Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 142 Comments

How To Use A Rug To Define Your Living Area

We’re working on a few projects this morning, but in the meantime we thought we’d toss out this work-with-what-you’ve-got quickie. Some people have been asking where we got the armless loveseat in our living room, but that’s actually just two of our old cheap-o Dolce chairs pushed together with two Ikea faux sheepskins covering the seam. See, here they are divided:

DayOne Family Room 2

And united:

Trim Painted 2 Loveseat

Thanks to the front legs sitting on the rug, they don’t scoot or separate, so they’re actually fully functional. If we were going to keep them this way for a while we’d probably use metal L-brackets to connect them from underneath the frame, but since Karl’s arrival could completely change the layout of our living room we’re going to hold off on that and just see how things go.

One day at a time is definitely the mantra these days. And it totally works. We may have five million things on the ol’ to do list, and we may be constantly switching gears (from room to room and painting-projects to fabric-hunting), but we’re surprisingly not-overwhelmed. Thanks to taking things day by day. I know it sounds like a Backstreet Boys song (or even a “vintage” NKOTB hit) but we’ve always been ok with embraced corny. So we’re just trying to sit back, enjoy the journey, and sing in harmony to girls who scream and faint see where we end up…

Comments

  1. Peps says

    Hi, I don’t know have you already purchased the sofa, still I want to share. We’ve had exactly same sofa for three years now and it’s served us well. It’s extremely comfy and strong but unfortunately, back pillows got bad after just few months. They kind of separate right in the middle (horizontally) and it’s very difficult to make them look and feel all even. The good thing is, that you can easily wash the whole cover in your laundry machine and dry it in the dryer. Website suggests to dry clean, but I gave it a try and now do it every few months. All the best from Santorini:-)

    Reply

    • mandy says

      I also have the exact same couch and LOVE it! We’ve had it for about a year now and have had no problems with the back cushions. Maybe they’ve made some improvements. Enjoy!

  7. Ashley says

    for those that were wondering, Target sells a loveseat version of the dolce chairs

    loving all the changes you guys are making! can’t wait to see more!

    Reply

  8. karen @ our slo house says

    I have to say that I have been living *vicariously* through you two, lately.

    We haven’t started the REAL part of the renovation yet — we’re waiting for permit approval and still getting bids from contractors…and I am getting itchy to start up already!!

    So, although I have made a little progress with our new (old) house, I am LOVING watching you guys make a TON of progress. : )

    Reply

  9. Christa M says

    I just saw the cousin of your Dolce chairs on Craigslist for $75…I am very tempted. How do you like them?

    So where does Burger hang now to watch the passer-byers?

    Reply

  11. sara says

    Just need your true opinion. I work from home & drives me crazy to not meet/communicate people. How do you guys manage both of you working from home & on home projects?. What do you do to stop yourselves from going nuts?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We just allow ourselves to slowly go crazy. Haha. Just kidding. We try to get out of the house for a walk or do something fun to switch things up (like go to the zoo over lunch with Clara). She only has a 30 minute attention span so it works for now. Haha. We also try to enjoy singular activites, like John may go for a run while I take care of Clara or I’ll read for an hour while he watches her. We actually worked together in NYC when we met (in advertising) so we’re used to spending a lot of time together. As corny as it sounds we genuinely enjoy each other’s company and you know we love home improvement so it generally works out pretty well.

      xo,
      s

  14. Melanie says

    That is so clever!!! I love your ideas and get so much inspiration from your blog. I’m amazed at how you find the time for everything, from updating your blog (usually more than once a day – amazing) to parenting, to home improvement/sourcing, and more! Keep up the fabulous work!

    Reply

  15. Melissa @ HOUSEography says

    Great idea! A nice way to change things up a little while you wait for Karl to arrive. Can’t wait to see how it looks so I can decide whether to pull the trigger on it. Also, I saw loads of furniture legs at Home Depot a while back in case you want to try to change them up. Also, just read Karen’s comment above and was in her exact same position 2 years ago! So glad it’s over but it was a fun ride!

