We’re doing a little bit of happy dance boogieing on our new rug, hence this post’s title. Yes, it’s like High School Musical over here, lots of dancing and occasionally there’s even some ballad-y singing about our feelings. Feel free to click play and get in on it.
Now that we’ve gotten through that little dance interlude, here’s the new rug:
Oh happy day, we love it.
Here’s a recent shot of the space without it for comparison.
Isn’t it amazing what a rug – even a neutral and “safe” jute one – can do to tie things together and add balance to a 15 x 16′ bedroom (15 x 21′ if you count the sink nook’s depth). Well, there’s more going on when it comes to bedroom cha-cha-cha-changes, but we’ll get to those in a bit. As for the rug, we’re loving the horizontal placement in the space (which still frees up 3 feet of hardwood flooring on each side and 6 feet of it between the foot of the rug and the wall – actually it’s 11′ between the foot of the rug and the sink nook), which makes for some great “flow.” Here’s a more rug-oriented shot so you can see some of the hardwood floor around it:
Placing it vertically in our room (since it’s a vertical space) was our first instinct, but before ordering it we taped it off on the floor in either orientation and realized that we liked having more rug on each side of the bed to step down on and balance things out. So wide-ways it went. Here’s a wide shot of the whole room for ya:
We left our ubiquitous faux sheepskin rugs on either side of the bed, just because there’s nothing better than stepping out of bed onto them in the morning. And visually we like that pop of white on each side to sort of triangulate with the feathery white light fixture to create even more balance. Yes, Dad The Math Teacher, I worked “triangulate” into a post. How many Best Daughter Ever points is that? Oh and see that fluffy middle cushion on the bed? Target. $12.
We’ve always been huge fans of jute and this rug is softer than any other that we’ve owned. And just as we suspected, we love the subtle nubby diamond pattern going on. Not too obvious and compete-y with the patterned duvet, but not too flat and blah like some of the other woven jute rugs that we looked at. And we’re so happy with the color too. Not too orange or tan (which might make it disappear right into our floor, which kinda of defeats the purpose of a big rug to balance the room out and tie things together in the first place).
Now back to those other tweaks going on in that we mentioned. At first we were averse to the idea of removing Ed the Bed‘s top slats, but after living with things for a bit and the arrival of our new rug we decided to play around and give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen? And what do you know, we love his little haircut of sorts. Sometimes it’s just nice to take a little off the top. Removing those slats does nothing to compromise the sturdiness of the bed (they can best be described as 100% decorative) and we like how it opened things up and allowed us to move our new light up a smidge since we no longer had to worry about the petals bumping into Ed’s top rail.
We’re loving these little switcheroos for now, but who knows what else will change (or un-change) as we add other stuff into the room. It’s definitely still in progress (to do: add some wall art, bring in an antique dresser, eventually upgrade our nightstands, possibly change the lamp shades, etc). Oh and we might add little finials to the top of each bed post, just for a more finished look. We’ll see. The best thing ever is that even after raising the light a bit it’s still visible in the mirror when our heads hit the pillow in bed (see that magic, along with my hubby’s socks here). It’s a New Years Eve Miracle I tell ya.
Oh and about the absence of the bench at the foot of the bed in all the pics above. