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

8 Gift Ideas for Mom

Family Circles Bronze Figurine // Alex Brass Frames S/3 // Amethyst Geometric Square Plates S/2 // Aramis Mosaic Coasters S/4 // Loloi Azalea AZ-03 // Counterflory Recipe Book Holder //  Marisa Graphic Ottoman  //American Rug Craftsmen Panoramic 90002 

This year we're celebrating Mom with a gift that will outlast the holiday. Offer her something she can enjoy year round like this Family Circles Bronze Figurine. This contemporary take on the bond of family love will surely touch her heart. Mom can display treasured heirloom photos in these Alex Brass Frames that are reminiscent of their Antique silver counterparts. Pretty glass trays to stash her baubles or keys are both decorative and functional.  A thoughtful gift - these coasters will help protect her furniture but are also beautifully done in a mosaic pattern. Give Mom something to brag about with this colorful Azalea rug from Loloi. She is sure to be the envy of all her friends with such a bright and cheery space. Working moms will appreciate this recipe book holder making it easier to whip up a favorite dish without damaging Grandma's recipe. Every mom could use a comfortable place to rest her feet. This versatile Graphic Ottoman is not only a place to prop her feet, but will double as a side table and even a vanity stool. Hip moms will love this trendy Panoramic rug for it's contemporary vibe in bright and cheerful colors.

By: Samantha Palacio

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

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

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

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

Favorite Things Friday

1. Sitka Lantern Floor Lamp // 2. Denley Candleholder // 3. Momeni Baja Collection, Green // 4. Bird Cage Hanging Chalkboard // 5. Momeni Comfort Shag, Lime // 6. Paula Deen Home Accent Chair

 A shag will always count as a favorite thing in my book. The comfort shag by Momeni comes in several fun colors, and invites you to just sink your toes into its pile! It is an excellent choice for a bedroom space. Geometric patterns are all the rage right now and the Momeni Baja collection has several to choose from. With spring approaching, this green would brighten up a sun-room with a contemporary edge. Every home should have a comfortable spot for reading and lounging, and this Paula Deen accent chair just screams: "get comfy!" The Sitka Lantern floor lamp would light up your reading space with convenience. Floor lamps are a great space-saver and come in so many different styles these days. Stay organized with this cheerful Bird Carge hanging chalkboard, perfect for jotting down small honey-do lists and little notes. This lantern style Denley Candleholder would make a beautiful addition to a dining room centerpiece when coupled with smaller coordinating lanterns. Pull up your favorite seat to enjoy this week's pickings of favorite things. We want you to feel inspired by comfort! Which piece would you incorporate into your home?

By: Samantha Palacio

Favorite Things Friday

1. Auguste Verdier 27" Wall Clock // 2. Desert Gabbeh by Momeni, Paprika // 3. Becton Modern Metal table lamp by Uttermost // 4. American Heirloom by Orian in Mahal Bisque // 5. Ride Framed Art // 6. Big Rusty Distressed dog statue

This one's for the gentlemen! Add a bit of old world feel to his office space with this traditional American Heirloom rug in a neutral blend that will create a warm feeling and ground the room. Likewise, this Desert Gabbeh will add some warmth and a rustic feel while bringing the quality and benefits of hand knotted wool. The Becton Modern Metal table lamp has a masculine feel with its clean lines, and the Auguste Verdier is both functional and a statement with its 27" size. Big Rusty is the perfect companion for your fellow. Not only is he large and lovable - you don't have to clean up after him! For the daredevil in your life, this Uttermost Ride Framed art adds a classic touch any motor-head will love. Any of these stylish accessories will incorporate some masculinity into your home. Which favorite thing is your favorite?

By: Samantha Palacio

10 Ways to Decorate with Functional Art

Source: Pinterest

One of the best ways to start sprucing up your space is to "shop" what you have at home. Not only is it free to shop what you've got, but you may find new uses for things that you love. Functional Art is the term for art that has multiple uses. This can be collections of practical items we all have at home such as bowls, plates, hats, baskets, etc. Our top TEN picks for decorating with functional items found in the home, include:

1. Bowls. Personally, I collect vintage Pyrex dishes. The "love birds" are my favorite and are a perfect example of "functional art." They are useful for leftovers, mixing, and organization, but they are also beautiful. I can store hair items, jewelry, or paperclips in these just as easily as mix a bowl of cake batter. The possibilities are endless. Displayed on white book-shelving, these colorful bowls would add visual interest to a space.