    Reply

  18. Joanna says

    NKOTBSB, baby! Now you don’t have to choose which band’s corny song you reference, they have combined into one giant pre-teen, ecstasy-laced cocktail of yummy pop jams and dance moves! Can you tell I am excited?

    Reply

  19. Kate says

    Love the posts about working with what you have. I’m been very annoyed with our apartment lately, so last night I did some furniture rearranging since my husband is out of town for a couple days. Didn’t spend a dime, but put a nice fresh spin on things. Hopefully that will tide me over until we buy a house (hopefully) this summer, though now I need to figure out how to fit everything back in the closet!

    Reply

  20. Lauren says

    Do I get some extra YHL credit because I noticed this before? :-) I do love posts where you use things you have/change up your decor without spending anything!

    Reply

  21. Michelle says

    You guys are so smart. That would drive my husband nuts to not have an actual love seat there. He would never be able to deal with it being two separate chairs. For those that are looking though, when I clicked on your link for the chair, I did see at the bottom that Target also sells the armless love seat for $279. Buying to chairs would still be cheaper, but I figured I would link it for those that just have to have the love seat.
    http://www.target.com/Dolce-Loveseat-Espresso-Beige/dp/B000I64TXA/ref=sc_pd_gwvub_3_title

    Reply

  22. Amanda says

    When did you purchase your two Ikea faux sheepskins? Whenever I am there I only see what I think must be real sheepskin, and I feel too guilty to buy them!

    Reply

  23. Liz says

    I love seeing you makeover your house in real time! It reminds me that it’s just not realistic for me to expect for my house to be exactly how I want it to be a month, or even a few years, after I move in. Thanks for being so honest about your time frame – it makes me feel better about mine!

    Just wondering – Once you receive your new sectional what are you planning on doing with the Rowe sofa that’s in the living room now?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Liz,

      That’s probably going to be craigslisted since we can’t seem to find a spot where it’s actually necessary, so we’d rather put the money from the sale towards the purchase of Karl than create some other formal living area that we never use (like the one in our last house).

      xo,
      s

  24. andrea p says

    Hey YHL,
    I have been more than curious to know where the yellow Moorish rug from PB will live after Karl arrives? I know you have mentioned that you will need an 8×10′ rug to ground the larger sofa….
    Thank you :)
    PS – LOVED both of the posts yesterday! I really enjoy seeing your shopping process, I find it really helps me to make more thorough shopping decisions. Some of my faves include when you shopped for your new sectional, Clara’s crib, the sleeper sofa, the floral PB rug, etc :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Andrea,

      We’re not sure but we love that rug so we really want to work it in somewhere! Maybe the guest bedroom since there’s a yellow bathroom in there!

      xo,
      s

  25. Meghan, UK says

    Thanks for ‘keeping it real’! From this side of the screen I’d have thought all that pressure for results from us readers may be too much but your posts just seem to show how level-headed you both are.

    Having seen the cables behind your tv, can I ask a strange question about whether you have any / see any troubles arising from lack of plug sockets? And whether they cause any Burger/Clara problems?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Meghan,

      Aw thanks! As for the cables behind the TV, we have a power strip with plugs that seems to work for us (it’s under the media cabinet so it’s out of the way for Clara and Burger). So far so good!

      xo,
      s

  27. Em says

    Sorry if this has been brought up to you guys before, but just had a thought about the beams! What if you painted the ceiling a few shades darker than the walls and did the beams white? I think that would look amazing! Sorry if someone has brought that idea to you already, but I feel like it would really warm up the space/tie in the new couch!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Em,

      We’ve definitely considered any number of schemes involving a painted ceiling or beams or some combination of the two! Can’t wait to see where we end up!

      xo,
      s

  28. Sara says

    I know you plan to paint but in the spirit of working with what you have, the ceiling beams play nicely off the end tables!

    Reply

  30. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    I noticed this the other day too. I love that you do with what you have and why not right? It will always look different in a different house and since you have been putting pieces in different rooms, it makes it feel new again.

