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?
Maria Fe says
Guys! Seriously, you NEED to come to the UO/Anthro furniture auction. My friends and I have gotten $1000 rugs for $80.
YoungHouseLove says
That would be amazing! We’d love to come to one!!!
xo,
s
lynne says
i just came on here to whine, that is not even fair! i’ve got a house full of worn out parquet and no rugs (yet)… but i am starting to get annoyed with all your good fortune in the deal department! haha. wish i could get in on that action, i live in a tiny town in canada, no craigslist or discount depots up here! the closest city is a 5 hour drive… but i may start to plan some strategic shopping trips. tough with 2 kiddos. anyway, gorgeous!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Lynne! I hope the best deal ever finds you soon! Just keep your eye out and remember for every good deal we share on the blog there are probably ten failed trips to a store/thrift shop that aren’t worth blogging about since we don’t find a thing! Hahaha.
xo,
s
Megan says
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
I think you need more darker pieces to balance things out more. I know you’ve got a lot of things to do in there, so maybe once the floors are refinished (espresso??), and there’s more furniture and art, then things will look more balanced but I love how the rug really helped start tying things in. The colors are perfect! I would have totally bought it too and put it anywhere and everywhere in my house. I just actually bought some beautiful teal curtains that would have matched, or come close anyway.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, floors will be dark and we even talk about painting the bed charcoal gray!
xo,
s
Beth says
I no designer by any means but I do love to decorate, design, etc…but I was thinking your bedside tables seem to small for such a bed. I thought if you had more substantial tables to flank the bed it would look more finished. The new rug is beautiful!
Take Care!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we’d love bigger tables! The door would just hit the one on the right if it where any bigger and we don’t want to scooch the bed over because then it won’t be centered on the chandelier!
xo,
s
Jen says
That rug is so lovely, it’s amazing how adding one thing can give the room so much personality!
Berry says
I started thinking…
https://www.myoverlays.com/BuyNow.aspx
perhaps instead of art between the posters, you might try a decorative fretwork/lattice?
http://pinterest.com/pin/35465915785794179/
http://pinterest.com/pin/29766047507226783/
http://pinterest.com/pin/271341946269182990/
and maybe,if bigger won’t work for your nightstands, try going smaller (like a floating self with drawer) with lamps attached to the walls instead of free standing?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a really fun idea too! Who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Jasmijn says
It looks so cool! The color looks great with the wall color. It’s almost a designphoto for a magazine.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jasmijn!
xo,
s
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says
I love the way the rug looks in your bedroom. I think fun and inviting is a great way to decorate your house. When we move in a few years I hope to change our style a little. I definitely want a house that is family friendly. Can’t wait to see the rest of the bedroom transformation.
pebbles says
hey guys!
was just at barnes and noble flipping through some magazines. there’s a picture of your “holy” rug on one of the pages, maybe as part of a before-after thing. i dont quite remember. i snapped a quick picture if you wanna see it, or you can grab a copy of this month’s Real Simple and dig it out yourself.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! We heard that from someone else too! Will have to check it out!
xo,
s
Margaret says
Um…how fabulous is that rug? The colors and pattern are amazing, and the best part is, no one else will have a rug or a room like that now. Totally jealous. Also, I noticed that it would probably look great in your living room as well. Would love to see it in there.
YoungHouseLove says
Believe it or not the living room actually needs a bigger rug for our giant sectional- that green rug is 12 x 14!
xo,
s
Sara Lennertz says
Love the rug and the bargain! I’m also tickled that you, too, have a Clara as I have one who is almost 2 AND I frequently cram things that shouldn’t fit in an Altima into one with her and big brother (think coming home from Costco/IKEA/Home Depot with two kids and assorted booty in said Altima). :)
Tirsa says
Love that rug! What a score! CAn’t wait to see the up coming changes to the room. I totally know that “something is off/not quite right feeling”. That’s exactly where we are with our bedroom and I can’t stand it. :-) (oh to be more patient…)
This weekend we celebrated my birthday. Had a nice relaxing time at home with the family.
