As we mentioned here, the bedroom is “still looking rough and we’re not sure about a lot of things – just waiting for inspiration to strike – which might involve repainting and rearranging furniture along with refinishing the floors”). We even elaborated a bit in the comments when folks started asking what we meant by that or if we hated the current color by saying: “We love the paint color but something is off about the bedroom and we’re not sure we can rule anything out – including the paint color. Everything is a suspect until proven innocent. Haha. Something is limiting us, so we’re not opposed to changing that thing once we pin it down (it might be the curtains or the art or something else!) just to get things to “click” for us. Who knows where we’ll end up!”
You can relate to that feeling, right? The whole something’s-off-but-I’m-not-sure-what-it-is thing? Moving the art together above the bed on Friday was a start, but we actually have a bunch of changes on the agenda for this week in the hopes of cracking the case and making “that room where we sleep” feel a little more like “that room that we love!” Of course we know that a big ol’ transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but we also have seen firsthand how a few updates and switcheroos can go a long way in remedying that “hmmmm, something’s just not right” feeling that has probably popped up at least three dozen times in our last five years of DIYing. So we know it well.
We’ve learned that the only real way to get any closer to something that feels right is just to play around and see what you like and what you don’t. The ol’ trial and error approach. Because if you’re sitting there frozen in fear or over-thinking things to the point that you’ve lost all momentum it can get sticky. So without further ado, let’s get into the first tweak, which has already taken place. And it’s kind of a biggie. It all started when we saw the rug on the bottom of this picture at an outlet liquidation sale…
We weren’t looking for a bedroom rug, although we weren’t ruling out the idea of changing anything in that room (because remember, everything in there was guilty until proven innocent- haha). I had actually said to John “the jute rug in the bedroom could always move out to the dining room since we’re planning on getting a natural fiber rug in there for under the table and it’s definitely big enough” – so I guess you could say we were open to anything. So when there was a big tent sale at our favorite lighting outlet (The Decorating Outlet), which also happens to sell rugs (it’s where we got the thick wool rug in Clara’s bedroom along with her blue capiz chandelier and the big glass pendants in our kitchen), we had to check it out.
And that’s when we saw the patterned blue rug in the picture above this one. And it was all over.
We love all of those colors (gray, navy, teal, white!) and the geometric pattern was totally calling our name. By now you know we’re suckers for a geometric rug, right?
They just do something to us. They make us feel alive. Oh yes, we live dangerously.
But back to reality. Since it was a thick 9 x 12 wool rug, we were nervous that even on sale it would be $700 or more, which is sadly way out of our price range. But when we checked out the tag, we almost couldn’t believe our eyes. Did that really say “was $1287.00, now: $250” ?????!!!!!
That’s not 40 or 50% off – that’s over 80% off! So we asked the guy what was wrong with it to make it so cheap, since the tag said “soiled” as the reason for the discount. We hoped if it had a stain we might be able to hide that part of the rug under the bed or try to remove it with some crazy scrubbing ritual, but he actually told us it was ripped. As in, there was a hole right through it. Eeks. But thankfully the placement of the rip was in a corner, and although it looked like this if you picked it up and put your fingers through it…
… it looked like this when it was laid out on the floor. See the big gaping hole?
We didn’t either! The thick pile of the rug was so dense that the rip wasn’t even visible, let alone obvious. So you know what we did, right? We thanked our lucky stars that it was there. It was the only reason that we were able to get over $1000 off (!!!) and take home a $1287 rug for $250. We shoved that sucker into the passenger seat of the car faster than you can say “will-that-fit-in-an-Altima?” and I rode in the back with Clara, happy-squealing my way home.
To save you some scrolling, here’s a before pic of the old rug for ya again (remember we’re still missing major furnishings, like something in that nook, art on those bare walls, etc):
Next we pulled out the old rug that we’d love to relocate into the dining room under the table. We laughed at how naked that yellowed old floor looked. Someday we’ll refinish it, but until then our new rug will be in charge of de-naked-ifying things.
First John did some cute vacuuming to remove any dust/fibers leftover from the tent sale. Look how fast he is. He’s like Edward except he doesn’t sparkle in the sun or bite me for sport.
Next we shimmied it carefully under our bed. It probably took us a good twenty minutes to get it centered – just inching it back or to the side a little bit at a time.
