Monday, June 30, 2014

How to Select Lighting

A lamp is one of those home accessories that serves a dual purpose in a room. It delivers necessary lighting in a strategic location while its design provides your space with an added attraction. Your lamps — like your rugs, wall color, furniture, and pictures — make a statement about your style and creativity. Don’t pass on a chance to really make your room pop with personality. Seek out lamps that combine both flair and function. 

Before you begin the search for the perfect lamp, answer a few simple questions:
  • What do you do in the room?
  • How important is the light?
  • Do you want atmosphere or visibility?
  • Is there a spot you want to highlight?
Armed with your answers, you should be able to narrow down the functional aspect of your next lights glaring directly on your computer screen or television set. Similarly, a special painting or a corner filled with hand-blown glass will require its own unique lighting.
purchase. For example, if you’re primarily entertaining in the room, you need a lamp that can shine mood-altering ambient light as well as all-inclusive brightness to accommodate your guests. A room mainly devoted to reading requires directional lighting toward your favorite reading chair. In your office or den, you don’t want

Once you’ve developed a plan for the lighting you need, choose the type of lamp that’s most appropriate. Here are several tips:
  • Floor lamps are ideal for highlighting your favorite art or for showing off the general design of the room. Floor lamps also increase the amount of table space you have.
  • Task lamps work best to illuminate workspace on desks.
  • Table lamps give you an opportunity to add color and design to your décor.
  • Accent lamps can bring together your decorating theme.
  • In addition, lampshades can change the level of lighting in a room. Opaque shades are best for directing light while transparent shades brighten the whole room.


The style and design you choose should follow your general theme in the room. For example, in a den lined with dark paneling and mounted animal heads, set nature-inspired lamps such as the lamps made of antler horns carried by Rug & Home. A sitting room surrounded by windows may best be suited for a lamp made of tree branches. A replica of an oil lamp ideally complements a bedroom with a four-poster bed.

One final word on lamps: they don’t have to match. The days when matching lamps were required as bookends to a sofa are thankfully gone. An eclectic mix of lamps makes a room much more interesting and allows you to indulge in various pieces. So go ahead and place that turquoise art décor lamp on one side table and the squat multi-colored glass beaded lamp that you fell in love with while on vacation on the opposite end of your couch.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Friday Trend Alert: Shibori

Shibori is trending on Pinterest these days and we love any excuse to incorporate Navies and calming blue hues into the home.

So what's so wonderful about this tie-dye style?

The technique of creating Shibori is unique - no two designs will be exactly the same. Likewise, it is very forgiving for those of us living with littles.

Shibori is a perfect way to add some combination of light and dark into home decor. After all, we all need a little white space.

Have some dingy white sheets? This technique is the perfect #diy to breathe new life into those linens.

White Buffalo Styling Co. did a beautiful job with some inspired office curtains. Seriously, beautiful job, Lindsay!

If you want to achieve the perfect eclectic-coastal vibe, this technique is for you! Pair a rug like our KAS Allure with a white sofa, a lucite coffee table, and a white sofa and you've got yourself a serene retreat.

Do you love it? Hate it? Have you DIY'd it?

We want to know (#wewanttoknow)! Follow us on Twitter and send us your DIY projects during our Summer DIY Series (#summerdiyseries)!

By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, June 23, 2014

5 Things to Try

[Photo Credit: Elsie Larson, A Beautiful Mess]
Beat summer boredom and add some flair to your summer decor with the latest DIY projects and tips from fellow Design bloggers. Throughout the summer we'll be sharing our favorite projects, home decorating advice, and featuring, you, our lovely readers.

1. DIY your own plant holders. Aren't these rope plant holders just darling? You could add colored tape, some fabric dye, or even beads for embellishment!

2. DIY your own floor pillows. Perfect for movie watching, floor dining, and a great excuse for family game night.

[Photo Credit: Alisa Burke]


3. Dress a Mirror. This colorful mirror project from Alisa Burke is one of the coolest Summer projects we've seen yet. Such a great way to reuse native materials and add pops of color/design unique to your own taste. Give it a try! If you don't have driftwood, use other natural elements native to your region.

4. Build a Summer Reading Fort. Build yourself (or even the kiddos) a summer oasis with just a few supplies. This project could easily withstand the summer and become a lasting tradition.

5. Create a Meaningful Home. Okay, so this is not really a DIY project per say, but it is a good idea. This story by Melissa of The Inspired Room will inspire you to to make your home function at its best for your family.

Have you been following along in all the fun? Follow us on Twitter and link your best DIY projects with #summerdiyseries!

By: Samantha Palacio

Friday, June 20, 2014

Size Matters


There are several things to consider when purchasing a rug however, size, is the most scientific variable. Anyone can determine the ideal size of a new rug by following a few simple steps:
1. Measure your entire room. Use a good-quality measuring tape, if possible.
2. Measure existing furniture. Either add them to your drawing or, even better, cut out blocks of paper for each piece, so you can easily and quickly “rearrange the furniture.”
3. Draw your room dimensions in scale. Include doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents, where necessary.
4. Measure the space you want to fill. Unless you want a customized rug (and are willing to spend the price for one), don’t get too specific. Measure out and mark off standard sizes: 4×6, 5×8, 8×10 feet. 
Tip: Use masking tape to outline the rug’s dimensions.
5. Always double-check your measurements. Like the seasoned carpenter says, “Measure twice; cut once.”
6. Size Matters. Go shopping! Find a store, like Rug & Home, that allows you to take the rug home and try it out for several days. You’ll know immediately if it’s the right size, but you may need longer to consider things such as color, pattern, and durability.
A few more thoughts:
-A rug that isn't properly sized for a room can make the room look uneven or unfinished. 
-Don’t size your space just with your eyes. A 6×9-foot rug that seems huge in the store may still be too small for the room once you get it home.
-Leave at least 18-24 inches of exposed floor in your room whenever possible. 
A new rug is like a new chair: you can tell in the store how comfortable it is, but you won’t know until you get it home how well it fits in to your life. Do your homework before you buy, but make sure you can return it if it doesn’t work.