2. Hats. Create a boutique feel in your dressing area by displaying your head-wear instead of keeping it under wraps. Chances are you will wear it more often by making it visible! At a loss for what to do with hubby's extensive collection of baseball hats? Embrace his collection and display it in an eye-catching way. It beats a pile of them sitting on the dresser.

Source: Pinterest

3. Bags. For the Fashionista's, the same can be done for your fabulous handbag collection, a vintage selection of belts, and especially your jewelry! [Just remember to take time to clean these things periodically. Dust particles can damage certain fabrics.] 

4. Office Supplies. Organization tools in coordinating patterns and colors can also be very eye-catching. Choose office supplies in coordinating colors and storage bins that compliment to give your office space more of a uniform look. 

Source: Pinterest

5. Books. When arranged by color or size, books become decor rather than just a mismatch of reading material. There's a simple post here on styling shelves by Finding Silver Linings that might inspire you for some direction. A great shelving system lends so many possibilities to decorating on the cheap.  

Source: Apartment Therapy

6. Clipboards. A collection of clipboards can be functional for holding important papers, momentos, and artwork that the kiddos make, but it's also a very inexpensive way to create a gallery wall:

Source: Pinterest

It's also very easy to disassemble or rearrange in different shapes if you tire of it. 

7. Clothespins. Like the hat display above, clothespins ($1 for a whole package, folks!) that you probably already have a pile of in the laundry room, make great paper catchers and can be spray-painted, modge podge'd, or colored for customization. Use them to create a gallery wall, hold scarves, hang jewelry, clip chip bags closed for freshness, and more. 

Source: Cupcakes & Crinoline

8. Tape. That's right --> tape. Obviously it's used for repair and crafting, but it can also be used as home decor. This tutorial calls for washi tape, but electrical tape (which is a bit cheaper and probably in your toolbox) would work just as well. Tape as interchangeable wall decor is a very easy DIY, but can add great character:

Source: Everything Emily Blog

I've seen colorful washi tape used to frame photos as well as line shelving. Use it to highlight hangers for some funky closet closet decor if you dare. This solution is perfect for renters or college dorms.

9. Speaking of Hangers...

Source: Buzzfeed

This is one of my favorite forms of functional art: pant hangers on display. They're also great for scarf collections. 

10. Scarves. Scarves are obviously a functional fashion statement but they can become a beautiful decor statement as well. They are beautiful as window treatments and wall treatments as well. Do you have a hand-me-down from Grandma? If it's something you wouldn't necessarily wear, but is both sentimental and colorful - frame it! You will have something pretty to look at and a great conversation piece.

Source: The Hidden Harmony

Decor doesn't always have to be bought. Sometimes it just takes a second look around.

By: Samantha Palacio 

Favorite Things Friday

1. Surya Frontier Rug // 2. Bourret Light Pendant // 3. Uttermost Rusty Gears Wall Clock // 4. Surya throw pillow // 5. Caracole Just Wing It // 6. Hearts of the City by Uttermost // 7. Amberlyn Sunburst Gold mirror by Uttermost

This week's favorite things add a bit of rustic charm to your home! This Bourret light pendant is a perfect choice to place above a breakfast bar in pairs of three. Need to know what time the dinner rush will be coming home? Add this Rusty Gears Wall Clock to your kitchen for an industrial chic addition that even the hubby will love. Pillows are a must have in the home. This neutral trellis pattern is the perfect choice to add some contemporary flair to your space that will work with many color combinations. The Surya Frontier rug is a popular flatwoven rug useable in a living room space, under a dining table, or even in an office for a pop of color. Which Friday favorite is your top pick?

By: Samantha Palacio

Singing the Praises of Solid Wood Furniture

As is the case with handmade rugs, the quality of solid wood furniture far surpasses its counterparts—pieces made with plywood and pressed wood. (There are situations where plywood and pressed wood may be appropriate, however, just as there are times a machine-made rug could be the right choice for you.) With proper care, these pieces can also last a lifetime and stay away from the landfill. And, many solid wood pieces are crafted with wood from reclaimed sources, further making them a sustainable option for those working to tread lightly on the planet.