We love it more than words can say. Although, to quote Tim Gunn, it’s a lotta look. Haha. Still missing major furnishings/art of course, but we’ll get there. So some folks might go for something less patterned or colorful for their bedroom, but we think one of the main “what’s wrong with this room” issues for us was that it didn’t feel happy or fun or “us” at all. And now it does. Oh happy day.
See how this room could almost be anyone’s bedroom?
And see how the room above it probably couldn’t be most people’s bedroom? Haha. That’s the beauty of a room that feels like you. It almost feels like it couldn’t be anyone else’s. So I’m sure there are lots of folks out there who would pass on this baby, but we decided when we moved into this house that we were going to make a playful, happy-go-lucky little love nest for our family. So we’re cool with waking up to a room that “smiles” back at us. Sort of like how we love our chipper living room and guest room (which have those other colorful geometric rugs going on):
I know, I know – things in the bedroom look a lot less polished or finished than those two rooms above. True dat. Look at that naked nook and those bare walls. But things always look crazy in the middle. Heck, sometimes things don’t really click into place until the very last tweak has been made, and I’d say we’re at least a dozen tweaks away from the final tweak (the pillows, curtains, and lamps might be the first to get some tweak-age now that there’s a new rug in town). But we’ll get there someday…
Nothing is safe when we have our tweaking hats on. Haha. But thanks to the new rug we’re invigorated and excited to play around a little more and see where we end up. So expect a few more changes throughout the week as we try our hand at a few other switcheroos and snap pics for you as we go. Some might fail, others might work- so it’s all about playing around in the name of figuring this room out a little more.
And can we talk about how plush this guy feels underfoot? Excuse me for mentioning the original price again, but have you ever walked on a $1287 rug before? We hadn’t either. It’s what we imagine the carpets in The Donald’s house might feel like. Super super plush. Like double thick. Burger even lounges on the rug now (he used to lounge exclusively in the bed, so it’s funny to see him sprawled out on the floor these days). It’s nice to know that we have the doggie stamp of approval.
What did you guys do this weekend? Any deal hunting, rug rolling out, or super fast vacuuming? John also ran his buns off at the James River Scramble (it’s sort of a rocky trail run/10K) and we loved cheering him on. We also squeezed in a stroll around the art museum (Clara loves VMFA) and dropped in on a new doughnut shop that opened. Good times. What were you guys up to?
Erica @ Erica's Inspirations says
Love the rug!! I think it is definitely more your style! Have you thought of using larger night stands? I like the idea of using dressers as nightstands! I like the size of these dressers from Z Gallery: http://www.zgallerie.com/p-7290-concerto-3-drawer-chest.aspx
You could get any pair of dressers off of Craigslist and paint them turquoise or gray too. Just an idea :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to, but see that door? It would swing into any night stand that was wider on the right side. But someday we might want to reverse the way the door swings (so it swings out into the hallway) in the hope of getting more room for a side table. It would mean that we have a door swinging out into a walkway we use a lot though, so we’re not sure!
xo,
s
jodi says
LOVE! what an amazing deal!
Kaysi says
Loving the tweak! Especially the super reduced price of the gorg rug…woohoo!! I can see a shelved built-in in the left corner where it steps back and some bigger chest-like night stands…silly door pfft.
Teri says
Much better. The jute rug was nice, but almost too earth tonish in color and texture for the bright colors you are using and the light fixture, etc. Great deal on it too!
Erin G. says
Love the rug, the room is coming together!!! I have the same leaning mirror in my bedroom- but in a corner. Have you tried to put it in the left corner to see how it would fill in that space?
YoungHouseLove says
John suggested that but I don’t want to scare myself by opening my eyes to see my reflection in the morning. Haha. Someday we talk about getting an armoire or even making a built in for the nook. Someday!
xo,
s
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
That is a CRAZY deal. I would have gone for it too – looks amazing. You can put some duct-tape on the back-side to make sure it doesn’t fall apart more when you vacuum, etc. You won’t see it – especially since you can get cool colors of duct tape now.
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Also, is that the only wall the bed works on? Wondering if the bed position is leading to some of your decorating woes.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tape tip Melissa! Someone else mentioned using an iron-on patch to hold the fibers in place and close the hole so we might try that! As for the bed placement, it’s the best spot for us (we have moved it around, but uncentered windows and that chandelier make this placement work best).
xo,
s
Jennae says
I am absolutely dying with envy over here! I seriously need to find a warehouse store with huge sales, because I’ve been looking for 8×10 rugs for my living room and bedroom forever, and haven’t been able to find anything that I 1. Like, and 2. Can actually afford.
