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HOME DECOR, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

How to Clean and Maintain Your Area Rug for Long-Lasting Beauty

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Are you looking to take better care of your area rug? Area rugs are beautiful, but only if they remain in decent shape. You need to keep them clean, maintain them, and be proactive about their protection if you want them to last.

What do you need to do to keep your carpet looking great so you can enjoy it for years to come? Let’s explore everything you need to know in our simple guide on how to clean and maintain area rugs. Keep reading to learn more.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming your area rug is easy but very useful. It draws out tiny particles that you can’t see. These particles can damage your rug if you leave them.

Vacuuming often keeps your rug fresh and clean. It’s best if you vacuum your rug once a week. If the rug is in a busy part of your house, you might need to vacuum more.

Use a vacuum that has height-adjustable settings to save the rug’s fibers from deterioration. To protect the rug’s fibers, handle it gently. Recall that a clean rug looks nicer and lasts longer.

Rotate Your Rug

Rotating your area rug is a simple task. Yet, it has a big impact on the rug’s longevity. This task is all about moving your rug around. Doing this every few months can help avoid damage. High-traffic spots on your rug get worn out faster. By rotating, you spread out this wear. This means all parts of the rug wear out evenly.

The best way to remember is to rotate with the seasons. When the new season starts, turn your rug. This keeps your rug looking fresh. It also makes sure your rug lasts a long time. It’s a small task, but it helps keep your rug beautiful longer.

Blot Spills Immediately

Blotting spills on your area rug is key. Don’t wait, act fast! Stains set in if you delay. Find a clean cloth or a paper towel and use this to blot the spill. “Blotting” means pressing down softly. Pressing on the spill helps absorb the liquid. Don’t rub or scrub, rubbing can spread the stain. It can also harm the rug fibers. Your goal is to soak up the spill. Blot from the outside of the spill towards the inside. This keeps the stain from spreading.

Handle with Care

Just like rustic furniture, your area rug needs careful handling. Dragging or pushing your rug can cause harm. This is true for all rugs, even those that seem strong. When you need to move your rug, lift it gently. Don’t pull or drag it. This can lead to tears or stretching. If your rug is big, ask for help. Two people can make the task easier and safer.

Use Rug Padding

Rug padding is an essential investment when it comes to area rug maintenance. Not only does it provide added cushioning and comfort, but it also helps protect your rug from damage. Rug padding acts as a barrier between the rug and the flooring surface, preventing slipping and shifting which can cause premature wear and tear. It also helps to reduce friction between the rug and the floor, which can cause damage to the rug fibers over time. Rug padding also helps make your rug feel softer. It’s like a cushion for your feet. So, it’s not just for your rug’s health. It’s for your comfort too.

Shake Out Your Rug

Giving your area rug a good shake is easy. Yet, it’s a big help. This task is all about taking your rug outside. Once there, you just shake it. What does this do? It gets rid of dirt. It also shakes out any loose debris. Not all rugs can be shaken. This task is best for smaller rugs. Can’t carry your rug? Then skip this task. Remember, shaking is a quick way to clean your rug. It also freshens up your rug. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference.

Deep Clean Twice a Year

While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can keep your rug looking clean, it is important to deep clean it at least twice a year. You might do it once in the spring. Then, you might do it again in the fall. There are a few ways to deep clean. Some people hire a pro, while others do it themselves. If you hire a pro, they will bring tools. They will also bring cleaning solutions. They know just how to clean your rug. If you do it yourself, you’ll need the right tools. You’ll also need the right cleaning solutions. Take your time and do it right.

Protect Your Rug from Sunlight

Protecting your area rug from sunlight is important. Sunlight can cause damage and your rug can fade if it’s in the sun too much. This means the colors can become less bright. You can protect your rug in simple ways. Think about where your rug is. Does it get a lot of sun? If yes, consider moving it. You can also use curtains or blinds. These help to block the sun. This means less sunlight gets on your rug.

Use Professional Cleaning

When to call a pro? Once a year is a good rule. This is in addition to your regular cleaning. This way, your rug gets a deep clean every year.

What do the pros do? They use special equipment and they can do more than your regular vacuum. It can draw out hidden dirt and also tackle stubborn stains.

Maximizing the Longevity of Your Area Rug

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your area rug looking its best for years to come. By following these tips, you can ensure that your rug remains clean, fresh, and beautiful.

Remember, a well-maintained rug not only adds to the aesthetics of a room but also contributes to a healthy and hygienic living space. So take good care of your area rug and enjoy its long-lasting beauty. Happy cleaning! 

Did this article help you? If so, take a look at some of our other blog posts for more informative reads.

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Your Room

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Like many things in interior design choosing a rug can seem like a perfectly simple decision. In many ways it is, but like many other pieces a rug can literally make a break the flow, mood and appearance of a room theme.

Of course, practical restraints like budget and cost come into consideration. The perfect rug for your ideal room might be made of organic wool sourced from New Zealand or Scotland. But we can’t all have that luxury.

Unlimited budgets aside, the main points are simply style and size. So, let’s get started.