YoungHouseLove says
Happy b-day Tirsa!
xo,
s
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
Yep, I think the jute was the problem! You’re right about the room looking a lot more “like you guys” now.
Over the weekend we… bought a house! Well, they accepted our offer and we signed the paperwork, but now we have to do the inspections and blah, blah, blah. But we’re on the way! Aaaaah!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoooooooo! Paige that’s so exciting! Wow, congrats and good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Lindsay says
For some reason I’m now envisioning a chalkboard accent wall behind the bed, white walls with teal accents, curtains and art. There needs to be another accent color in there but I can’t put my finger on it…
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that could be fun! We’ll have to see where we end up!
xo,
s
Amber M says
I love the new rug! It’s amazing how changing the rug makes such a difference. It really freshens up your room and makes a fun statement. Love the color combo too!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amber!
xo,
s
Megan says
Love, love, love the rug! And look forward to seeing all the tweaks.
My 2 cents is that the scale is off on the night stands. They seem way too small, almost dwarfed by Ed. I envision some larger, almost dresser-sized pieces on either side in black to pick up on the floor mirror and art frames. I’m a huge fan of contrast, though, so you might like another color better. But larger pieces there would make the room feel more complete for me.
Whatever you choose to do I know it will be gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we wish we could go with larger side tables but the door would hit the one on the right (and we don’t want to scooch things over since the chandelier wouldn’t be centered over the bed! This room is definitely a bit of a challenge, but you know we love a challenge! Haha.
xo,
s
Donelle says
Love it! When I started reading the post, with you guys saying you wanted to tweak the room – I looked at the picture & thought – You guys need some more pops of colour! You guys love colour and its through the whole house and then I scroll further down & the rug does it perfectly!!! I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great find – It suits the massive bedroom so well! Good bargain finding :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Donelle!
xo,
s
Carley says
That rug really works so well with the room..the bed, the light fixture. Amazing! I love finding a great deal on something that works so well in my house!
It almost makes the room look bigger, but cozier at the same time. Love!
Jordan says
Would you consider putting a swanky couch (maybe leather, tufted, anthro-ish) in that nook to the left of your bed? Could be a great hang out spot as your family grows…..
YoungHouseLove says
Always a possibility down the line! I think we’re thinking about an armoire or some sort of built-in for concealed storage, but as the family grows if we need more seating in the bedroom that could totally work!
xo,
s
Carrie Dodson says
The rug is fantastic – and what a deal! I agree with you that the unfinished look is likely from the open alcove and wall space. Plus, it seems in most of your other spaces and your former master there are ‘windows on two sides’ something I never noticed until I read A Pattern Language (if you haven’t read it, you’d love it even though it’s old). I wonder if a long narrow horizontal window over your artwork behind your bed would help make the space feel more special? Great work so far!
YoungHouseLove says
So interesting about the windows on two sides thing!
xo,
s
Kara says
Love the rug! What a difference it makes. I also love Burger’s perfect pose on the bench… Too cute!
Erin M says
I think your feeling of “something’s off” is from the flooring. The yellowy pine–is it?–doesn’t seem to fit as well with the clean modern look you have put into the room. I think when you refinish the floor, everything will feel a little more cohesive.
Good call on the rug. It’s beautiful!
YoungHouseLove says
Totally agree! Just played around in photoshop and it’s amazing the difference it made! Will share pics later in the week!
xo,
s
Lauren says
I apologize if someone beat me to it, but it looks like the rug is on sale on Rue Lala today! Great minds must think alike, it’s gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that so funny?! What are the odds?
xo,
s
Janice says
Love the rug and am amused that its the same pattern as your mirror over the window in the bathroom area (or very close).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so funny, it’s true!
xo,
s
Laura says
That is a beautiful rug at a gorgeous price! Great find!
chelsea says
The rug is a great improvement! I was thinking though that the ‘something off’ might be the scale of your side tables and bench compared to the bed.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we’ve talked about a bigger/wider/lighter bench for a while! We’d love to get bigger night tables but the door would hit the one on the right. We don’t want to scoot everything over because the light wouldn’t be centered. It’s definitely an oddly challenging space, but we love a challenge! Haha.
xo,
s
Erin says
Ah – it’s looking so much better! The geometric rug works really well with the clean lines of your bed. I think that this is an example of your style evolving between your old house and your current one.
