Young House Love

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A Rug For The Kitchen

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…

UrbanRug Gray Plus Pattern

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+.

UrbanRug Screenshot

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!

UrbanRug 1 From Hallway11

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.

UrbanRug 3 From Dining11

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…).

UrbanRug 2 From Living11

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?

UrbanRug 4 From Stove11

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:

Grout After Stove Close

Kinda penny tile-ish, right?

UrbanRug Top Detail

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.

UrbanRug Toy Detail

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.

UrbanRug Burger Pillow

So, long rug story short – I think we’re sold. We’ve found our kitchen rug!

UrbanRug Flower Detail11

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:

UrbanRug Dining From Door11

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:

UrbanRug Dining Straight On11

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.

UrbanRug Dining Detail

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.

Comments

  1. Melanie@MJ says

    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.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

    • Robin says

      I’ve tried this! It didn’t work. Well I probably used the wrong kind or something but it was a total fail.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

  7. Lori says

    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.

    Reply

  12. Meredith says

    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!

    Reply

  14. jacqueline says

    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. :)

    Reply

  16. GretchenF says

    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!

    Reply

  17. Kristin says

    My two year old ALWAYS has to find her tutu and flower headband when she wants to dance too! So cute!

    Reply

  18. Danielle says

    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!

    Reply

  19. John@Our Home From Scratch says

    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.

    Reply

  21. Anna-Lisa says

    “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.

    Reply

    • Lauren@FilingJointly says

      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

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

    • heather says

      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.

  22. Kim says

    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!

    Reply

  27. Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says

    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!

    Reply

  29. Sarah says

    Ooooh, gorgeous!! Great choice, well worth the risk of taking the plunge and buying online. Really pulls the room together.

    Reply

    • S @ keepitneat says

      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?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

  34. Robin @ our semi organic life says

    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!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

  36. Virginia McMillen says

    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”.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

  37. Sarah K. says

    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!

    Reply

  38. E.Lefebvre says

    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.

    Reply

  40. MJ says

    Those little plants you have on the white table are perfect there. Are they live? I’d love to know what they are.

    Reply

  41. Riki says

    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. :)

    Reply

  42. mariela says

    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.

    Reply

  43. Allyn says

    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!

    Reply

  44. Sarah says

    I love how the house is coming along. Looks so great and can’t wait to see what you do with the stools!

    Reply

  45. Emily says

    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!

    Reply

  46. Barb says

    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.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      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

  49. Elaine says

    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.

    Reply

  50. Melissa says

    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!

    Reply

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