We’ve shared a few behind the scenes posts about how we take on side gigs, like this one about how our lighting collection came together, and this one and this one about our experiences with writing a book. So we thought it would be interesting to share a side gig that didn’t work out, despite putting lots of behind-the-scenes hours into it. You know we like to share the good, the bad, and the ugly – so why hide something that ended up being a big ol’ bust when we can tell you guys about it?
Without naming names, a very nice company that makes wool/cotton rugs approached us and said “Let’s do a Young House Love rug collection!” It was right about the time that we had started working on our lighting collection, so it felt like a natural extension to that project. Part of the reason we jumped at the lighting opportunity was that Shades of Light shared our vision for affordability. They liked the idea of working with us to create lights that were priced at $99 and under, which made the process more challenging (some nice-but-too-expensive designs got canned along the way) but keeping to our budget-minded roots meant that the whole project felt right for us. We were essentially designing things that we, as a customer, would buy (and did buy!).
We were also excited by the prospect of getting to design some cool yet affordable rugs made from nice natural materials (like cotton and wool, which we prefer in our own home) and the rug company was on board with that vision too. So across many months of emails, calls, and even through shipping samples back and forth, we collaborated with their designers and manufacturers to turn ideas into renderings… and eventually into real rugs! Check out how little Clara was during that initial part of the sampling process. There’s a nice arm tatt going on here, too.
We were really excited about how they were coming together. After establishing initial patterns, most of our work was in tweaking the color schemes and adjusting the scale. And the manufacturer was doing a great job of turning them into high quality, flatweave cotton rugs that we’d love to have in our own home. But the one thing that we were having trouble seeing eye-to-eye on was the price.
You know we’re always looking for a deal (some may even call us cheap… okay, we call ourselves cheap) so finding a good score on a rug is in our blood. In fact, we realized during this process that we’re not sure we’ve ever paid full price for a rug. So as the pricing on our designs started to come back significantly higher than we expected, it was like a metaphorical record scratch. If I could beatbox I’d make the noise and put it right here in the post. Oh heck, let’s just give it the ol’ college try. Yeerrrrrreeeeech. How was that?
The point is, we just kept asking ourselves how we could possibly ask people to pay a price that we wouldn’t consider ourselves. So after a couple of stressful phone calls and restless nights, we and the company came to the agreement that it wasn’t a good fit. There wasn’t much wiggle room in the prices, without compromising quality (nothing either of us wanted to do), and we just felt that it would be disingenuous to put our names on something that was outside of our own price range.
The good news is that the company was still able to move forward with producing and selling the rugs for the price they wanted, so the designs weren’t wasted (although I’m not sure if they’ve hit market yet or not). And it wasn’t a waste for us either. We learned a lot from the design process and we came out the other end with a clearer sense of the most important things for us to iron out whenever we collaborate (namely, quality and price point) – things that we’ll know to pin down a lot earlier in the process next time.
I think one obvious thing we’ve learned from this blogging journey of ours is how hard you’re driven to work when you work for yourself (the amount of effort that you put in can directly correlate with how much money you make for groceries that month) but we’ve also had to learn not to ever let the prospect of money talk louder than our gut instincts. If it feels wrong, we just have to gracefully bow out – even if it means we put in months of work and won’t make a dime if we walk away. It sure is a better option than putting our names on something that just doesn’t seem to fit (and feeling like big ol’ rug phonies).
So that’s the story of one side gig that never saw the light of day. Have you guys ever worked on something for a while and then realized it just didn’t mesh up with your initial intention of the project? How did it all go down?
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
I have to say, this is why I love you guys. You think of us and even though you could’ve slapped your name on it and not given it a second thought, you didn’t. That’s what makes you awesome!
Jen. says
Sigh … I sort of wish you’d continued working together, or that could tell us which company/rugs. :) You guys have such great taste in flooring.
Kathryn says
“…learn not to ever let the prospect of money talk louder than our gut instincts.” PREACH!
I’ve never been prouder of my husband than when he handed in his notice at a well-paying job because he was miserable and his gut told him he’d be happier elsewhere. He was right.
Tara says
Yay! My husband did the same thing :)
Sherry and John, I admire you sticking to your standards!
Manda Wolf says
That’s great that you were mindful of the fact that you and most people who read your blog try to score great deals on rugs and not just lose yourself in the fun of designing a line of products that have YOUR name on them.