Have you thought about painting your walls a charcoal gray? I think it would really make the bed pop. Just an idea. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Always a possibility down the line!
xo,
s
Karina says
I am so jealous about that rug!! I love it and it makes your bedroom more cheery! Can’t wait to see all the tweaks to come!
Suzanne says
You need to paint ol’ Ed the Bed black!!! That will totally ground the space a little more and add interest. Or I guess you could even try painting it yor fav ORB too…. But the white bed is too airy against the pale walls.
YoungHouseLove says
We actually have talked about going charcoal with Ed! Wouldn’t he look good all tall, dark, and handsome?
xo,
s
Kathleen says
I love the geometric pattern on the rug! And what a deal – I’m seriously jealous.
I got a good deal on a mirror from Home Goods a few weeks ago and finally got around to hanging it in our bedroom this weekend.
http://projectsatthepicketts.blogspot.com/2012/05/home-goods-part-2.html#
YoungHouseLove says
Looks great! Love the texture!
xo,
s
Suvi says
That rug is to die for!! Love it!
Suzanne says
I also just decided that painting the ceiling might be cool too???!!! Maybe a warm yellow-y, golden color?? Try it out in photo-shop and see. I definitely think your color scheme needs a warmer color like orange, but adding orange pillows seems some cliche. Adding a warmer tone on the ceiling would be more unexpected and fun!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we definitely want to bring in some warm touches to balance the cold and have talked about painting the ceiling since we have that awesome crown molding up there!
xo,
s
Whitney says
OMG I love that sooooo much! I didn’t love the rug you had in there before, but I thought it was just my (slowly developing) taste. It takes a long time to learn how to decorate right. But now I see that I WAS right! A big pattern works so beautifully, and the colors are just gorgeous. I hate how expensive a pretty rug can be, but you found the PERFECT solution.
Vanessa says
Quick question: I loooove the rug just above your would-be rug near the top of the post – the one that’s tangerine, magenta, grey-blue, etc. What’s the story with that rug? Did you notice how big it was and how much it cost? I would drive to Richmond from DC for that rug!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, we think that rug sold as we were buying ours! I think it was extra big (maybe 12 x 14? Or 12 x 12?) and it wasn’t as cheap since it wasn’t ripped but I think it was stained. That’s all I know!
xo,
s
JessiBee says
Say what? You lucky so-and-so’s! That rug is beautiful…and so complimentary to Burger as well. Internet high-five!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, high fives back atcha. Love me some internet skin-on-skin contact.
xo,
s
jenn says
Great find! I really like the energy that the patterned rug gives to the room. I think something that might help is to get some larger night stands. Maybe a low dresser or a longer console table?!?! I feel like something wider than what you guys have now might enhance the look, not to mention give more storage!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we’d love to get larger night stands but the door would hit the one on the right. And we can’t scoot things over because the chandelier wouldn’t be centered, but we have a few ideas that might hopefully fill out those bare corners and make it work as we go. Here’s hoping!
xo,
s
JLG says
It could just be the photo, but to my eye, I think the thing off is the color temperature- your walls and decor are cool, but your floors are overwhemingly warm. The rug helps with that! We can’t see the rest of the room, but it may help to also pull the rug all the way under the head of the bed to eliminate the warm flooring showing there in the midst of your cool decor…
Looks like there should be a nice armchair in that corner, if only temporarily… if you have an extra around!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, the long-term plan is to refinish the floors in a dark mocha color, so we just keep that in mind as the long-term plan when we make choices like rug/wall color, etc. Someday!