And those colors? I die. Really. I wish I could hug it right now. I think it is just the awesome pop of color and pattern you needed in your bedroom :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jennae!
xo,
s
gina says
You could name her Thousand Dollar Baby..lol
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, funny!
xo,
s
Amanda T. says
Oh my gosh!!! I am IN LOVE with that rug!!!! Like so in love, I could marry it. Haha!
I painted kitchen cabinets this weekend, but I think finding a deal like yours would have been way more fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s a huge accomplishment! Congrats!
xo,
s
Jaime says
The new rug looks great and definitely helps the space out! I also like the new arrangement of the posters, but it does make everything feel smushed in the middle. There is a lot of negative space on either side. It looks like there is room for a bench seat of some sort on the side opposite the door! Any plans for that space?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, there’s so much furniture that’s missing as we mentioned! This room is like 30% done! Still lots of adding/moving/hanging/tweaking!
xo,
s
lisa says
looks wonderful! the first thing i thought of as soon as i saw it was your old sunroom in your old house when you painted the stencil on the floor…the color reminded me of that.:)
YoungHouseLove says
OH yes, that’s so funny! It’s true!
xo,
s
Robin O says
Yay! So fun! What a statement piece to ground the room. Definitely a style that’s specific to just some people (I’m one of them!), but I love that you go with your gut and what YOU love. That’s what makes a house, a HOME. I know your “after” bedroom will be gorgeous! Eagerly awaiting the transformations!
Ashley says
Nice! It looks lovely. I concur with the pillow discussion but I’m sure you’re already on it. I love bargains like that. My boyfriend and I were shopping for a dresser on Craigslist for months and it led us to a used furniture store where we found a dresser and mirror set for $145. It had a stamp inside the top drawer so when I got home, I looked it up. It was a solid wood Kincaid dresser that was originally $2,350! I was completely speechless for the rest of the day. Well, except for calling my mom and my sister to brag that is.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s amazing!
xo,
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
That rug is awesome! I want to have all wood floors with awesome fun rugs, but alas my husband is a carpet guy!
Speaking of him, he ran the JR Scramble last year and said it was a blast!
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home says
That rug is a game changer. It couldn’t be more perfect for your room!
We met a penguin this weekend! A penguin!
http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2012/05/21/the-weeks-end-12/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love it!
xo,
s
Kelley says
That looks so awesome in there!
I did some HUGH bargain shopping this weekend, I bought a designer wedding dress that was originally $1549 for $50!!!
Thank goodness for charity fund raisers!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! That’s amazing!
xo,
s
Robin O says
By the way, I liked the paint color in that room before, but now with that rug in there I LOVE it!! It really seems to wake up that color… looks a little more of a richer blue tint. Is that just a computer screen thing or do you guys see that in real life?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just different throughout the day. Sometimes it looks greener, grayer, and bluer!
xo,
s
Christina S. says
Burger looks very dapper in all of the pics! :)
Lauren@FilingJointly says
Love the rug! We were rug shopping this weekend too, although we did not find anything anywhere near that amazing.
We did buy eight bookshelves from Ikea, that we are using to mimic the look of built-ins in our library (which is actually just a bedroom as my husband keeps reminding me. But until he lets me call it the nursery I’m calling it the library.)
So my husband is at home right now building those. Luckily, I am at work and do not have to help.
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
I love the new rug against the wall color! My issue with the room is that it feels unbalanced. Maybe add a built in bookshelf on the left side of the room or move the mirror there? Maybe a chair?? So many possibilities!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes- as we mentioned in this post there’s major art/furniture missing for sure! Just getting started!
xo,
s
Elesea says
I’m so excited to see bedroom changes! I recently started tackling some of the atrocities in our bedroom, so I needed a little inspiration! Love the rug.
Susan Barry says
Ok, I’m totally jealous of your rug… I if he has a brother out there somewhere?? ; )
Wendy says
AWE.SOME. Love it. Definitely brought that missing “je ne sais quois” to the room! P.S. Love the wall color as well.
Donna says
So awesome! However, now that you have this amazing rug, the wall art doesn’t really ” pop ” as much anymore. Something a little bolder seems more like you guys. You always have such great taste.
