Our new kitchen rug has arrived! Yes, it was actually something we ordered online, which is somewhat nerve-wracking since finding a rug for this spot has proven difficult so far (although we have had success with online rug orders before). But based on what we learned from our little rug fashion show, we were pretty confident that we’d figured out the winning formula. At least we were hopeful…
The “winning” rug was actually from Urban Outfitters. The color, pattern, and price were all great – so we thought we’d give it a shot. With a spring discount code they were running, it came to just $69 with shipping – which is obviously a lot cheaper than a 5 x 7′ wool rug, which most likely have been around $125+.
We also thought a flat weave would be better for our kitchen (no worrying about food being mashed into a plush wool rug). And as for why we went with that size, we tried a few different rug sizes before ordering (we have many different sized rugs on hand, and preferred it the most in that space). Anything bigger/wider interfered with the stools being pulled out, and anything shorter/smaller felt oddly tiny – like a bath mat in the middle of the room.
So without further ado – here it is!
We did put a nice thick rug pad under it (from Target for about $30) which not only helps it stay in place (it doesn’t move or slide an inch, even when Clara and Burger are charging around after each other) and it also gives it some nice cushion. We took these pictures just a day after it arrived, so some of the lines from where it was folded are still there – but if it’s like our other flatweaves, those will work their way out as time goes on.
We think it looks pretty darn awesome. It does exactly what we’d hoped (defines the area as a living space without having a color or pattern that’s too demanding – especially since we’ll be adding in more color by painting the stools). The scallop is a nice simple pattern without being too in-your-face (because no one likes an in-your-face scallop…).
See how from the other side of the kitchen it’s really sort of soft and subtle? We just wanted something that didn’t scream “look at me! I’m a rug! Focus all of your attention on me!” and instead just sort of slipped in for a nice layered look. I guess we’d rather gaze at the wall of penny tile or the hallway of frames or the over-sized pendants over the peninsula or the open shelves by the stove – ya know?
And in a weird way, the roundness of the rug pattern kinda echoes the gray penny tile backsplash on the other side of the room – which actually brings some pretty sweet balance to this 25′ looong room of ours:
Kinda penny tile-ish, right?
Another reason we’re happy to have a rug there is to give Clara a little play space. Granted these days a lot of her playing involves running around, but we still find her sitting in this area of the house flipping through a book or dancing to the radio (sometimes while wearing a tutu and three headbands). So it’s nice that the area is soft, but not so plush that we’ve gotta worry about crumbs and junk getting stuck in some dense rug forest.
As for Burger, he doesn’t really care too much about the rug as long as he still has a pillow to curl up on.
So, long rug story short – I think we’re sold. We’ve found our kitchen rug!
We do LOVE a showstopping rug (like the one in our living room and bedroom) but I think this more subtle tone-on-tone guys is just the ticket. And as a little bit of a epilogue to this story, we thought we’d show you one other little update that we made in the dining room – a sort of a mini “Dude Get On That” assignment, if you will. We finally hung the art that I made John for Christmas. Yup, just five months later. Haha. Here it is catching a mad reflection from the front window:
Oh and don’t mind the baggy brown chair covers that are back on our dining room chairs. We put them on when we brought them outside for Clara’s party (for an easy-wash surface to avoid stains) and just have been too lazy to take them off. So yeah, we haven’t even washed them yet. Haha.
Anyway, here’s a better view of the Chrstmas art that we finally got on the wall:
It’s hung right above a little cabinet (it’s actually a nightstand) that we bought from Joss & Main last year that has kinda been floating around the house in various spots for the past six months. Remember we mentioned it here and you got a peek of it here? Well, it seems to keep ending up back on this wall, so for now we’re calling that his home. Can’t guarantee he’ll be there forever though, haha. You know us…
Since the art consists of a bunch of boy scout badges that I scanned, printed, and matted into a grid, I also made a key in a separate frame (to explain that John deserved badges like “Personal Fitness” for being a runner and “Rowing” for taking me kayaking a couple of times – more on that here). So that’s what the smaller frame that you see leaning on the wall below it is all about.
Hmm, I’m not sure how this post went from scalloped rugs to kayaking, but I think you’re all filled in. Next up: a big painted stool reveal. Oh yeah, baby. We’re closer than you think. As in, this is your 24 hour notice. Haha. What have you guys been doing with rugs? Any online ordering? Any searches for something softer that layers into a room instead of a bold guy who becomes the focal point? We can definitely appreciate both approaches to rug hunting, in fact it’s pretty fun to have a few makes-the-room rugs and a few best-supporting-actors, so I recommend a diverse cast of rugs, haha.