xo,
s
CeCe says
Love the rug…keep your eye out for some substantial nightstands.
binhtheredonethat says
wow I love your new Rug and all the other ones too. What a great price you scored.
harmony says
Great find! How do you guys feel about the whole round table + rectangular rug thing? Better than round + round? Like them equally but differently? I’m curious about your take on it, as my husband and I have been debating this issue for our dining room. ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
I’m down with both since I’ve seen them both done beautifully! As long as the rug is big enough for all of the chairs to be pulled out without falling off, it’s all good!
xo,
s
Bethany Annechino says
I want to go to there.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love me some Liz Lemon.
xo,
s
Penny Smith says
LOve, love, love, love, LOVE!!! And what are the chances it would be so perfect with the wall paint (you think so, right? :) )
danielle says
this weekend i “harvested” the 50-or-so peas that i’ve been slaving over for weeks… battling aphids, drought, and squirrels. i guess peas aren’t the most appropriate “flower pot” crop. note to self: plant more peas next year.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!!
xo,
s
Katrina Schlomann says
Love it! So glad you found that rug it was like made for you. It is one of my favorite rugs too. What a steal! Don’t you just love the outlet! Such and amazing place. You are right too, the better the rug your feet feel it. So lucky to get to indulge in that quality at that price!!
Jennifer I. says
I love love love that rug! Burger is an absolutely great doggie model the way he sits like a statue. What’s your take on a bedroom rug of you have carpet in the bedroom? I’m thinking maybe a cowhide or sheepskin at the end of the bed!
YoungHouseLove says
I love layering rugs for sure! It helps you add color or define a space within a carpeted room.
xo,
s
Robyn says
Absolutely lurve the rug! And just looking at pics, if you are considering repainting, that charcoal from the rug would look fab on your walls! Just my two cents :)
YoungHouseLove says
Always a possibility down the road!
xo,
s
Carrie says
Love the rug! It is exactly the colors I want to do in our living room. Looks like you had a way more exciting weekend than I did – I was stuck in bed with a cold.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, hope you’re feeling better Carrie!
xo,
s
bfish says
I love the rug and it does a whole lot for your room! My personal preference is to let the rug be the star of the show and you’ve done that. Congratulations on this great find and your having the guts to jump on the bargain without hesitation.
Now, please give consideration to losing that ottoman — not the cute dog on it though! — or cover it with something lighter and more harmonious. Likewise the dark frame on the large mirror is kind of jarring. These weren’t elements I loved before but with the new look they seem even more discordant.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, that bench is just leftover from our first house (it helps Burger get in and out of bed, but we’d love a wider and lighter ottoman down the line)!
xo,
s
Amy@eatsleepdecorate says
WOW! I love it! Can’t believe what an unbelievable deal that was. How come I never get deals like that? hehe It really brightens up the space and makes it feel fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amy!
xo,
s
Brie says
Do you have any other suggestions for places other than the normal Ikea, Marshall’s, Home Goods, etc. for finding affordable wool rugs in Virginia? Any other favorite outlets? Any suggestions Richmond to DC would be greatly apprciated!
YoungHouseLove says
There’s a Pottery Barn outlet (also West Elm) in Leesburg, I would definitely check that out! Also places like overstock.com and wayfair.com and jossandmain.com. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
bfish says
Green Front Furniture in Farmville — I think they also have a store in No Va (Sterling?) but don’t know about the rugs there. Most of the rugs in our house are from GF and they consistently have the best deals and best selection. Most all rugs are wool or other natural fibers. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by how much there is to look at however!
Brie says
So saddest thing ever (almost). We drove up to Leesburg a couple weeks ago specifically for the Pottery Barn outlet and it was GONE =( It must have closed a month or so ago because it was there before Christmas. I was so sad. I believe the closest one now is Lancaster, PA. I really loved having that place close.
YoungHouseLove says
NOOOOOO! That’s so sad.
xo,
s