Grace@ Sense and Simplicity says
Oh man, that’s why I love you guys. You not only do you have great taste, but a heart as well. I’m glad you didn’t sell out, but stayed true to your cheapness … er, I mean … insistence on quality and a good price. And I loved that you learned from the experience too. High five to you guys.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! That’s the true lesson: stay true to your cheapness! Hilarious. I need that on a bumper sticker.
xo
s
Jeanna says
Ditto!
Lindsay says
Thanks for keeping it fa real, fa real. That’s what keeps me coming back like a mosquito to the light zapper…but I don’t get zapped.
BTW-I’m still a little bitter at my brother for not pulling through on your book tour in Chicago for me. I still love him though :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, bless him for even considering it! Chicago was a really busy one! We had so much fun there though – I hope we’ll be back someday!
xo
s
Lindsay says
Or ya’ll could just come to Pittsburgh so that I can meet you in person! I can bribe your publisher with my homemade chocolate chip cookies or buckeyes.
YoungHouseLove says
I’ll be there!
xo
s
Morgan Milton says
YES! PITTSBURGH, PLEASE!
Chase says
You guys never cease to amaze me with how genuine and how thoughtful you are about what you put out there. A++ to you knowing when to say “no” :)
Sarah L says
I love your collection! I want all the lamps, and I love that you found the ones that were affordable. I even perused the site for other lamps because you put your name associated with that company. It makes me trust the company – smart move by them!
It is so great that you have stuck by your values, and have always laid out what you do to make money and the things that you refuse money for as a conflict of interest. I really think it is why you have such a large fan base.
It is why I love your blog, your brand and will continue to buy your books and the products you do stand by!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Sarah!
xo
s
Ris says
Wow, you guys are the real deal. I really appreciate that you followed your heart and stayed true to your frugal, budget-conscious roots. Makes me love YHL even more.
Meliss says
Did you at least get some compensation for your time and designs? Especially since they still went to market with them?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we would only get a percentage of the sale of each rug if they came out with our names on them and we promoted them as our designs, so when we took that off the table we knew we weren’t going to earn anything from them. But it was still such a learning experience for us! It was well worth the time we spent on it, because not only do we now know how the rug design process works (which we figure is good “experience” for our imaginary resume) we also learned a good business lesson (what to iron out earlier – with a contract! – before diving into designing things for months). Now we know that we have to pinpoint a price point (and a correlating quality to go with that) right off the bat, and only then will we dive into the details like the design.
xo
s
CandiceMcC says
I’m glad it was a good learning experience and props to you guys for stickin’ to your guns, but I do think it’s kind of lame that they didn’t compensate you at all.
Vee says
I agree. I wish you still could have been compensated for your designs. They are going to make money off of what you ended up doing for free.
Jeanna says
Yeah, I agree with Meliss- you spent all that time designing them! If they use them without your name on them it seems like you should still get something! I would maybe even ask them NOT to use the designs.
Jaclyn says
I came here to ask the same thing. They basically hired designers for free. As a photographer that gets all sorts of requests for free work, this really rubs (rugs?) me the wrong way.
bfish says
I agree with the concerns others expressed about your not getting paid for the design work. I wonder if the rug company has a paid staff of designers or if they solely procure design work from freelancers? I guess it bothers me that they are getting something for nothing, and it seems like you were really only going to get paid for putting your names on the product.
That said, I appreciate your positive reaction to all of this and focus on “lessons learned”. You are right that many/most of your audience would balk at the retail price point suggested and you would face a quandary — are people going to pay more than they’re comfortable with or able to swing, or are they going to wait until prices are slashed on YHL rugs so they can buy one? Neither option is very desirable for your brand/good name.
Like you guys, I never pay near full price for rugs and am way too spoiled from years of shopping at GreenFront to consider starting now. Half of the fun is in the bargain hunting!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks bfish! I have heard such awesome things about GreenFront! We’re going to make it out there someday!
xo
s
NDP says
It will be so easy to endorse projects that your readers could not afford without so much as a second thought except profits – kudos to you guys!
So if this company is still selling your rug designs, do you at least get reimbursed for your design work?
NDP says
Eh, I just saw your answer to that question! Seems wrong, but still a good learning experience!