Care

Caring for solid wood pieces is a lot simpler than it sounds. In fact, the only tools really needed are a clean rag and elbow grease. When your piece gets dusty or dirty, just wipe it lightly—with the grain of the wood—using a clean cotton cloth. You can use furniture polish, just be sure to do so sparingly. Should your furniture piece get a minor scratch, try buffing it with a small amount of polish. For larger scratches and dents, contact a professional; they should be able to easily repair your piece. Keep in mind that if a blemish isn’t deep enough to reach beyond the finish, it likely won’t cause long-term problems. In other words, you can leave it to add a bit of character! Today, many solid wood pieces come with a “weathered” look straight from the manufacturer that creates the illusion of an older, well-loved item. Also keep in mind that because wood is a natural fiber, it can be negatively affected by the elements. As with handmade rugs, you’ll want to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme humidity. 

Sustainability

Have you gone green? Many solid wood furniture pieces have as well, as they’re now made of reclaimed wood; thus are a great option if you want to be kind to the environment without giving up durability and style. At Rug & Home, we carry a wide variety of reclaimed wood furniture, much of which is from Theodore Alexander’s Castle Bromwich collection (pictured). Each piece in this collection is handcrafted with reclaimed antique hard wood from architectural savage. The designs are inspired by Castle Bromwich Hall, a 16th century Elizabethan Manor house. Theodore Alexander himself owns Castle Bromwich, and he’s currently working to restore it to its original splendor. Stop in any one of our locations to browse items from the collection!

Designing with Mirrors

Everyone knows that mirrors are useful, but did you know they can also solve a wide range of decorating dilemmas? You can use mirrors to make a room look bigger, to bring a lovely outdoor scene inside, to reflect light in alluring patterns and to fill a void on a wall. A mirror won’t clash with furniture like a painting or photograph, and it can blend with any theme, from the simplest country home to the most upscale contemporary design.

Frameless Vanity Oval Mirror

Restaurant and nightclub owners have long used mirrors to create a mood. To attract customers, they place them strategically behind the bar to highlight the lights shining among the bottles. Mirrors often line exclusive dining establishments, where dim, provocative lighting reflects enough so patrons can still see their food and their companions while sharing the intimacy of both. You can duplicate this effect at home: place a mirror in your dining room and turn down the lights!

Apartment and condominium developers often rely on mirrors to provide the illusion of space and largess.  Walk into an empty condo with mirrors lining the walls, and you’ll feel as if you’ve just walked into a mansion. Full-length mirrors in tiny spaces make the walls look taller. Hang them sideways to create a wider feel in any room.

Uttermost Abra Bronze Vanity Mirror

Another trick is to strategically place a mirror near your front door so you can quickly check your makeup and hair or straighten your tie before leaving the house. A mirror hung opposite a doorway can let you see the three-year-old trying to sneak up on you. And full-length mirrors on opposite sides of a closet or bathroom provide for a full 360-degree inspection.

Although a frame-less mirror can accent many interiors, a framed mirror offers another way to add a dramatic, elegant, or rustic touch to your decor. Look for a plain black or brushed chrome frame to set off the clean lines of a contemporary setting. If you lean toward the more traditional, use ornate dark wood frames to match the elegance of your furniture. Rustic frames made from reclaimed wood highlight the natural elements of your home. Placing a large mirror framed in natural wood tones over your mantle complements your fireplace, anchoring it as the room’s focal point.

Coaldale Goal mirror by Uttermost

For decorative purposes, the height of a mirror is not that important, but for practical purposes, you should hang a mirror so that your eyes reflect in the middle of the mirror. Make adjustments as needed so that everyone in your family can see themselves without having to bend down.

Uttermost Jansen Silver Mirror

 If you don’t trust your instincts for design, here are a few standard rules for hanging a wall mirror:

• The top of a mirror should be no less than six feet above the floor.
• Keep at least 18 inches between the bottom of the mirror and the floor.
• Don’t place any mirror in front of lights. The glare will make it difficult to see the reflection.
• Leave three to four feet of empty space in front of a mirror so you have enough room to step back to get a fuller view.
• A bathroom mirror should not be wider than the vanity. Center the mirror over the vanity, not to the wall dimensions.
• When hanging a heavy mirror, use a drywall anchor if you can’t find a stud.

If you have questions about how best to place a wall mirror in your home, stop by one of our three locations and ask one of our consultants or contact us on the web and a Design Consultant will get back to you.

