Rugs Make Or Break A Room

Never more than today have I realized just how crucial a rug choice is for a room.

It is my personal struggle that a rug either must make a large statement as a focal point or piece of art, or that a rug should be a supporting cast. Anywhere in between and the rug just doesn't know what to do, nor I what to do with it.

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Another belief that I have is that paint and pillows are my best friends, along with throws, slipcovers and homemade art. A room can be dramatically changed with those inexpensive items. On the other hand, drapes, rugs, and quality furniture are items that must be chosen with care, for they are not so easy or cheap to change.

My decorating style has no simple definition. I can more readily know what I don't like, or what doesn't seem right to me, rather than be able to state what my particular style is. For me, it is mostly about how it feels, first, and secondly, how it works.

The trouble is - large ticket items can "feel" really good - almost perfect in fact. When out in the thick of it, shopping for those necessities that make the wallet cringe, that's when it is tricky to stick with the plan - you know, that flexible picture of what I want the end result to be. The stores have it all staged so beautifully, and I think "wow, that might work!". Yet, despite the best vibes, my thrifting mindset of being able to make something work gets me in trouble, and sometimes the item just doesn't work when it gets home.

I made that mistake this week. Okay, I made several mistakes. I knew exactly what I wanted and did not stick to the plan. I have done the research; waited weeks and weeks to be sure; found a good deal; and then, I said okay to a rug that my Love found. And we bought it. In less than two hours! What happened to me?

He loves it! I don't. Well, I do like it, and very much or I wouldn't have agreed. I thought that it just might work and do so beautifully! But, it soooo does not work for the room that I was hoping to achieve. Is it a bad rug? No. In fact, it is of great quality and was an even better  price. So, why am I unhappy? Because it is a middle of the road rug in this room. Neither an art statement, or sutble enough to support the furniture pieces; and I do not know how to make it work.

Alright, take a peek. I have no before photo of the room all together since it is in progress:

My well used 2x3 inspiration piece for a larger basketweave seagrass rug:

Then, enter mistake purchase rug:

How quickly it takes the room to a Southwestern atmosphere! Not exactly what I had in mind, no matter how much I miss Arizona these days while we remain covered in snow...  The fleur-de-lis cushions I just made do not go. The table legs will have to be painted black - and they match the cushions perfectly. [whine]

I am recovering. Was I just overreacting? As I look at these pics, I realize that with some tweaking this could all work together just fine. The issue is - I.did.not.want.southwest.decor.in.this.room. Just so no one gets offended here, I am a BIG fan of contemporary s.w. decor, having lived in it several years back.

The cactus, my grandmother's trunk, the natural fiber drawer pulls .... the rug. It now screams at me. And no, we cannot take the rug back. It was a Final Purchase sale, which is why we now have a one of a kind, hand made, 8x10, wool rug for very good price. I'm talking a better price than Overstock, better than TJ Max, or Tuesday Morning.

So, what's a girl to do? We are thrifty, are we not?! We are creative! The colors are very natrual and neutral, so they are workable. The chairs are temporary sit ins, so I'll choose my next ones carefully. If I relocate the cactus and old trunk, and mix my mom's handmade pottery in with the glassware; and add some contemporary art and drapes with a hint of sophistication - then, maybe then I'll be able to pull the room together.

I'm up to the challenge! Back to my inspiration catalouges like PB and Ballards for some hints on how to bring this rug up to speed with the decor. Back to the basics of using the little things to make it cohesive and a bit more my style.