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, the agreement was that we would get a percentage of the sale of each rug if they came out with our names on them and we promoted them as our designs, so when we took that off the table we knew we weren’t going to earn anything from them. But it was still such a learning experience for us! It was well worth the time we spent on it, because not only do we now know how the rug design process works (which we figure is good “experience” for our imaginary resume) we also learned a good business lesson (what to iron out earlier – with a contract! – before diving into designing things for months). Now we know that we have to pinpoint a price point (and a correlating quality to go with that) right off the bat, and only then will we dive into the details like the design.
xo
s
Kim says
Oh bummer!! Would have LOVED to see a rug collection from you guys – you have great taste and love the affordability option, which is why I’m also glad you didn’t go through with it. You stay real for the rest of us and I like that! Though it doesn’t help me find the rugs I’m needing for my house (since I’d rather not spend my daughter’s first year of college tuition on rugs for the home – and she’s only 10!)
Catherine says
Whaaat? They are still producing the rugs without paying you? I hope you still made some type of design commission! Otherwise it would be like they are stealing your design!
Honestly, I think I would not have the self control like you guys too to turn down endorsements and things like this, but I have to say I really respect you for it! Keep up your awesome-sauce-ness. :)
YoungHouseLove says
The agreement was that we’d only get a percentage of the sale of each rug if they came out with our names on them and we promoted them as our designs, so when we took that off the table we knew we weren’t going to earn anything from them. But it was still such a learning experience for us!
xo
s
Kimberly says
Are you able to give a price range? I’m curious as to how much was too much. Rugs are expensive, but a good quality one can last a very long time. One thing that often gets lost when trying to save money is value. A higher initial price point may end up being a better value over the long run if the quality is such to justify the price. Conversely, it’s not a deal if you spend less initially but replace the run sooner because the materials didn’t last (or if you bought it because it was cheap and “not bad” but replaced it because it wasn’t something you loved).
I’m all about saving money, don’t get me wrong. And maybe the rugs were overpriced, I don’t know! However, it seems that a narrow-minded focus on price ignores a whole host of other factors that contribute to the value of the rug.
YoungHouseLove says
They were somewhere around the $1000-1400 range. I completely agree that paying more for something often correlates with higher quality and something that lasts a long time, but we’ve had luck getting very large high quality rugs for $599 or less (for example, the Rizzy Rug that we have in Clara’s room, which retails for $1287, was $250 from an outlet). Although we did believe that a small collection of readers might pay those higher prices and appreciate them for a nice long time, we just wouldn’t have bought them ourselves for that amount, so we just use our own spending habits as the barometer for what feels right.
xo
s
Nancy says
Just want to jump in ’cause I have to share my amazing rug-find story here…well two of ’em!
I had a dream I found a rug for $79, then that weekend I went to a carpet manufacturer’s friends and family sale (a friend of mine was employed there and invited me – totally on the up and up!) and found the PERFECT rug for… $79. How crazy, huh?
My other favorite rug was a gift – my brother was living in Azerbaijan (next to Turkey) and bought me the real deal – had tea with the rug maker and everything. He flew over to Tennessee and carried the rug on the plane (I’m seriously not sure how he got away with that!) and gave it to us for a wedding present. His luggage, however, didn’t make it and he had to buy clothes!
Love my rugs!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing Nancy!
xo
s
Reenie says
“. . . how we could possibly ask people to pay a price that we wouldn’t consider ourselves . . .”
Way to stay true to yourselves!! Woot!!! :)
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
What a bummer…although I am glad they still get to use the rugs but sad that you won’t be given the credit/cash. I think it’s awesome how you stay so strong to your gut. I’m rug shopping right now and it’s just ridiculous how expensive they are!!
Kristen says
Huzzah!
Laurie says
Unfortunately, I have to do that all the time since I still work for someone else. *sigh*
I do what I can to communicate what I think will make it better and more successful but sometimes people just want what they think they want and they don’t want to listen to an expert.
Kudos for gaining your autonomy and protecting it. That is going to pay off in the long run. Both fiscally and personally.
Rene @thedomesticlady says
Thank you for this! I used to follow another shelter blog that was constantly doing reviews for furniture that she obviously could not afford slash would not buy because of the cost (she was a pastors wife for goodness sake). I finally got fed up and quit reading her site. Thanks for being true to yourselves and your work:) Love your site!