What Size of Rug is Right for My Room?

The answer to what size of rug do I need really comes down to your preference of how you want to room to look.

The first option is if the rug is going to be the defining style for what the eye sees on the floor. Do you want the main visual on the floor to be the rug? I.e. your furniture sits on it completely? If so then you’re going to want to leave at least 12-18 inches of floor visible from the wall on all four sides. This helps create a nice separation between the wooden flooring underneath and the style of the rug.

The second option is if you only want the front two legs of your major items of furniture to sit on the rug. This is more budget friendly than a ‘whole room’ rug, but still gives the rug a commanding presence in the room’s appearance.

The final option is what is referred to as the ‘no legs’ option where a smaller rug is simply placed in the centre of the room. The only legs touching a rug of this size would be all four legs on your centre piece coffee table. As you would expect this is also the lowest cost option as it uses the least material.

What Style of Rug Should I Choose?

There is obviously no ‘correct’ style of rug, it is completely down to your personal preference. But a rug that you like the look of in isolation might not work with the theme of the rest of your room.

So here are some simple rules to help you get it right:

1 – Know your colour contrasts

In most cases you’re going to want the colour of the rug to contrast with the colour of your furniture. You can look up colour palettes on a number of different interior design blogs to help you get started. But a trend which is in just now and helps demonstrate the concept would be contrasting a grey furniture palette with a mustard rug and cushions.

It’s important to create these visual contrasts to make the room flow correctly and give it an appealing look.

2 – Patterns only belong in one place

If you like the look of a patterned rug, such as a rag rug then you need to make sure that your furniture is not pattered as well. Keep the furniture plain and let the rug do the talking if you want a vibrant and visual patterned rug as a centre piece.

This is an easy mistake to make, because even a subtle imprint pattern on your sofa and chairs for example can really cause a clash and ruin an otherwise carefully constructed room design.

3 – Be careful with texture matching 

Similar to pattern matching you need to be careful on the rug texture as well. If you have a high volume fluffy rug then you need to be careful about what cushions you have on your furniture.

The hard and fast rule would be to match your rug texture with a similar feel on your cushions. For example fluffy rug matched with fluffy cushions. A tight knit firm rug should be matches with smooth cushions.

Final Thoughts…

All in all if you still feel lost you should go to showrooms and take inspiration from displays that you like there. Or if because of current covid restrictions showrooms in your area are close, you can browse Pinterest or Instagram interior design accounts.

More often than not whoever has staged a showroom will get it right and you can copy their design, and the same thing goes for popular social channels.

Good luck!

SHOP AREA RUGS…

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SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

5 Best Scandinavian Rugs

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Scandinavian Rugs…

If you have been following home decor trends no doubt you have come across Scandinavian inspired rugs.  Typically they are black and white and with some type of ‘tribal’ pattern.  The shapes and patterns look almost hand drawn. Many of these rugs have a shaggy texture adding to the character of this trend.

Photo credit : 79ideas.org

This hand woven rug is a great example of the Scandinavian rugs that are trending now.  These rugs add a bold pop of pattern in a space so for those of your that like a clean and minimal look but worry that it might be boring – this is a perfect option!

These rugs are versatile

Scandinavian inspired rugs also work well with industrial style – they are neutral, they add some texture and print into an industrial space plus the ‘hand drawn’ designs work with the imperfect nature of industrial style. The blend of minimal and clean Scandinavian style and the raw material industrial look have created a look known as Scandi-industrial

Photo credit : Kathy Kuo Home

Scandinavian rugs also work well with modern farmhouse – the subtle and neutral designs add visual interest to this farmhouse look –  we used a Scandinavian inspired rug in one of our recent model home designs – we love the subtle and soft pattern in the space.  The mix of textures and patterns in this room make this space interesting and deep.

Shop Scandinavian Rugs…

Love the look of these neutral pattern rugs? So do we! Here are some of our favourite Scandinavian inspired rugs …

This rug is a great find on amazon – we love the black and white motif and the pattern is visually interesting and has a ‘tribal’ inspired feel.

This rug is very similar to the one we used in our recent model home project.  This pattern is very subtle and the cool combination of grey and white is very one trend.

This rug is a great deal on Amazon (8 x 10 for under $300!) – has a bit more contrast with the ivory and charcoal tone and the pattern is so unique -which is why we love it!

More black and white …. the diamond pattern is popular in these Scandinavian rugs and this one has some amazing shaggy textures which brings some texture to the room.

This rug has such a unique pattern (imagine this paired with some reclaimed wood) – it’s like art on the floor!

We love what area rugs can do for a room…don’t you?

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OUR FAVOURITES, SHOPPING FINDS

Moody Blues – Decorating with Blue

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Blue is a great colour to decorate with! There are so many shades of blue that you will definitely find one that suits your taste and style.  Blue is also a great classic colour so if you invest in some pieces you don’t have to worry that it wasn’t money well spent.

Blue is a great accent colour because it also works will all neutrals – white, cream, taupe, grey, brown you name it – it works! Blue is also a great colour to add to your exterior decor! In the spring and summer months, we see these beautiful blue tones in outdoor furniture and accessories, too!