    I also love how much a rug warms up a room. Your before and after pictures really show how a rug works some magic on a room. Now it looks warm and inviting. Can’t wait to see Karl in your LR, with which ever new rug I guess you pick out.

    Are you guys going lighter or darker or the same stain color for the floors when you redo them?

    Reply

  31. Adriane says

    Fun! I have two slipper chairs that needed repositioning to accomodate the Christmas tree. I ended up pushing them together also (but towards each other rather than side-by-side). We backed them up to a wall and with some pillows it looks like a chaise! We got so many compliments from holiday visitors on our “new” piece and it’s so functional, we’re keepin ‘er indefinitely!

    Reply

  32. amanda v says

    A quickie? Y’all are so clever! You should move this set up into your entry way for a permanent sitting area. it’ll look darlin!

    Reply

  33. Christin says

    It’s all really coming together! I LOVE the colors you’re picking for the rooms. Love each post showing one more thing that you’re doing. Keep up the excellent work!

    Reply

  35. Jessy says

    I have seriously been eyeing those chairs for months online but was afraid to buy without testing. I want to create a small seating area in the master bedroom, but on a budget (single chairs seem to be just as expensive as a sofa!) Have you enjoyed them and have they held up well?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Jessy,

      We’ve had ours for years (over 3.5!) and love them! We have heard that the newer ones sometime arrive smelling funny, but ours did not. Not sure if that’s a new-manufacturing thing or if that only happens to some people. The did arrive pretty stiff, but about a week of sitting in them to read the mail or break them in for 15 mins a day did the trick. They’re super comfortable now and have held up really well!

      xo,
      s

  37. Meredith says

    Great idea! (as usual).
    Question: Where are the 2 side lamps from? There are similar ones at PB but obvs they’re about 5,000.
    Also, did you know when you were dating that you would love re-doing houses together? Do you have arguments when doing big projects? The hubs and I barely make it through hanging a picture frame! haha
    Have fun with your projects today! Thank you for always taking the time to share with us. I’ve now gotten 5+ people addicted to your blog like me!
    p.s. in love with the dark grey beam idea!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Meredith,

      Funny enough those lamps were wedding registry gifts along with the Dolce chairs we’re chatting about in this very post! The lamps are from Linens N Things (Nate Berkus had a collection when we were engaged and I was obsessed with them). I think they were $35 or so, so a very good deal. Maybe you can try ebay to see if anyone’s selling them? As for if we had any idea we’d be doing this together back when we were dating. No way! We didn’t even know how to hold a paint brush or use a sledgehammer. We were hopeless! But we learned as we went and now we actually love it! Of course we have arguments (I’m from Jersey and I’m Italian, so John likes to remind me that I can be “passionate” at times) but we just try to remember we’re on the same team working towards the same goal, so we’re usually just frustrated at some outside ocurrance or situation, not at each other.

      xo,
      s

  40. Kat says

    hey guys – I found your blog a few weeks ago and LOVE it – my hubby and I bought a 1924 house last summer and have been doing many, many home improvement projects, so your blog is a big help for advice and inspiration. we’re finally almost done painting, but I’ve found that I can never seem to get the rollers completely clean – do you have any tips for rinsing the paint out? it is sooo frustrating and messy with the hose in the backyard. Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We wish we had a secret, we just rinse them and wipe them down with an old paint rag to try to get them as clean as possible- but they’re far from pristine!

      xo,
      s

    • Maggie S. says

      I used to work for a commercial paint company and we had these awesome things that hook-up to a hose or utility sink and allowed the water to flow through a ring. Then all you had to do was move the roller through the ring and voila it was clean. I don’t remember the official name, but they probably have them at your local paint store. And it also helps is you use the curved side on a 5-in-1 (small tool in the painting section at Lowes/Home Depot) to push the paint out of the roller before you wash it.
      Buying the more expensive rollers helps too, because they’re designed to be washed several times.

    • MC says

      Kat & YHL-
      You might want to try Shur-Line’s paint products…they have Teflon coated brushes/rollers/trays and are designed so the paint will stick to your walls but not to your applicators. I am pretty sure you can get them at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot for not too much money…$9 for a 3 pack or a 6 piece tray set for $13.
      Hope it helps!