Kimberly @ Turning It Home says
I’ve totally failed at prospective projects, specifically in high school; we had a ceramics art project to make three animals into one… so when my horse head came out looking more like jajabinks, I called it a loss. Surprisingly, I can make a decent looking human head but if you ask me to make a horse head, you better be expecting something else.
It sounds fun to design a rug, though… even just for the experience! Scratch that one off your bucket list, right? :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s exactly how we felt! It was so cool to see the process all the way through – from sketches to real full sized rugs! I think if we had only gotten halfway in it might not feel like anything was accomplished, but we learned about the entire process and got to see things come to life and we learned some good business lessons too – so the experience was definitely worth it!
xo
s
Lindsay says
Thanks so much for sharing this. Love how carefully you think about your readership!
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
100% agree with the earlier comment. It is such honest posts like these that make us love you more. Thanks for staying true to yourselves.
JenB says
Rugs are one of the the hardest things for me to buy because I don’t want to spend tons of $$$$, but I still want something pretty/cool/descent quality. I end up shopping for (literally) years, trying to find the right one. I hate you couldn’t work out the deal but I’m glad you stuck to your guns.
Helen says
Thank you. Seriously. I appreciate how much you guys consider your readers and what our input is and how you guys really try to gracefully handle stressful situations and comments (I re-read the comments recently of the potty training post as we are about to breach that milestone, holy schnikeys Batman!). As an ex-illustrator in advertising turned stay at home mom, I feel ya when it comes to projects that you’ve spent a lot of time and mental energy on falling through. Not only with past clients but even with games I try to come up with for my 2 1/2 year old that fall flat :P
Also, my bank account would like to extend its gratitude, because I’m a sucker for a good area rug and a Young House Love area rug would have been right up my alley and required a lot less searching. Those links on the side are dangerous I tell you, dangerous.
Suzanne in NW Illinois says
S & J– can you tell us HOW far off your comfort price point they were? Like you wanted small area rugs under $150 and they came in at $400?
YoungHouseLove says
We have never spent over $599 on a giant wool or cotton rug (we’re talking 10 x 14′) but the numbers being tossed out for 8 x 10s were in the $1000-1400 range.
xo
s
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
That seems pretty high for flat woven – esp when you consider that a tufted wool rug at Pottery barn at 8×10 can be had for under 700 bucks.
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
I have *absolutely* worked on something for a while and then realized it just didn’t mesh up with my initial intention of the project?
After turning down reality TV offers for awhile, my family said yes to being on a segment for a show that shall remain nameless. They filmed for two full days after weeks of intense planning. It was awful, as the producer wanted us to do things I was not comfortable with, and was mad when we wouldn’t.
Thankfully, it never aired. The show was revoltingly dreadful, but I still worry that it could air some day, as the footage exists and the network spent an enormous amount of money putting it all together.
Good for you for having the foresight to know that the project was not the right fit for you. Although I do have to say that I am intrigued to see an un-pixilated version of those grey rugs.
Katy
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That stinks! I’m so sorry it ended up being so sucky, but thanks so much for sharing. Such an interesting story!
xo
s
Shellie says
So, this story just sparked a memory for me…..
My brother was once arrested and filmed for a show called Wild Justice (COPS for Fish & Game officers)
I got a call in the middle of the night from the police that I needed to go pick up his car or it would be impounded. So I go in my pajamas, a month after getting my adult braces put on looking a hot mess, and when I get there they shove cameras in my face and start asking all these questions about my brother.
These guys are slick, and somehow got me to agree to sign the waiver. I lived in total terror of the day it would air and be shown all over my town.
THANK THE LORD ABOVE, I was cut out of the final episode. But Katy, your comment game me total PTSD flashbacks about it!
YoungHouseLove says
OH MY GOSH! Whenever I see scenes like that I always wonder how they got people to sign that waver! They must really be slick!
xo
s
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says
Awww, that’s too bad that this didn’t work out. Good for you guys for sticking to your guns. The gut doesn’t lie!
Isn’t it a bit strange though that they could sell your designs without (compensating) you? I feel like you guys got the short end of the stick, even though you learned a lot :(
Robin says
Bummer, but thanks for keeping it real’zo! Hopefully some people will still benefit from your input and design eye – whether their followers or not!
