ll find kilims in plain, single-color patterns as well as brightly ornamental designs filled with symbols and ancient characters. The word kilim originated in Turkey, but the flat-weaving process is also practiced in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, and China.
  • When you here the term "flat-woven" you may be picturing a Southwestern theme. Sumac rugs were first made in the Turkish town of Shemakja. These flat-woven wool rugs tend toward geometric designs with tribal overtones. The woven embroidery appears on both sides, making these rugs reversible. Europeans have long valued Sumacs for their durability in high-traffic areas and for their designs that fit any kind of decor, from traditional to rustic to contemporary. Sumac rugs tend to be the heaviest of the flat-weaves, yet they remain reasonably priced.
  • Dhurrie rugs are usually made of versatile, durable cotton. They have been the rug of choice for many centuries in India. Because they are so thin and flexible, various sized dhurries are used for everything from coasters under vases to floor coverings popular in mediation rooms. Dhurries commonly have traditional touches of oriental and contemporary designs, making them ideal for a wide range of casual decors.

Many people consider the different types of these rugs incidental, preferring instead to focus on the patterns and colors. For collectors, however, dhurrie, sumac, and kilim rugs fill special places in the home and are considered sacrosanct.
All flat-weaves are light; they fold easily for storage and travel. While we suggest professional cleaning, you can immerse these all-natural rugs in water if you wish to clean them yourself. Vacuuming and spot cleaning are usually all the rugs need to maintain their beauty and last a long time.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Why Buy a Rug

Get big impact on a minimal budget by caring for your floors. Like building a house, you should always start with the foundation first. You may be asking yourself, "why do I need a rug?"
Source: Pinterest
You want to protect your floors with some sort of carpeting or rugs for longevity. Hardwood floors and even laminate will wear over time. Movement of furniture is especially damaging to flooring as it drags or moves with use. A rug will anchor the furniture and keep the furniture from scarring the flooring itself. It also protects it from general foot traffic.

While they may be the source of board games, movie-watching, and morning shuffles, they are not the most eye-catching part of the home... or are they? Placing a rug in the center of your living room can brighten up the dull look of old furniture or faded walls. Look for bright new colors that won't fade in a machine made or go for a completely new look with a colorful hand-knotted rug made of recycled sari silk [pictured below]. Bonus: Sari silk feels like cashmere for the feet. Walk on it, and nothing else will compare. 

Think about it... It's the 
first thing your feet touch in the morning. How does your flooring feel? Does it feel warm and cozy or are you jolted awake by aching pine boards? You’ll be amazed at the effects a simple rug can bring to a room and to your comfort level. Sinking your toes into a soft viscose rug is similar to the feeling of a cozy robe in chilly winter months. Comfort transforms our mood and our outlook on life in general. 
Source: Pinterest
To answer the question, "why do you need a rug?" It's all about comfort and protection. Care for your floors, cover them with comfort, and you will be amazed at how the feel of your home transforms. 

*Don't forget to properly care for your floors. Check out these great tips on cleaning hardwood floors from Our Fifth House



By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, March 10, 2014

Hollywood Style

Hollywood Swank is a luxurious blend of upholstered and glamorously styled furniture goods manufactured by AICO. This gorgeous line is a collaboration by the renowned Michael Amini and Jane Seymour bringing a little bit of Hollywood to homes all across America. View the entire collection by clicking on this link or scroll through for some inspiration. 


Creamy Pearl Cal King Upholstered Bed

Upholstered Vanity & Mirror
Platinum Faux Sheepskin Bed bench
One of the things that we love about the Hollywood Swank collection is that, much like Caracole, the pieces come in different colors but the finishes will coordinate allowing you to create either a matching look or one slightly more eclectic.



Paired with a tribal, handmade rug, we've taken the collection from classic to contemporary. Sheepskin is very trendy right now and this sheepskin bench would make a nice addition to the end of a bed, in a dressing area, or even as a front hall vignette to compliment the living room.



You don't need all pieces of this unique collection to pull together a stylish look. Gator finishing speaks volumes on its own. A neutral, rolled arm sofa can be paired with metallic end tables for a contemporary uplift. 