Phoebe says
I think what might have been off before is that the previous rug was too small for the space. This looks perfect! I would’ve been all over that rug, too :o)
What might also help is if there were a bookcase or small desk in that nook to the left of your bed.
But seriously…awesome score!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we have plans for an armoire or even building something into that nook someday!
xo,
s
Debbie @ My Little Mess says
I love the rug, it definitely makes the room look ten times better! It brought the room from bland to WOW. I can’t believe the killer deal you got on it!
Jaime E says
My bedroom also needs a change up! Have you thought about repositioning the bed? Not sure if you believe in feng shui (not for everyone) but putting the bed in front of the door blocks the ‘flow’. Just a minor thought.
Love your site! I read it daily!
YoungHouseLove says
We have tried the bed in a bunch of places but just like it best where it is (there are off centered windows on all other walls)! Still have lots to do to make sense of the placement though (empty nooks, etc).
xo,
s
Jennifer says
LOVE the new rug!!! On another note, where did you purchase the two white fur rugs you had in your bedroom before? I have opted for one of those for our little girl’s nursery, and judging by your bargain sense, I thought you might know where I can find a good option!
YoungHouseLove says
Those were from Ikea! They’re faux sheepskins and they were $12.99 each I think!
xo,
s
Kris says
I read once that Jacqueline Kennedy was inspired to “do a whole room” in the White House around an ash tray that she found. The rug that you scored is similarly worthy – striking on its own as the focus, but also able to be supporting role in the layers that you’ll pile on for the bedroom. Incredible score!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
Karen F says
what a great find! I love that rug so much, and it looks awesome in the room. Can’t wait to see the room evolve. At least you have a lot of space to work with! My master BR is tiny, with uncentered/oddly placed windows, doors and closets – such a challenge!
this weekend we had my 5 year old’s ballet recital – she was so great, and I’m so proud of her!
Veronica says
Love, love, love the rug! What a steal!
Did you put tape on the back where the hole is to seal it up? I’m sure it is tucked on the far left corner, so no one ever even walks over it so it’s probably not even necesary :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, someone mentioned using an iron-on patch to hold the fibers in so we might try that!
xo,
s
amy c says
fabulous rug and an amazing deal! it really did change the whole room. very cool.
Jennifer says
So jealous!!!! I live in a small (VERY small) town in upstate NY.( in the Adirondack Mtns.) I found your last week when I was home sick and wasn’t able to do anything but drool over all the lovely DIY projects you have done. My husband and I had an estate sale @ his recently passed grandparents house. We put all the lovely antiques in our house that we could and had to sell the rest (VERY SAD FACE). I have to say that thanks to your blog and a few others I found through you, I saved some stuff I was going to sell and have some fun ideas for them. BTW…I love Burger!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Jen
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jen! Burger sends you lots of licks!
xo,
s
Ana from Portugal says
Uau!
This rug is amazing! It makes the room look so cozy!
Can I make just a tiny suggestion, though?… Your 4 poster bed looks a bit unfinished. Do you think you’re going to add the horizontal bars, new endings or something like that?
Love form Portugal!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, still working on stuff for sure! Who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Katy says
Have you been to 2113 restaurant in downtown Richmond? Just went there Saturday night and the entire restaurant lighting is your same as your bedroom. It’s a really fun place! With delicious food. Check it out!
http://www.2113main.com/gallery/restaurant/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love it! Haven’t been there but we’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
karla says
I am so in love with that rug! What a steal!! I also loved the other rug next to it in the pic!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes I loved that pink and orange one too!
xo,
s
Katie Jo says
Did you happen to catch the price on the pink and orange one? Not that I will be able to buy it or anything, but if I know it was way out of my price range I will be able to get it out of my head:) Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I feel like it was $500-600 but it sold right as we were buying ours! It had a stain, so I think that’s why it was discounted.
xo,
s
Kari says
I love your blue rug, but I also love the orange one above it in the close-up photo. It looks like birthday candles! I wish there was a decorating outlet, Home Goods, etc here (Oklahoma City). We don’t really have anything like that – and I can’t order that stuff online. I need to see it in person and get a “feel for it”
Great job!