Caity says
I have been wondering what happened to the pink rug that was in Clara’s room. I love that rug. Will it be making a return or have you decided it doesn’t go with the new decor. Can’t wait to see the new collection.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, we loved that rug (it was a good deal from a flash sale site too) but it’s the only one we’ve ever had an issue with shedding. There are pink fluffs down the hall in the new house! We so phased it out for now, but some readers gave us some good get-it-to-stop shedding tips, so we’d love to give those a try!
xo
s
ashley says
You guys have such loyalty to your readers. Thank you. You also have such kind hearts because if a company used my brains, creativity, & time, and sold my designs regardless of parting ways- I would be seeing red!
Christy says
I’m totally with you on never paying full price for a rug! I’ve gotten some at a discount retailer and others on sale or clearance at nicer stores. They are all wool, too. How do people seriously pay $1000+ for a rug?!? Good for you guys! You’ve always gotta trust your instincts, and stay true to yourselves.
Amy says
I totally appreciate this and that you guys stick to your values. Although, I have to admit I saw rugs in the title and was excited because I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect rug for a while now and feel like I keep striking out! I’m like you, looking for quality but not wanting to spend a lot of money and it’s not easy! While I wish this would have panned out for you guys, it’s nice knowing that you’re not selling out and it makes me respect you even more! Thanks for being a wonderful example!
Cristina says
I’ve been reading your blog for months now. It’s honestly the only blog I regularly check. And THIS is why. This EXACTLY. I actually have one of your beautiful lights from your collection in my office & we plan on buying more. I sincerely appreciate that budget is a factor for you b/c yo know what? It is for 99% of us! Thank you for staying true to that! Honestly, I think it adds more character to a home. A home that was BOUGHT and not LOVED isn’t a home with soul.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Cristina! We love hearing about our lights living in someone’s house. So glad you like it. They’re all like my little babies. Haha!
xo
s
Stephanie says
We have one of YHL’s lights in our breakfast nook. It’s so cheery and happy. Such an upgrade from what the owners left us (a faux Tiffany lamp with ugly dragonflies on it).
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Grinning like a fool over here.
xo
s
Kim says
So much respect for you guys. So.Much.Respect. Keep on keepin’ on, Petersiks!
Sarah says
I’m wondering if it’s possible for a rug company to sell a high quantity of gquality rugs at the price point you’re looking for? Is it possible that companies lost money on the rugs you’ve purchased so inexpensively because it was a one-off situation (floor model, closeouts, etc.)? I hope it is possible for good rugs to be sold at the price point you desire because I’d love to see/purchase a rug from a YHL collection!
YoungHouseLove says
I think part of the issue was that certain companies have higher profit margin standards, so they have to sell something at a certain price to “hit” a certain profit margin, plus we would be getting a small percentage to cut into that so the price ends up getting bumped up again. Somehow Shades of Light was amazing at figuring out ways to cut costs without compromising quality (for example, they took a lower percentage to fit our percentage into the pie without inflating things) but some companies aren’t always able to do that. We’re still always open to working on another rug project if the price could be figured out! Especially now that we know how to design them, haha!
xo
s
Angel says
That must have been so hard! I am glad you parted ways on good terms with the company though. Thanks for keeping it real and sharing the “womp womp” moments too.
Jerrika says
I really appreciate how much you care for your readers and that you were willing to turn down such a great opportunity because of the fact they would be out of your price range. You two know how to keep it real!
Christine says
I’m kind of two minds about this. I totally get not wanting to endorse products that aren’t at a realistic price point for you and your readers, and I wish certain magazines (Real Simple, ahem) would do the same thing.
On the other hand, you found that to make an attractive, quality product costs a certain amount to produce, including paying you all to design it :) The rugs that you’ve got from your home were discounted, which means that a lot of other people paying a much higher price supported the production of those high quality products, and made it possible for you to get a deal on quality you wouldn’t have been able to afford at full price in the first place, ya know?
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah we felt the same way! In the end, the fact that other full priced rugs could be found in a lower price point (not including things at outlets or flash sales, but on websites like West Elm or Pottery Barn at full price) just made us worry that we were sort of “a few levels” above where we could have been when it comes to balancing price/quality.
xo
s
rachel swartley says
This is exactly what I was thinking, Christine. But Sherry, I also understand your point about it feeling like it was TOO FAR out of range from comparable rugs.
