Wednesday, April 30, 2014

5 Office Spaces to Love

In today's digital age, most homes require a home office of some sort whether it be a space to work from home, a place to pay bills, or an area for children to study. Even in the tightest of spaces, you can carve out a little niche to make the daunting task of paperwork a little easier.

1.
The simple wall-mounted surface in this Scandinavian design takes up little space and allows for storage at the floor and with shelving above. It's simplicity and function at its finest. 

2.
Carve out a nook in a kitchen or closet for a command center. Use wall space for notes and inspiration or add shelves for office supplies and storage. Colorful and functional!

3.
A drop down desk concealed in a cabinet. Great storage in an unused corner of a home!

4.
Some simple 2' x 6' boards create a standing desk in this home office at a Beautiful Mess. This alternative would work well with just a small section mounted such as in a studio space. This would be ideal followed by shelving to the ceiling for maximum storage.

5.
An office on a stair landing? Brilliant use of normally underutilized space! This setup houses tons of storage and eliminates the need for an extra room just to craft. Perfect, again, for small space living. 

Want to see more office ideas? Connect with us on Pinterest and view our "Office Spaces" board for inspiration. Do you have a note-worthy office space? Send us an Instagram of your space @rugandhome and we may feature YOU on our Facebook page!

By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, April 28, 2014

Top 5: Color in Unexpected Ways

In home decorating, it's perfectly acceptable to 'think outside the box.' We've compiled a list of Top 5 favorite ways to unexpectedly add bold color to your space and why they are so fresh. 


1. The unexpected pop of lime green accents this space very well. This dining space is cheerful and light alongside the exposed brick. You can easily imagine enjoying many citrus-flavored meals in this gathering.


2. Where do I begin in this space? While this decorista kept to a flowing color palette, there are lots of color pops to notice here making it difficult to look away. What makes it unexpected you may ask? The unique use of window sills to display artwork and greenery. If you are fortunate to live in a home with windows ledges, these are a perfect opportunity to display accents in unexpected ways.

3. I will likely never tire of this simple pop of color drawn onto the walls in this space. I have seen several amazing renditions of geometric patterned accent walls, but the simplicity of lines is very eye-catching here. I can't decide if it looks like my child drew it on or it's an eccentric wallpaper.
Either way ... love it!


4. Iridescent shower tiles. This photo needs no explanation, but if you have to have one: how can you not love this? It's gorgeous and surely trumps traditional shower stalls!


5. Forego a stair runner and paint your risers in desirable hues! Accent the foyer with a coordinating rug for bursts of color in the entry. This falls at number 5, but it certainly no less of a favorite!

By: Samantha Palacio

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Understanding Dyes


To get you up to speed on the dyes that are used when making rugs, we've compiled three categories of types. Keep these in mind when shopping for quality and brilliance of color:
Natural
Natural dyes have been used for centuries to create beautiful and striking colors. Historically, they've come from plant sources, and they typically do so today. For example, reds are often created from dried madder root, blues of indigo extracted from a variety of plants, and yellows from the Mediterranean herb, weld. Secondary colors then come from mixing these primary colors. Shades of brown can also be created naturally, from items like walnut husks.
The natural dyeing process can be a complicated one. As a result, pieces that are naturally dyed can be more expensive than those created with synthetic dyes and are usually highly desirable. While the unique colors created by natural dyes can be closely imitated with synthetic ones, colors from natural dyes do vary slightly, giving you a one-of-a-kind piece that can never be exactly duplicated!
Synthetic
If you don’t want to stretch your budget too thin, rugs colored with synthetic dyes are great options, as it’s nearly impossible for the naked eye to tell the difference between a synthetically dyed and naturally dyed rug. While prices vary, a synthetically dyed rug usually costs about 30% less than one that’s naturally dyed. Synthetic dyes are also bold and bright, and they allow a manufacturer to create rugs with consistent coloring.
A Mixture
Because certain natural dyes are not readily available in all areas, rugs are often dyed using a mixture of natural and synthetic colorants. Rug makers use what materials are available to them that will give the best color payoff for you to enjoy!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Sari Silk Rugs

Some call it recycling; others think the process deserves a name with a more positive connotation. Thus, the term upcycling was born. Upcycling means taking something that would otherwise be thrown away — in this case, fabric — and making it into an even better product. In upcycling, the old parts do not equal the new whole.