Fluff it Up

Boho Artista by Villa

We’re talking comfort and warmth this season, folks. The holidays are not just a time for gathering, but a time for presentation. With all the family and friends visiting, you are conscious of placement and decor within your home. You want to have just the right amount of seating, the perfect lighting for that gorgeous tree, and cozy places to snuggle with hot cocoa. Pillows are one of the least expensive ways to pack a big punch in your home. They are versatile, colorful, and come in multiple shapes and sizes.

Trend #1: Floor Cushions

Taking large, over-sized pillows and using them as seating for little ones around a coffee table is an expensive and comfortable option. This same idea can be transitioned to holiday festivities when needing to gather family and friends around the tree. Introduce large pillows or poufs into your space at costs well under $100.

Trend #2: Mixing Color & Pattern

Moe's Home Lamb Fur Pillow

Feel free to ditch the standard matchy-matchy pillows that came with that sofa. It’s all about mixing it up these days. Introduce complementary shades into your space in various sizes to create some depth. Pattern is fine to mix and actually encouraged, just keep the scale consistent. Our Villa pillows are making waves at Rug & Home for their trendy geometric patterns and plush down centers. Beaded pillows are visually appealing but they aren't for comfort. We’re throwing embellishments back in the closet and packing punch with pillows that offer not only trendy color palettes, but function for the money.

Trend #3: Go Tribal

You know you’ve seen it. Walk into stores like American Eagle, and you are overwhelmed with all things Jean Stories, Jane Herman Bishop, has recently featured this trend for Vogue’s 5 looks series. But tribal hasn’t just taken fashion by storm we’re seeing it everywhere in our rugs, pillows, and linens as well.

Boho Ikat by Villa

Surya, one of our largest vendors, carries a large selection of pillows and flat weaves in these designs. We also carry a large selection of Classic Home and Villa pillows in this trendy style. You can bring this style and pattern into your home in festive holiday colors to stay on trend and coordinate easily with your holiday home décor.

Just a few tips:

-Large pillows are for over-sized sofas and small pillows are for small sofas. You can mix and match, but be sure to mix it up and not have the same size pillow on a different scale than the piece of furniture.

-Mix it up in the bedroom. You can have various sizes and shapes in the bedroom. There’s no right or wrong on a bed.

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Golden Boys & Me

Just when you thought you can't put one more thing in your living room, you now have to make room for that seasonal favorite: the Christmas tree. Out pop the tape measures, the totes of decorations, and maybe even your hair as you try to figure out ‘how on earth am I going to fit this thing in my living room?!’ We’re here to help you with that frustration.

The most obvious choice is to look for a corner of the room that doesn’t involve total house rearrangement. Perhaps you can put that sofa/loveseat combination in an L-shape position to allow for a designated corner of Christmas cheer.

Most people want to display those beautiful lights for all to see. Do you have a bay window? Positioning the tree in a nook, like a bay window, will take up considerable less floor space and also likely continue with your existing flow. Positioning the tree next to a window allows you to enjoy it from both inside and outside the home.  

Create a cozy setting by positioning a comfortable chair for Santa while he piles all those gifts under that tree. This is also an optimal spot for mom while she hands them out on Christmas morning. Create an intimate setting by pairing two upholstered chairs next to a fireplace and positioning the tree nearby. Perfect for those cold, winter nights! If you have a fireplace be weary of placement with live trees especially. Position trees so they are not at risk for a fire hazard. 

If you're in a small apartment space, you may not be working with much wiggle room. If necessary, remove some underutilized accent pieces temporarily and stash them away in storage or guest room spaces. You can easily remove a side table to position the tree in a tight space, similar to the look that Golden Boys & Me has created. It is perfectly acceptable to put trees in multiple places throughout the home. Think outside the box: consider a small table-topper for an eating space. Add some small trees of varying heights to a buffet to add visual interest. Don't be discouraged if a 6-footer won't work for you. There are so many festive options to get you in the holiday spirit! Let shelving space do double duty this season. If you're using smaller trees, wrap your presents in coordinating, colorful paper and add some festive decor to mantels or bookcases without overwhelming your small greenery.  

If all else fails, consider putting the tree in a space that is less trafficked like Unskinny Boppy has done here.  The formal dining room, for example, may have ample space around the table and no one may be utilizing that until Christmas Eve. The downstairs family room, a breakfast nook area, an enclosed sunporch... all of these make great alternatives as well. 

Written by: Samantha Palacio