I’m just speculating here, but I wonder whether some of the other companies you mentioned are able to sell rugs at the prices they do because they are willing to make less profit on rugs because they make more profit on other items like desks or blankets. Or maybe not. Perhaps they just know some tricks that the nameless rug company does not. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s possible too! This rug company also sells housewares (chairs, furniture, blankets, pillows, vases) so maybe rugs are just something they need to make more of a profit on and other things like vases and blankets can go for cheap and inspire a nice high quantity of sales (lots of small sales instead of a few big pricier sales). There’s definitely a lot that goes into it that we have no idea about!
xo
s
Helen S. says
I’m of two minds too. On the one hand, I think offering something for a high price does not obligate anyone to pay the high price. People can choose for themselves whether or not they can afford something. I think there’s nothing wrong with making a profit, so I would be perfectly happy for you to have another paying side gig, even if the rugs were out of my price range.
That said, I also respect that this was a business decision to make sure your brand doesn’t get polluted with products that don’t appeal to the majority of your readers. And I think it’s very cool that you shared your decision making process with us. I have enjoyed this week’s posts.
Theresa M. says
I wonder if other companies can sell a quality rug less expensively because they’re manufactured someplace with cheap labor?
YoungHouseLove says
I’m not sure. I know West Elm uses fair trade and adults (no child labor) in India, which is the same place our rugs were going to be manufactured. I do agree that avoiding any ethically questionable labor to save costs is definitely NOT the way to go!
xo
s
Frannie says
Where do you get Clara’s tattoos? My little girl loves them but I have a hard time finding ones that are age appropriate :)
YoungHouseLove says
Where was that from? I don’t remember! It was like a year ago. Maybe from a machine at the doctor’s office where you put a quarter in?
xo
s
lara says
try Michael’s/Joann, Walgreens, Target. They have butterflies, fairies, etc
Linda D. says
Dover Books has a bunch of temporary tattoo sticker books for a buck or so apiece. Huge range of designs. My kids loved them. (They’ve grown up now, but Dover still makes the books. We hand them out to the neighbors’ kids for Hallowwen.)
Alyssa says
First of all: HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! (Yep, I’m yelling that from WI!)
Also, Thanks for sharing all sides of the spectrum with us. This is one reason I can feel like “we” know you, because you are open and honest. I don’t know about others, but it’s one reason I keep coming back. I’ve read blogs that seem like they try way too hard to keep people reading or they post about stuff I don’t really care to read. You guys are always keeping my interest. Thanks for being such a great couple! Your posts make my morning coffee better each day:)
PS: I had TWO failed wreath attempts. In a row. But I just realized I’ve made plenty to make up for those two. I kept trying to make them how I wanted but they just got uglier and uglier. I ended up tossing all the supplies out which was sad because it was basically throwing money away. But just like you say, you win some, you loose some. My wreaths were a much smaller scale than your rugs but still it stinks to work on something that fails. Again, thanks for keepin’ it real. First bump!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! I’m about to try my hand at a fall wreath, but I hope it doesn’t get wonked up! I think it’s simple enough for even me not to mess it up, but now I’m nervous!
xo
s
Alyssa says
I’m sure it will turn out great:) the easiest one I ever made was the yarn wrapped kind, super easy and cute too!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Alyssa!
xo
s
Jebberjay says
Yay you! Yay us! Thank you for your integrity. It’s worth more than any $ you could earn without staying true to your values.
Joanna says
I think this is really interesting so thanks for sharing. From the standpoint of a reader, I think you guys made a really good – even if difficult to make – call to step away from the project. I would have found the expensive rugs to be an ill fit for your brand and kind of questioned the whole affordable/diy spirit of your blog.
Melissa says
That’s called integrity. You’ve both got it and are, I’m sure, instilling the same values in your beautiful daughter. I’ve been enjoying your blog for several years now and this adds a whole new dimension to my appreciation of your work. Thank you for sharing, inspiring, and all you do!
Kaesey says
I think my failed projects are on smaller scales, but yes, I’ve had to back out of a few! The book project with a good friend that we nixed after a month (saved the friendship and taught me what I DON’T want to write), or the quilt that was not to be (made good scrap for doll blankets). My better half just quit a job that was great financially and miserable otherwise, and we are all much better for him leaving. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Good for you for being true to your instincts.