Sari Silk rugs are an upcycling success story. Made from the silk that once graced the saris destined to be worn by Indian women, these rugs have become some of the most colorful, most imaginative, and most sought-after pieces on the market today. A sari is a four-to-nine-yard length of cloth, often silk, that women wrap around themselves as their garment.


sari5

Upcycling Saris

The saris upcycled into rugs are typically composed of handspun silk. Since the rugs’ popularity has skyrocketed, women’s cooperatives in India have developed a cottage industry to create the vibrant silk thread that’s then used to hand-knot the fabulous rugs.


The women unravel unused saris by hand, fortify the extracted silk with cotton, wool, or other fibers, and then weave the threads into unique patterns that end up looking like pieces of art. The breathtaking creations, made entirely of this fortified sari silk, are saturated with colors and are so soft that you may find yourself wanting to leave the sofa to snuggle on the floor.



One-of-a-Kind Masterpieces

No two Sari Silk rugs are alike because of the variety of the source saris collected by the Indian women. Once the fabric has been hand-knotted into rugs, they become the one-of-a-kind masterpieces you can find at Rug & Home.


These hand-crafted works of art contain inconsistencies in their patterns and variations in their colors — elements that heighten their beauty instead of detracting from it. You will experience an infinite variety of color in your Sari Silk rugs.

sari1
Caring for Your Treasures


These natural rugs are durable and will hold up for decades if you take care of them properly. Don’t place your Sari Silk rug in a place that receives heavy traffic, but do lay them on top of a quality rug pad, such as those sold at Rug & Home. You may also want to keep it out of direct sunlight.


Put your colorful work of art where it will be seen rather than trampled, such as by a corner sitting area, underneath a table or baby grand piano, or in your bedroom. Some owners love their rugs too much to walk on them, preferring instead to hang them on the wall.
Sari Silk rugs require gentle vacuuming with suction only, although you can have them hand-washed by a professional cleaner as needed.
It’s worth the little extra time and the effort it takes to care for a Sari Silk rug because they will last longer. In the end, you won’t think of them as upcycled or even recycled … you’ll just love and respect the beauty of your one-of-a-kind rug.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Favorite Things Friday

1. Uttermost Ferns Framed Art // 2. Carentino Green Table Lamp // 3. IMAX colorful birds // 4. Sari Silk Rug - Rug & Home // 5. Alaina Recycled Magazine baskets // 6. GuildMaster's table

In celebration of Earth Day, this Favorite Things Friday posting is composed of some of our favorite recycled products as well as nature-inspired accessories here at Rug & Home. From foliage to birds and even recycled baskets, we've got traditional mixed in with contemporary. This beautifully designed Sari Silk rug is a one-of-a-kind rug made from recycled Sari's that features unmeasurable softness. The unique style of this GuildMaster's table would be fun in a playroom, eclectic living room, or even in a mancave. So many options to style your home and add a fresh pop of "green" this Spring! Visit us on the web.

By: Samantha Palacio

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Sustainable Accessories


In thinking of Earth Day approaching, we'd like to share a few of our favorite 

Sustainable Accessories with you all! Bringing sustainable goods, eco-friendly products, or reclaimed furniture into your home is not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint on the world, it is beautifying your home! Eco-friendly goods can be found naturally dyed in many brilliant colors and there is nothing like the breathtaking hues of a Sari Silk rug! If you have not laid eyes or hands upon a Sari Silk rug, you have to stop by and feel the luxurious texture! For more information on how to find these and other environmentally friendly goods, visit our website and the descriptions below.

1. Anise Recycled Magazine Stool by IMAX // 2. Sea Grass Baskets by IMAX // 3. Reclaimed wood console // 4. Sari Silk Rug & Home exclusive // 5. Capuchin Rattan Baskets // 6. Rug & Home Mosaic Rag Rug

By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, April 14, 2014

The Psychology of Color


If you're completely clueless on what hue you'd like to put in your new home, I'd like to introduce a concept to you: the Psychology of Color. If you have a blank slate, you may be overwhelmed by the task of choosing from a whole rainbow of color. The Psychology of Color will help you choose shades considering the environment you are putting the color in. If you are painting a playroom, you may want colors that are energetic and youthful (Vibrant Orange or Bright Blue). In a bedroom you may want something relaxing (Neutral Grey or Light Green) or sensual (Bright Red). 