I really love that white cabinet! & did you guys ever think about doing the Martha Stewart trick and putting caulk lines on the underside of the rug instead of buying a mat? I probably have all the wrong terminology in that sentence. :-X I’m new at this home improvement stuff.
Oh yes we have heard about that trick- it sounds cool! We didn’t know if they would be bad for the cork though (probably would rather try it on hardwoods first since people seem to have tried that surface (never hear about folks using it on cork- haha). Probably paranoid!
xo,
s
I’ve tried this! It didn’t work. Well I probably used the wrong kind or something but it was a total fail.
I also tried the caulk and it failed…on a flat weave rug you could feel the lines of caulk. I ended up just pulling it off. Wouldnt recommend trying that trick.
Thanks for the tips guys!
xo,
s
I love the contrast with the dark cork floor. I’m having a hard time telling what color it really is though(that may be because Im reading you on my phone on the beach).
It’s definitely a color you’d call gray- but it’s a warm grey- sort of taupe-ish. Which is cool because it ties into the floors and the backsplash tile which seems to be a bit warmer than it is cool.
xo,
s
LOVE!!!!
That rug is a home run!! Seriously, it’s perfect and really ties it all together.
I LOVE IT!!!!
Is a really calming rug
and it does pick up the yellow and grey mixture, good job guys.
<3
Yadi B.
Love it!!!
That rug was definitely worth the wait! Just goes to show that you shouldn’t settle for anything – keep looking till you find the perfect one, even though sometimes that’s really hard to do.
Winner winner chicken dinner!
Hahah, my BFF says that all the time. I never heard it until my twenties, so I laugh like a hyena every time…
xo,
s
That rug is perfect-o! Really. I think it tones down the paint color, or maybe let’s it shine. And it doesn’t feel too matchy with the gray either. To sum it up–I’m loving it.
We recently ordered two tapestries from Urban Outfitters and hung them as curtains in my studio.
http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2012/05/from-terrible-to-sterile-to-i-cant-look.html
Three cheers for Urban Outfitters, eh!?
Gorgeous!!! Love that makeover!
xo,
s
Completely in LOVE with the rug!
Thanks Pri!
xo,
s
Looks great! I love Urban Outfitters!
Ooh, I get resolution on the rug issue (love it!) and now I’m excited for the big stool reveal. You guys always keep me on my toes. :) It’s looking awesome!
looks great, guys! can’t wait to see it with the stools updated!
Great choice! I love the colour and pattern, it does echo the penny tile pattern and it goes swimmingly with the seashell in the fireplace. :)
Really love the Joss & Main cabinet. It looks great in that spot.
Thanks Lucy!
xo
s
I really like that rug. On my monitor it’s reading more beige than gray – is that accurate? We need a new rug for our family room and this is definitely something that I could love in my own house (if you don’t mind a copycat in the midwest).
Oh, and for a minute I thought you’d goofed and that chest was a double secret probation book project!
It’s sort of a gray-beige. I think from afar it looks gray but when you get closer you realize it has some warm taupe undertones too.
xo,
s
My two year old ALWAYS has to find her tutu and flower headband when she wants to dance too! So cute!
Haha, they have to get festive first. Haha.
xo,
s
Just perfect! In the photos, it looks like the gray has a touch of green in it so it compliments the wall color without competing.
Currently, we are waiting to see if we got our 1st house! There is a small space between the dining room and kitchen that would be perfect for a rug for our son. He will be 2 in Sept. Love the look of this one, and had no clue urban outfitters had rugs!
Thanks for all your inspiration and instructions!
Nice find! You guys are very resourceful.
Urban actually has a campus in South Philly on the old Navy base… they have a great cafeteria that’s open to the public.. very cool, inspiring place. I work very close to that area, so I get over there once in a while.. good food too. If you’re ever in town, it’s worth a stop.. I’d imagine they’d give you a tour too.
Mmm, you had me at public cafeteria.
xo,
s
Love, love, love the rug! Your kitchen is amazing!
Aw thanks!
xo,
s
“No one likes an in-your-face scallop.” Hahahahahahaha.
I was totally thinking that it matched the penny tile before you even mentioned it! Yayyyy OCD points to me.
Haha, 1,000 Noticing Points to you on this rainy morning. Congrats!
xo,
s
Haha my husband gives me “Oblivious Points” because I am the least ‘noticey’ person alive.