I have to say, though, I wish I could see the rug designs! =)
Liz says
That’s too bad that it didn’t work out, but I completely understand not wanting to put your name on something that you don’t fully stand behind.
Lisa says
Oh what I wouldn’t give for a YHL rug!! I’ve been hunting for the perfect flatweave for my living room for months and I bet I would have fallen in love with yours! But good on you for standing up for your principles. That’s why I love you guys!
Stephanie says
Good for you guys for staying true to yourselves! I can totally respect the decision you made there.
Nikki says
Have any recommendations for good places to buy rugs? We are in need of one for our home.
Nikki says
Actually… found some websites on your blog itself. Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad! I also love local places (outlets, rug stores) because you can feel them and see the colors in person. I also think overstock and joss & main have some great on-sale options that are still wool or cotton (and you can read the reviews on overstock to see what people say before committing). Oh and I’m so excited about the Dash & Albert stair runners we recently ordered. We hear such good things about their company and the quality, but the cotton ones for the stairs didn’t break the bank!
xo
s
amc says
I’ve had luck with RugsUSA.com but wait for a promo code.
Amy says
FLOR! We got the same pattern for our living and dining rooms because the spaces are open to each other. We also needed non-traditional dimensions, as our dining room is long and skinny. Got some for our entryway as well. Easy to take care of, great for high traffic areas.
Sarah @ Savvy Young Something says
I know that Home Decorator’s Collection sells Surya Rugs and Capel rugs, both of which are pretty nice quality, and they sell for much less than they would if you bought them from a designer (those sources are to-the-trade so you can’t buy directly from them). You can find some 100% wool options in the 8×10 family for under $1,000.
Most online websites are able to offer cheap prices not only because they have lower overhead, but because they get better prices for the high volume they can move through e-commerce vs. brick and mortar. I was a little hesitant about the quality of Home Decorators because their furniture and stuff tends to fall apart quickly, but they are definitely selling quality rugs! If you’re a savvy googler, you can go directly to quality rug dealers like surya.com or jaipurrugs.com, find a rug you like, search the item number or even the image, and find it at the best price. And if you like a rug online, unless you’re ordering it from Target, always try to get a sample–it’s crazy how off the colors are in the pictures sometimes!
YoungHouseLove says
Very interesting Sarah!
xo
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Sarah @ Savvy Young Something says
Also forgot to mention that if you like something on Joss & Main, sometimes it pays to search for it in other places. I’ve noticed that a lot of what they sell (that isn’t vintage or something), is available through other online retailers for the same price as Joss & Main, and those places can sometimes offer samples sizes, shipping deals, and return options that Joss & Main doesn’t always have. I know you guys had great luck with Joss & Main and I definitely have before too, but I know it can be hard for people to pull the trigger on an item as big as a rug in time to get it through a flash sale!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, great tip! We always google it to see if it pops up on Overstock for less, or even the same amount. For us if we buy on J&M it’s because it’s the lowest price, but we love still reading reviews on other sites (ex: if something’s also on overstock for $50 more but the review confirms that the color and the feel are great, it might inspire my to pull the cord and buy the J&M one after reading that review since there wasn’t a review on their site and I was on the fence). Sir Google is always a friend!
xo
s
Linda D. says
When you order stair runners online, who installs them? That doesn’t sound like a DIY project I could handle!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re going to install ours since there are some helpful tutorials on other sites, so we’ll share the steps as we go! Otherwise I’m sure a handyman or rug installation specialist (from a local rug store) might be able to help!
xo
s
Jill says
Another reason why I love Young House Love. You all have such integrity and honesty. Thanks for not only offering great design & DYI advice, but being of awesome moral stock. I know when do utilize a company or brand you suggest, it’s tried, true and not cutting corners. Plus you’re a local business I like to support.
Cat @ Budget Blonde says
It’s not as large as a lighting collection but I had a similar issue with an e-book I was asked to write. I was offered a lot of money for it and started working on it. Once I started sending in drafts, the company changed their original concept to something I wasn’t comfortable with. After hours and thousands of words, I ended up walking away bc. I didn’t feel comfortable having my name on it.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, I feel for you Cat! Good for you for sticking to your guns!
xo
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