{Entrance Hall} The Rug 2.0

Okay, so today should be Step 4 in our Fabulous Foyer makeover...after adding the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-before.html" target="_blank">rug</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-ombre-basket.html" target="_blank">life</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-lighting.html" target="_blank">lighting</a>. But I wasn't completely happy with the rug, and felt like it needed another layer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to a Fab Foyer" height="644" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/14666304297_56c8061d08_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Ever since <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/cowhide-or-drop-cloth.html" target="_blank">we talked about layering a cowhide over our old Living Room rug</a><i> (which didn't really work out, so we went <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/06/moroccan-shag-rug.html" target="_blank">this route</a>)</i>, I couldn't get the idea out of my head. I just love the look of layered rugs...specifically when layered over a natural fiber rug. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="826" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14838748284_850d750f8d_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It was fate when I saw<a href="http://esalerugs.com/" target="_blank"> this vintage-style rug, on sale for under $100</a>. I wasn't expecting much, but was blown away when it arrived. This gorgeous Persian is so high-quality, and the colors perfectly tie-in with the surrounding rooms.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="669" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/14838748054_18684340c8_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="732" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14838023021_70630dd742_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />And even though I <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-ombre-basket.html" target="_blank">ombred the planter basket</a>, covering some of the jute rug helps to further break up the set. It also adds more warmth and color to the room, and helps to balance the weight of the pendant.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14654492048_17b756a8cd_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14838023221_ac1e3bcb72_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layers of an Entrance Hall (style & color)" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/14654491448_51f5cbaf1a_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Now that I'm happy with the rug situation...next up is adding function! Do you like the look of layered rugs?<br /><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b>{5 Steps to a Fabulous Foyer}</b></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-before.html" target="_blank">Starting Over: The Befores</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-jute-rug.html" target="_blank">Step 1: The Rug</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-ombre-basket.html" target="_blank">Step 2: Life</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-lighting.html" target="_blank">Step 3: Lighting </a></div> 

{Entrance Hall} The Rug 2.0

Okay, so today should be Step 4 in our Fabulous Foyer makeover...after adding the rug , life and lighting . But I wasn't completely hap...

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{Entrance Hall) The Rug

I'm too excited to chit-chat, so let's get right to the first layer of creating an inviting Entrance Hall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to a Fab Foyer" height="644" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/14666304297_56c8061d08_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="157" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14591882268_ddaf1dd645_z.jpg" width="546" /></div><br />I'm not a big fan of our tile, but replacing it isn't in the budget...so covering most of it with a rug is the more affordable option. It's also an opportunity to bring warmth and texture to the space. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="802" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14591813940_ab7f96c685_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Hopefully, you have a good mat outside the door, so guests can wipe their feet before coming in. But with kids, that's not always the case. It didn't take me long to discover light-colored rugs near the door are not our friend. So after ruining a few good rugs, I went with <a href="http://shrsl.com/?~653o" target="_blank">this durable jute rug</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="696" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14778532645_3a7d4e4fc0_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Dirt can easily be shaken out, and I can flip it if we have any accidents. The jute is also comfortable on bare feet, and the price can't be beat. #thatrhymed #thisisnotaninfomercial<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="416" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14591882448_30f95353fa_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It also adds good texture to balance out the shiny floors and mirror, and warms up the space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="792" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14755522686_84b43ed2ce_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 5 Steps to Creating an Entrance Hall: The Rug" height="777" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3860/14776172374_916c302e25_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The room is already improved and more defined! What kind of rug do you have in your entry?<br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{5 Steps to a Fab Foyer}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/entrance-hall-before.html" target="_blank">Starting Over: The Befores</a></div>

{Entrance Hall) The Rug

I'm too excited to chit-chat, so let's get right to the first layer of creating an inviting Entrance Hall.   I'm not a big fan o...

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{Living Room} Finally a New Rug!