Which pieces of this collection are your favorite? 

Stop by our Gaffney or Kannapolis locations to view them today!


Written by: Samantha Palacio

Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday Favorite Things


1. Schnadig Annie Chair // 2. Amur Modern Smoked Glass Lamp // 3. Schnadig Annie Sofa // 4. Kaleen Nomad Rug // 5. Uttermost Abila Wooden Tray  // 6. Caracole's "Book It" coffee table

The Schnadig Annie sofa/chair combination brings vintage flair to our style board this Friday! To give you  a vintage modern edge, we suggest pairing it with a favorite - the Kaleen Nomad tribal style rug. Animal print can add an unexpected touch of pattern in accessories and we love the uniqueness of this Amur smoked glass lamp. The dark shade adds low light that would be beautiful in a bedroom space or gentleman's study. The Abila wooden tray offers storage, perfect for a cocktail ottoman, and functions as a bed tray. The metallic finish is also a very popular trend for 2014. Caracole's "Book It" is an oversized, storage-packed coffee table that is a great option for family rooms and office spaces with seating. Are you a book lover? Do you have children? This is the game night, studying kind of table surface that is perfect for families and students. It offers so much storage beneath it's table surface that it would even work well in a small apartment type setting. In a black finish that coordinates with many different color combinations, we have to share this amazing piece with you.

Have a suggestion? Send us an email with your "favorite find" and we'll feature it here with coordinating products.

By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, March 3, 2014

Styling with Chevron


We're seeing it everywhere. That emphasis "zig zag" pattern also known as: chevron. How exactly are you supposed to incorporate this new trend into your home? Feast your eyes on some of these fantastic examples from Pinterest:



If you want to make the biggest statement, go for the rug! When choosing your furnishings, you should always start with the rug first. Work from the ground up, my friends! A chevron pattern can be found in many different color choices. It's also a simple, geometric pattern, making it convenient to style with florals and other abstract patterns within the same space. Make a glamorous statement with a black and white pattern like pictured above, or go for a neutral tone to use more color throughout the room. Notice how the striking yellow chairs pop a midst the classic sea of black and white.
Get it Now!


For a more subtle use of color, it's in the linens:

Not wanting to fully commit the pattern to the floor? A duvet cover, some throw pillows, or even the curtains are other great options. Notice how they've added bursts of hot pink to this neutral grey palette of chevron. Accessories are also easily changed if you tire of trends quickly. 


Better Homes & Gardens did a great tutorial on how to create a chevron lampshade here. A project like this is great for so many rooms throughout the home!

My favorite alternative to chevron, if you are looking for a subtle introduction, is Art. This easy DIY by House*Tweaking is done in a popular gold leaf paint and adds subtle light to this corner of her room. Art is one of the best ways to personalize your home. Your home should reflect the things that inspire you. What inspires you about the clean lines of chevron? Is it order? Consistency? Consider the answers to those questions when choosing how to surround yourself with this pattern. It may just bring some order to an otherwise chaotic space.


Chevron sure makes us happy! With such simple lines, I predict it will be staying around for a while. Want some more in depth advice on incorporating it into your space? Send a picture of your space to one of our designers, and we'll be glad to point you in the right direction.

By: Samantha Palacio

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Paula Deen Promotion

ImageFrom now until March 24th, stop by any of our three locations to ENTER TO WIN a meet and greet with Paula Deen herself. There is no purchase necessary to enter and you could be in the lucky “special guest” at a LIVE appearance!
While you’re in stores, check out all of the great deals we’ve got going on like our $299 Rug Sale, markdowns in furniture, and gorgeous floor length mirrors for the home! We’ve received new shipments of unique home accessories, luxurious pieces by AICO, and all shapes and sizes of mirrors from Majestic Mirror. Have questions? “Like” us on Facebook to stay in-the-know with all of our latest sales and promotions.
Make a $2,000 (or more) purchase of Paula Deen furniture, and get a FREE COOKWARE set!
ImagePrefer to shop online? Shop in the comfort of your pajamas own home and visit us on the web for web-only specials!