Monday, June 16, 2014

4 Summer DIY Projects

The heat is on and summer is quickly approaching. During our Summer DIY Series, we'll be sharing our favorite Pins each week. Here are this week's Top 4 picks for must-try DIY projects to add some pizzazz to your home.

1. Hats are not just meant for winter weather. Can't you imagine this adorable Standing Hat rack with your best floppy hats and sunnies on display? With just a few simple steps and maybe 10 minutes of your time, you can create a cute little vignette in your drop zone. Spray paint it in a coral (totally optional) for an extra pop of color.

2. I'm sure you're familiar with using contact paper to line kitchen cabinets and drawers. It's wipeable, it comes in an array of designs/colors, and it's roughly $3 per roll. Prepare for something you may not have considered: it makes a perfect temporary wallpaper! You can paint it, you can spray it, or you could even give the kids some markers and have custom wallpaper designed by your kiddos. The best part? It's 100% one of a kind to your home because you DIY'd it!

3. Veggie-stamped art is truly winning me over. The kids will love any chance to play with food, but honestly, how can you not love this modern celery art? This is a really fun and inexpensive Summer afternoon project. I can easily see this used to dress up an outdoor food display during one of many backyard barbecues.


4. Coat hangers into potted plant holders could essentially be a free summer project! Visit your local dry cleaners to see if they'll lend you a few and start bending away. If you've got limited surface space for herbs or succulents, this could be a space-saving way to display some greens near a window or add fresh herbs to your summer cooking.

By: Samantha Palacio

Friday, June 13, 2014

Summer DIY Series: 3 Outdoor Seating Ideas

One of the greatest things about summer is outside entertaining. Whether that means a party under lights, a simply summer barbecue, or maybe even a romantic evening in a hammock, you will need an inspired space for all to gather.

Outdoor seating comes in all shapes, sizes, and prices but we've compiled three of our favorite easy and even affordable seating options for you DIY'er's out there!

Cinder block seating. This tutorial is so simple the picture speaks for itself, but you can view the tutorial here
This cozy corner is so inviting, you are thinking of star gazing right. now.
I'm not sure about the comfort level of this little area, but there's something very industrial and cute about this cinder block sofa.

Share more of your favorites with us over on Pinterest

Monday, June 9, 2014

6 Father's Day Gift Ideas



Nourison Altered States // Dalton Wood Desk Lamp // Essential Herringbone Rug // Klaussner Rugby Recliner // Ames Deer Rack // Comfort Design Leslie High Leg Recliner.

Give Dad the gifts of comfort and style with these six must-have gifts for Father's Day. The Dalton Wood Desk Lamp is a sophisticated option for the practical dad in your life. The height adjustment option will be both useful and stylish. Nourison Altered States is a masculine, youthful rug for Dad! Channel his creativity in a space designed with his musical interests in mind. Give Dad a buck worth showing off (and one that's much easier to style) - perfect for his home office or anywhere, really: Ames Deer Rack . The Essential Herringbone Rug  is for the dad who enjoys earth tones and natural elements in his space. For the sports lover, the Rugby Recliner from Klaussner is oversized, comfortable, and priced affordably. For the more traditional dad, he may enjoy the rolled arms and sophistication of the Leslie High Leg recliner. Whatever his taste, we've got something for all, here at Rug & Home!

By: Samantha Palacio

Monday, June 2, 2014

The Outdoor Oasis

With beautiful weather upon us, you're likely spending a lot more time outdoors. Making your outdoor living space can be an easy feat with a few personal touches and inspirations from our experts at Rug & Home.

Whether it be a small apartment patio space or a large outdoor landscape, use these few items to make the outdoors feel like an extension of your home:

1. Seating. Choose comfortable lounge seating whether it be chairs, hammocks, or an outdoor loveseat. Group these in a conversational style so that it's easy to gather with friends. If you're working with a small apartment patio, garden stools are a great alternative for combined table arrangements and seating!

{Tip: While you're sprucing up your space, check out this great post on cleaning outdoor cushions from 4 Men 1 Lady.}

2. Outdoor pillows. Go ahead and splurge for beautiful throw pillows in punchy colors to brighten your mood and your space. There are so many fun patterns and colors floating around these days and they add comfort for summer night reading sessions!*

3. Accessories. Something as simple as decorative candleholders can add charm to your outdoor space. There are lots of colorful options and groupings of varying heights make a unique centerpiece for an outside eating space. Colorful trays are also a great option for making it easy to transport food and drinks from indoor to outdoor.


4. Indoor/Outdoor rugs are a must. Have you seen the large selection of patterns lately? Patterns or pops of color can transform your patio in one easy step! Bear in mind how much exposure your space is getting from the elements. While indoor/outdoor rugs are designed for covered and uncovered space, natural grass rugs (like pictured above) should always be used in a protected area, away from dampness.

5. Planters. Unique planters are great way to dress up your greenery. Everything from indoor terrariums to cement pots are popping up on Pinterest these days. Browse through our selection of plant housings, and dress up your outdoor oasis today!

By: Samantha Palacio

*Make sure to choose a durable indoor/outdoor fabric (or store them when not in use).