Emily says
Ooh ooh oooh! I know! I think you should paint the wall behind the bed a darker color ( similar to the back of your bookshelves in the dining room) and then do a cool magical floor-to-ceiling intstallation of some gauzy sheers along that wall. A nod back to your 1 st house bedroom. It would be fun and romantic. You can pull them back on the sides I reveal your framed prints. And then… A very cool chair in the corner. Maybe a painted bamboo chair with a cool funky printed cushion and contrasting pillow? Wow. I got carried away there. Your home is an inspiration!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, always another possibility!
xo,
s
Chrissy Henry says
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new rug!!!! And you are totally right, the green pillows and your cute green curtains don’t really work anymore! And sadly, I also think that we may see a new light fixture in this room in the future too! I am still completely IN LOVE with your “new years eve ball” light but it somehow it just doesn’t seem right with the amazing new rug. But who knows you two always surprise me so maybe future tweaks will tie it in beautifully.
Did I mention that I LOVE your new rug?? ;)
Kim says
LOOOOVE that rug. Definitely brings some drama to the space. I’d go bolder and pull the dark color onto the walls. With your white duvet, white chandelier and light wood floors, I don’t think it’d look too dark at all. Probably not your taste at all, as I know you guys like white and airy. I just like the room I’m sleeping in to envelop me at night! :) I’m sure whatever you guys decide will be awesome though!
YoungHouseLove says
We love a dark wall color too (see our guest room pics in this post) but this room doesn’t get much light- so we’re not sure if we want to go darker on the walls- with accessories, though, definitely!
xo,
s
Lynnie says
Best. Deal. EVER.
I have to be honest and say that I was a bit skeptical about how it would look in the room but yeah, I love it. And I know there’s loads more you want to do in there but I think the new rug has already helped tie it together!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lynnie!
xo,
s
Rachel says
Ohhh nice! Can we see a photo of the rug from the position of the pillows looking out into the bathroom nook? In these photos it looks like it must stretch on forever. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
See the picture of Burger? That’s taken towards the sink nook. The rug is 12 x 9 and the room is 16 x 16′ – so there’s lots of room beyond it – maybe 4′ to the wall with the dresser/chair and 8′ to the sink nook? Will have to snap more pics soon!
xo,
s
Valerie J. says
Love! Love! Love! I love the rug!!!!!I can’t wait to see the tweaking to come!!!! I’m way too excited and need to put the coffee down again. :)
Kristi says
Great improvement guys. Lampshades next. Taller, bolder, more colourful. They sort of seem lost next to such high posts on the bed. And a rich, dark floor would be magic.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, someday we’d love to refinish the floors a nice dark color. Someday…
Lots to do in the meantime though!
xo,
s
Leigh Anne says
I’ve been eyeing this West Elm rug for months http://www.westelm.com/products/marquis-rug-b746/?pkey=cflooring-sale, and there is finally a 15% off rug sale, so I pulled the trigger last night. So excited for it to arrive!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! So excited for you. Hope it’s awesome and perfect in your space!
xo,
s
Kristi says
Oh, and a warm colour somewhere. Maria Killam (colour legend) always says you need to warm grey up. I love your wall colour, but without a warmer colour in the room (aside from the floorboards), perhaps it all feels a little too cold?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, pillows and art will definitely bring in warmer colors! It’s already in the works!
xo,
s
jillian says
I LOVE the rug! The colors are so great in that space now!
Shinay says
Hi guys, I really love your new rug its a great find. I cant wait to see the changes you make although I think it looks good now especially with your new rug. As far as what’s missing maybe wider side tables can help with the balance and you can send me the table you have now haha,that’s the real reason why I think you should get wider side tables but no I truly understand when you say something is missing I always feel like that when I decorate my daughters room although I’ve changed it twice its still something missing for me everyone tells me its looks nice but I’m not feeling it. So I’m ready for a change again. Anyhow I see your on the right track with your new purchase of the rug. I cant wait to see the finish results.
Shinay Key
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love wider side tables, but see that door to the right? Anything wider would get hit by the door! We have thought about reversing the door to swing out into the hallway, but that’s where we walk a lot, so we don’t know if a door out in the hallway would be totally in the way. Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Diane says
This exact rug is on RueLaLa today!! http://www.ruelala.com/event/product/50459/3041845222/1/DEFAULT
YoungHouseLove says
No way! So funny!
xo,
s
Melanie says
Love that rug! Great find. I got the other color (cobalt blue, teal, and lime green) for my son’s playroom at the new house, It’s a 5×8 which lists for $475, but I got it at TJMaxx for $199! Can’t wait to see it when we move in (FINALLY) in 10 days!
YoungHouseLove says
Such an awesome steal!
xo,
s