Today’s focus is on the softer shades of blue – the aqua tones, robin’s egg, turquoise – to add a fresh spring / summer brightness to your space.  Adding some simple blue accessories to your space can transform your whole room without undertaking any huge renovation projects.

Here are just a few of our ‘moody blue’ picks:

Pillow Covers:

The pillow covers are perfect for spring and summer – the soft blue colour is light and airy and the nature motif is a great addition to a bedroom or living room.  These are pillow covers, so you can layer your ‘cooler’ weather pillows with these so you don’t need to find storage space for the ‘old’ pillows.

 

Table Lamp:

Lamps are a great way to add a pop of colour to a room.  We love turquoise and this lamp from Bungalow Rose  is perfect! We love the colour of the base and the shape, too – and the simple white drum shade gives the lamp a clean look and let’s that beautiful blue tone really stand out!

Wall Tile:

Something we are starting to see more of this year is interesting tile! We are seeing more colourful and patterned tiles in kitchens and bathrooms – either as a small accent (like a shower nook or just a small strip) or a full splash of vibrant colour (or pattern).  A blue tile paired with white or grey is a great look in a bathroom.  To make a statement you don’t have to use a lot.

Area Rug:

Area rugs are another favourite way to add visual interest in a room – we love what a patterned rug can do in a room and this stunning Blue and Ivory Rug from Bungalow Rose is a gorgeous addition to any space.  The colour and pattern are so light and fresh!

 

Art:

Art really pulls a room together and it’s also an easy and affordable way to add something new to your space.  When it comes to art, don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money on ‘one of a kind’ pieces – choose something you like! We love the colours in this art piece – the tones and fresh and soothing!

Accent furniture:

Smaller or accent furniture pieces like this armchair and another way to add some blue to your space without a major overhaul to your room.  We love the mix of the soft blue with the natural wood. The lines and size of this chair make it perfect for a smaller space or a corner.

 

Kitchen storage:

Don’t forget about the kitchen! The kitchen isn’t often a room that we think about adding decor to – but why not? There are so many cute, colourful and useful kitchen gadgets and items. We love this bread box, it has a bit of a retro feel and look especially in this colour.

 

Kitchen towels:

Add a pop of colour with your kitchen towels (aka tea towels, dish towels).  Just because something is useful doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty too!

 

We love this shade of blue – it’s a great hue for spring and summer accents in the home!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to mix patterns

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“In magazines I see designers mix different prints and patterns in one room.  I love the look.  How do you mix patterns without making a mess?”

 

You are so right! Mixing prints and patterns in one room is a designer look and it makes a room more chic and sophisticated but it can be tricky to get right.

 

Combining prints brings excitement to a room—but how do you make it work?

Set small patterns against large ones, limit your palette, and include one big solid (on sofa, floor, or wall) in the scene. We recommend a solid for large pieces like a sofa and then we can build on that.

 

Here are a few examples that you could follow.

 

This room is a great example of mixing prints and patterns with a limited palette.  We have a solid and neutral wall paint and sofa and simple window coverings – on it’s own it is a bit boring.

 

Now let’s add the excitement….the stripe rug in white and blue is fresh and adds a big pop in the room.  This area rug in white and blue is the inspiration for the colour palette for the prints.  We have an accent chair in a modern botanical print in the blue and white palette plus we have some decor pillows in a different blue and white pattern.

 

This room has a cohesive look with a bit of a nautical theme (but certainly not overboard on the theme – pardon the pun!) This room has the designer look and follows the simple formula of a few solids, a mix of large and small prints in a limited colour palette.

If you prefer a look that is softer…

…you can still play with pattern.   In this room we have a mix of stronger and softer prints.  The drapery has a larger pattern yet still in a neutral colour palette, the ottoman has a very subtle print in a low contrast colour scheme.

The pillows on the accent chair add a bit more pop to the room but the look here is very soft and toned down.  The walls and the chairs are a great neutral backdrop for the prints and texture. This creates a very relaxing and soothing look in a space.  The rattan tray and plant add some texture adding some visual interest.

 

Love the look of wallpaper?

…but think it limits your chances to add other patterns? Think again! Use the wallpaper as a point of inspiration for other prints in the room.  The wallpaper in this image has a blend of orange tones, yellow, blue and white.  It’s a pretty bold wall covering so the other prints should be a bit more subtle.

 

Here we have a blue bed frame that pulls from the wallpaper tones.  The bedding textiles have a soft mix of corals and white with a blue throw blanket -so this way everything works together.

 

 

Don’t be afraid to mix prints when it comes to pillows.

This arrangement follows a ‘buddy system’.  The soft mint green is seen in some solid pillows (at the back) and we also see it in the front lumbar pillow.  The white is seen in all of the print pillows.  We have black in 3 pillows and the only true pop is the pink peony.  This combination of prints seems unexpected and maybe random but it is very much planned which is why it looks great!

 

When it comes to playing with prints you can get as bold or as subtle as you like.  Follow the easy steps and you can achieve a designer look in your space,

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