Wowza, that was a fast weekend! We had a baseball game, and an afternoon at the lake...then BAM, weekend over! I meant to work on a few projects, but ended up baking for hours. Not sure where that urge came from, but it was very comforting. I am excited about today, because I'm finally showing you the new rug in our Living Room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/14284240736_461149f9dc_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember when we had the <a href="http://goo.gl/h1aiEE" target="_blank">big conversation about keeping things in our home that aren't our style</a>, either out of obligation or because they had sentimental value? That's where I was with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/cowhide-or-drop-cloth.html" target="_blank">the large floral rug that used to live in our Living Room</a>. I inherited it from my grandparents, and since I love(d) them, I had a hard time admitting I didn't love their rug. But I kept it...because who tosses a perfectly good, free rug that comes with sentimental value?! And worse, who replaces a really expensive rug with a much cheaper rug?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Well, turns out...this girl. You guys encouraged me to embrace their memories, not their stuff...so I finally rolled that baby up and replaced it with something much more my style. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't be me if I didn't hem and haw, and then hem some more, about the kind of rug I wanted to put in it's place. In the end, though, I went with the one I've been drawn to for years. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5037/14120714639_a1fe6d5a0b_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14306810764_a64aab6cf7_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I think I looked at every Moroccan rug available online, but since this room requires a whooping 9'x12', I waited for a Rugs USA mega-sale, then ordered the <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-shag/ivory/200MTVS28A-26010.html" target="_blank">Tuscan Moroccan Shag in ivory</a>. Free shipping and no tax is always a selling point for me, too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="709" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14305488762_91deb3591f_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />We've had the rug well over a month, and could not be happier with it. Not only did it completely transform the room by brightening the space and neutralizing the floor, but it is beyond soft and cozy to walk and lounge on. This rug is so thick, you could seriously lose small children in the pile. It's definitely more of a shag carpet than a flat-woven rug.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="814" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/14120733368_f0fdf91fbd_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1nEaiVb" target="_blank">Monogrammed Bag</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1wJfiJO" target="_blank">Tassel</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kuWDYu" target="_blank">Sandals</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kuXOXF" target="_blank">Pillow</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There were a fair amount of fuzz balls floating around the first few weeks, but after several vacuums, the shedding has almost stopped.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="739" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/14120763940_95332c31b7_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Read how I hide my lamp cords <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/evolution-of-desk-nook-how-i-hide-power.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The rug adds just a touch of texture and pattern, but is no longer the focus of the room. It makes the perfect neutral backdrop for our colorful decor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="777" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14284240936_68616cff57_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="688" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/14327574063_a8806c3234_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="786" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/14120734068_9d0a3e456a_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="787" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/14304041431_cd40238cf4_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/14307384655_9702d9459c_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read how I style coffee tables <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-style-coffee-tables-1-table-6.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><br />How about some Before & After action?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12076119044_e2253c1198_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12076119044_e2253c1198_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="786" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14307799475_57640beec6_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12076358766_8f86f2880c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12076358766_8f86f2880c_b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Moroccan Rug" height="804" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14305489592_e31749a314_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Before storing away the floral rug, we tried it out in our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">Pink Dining Room</a><i> (Mr. Sugarplum was </i>thrilled<i> with that exercise #sarcasmfont)</i>, but it was too big. I'm going to hang on to it for now though, because it really is a lovely rug. But without it, the room finally feels like us, and we're so much happier with the space.<br /><br />I can't believe it took me four years to let go of the unnecessary pressure I was putting on myself to make the rug work. Now if I could just have the same clarity about my grandfather's 5-foot ship currently perched on top of the piano. What are you needlessly hanging on to? Are you a fan of the Moroccan rug?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Click the links to catch-up on the room's makeover:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>LIVING ROOM TO-DO LIST</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Paint room</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/06/moroccan-shag-rug.html" target="_blank">Replace the Rug</a></strike> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-blue-beauty.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Armoire</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-painting-brick-fireplace.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Brick</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mirror & Mantel Styling</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/living-room-bookcase-makeover.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint/Fabric Bookcases</strike></a><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-finished-bookcases.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Re-Style Bookcases</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-console-table-tiles.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint (Replace) Table Tiles</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html#more" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Paint Hall Chest</span></span></span></a></strike></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-her-time-to-shine.html" target="_blank"><strike>Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls</strike></a><strike> </strike></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/11/shine-baby-shine.html" target="_blank">Style Nook Area</a> </strike></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/chalk-this-up-as-done.html" target="_blank"><span><strike>Paint Nook Chest </strike></span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></span><span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Paint Backdoor</span>? </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Add Nailhead to Wingchair</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/living-room-new-chair-cushions.html" target="_blank"><strike>New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-room-chosen-lamps.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Change Out Lamps</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-metallic-lined-lampshades.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Customize Lamps</strike></a> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">These are the Real and Final Lamps</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Sand & Stain Secretary</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Gold Leaf Back of Secretary</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-room-pillow-talk.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sofa Pillows Round 1</strike></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/bullseye.html">Sofa Pillows Round 2</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-adding-some-accessories.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Add Some Coordinated Accessories</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-gold-goddess.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Determine Fate of Side Table</a></strike></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #121212; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/look-ma-no-hole.html" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><strike style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Close the Hole, Baby!</strike></a></span></span></span></div>

{Living Room} Finally a New Rug!

