I’ve FINALLY got another real life transformation from our little slice of life this morning. Other than the recent bathroom makeover, I know I’ve been a little quiet on the home front as of late. Thanks to everyone for your patience with me as I continue to work out this new schedule I’ve got going on #newjobpandemonium. At any rate, things are starting to calm down a bit and I hope to be back in the swing of things in terms of house projects ASAP.
So. That said, here’s one of the last switcheroos I was able to get done before I started the new job. It was actually one of those unplanned things that sort of happened organically one calm weekend. I think it all started while flipping through the latest Better Homes and Gardens magazine – One of that month’s home features included a dining room that caught my eye. It had my style written all over it: modern, clean lines with a touch of eclectic flair. Just before turning the page, I happened to look under the dining room table in the photo and saw that, although the room largely read “modern” to me, it had a VERY traditional area rug under the table. Woa. Mind blown. I actually LIKED it!
As I usually do when getting hit with inspiration, I paused for a moment to consider our own situation. At that point, we had a contemporary patterned rug under our table (from Ikea). I wasn’t completely sold on it but didn’t know of any affordable options that we had on hand to replace it with.
You may remember that we ATTEMPTED to replace the Ikea budget buy with an outdoor rug from Overstock. Although I loved the pop of color, the outdoor material just wasn’t good for bare feet inside. So off it went to storage.
But that’s when it occurred to me that we had a rather lovely traditional rug in the basement. It was initially relegated to that room because I’ve been consistantly moving away from a traditional style, but I’m becoming more and more convinced that a combination of modern with a touch of traditional is where it’s at – At least for us and our own personal jam/style.
So up the old rug came from the basement where it landed under our dining room table and chairs. First of all, it’s a MUCH better size than the original Ikea rug. And secondly, the brown color sceme just makes more sense with the rich brown stain in the dining set and the chocolate colored feature wall.
And now that the rug is up out of the dungeon that is our finished basement. you can really appreciate the intricate pattern and coloration in the new/old rug.
Plus, Rocky seems to like the newer softer rug to rest his weary paws on. In fact, ALL of our three pets have been taking to this new landing zone for nap time. It really is soooo much better in terms of quality than the Ikea rug.
Believe it or not, this oriental rug was FREE. I entered into a drawing during this massive sponsored open house tour several years ago and got a call back that I had won a rug. I figured I must have won some kind of door mat or something, but when I arrived at the showroom to pick my prize out, I was shown a floor-to-ceiling display of swinging oriental rugs. I was blown away as I walked away with a massive new living room size rug under my arm. Fast forward to today, and we are clearly still loving it.
What do you guys think? Are you Team Contemporary Ikea Rug? Or Team Traditional Prize-Won Rug?
As much as I’m shocked to say too, I’m team traditional. Although I actually may be more team blue rug. I can’t wait to see where that one ends up some day. It’s gorgeous!
I know – Throws you for a loop, right? Glad you like them!
I really like how it pulls all of the colors from the rest of the room together. “Shopping” from other areas from your home is a great way to change things up and it is FREE!
Glad you agree 🙂
team contemporary ikea rug!!! but the texture shld be won by traditional prize-won rug.
🙂
Where did you get the great chairs? I need to replace mine and love the contempory look of these
I’m so glad you like them!! We got ours at Target – Not sure that they still have them, but I’m sure you can find similar online! Check overstock.com.
I love the change. Although I was just thinking about that outdoor rug you purchased the other day, it is such a beauty!
Thank you!! And I do so adore the outdoor rug…can’t wait to unroll it on our hypothetical future back deck in the next house 🙂
I think oriental rugs go great with modern style. Love it.
Thank you!!
I think the traditional rug suites the room better – pulls it together:) Have a Great One!
Awesome! Glad you think so!!
I am for Team Traditional. It really pulls everything together.
Glad you think so!
LOVE the new table
It’s not new 🙂 But thanks!!
🙂 well it looked different but I might have missed the dining table post
Oh gosh, no worries! I’ve had it for years, but sometimes I change the table cloth/runner 🙂
I love mixing traditional with modern like this. We used to have a more traditional rug in our living room, and I loved it! We got a more modern one (chevron) when we redid the living room a few months ago, and I love the feel of that one too. It’s all about styling the entire room correctly, I think, since a rug can easily make or break the space. I love that you switched your rug out though! It’s so pretty, and a little subtle, which is perfect. Great job again my dear! xoxo
I’m so glad that you like it!! I definitely agree with you that it’s all in the styling…Thanks for the sweet comment =)
Team Traditional! I too love a mix of modern and traditional — it adds a bit more warmth & character, in my humble opinion! I think the “new” rug fits right in with your plate wall and antique china cabinet. But most importantly, I like that it’s a comfier spot for your pets. 🙂
Thank you thank you!! Glad you agree 🙂 And yup – Pets come first!
I love the new look! I never realized the dining room set was a beautiful chocolate brown. It seemed black alongside the Ikea rug, which is still beautiful.
I am totally team traditional! Love the small change with a huge impact!
Awww thank you!! I’m so happy you described it as a “small change with a huge impact.” TOTALLY my goal!