I’ll be like “OH when did that billboard change?”
And he’ll be like “November. Ten oblivious points.”
Love the rug!
(And this has nothing to do with this post but I was at a wedding recently and totally ripped the slit in my dress like four inches higher up the back. My first thought was “OHMYGOSH what underwear am I wearing? Are they ridiculous?” Luckily there wasn’t a CareBear to be found. It’s totally weird that I’m telling you this right?)
http://www.filing-jointly.com/2012/06/as-soon-as-ryan-sends-me-pictures-i.html
Bwahahahah, I love that. John gives me Narration Points for narrating the obvious. Like I’ll say “ok so today is Monday” and he’ll say “ten obvious points to my beautiful wife.”
xo,
s
LAUREN! That happened to me at my friends wedding a few weeks ago. Except I was in the wedding. And we still had to take formal photos. On a windy beach. Including a jumping one. And I had a thong on. Sorry groomsmen in the back. My ninja sewing skills fixed it up before the reception but it was a bit sketchy there for a while.
Perfect! The scallops “speak” to the penny tile as well as the design on the pouf. It has the right amount of subtle pattern and color. Good job!
Super fab!!!
I’m currently drooling over this guy…err girl from crate and barrel, have it on my wedding registry just in case anyone feels particularly generous, but also so I can take advantage of the ten percent complete your registry discount after the wedding!
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/area-rugs/mariah-multi-5%27×8%27-rug/s426949#reviews
So smart about the ten percent! Maybe your relatives will go in on it together though! Here’s hoping!
xo,
s
Wow, it is so perfect and I think the fish scales subliminally tie back to the swimming lady!
Didn’t even think of that! Haha. I love it.
xo,
s
I just ordered a rug online from Overstock for our Nursery for the little guy I’m brewing. Since the rug is bright and bold I’m waiting for it to come in before I order/paint/start anything else, but I’m really excited about the inspiration board I put together for this little “Old-World Huntsman” nursery. http://oneprojectatatime.blogspot.com/2012/06/nursery-planning.html
That’s going to be amazing! Love the mood board.
xo,
s
Erin, I love the rug you’re getting for the nursery, but I especially love that the background on your website matches Sherry & John’s fabulous new gray & white scalloped rug!
Haha, isn’t that funny?!
xo,
s
Wow that really did turn out to be the perfect rug! I love it! It definitely works out for the best to not have a show stopper rug there what with all the other amazing features you have going on in your kitchen! I also love the wall art, such a cute idea!
You nailed it with that rug. Great choice. Goes with the flow. Totally digging that bird? on the dress. Can you tell where you got it from? I had a sad post (I killed the moss in my terrarium) to share today.
http://whatsurhomestory.com/moss-terrarium/
So seeing that gorgeous rug makes me really happy. :)
The bird on the wall? That’s from a thrift store. Ohhh wait, do you mean the one on the cabinet? That’s a piggy bank (well a bird bank) from West Elm a while back. Hope it helps! And so sorry about the death of your moss :(
xo,
s
Meant the bird on the cabinet. Checking West Elm right now. Thank you.
Vidya
Ooooh, gorgeous!! Great choice, well worth the risk of taking the plunge and buying online. Really pulls the room together.
Oh my gosh! You nailed that one perfectly. Very nice.
Aw, thanks guys!
xo,
s
The rug is perfect for the space. Great find! I don’t think I’ve ever thought to look at Urban for rugs. Good to know!
Side note, since you have a knack for finding the perfect item for a spot maybe you can help me out – I have been searching for new bedding in our bedroom for MONTHS. I’m looking for something bold, in a navy blue or a similar bright/bold blue. I’ve searched all the major home and bed/bath retailers. Have any under-the-radar spots you’ve found bedding?
Hmm, what about CB2 or West Elm? Or maybe try Target’s Dwell line?
xo,
s
Looks great! As soon as I saw it I thought of that stencil you liked for Clara’s closet.
https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/07/nothin-like-a-little-weekend-chaos/
You guys must have a thing for scallops :)
Oh my gosh, it’s true!
xo,
s
Love the scallops, but I have to admit, I prefer them on my plate!
~Katy
Haha- John’s a scallop person too. I can’t get behind them, but I love me some shrimp or calimari. Oddly enough I’ll even eat sushi of all types, but scallops taste too fishy for me. Probably haven’t had good ones yet…
xo,
s
So far the only rugs we’ve ever owned are handmedowns or $20 IKEA rugs. Now that our cat is older he’s much better about destroying them. He won’t scratch on anything but rugs. We’ve gotten him down to 1 cheap rug. I long for the day when we can buy fancy rugs!