Wowza, that was a fast weekend! We had a baseball game, and an afternoon at the lake...then BAM, weekend over! I meant to work on a few proj...

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Moroccan Me Crazy

Remember when we had the <a href="http://goo.gl/h1aiEE" target="_blank">big conversation about keeping things in our home that aren't our style</a>, either out of obligation or because they had sentimental value? Case in point, the large floral rug in my <a href="http://goo.gl/h1aiEE" target="_blank">Living Room</a> that I inherited from my grandparents. I love(d) my grandparents. And I loved the rug in their home. But I've never loved it in my home. But I kept it...because who tosses a perfectly good, free rug that comes with sentimental value?! And worse, who replaces a really expensive rug with a much cheaper rug?<br /><br />Well, turns out...this girl. I loved <a href="http://goo.gl/h1aiEE" target="_blank">all your comments</a>, which in a nutshell said <i>'your grandparents would want you to be happy, so try the rug in another room, store it, or toss it!'.</i> So I took the advice to heart, alongside the treasured memories of my grandparents....then rolled up that big ol' froofy rug and shoved it in a closet!<br /><br />I wouldn't be me if I didn't hem and haw, and then hem some more, about the kind of rug I wanted to put in it's place. In the end, though, I went with the one I've been drawn to for years. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/51/53/50/515350b999375c324704e2734cb7ea4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/51/53/50/515350b999375c324704e2734cb7ea4b.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/bris-house-makeover/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/11/f0/7a/11f07a23544645a8d951e5174583d931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/11/f0/7a/11f07a23544645a8d951e5174583d931.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintageluxe.tumblr.com/post/52441212664/emily-henderson" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/01/ef/ce01efd68425e539773180b006ad5261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/01/ef/ce01efd68425e539773180b006ad5261.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://domino.com/living-room-design-ideas-worth-stealing/story-image/533517729ac35fdf2ee08ddd" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/4f/3c/ca4f3c10827e39c810e18bd93d080760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/4f/3c/ca4f3c10827e39c810e18bd93d080760.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.burlapandlaceblog.com/2014/03/rug-update-and-review.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/0b/3d/e10b3d03f40ab55babadd8aa15b7321a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/0b/3d/e10b3d03f40ab55babadd8aa15b7321a.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/06/49114/hope-colling-marmalade" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/44/b8/cc/44b8cc11b330b822f6aad6595554067d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="700" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/44/b8/cc/44b8cc11b330b822f6aad6595554067d.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deucecitieshenhouse.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f2/89/f9/f289f944debfe9d4d31001d362a8ccfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f2/89/f9/f289f944debfe9d4d31001d362a8ccfa.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.burlapandlaceblog.com/2014/01/an-office-space-that-stopped-me-in-my.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/ec/c1/3eecc1774a40888d9eb3cddc1848f5f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/ec/c1/3eecc1774a40888d9eb3cddc1848f5f7.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecupcakeprincess.tumblr.com/post/76206516456/thecupcakeprincess" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Any guesses?!? I'll show you next week...and you won't even believe the difference it made to the room!! Until then, have you recently let go of sentimental objects that didn't fit your style? Do you have as hard a time pulling the trigger for a rug purchase as I do?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Moroccan Me Crazy

Remember when we had the big conversation about keeping things in our home that aren't our style , either out of obligation or because t...

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Cowhide or Drop Cloth?

Well, well, well...according to your responses to <a href="http://goo.gl/7xkmzi" target="_blank">this post</a>, many of us are our own worst enemies. The weight of our plans and intentions overwhelm and cripple us, leaving a lot of un-started projects. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone in that stressful mind cycle, but I hate that so many of us get caught in it. But since declaring that I'm going to <a href="http://goo.gl/7xkmzi" target="_blank">"Just Start Somewhere"</a>...I've already started re-working a gallery wall, and raided the Algot sale at Ikea for my craft supplies....both with minimal premeditation! It feels so freeing!<br /><br />One of the things that's been on my list, is our Living Room rug.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="753" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12076358766_8f86f2880c_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's large, bright, colorful, and extremely well-made. Not to mention, it was really expensive. It should be my jam, right? So what's the problem? Well, we inherited it from my grandparents several years ago, and at the time, we were just grateful for a rug large enough for the room. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="458" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/12075718785_c31906975f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />You know I don't shy away from color, pattern and boldness...but the rug is so overpowering. I do love all the colors, but never really loved the rug. Mr. Sugarplum <i>really</i> never loved it. But I struggle with those feelings because it <i>is</i> so nice, and it was my grandparents. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="761" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12076119044_e2253c1198_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><span id="goog_852655051"></span><span id="goog_852655052"></span><br />I started noticing a lot of stylish people layering rugs...specifically, layering a cowhide over another rug. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="[decorating-with-cowhide-rugs%255B10%255D.jpg]" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9T7gei1MuqqIVl5z63vYABxH5MxkLx7Tf578OkKQmKDlL0lZpf9SODX0WCk7C-C8ZAhYt3nhcfj6QgtzJUndsm07xwX0OujC5vWYKTKw8JnuPl_KTEOl9PrTr5v_1nxQ6u2c7ToYP4w/s1600/decorating-with-cowhide-rugs%25255B10%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emilyaclark.com/2013/10/a-cowhide-rug-for-our-bedroom.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="layering rugs" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-35053" height="700" src="http://www.thenester.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_9040-472x700.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="472" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/11/layered-cowhides-also-oysters.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Glitter Guide - living rooms - Ralph Lauren - Forde Abbey - Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Sofa, French Brass Cocktail Table - Ebay, white, drapes, white, black, Greek key, trim, , gray, walls, cowhide, rug, layered over sisal, rug, vintage, Ebay, French Louis XV, chair, upholstered, Kelly Wearstler, Lee Jofa, metallic, fabric, gold, ebay, flush mount, pendant, light, layered rugs, gray sofa, modern gray sofa, brass coffee table," src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2012/03/02/b891c0e9295c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=91411&currentPage=3&index=17&relatedPhotoId=" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5758" height="400" src="http://www.budgetwisehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/look-for-less-orange-and-pink-sunroom2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="look for less-orange and pink sunroom2" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://budgetwisehome.com/diy-look-for-less-11/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Not only do I love the look, but I thought layering might be a good option to help the floral rug fit our style better. So I took advantage of a recent sale and grabbed <a href="http://bit.ly/1hMuqOC" target="_blank">this one</a>.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="711" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/12076023563_0e062bd1f5_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Once I had it in place, I asked the Mister what he thought about the new Living Room rug? His answer...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"That's a rug? I thought you were working on a project and it was a painter's cloth?!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Awesome.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="746" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/12076024943_1aeaf17649_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I went with the <a href="http://bit.ly/1hMuqOC" target="_blank">light natural</a> instead of a <a href="http://bit.ly/1dVDFeq" target="_blank">traditional brown and black</a> cowhide because I didn't want any more color and pattern on the floor. It's a gorgeous rug, but I think it might be a little too tone-on-tone with the floral rug.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="771" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/12076360406_e38a4fac6f_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="700" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/12076120404_226562c6f9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="728" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/12076361376_9a89172860_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Not to mention, I have a really hard time getting over the fact that this was an actual cow's skin. I'm not vegan or anti-leather, but this is a little too still grazing grass for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="610" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/12076022853_7d3dc1af2c_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Layered Cowhide" height="489" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/12076362116_47c562da91_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />So what do you think? Do you like the look of layered rugs...these layered rugs in particular? Or am I just doing what Mr. Sugarplum so eloquently said, <i>'Nice try, but you can't polish a turd."</i> Do you think we should hang on to things if they aren't our style or make us happy, just because they were free? Or even if they belonged to people we loved?<br /><br /><i>Pssst...see all the Living Room projects <a href="http://goo.gl/j5F8kb" target="_blank">here</a>.  </i>

Cowhide or Drop Cloth?

Well, well, well...according to your responses to this post , many of us are our own worst enemies. The weight of our plans and intentions o...

Read more »