Use this fabulous color chart to get some inspiration for the feelings or vibe(s) you want your space to invoke. You've entered a whole new world of decorating mentality when you start to consider the psychology behind your color choices!

Any go-to hues out there? We'd love to know your favorite shade!

By: Samantha Palacio

Saturday, April 12, 2014

High Point Market Spring 2014

Our buyers have returned from the hustle and bustle of High Point Market with jaw-dropping inspiration from some of our vendors' showrooms. There are lots of exciting new products coming to Rug & Home and we will be welcoming in some new vendors this year. I am personally excited about the thoughts of some of the Steampunk inspirations from a vendor: Mercana. We can outfit any style here at Rug & Home, always offering the latest in home decor trends.

Classic Home has brought forth a collection of pillows that is swoon-worthy. A far cry from traditional florals, these geometric and Moroccan-inspired designs certainly turn heads.
Century's sleek dining design is modern and sophisticated. Coming your way soon at Rug & Home!

Allstate Florals has blown us away with their vibrant purple hues indicative of Pantone's color of the year: radiant orchid. Stop by to see our large selection of florals on display at our three locations.

We hope you loved this sneak peek of some of our favorite market trends. Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more scenes from market, as well as Facebook for an album.

Also, be sure to check Facebook for this week's giveaway! We're giving away FREE 5x8 Indoor/Outdoor rugs each week during the month of April. "Like" us to Win. 

By: Samantha Palacio

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Allergy Dilemma


If you suffer from allergies, you may have been drawn to hardwood floors for their ease at cleaning dust mites and dander. Carpet, though entirely cleanable, is still known to trap dust and dirt that even the most expensive of vacuums can't remove completely. The problem with hardwoods is that they are not energy-efficient and are just plain cold at certain times of the year. Warmth is still attainable with these 4 tips for selecting a rug when allergies are a consideration:

1. Assess your needs. Where is the rug going? There are several different rug materials and each can function in some areas better than others. Wool, for instance, is very durable and works well in high-trafficked areas. It also happens to be a material that some are allergic too, however. If you have a wool-allergen, you would be advised to avoid tufted rugs as they tend to shed and the wool fibers may cause irritation for the allergy-sufferer. 

2. Are you allergic to natural grasses? Natural fiber rugs such as jute and sisal are popular for their neutral tones and clean, minimalist look. If tolerable, these make a great alternative in living spaces and under foot in the bedroom.

3. Maintenance. Proper care of your rugs insure longevity and keep your home fresh. Be sure to roll your rugs periodically and clean the surfaces beneath them. Particles that may become lodged beneath the rug can cause damage to the backing over time. A good pad will not only adhere the rug to the floor but not mark your floors and protect them from the daily use the rug is getting. Proper cleaning will also rid the rug and surrounding floors from any dust and germs that may be irritating. 

4. Machine made rugs may be the answer. If you are allergic to wool or natural fibers, a machine made rug may be best. Machine made rugs are easy to clean, do not shed their content, and are made from synthetic fibers. Due to the synthetic nature these rugs are also known to be made with vibrant colors that will retain their color over time. 

Do not feel discouraged if you are one of the one in five* persons that suffer from allergies. Though we may have to do a little extra dusting here or there (face masks may or may not be donned), there are still many beautiful options out there to dress our floors with! 

Written By: Samantha Palacio
* Statistic from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics

Friday, April 4, 2014

Favorite Things Friday



1. Century Furniture Tyler Etagere // 2. Uttermost Bronze Figures S/2 // 3. Century Furniture Jones Long Sofa // 4. Momeni Delhi Rug // 5. Black Cubista Stool // 6. Bellavue Rug

Masculine sophistication brought to you by Rug & Home and featuring Century Furniture. This gorgeous navy sofa was the inspiration for it all. Pair it with bold accessories, popular metallics, and sophisticated art for any study or formal living room space!

By: Samantha Palacio