Oh man, someday maybe he’ll get tired! Haha. Burger used to “dig” in pillows a lot (picture the frenetic movement a dog makes while digging in the backyard for ten minutes per pillow) and he’s a lot less wired these days. Haha. Still sprints all over, but a lot less pillow-digging!
xo,
s
The rug is perfect! Can’t wait to see your stools! That sounds so wrong!
Hahaha, it does sound wrong.
xo,
s
this made me laugh. loudly. at work. i am easily amused by poop humor.
Love the kitchen. Everything looks clean and calm. Where did you get the hot-pink car-thing? I would love to get one for my daughter. It looks sturdy enough to stand up to “The Destroyer”.
That was something we found in a local eco shop here called Franklin Goose, but I’ve seen them on amazon.com I think too. The company name is Kid or Kid-O I think. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
I love the rug! Looks great in that space and is just enough pop without being too busy. Thanks for the tip on Urban Outfitters, I have been scouring the internet for budget priced rugs and have been coming up short. We just purchased the Karlstad sofa and a sofa/chaise in the black leather and I am up for a whole room redesign. Rug is my next stop which will then help me chose a new wall color. I am not quite as good as planning as you are, and more decide as I go. Your blog has been a great inspiration and some of my spaces are obvious YHL renderings!
Love the rug! It almost looks grey/tan (gran, anyone?) in the pictures. And I love your dining room update!
I was poking around on Spoonflower today and found this fabric: http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1204058 It’s called “worm waves,” it’s in your colors… and I immediately thought of Young House Love.
Haha- it’s totally gran! And maybe gran is the new greige. Haha. As for worm waves, um, I’m in LOVE!
xo,
s
Haha gran. I wondered about the taupe thing too.
Lovely choice.
Can’t wait for tomorrow!
meant bird? on the dresser. :)
Yup, West Elm! A few years ago though- hope they still have it (or maybe try ebay?).
xo,
s
Those little plants you have on the white table are perfect there. Are they live? I’d love to know what they are.
Haha, they’re fakers from HomeGoods. Little faux olive topiaries (can’t kill ’em if I try).
xo,
s
I like it. A lot. I know you’ll probably get a million opinions but really – it totally fits in with the kitchen, looks nicely layered in a tone-on-tone way, and the pattern really suits you guys. Great choice!
Sherry, in your honour, I found a very handsome lion statue at the Dollarama and painted him white. He’s very regal. :)
Haha, I love it! I bet he’s a handsome bugger!
xo,
s
I love the rug! I saw it on their website before and liked it!
I haven’t had much luck with online ordering for rugs. I ordered the West Elm jute chenille herringbone rug and when it arrived, I thought it looked too busy on our small living room. I haven’t decided if we are taking it back to the store or keeping it.
I wouldn’t have thought to look at Urban Outfitters, but they do have some great home stuff. I need to remember that when I’m searching for things!
I love how the house is coming along. Looks so great and can’t wait to see what you do with the stools!
That looks amazing…I have to admit that I was a little worried when you said “bought it online” but I know that you’ve had good luck. I love what happened.
It looks like the perf color!
Congrats on another amazing room. You guys inspire me!
You got that rug right…this time. I love it. Nothing like a great piece of rug…stunning.
I also love the nightstand. Looks great there. Did you scan the badges off the sash or the Boy Scout book or Internet? How did you do it?
What are you reading and what are your plans for summer reads. How about John? I love to know what people are reading. Tells so much about a person.
Please, please answer all questions. Books and badges.
Great post today.
B.
You can check out this post about how I scanned actual badges (they were ironed onto things but I just cut them out in photoshop after scanning them so I could print them in small circles). And I’m reading Drop Dead Healthy by AJ Jacobs and John’s reading MapHead by Ken Jennings.
xo,
s
Absolutely perfect!!!
Love the rug!
Are you sure Burger is a dog? I swear he is a cat trapped in a dog’s body!
Haha, it’s true!
xo,
s
I just squealed, “Yes!” when I saw the rug. It’s perfect for the space. You guys have such a great knack for putting the right things together.
Aw thanks for the squeal Elaine!
xo,
s
This rug is a definite must for me. We are moving in a month into a new house and all the bedrooms have original hardwood floors (which we’ve never had before) and I’ve been looking for a flatweave rug for one of my daughters! Glad to hear Clara likes it, I’m sure my 4 year old will love it as well!