    • Felicity says

      My grandfather was a professional painter and his trick for cleaning any roller or brush was to give it a final rinse in white vinegar after you think it’s totally clean. Then just do another quick (very quick) rinse with water and let it hang dry. Somehow the vinegar cuts the last bit of paint and soap really well. We have brushes that he used when he painted in the 60’s!

    • Tanya says

      Our painter recently suggested we use washing powder and then rinse really well. It works like a charm!

  41. Sierra says

    I’m inspired daily by you guys! I need to make a list for our house and start making it a HOME. We’ve been there for over 3 years but have been busy adding 2 babies to our total of 4 kids and now? We have all these kids and no time! lol

    I.need.a.list.

    Secondly, your Clara dresser makeover had me swooning at my desktop! I was so inspired I plan to tackle a couple furniture projects very soon.

    Thank you for all you do for my own house mojo! And with humor all the way! LOVE reading your blog!!

    Reply

  43. Andrea B says

    I *knew* those chairs looked familiar! We have two, as well. I discovered the “they-work-as-a-love-seat” thing at Christmas when I had to shove them together to make room for the tree. It looked great, and functioned just as well.

    Reply

  44. Brittnee says

    I know this is probably a no-no, but I would like to ask where that rug is from? I need help with rug choices! :( My husband dislikes every rug I have pointed out to him except—wait for it—shag! :( Not a good choice for a living room. Boo. Any advice?

    Reply

  46. Holly Hampsch says

    I didn’t get a chance to read all of the posts so this may already have been noted… Target does carry the dolce love seat as well. It is $280.00 right now. But at that price you can by the 2 dolce lounge for cheaper, they are priced at $119 a piece. I recently bought the chairs and LOVE them!!

    Reply

  47. Erin @ WriteTasty says

    I dig those chairs. I wonder where I could work them into my house? Hmmm… thanks for the link. I have liked those chairs before. Just wondering, though, how much space do they utilize? Wider than an upholstered dining room chair?

    Reply

  48. Sarah says

    This has nothing to do with this post – but I’m just wondering if your love of cloth diapers has changed at all since Clara started solid foods? Has it changed much of your routine with them, or their ability to clean up?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Love them even more! Honestly, don’t know why everyone doesn’t use them. You have to wipe poop off the ol’ buns with disposables anyway, and they clean up just as easily. Honestly, sorry for being graphic, but they splash less when you spray them than baby poo without solids does. So gross. Sorry for that. But they’re so simple it’s not a big deal at all. In short: love love love.

      xo,
      s

    • Jessica says

      Since cloth diapers were brought up I’ve been meaning to ask you a question. I know that you are using Charlie’s powder, but one quick question about the amount. Do you use one full ‘spoonful’ or do you do the “1/4 of recommended amount’ like some advise? I was using another brand and decided to give Charlie’s a whirl. I am currently loving it on all our other clothes. Just wasn’t sure what I should be using on my CD’s. Thanks!

  50. Meaghan says

    I too am constantly inspired by your blog and projects and it gives me ideas to be more bold with my decorating.

    Question for you – you mentioned you would use metal L brackets to connect the two chairs together if you were planning to keep them in the loveseat format permanently. Can you please explain how you would affix the metal L brackets to do this?

    I have a sectional (this guy: http://www.zgallerie.com/p-4766-reggie-sectional.aspx) which I absolutely adore, but sometimes the chaise slides away from the sofa portion, so I would love to use your L bracket solution to prevent this.

    And BTWs – fantastic choice on getting a sectional. I don’t have space for a giant one, but love the versatility my smaller one provides, so I’m sure yours will make you extra happy. Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Meaghan,

      The way we’d approach it would be to go to the hardware store and look in the aisle with metal brackets and hardware and look for something heavy duty (not decorative) that looks like a V or an L or a T and screw them into the base of the chairs to connect them from underneath. Just ask for help if you’re not sure what will work!

      xo,
      s

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *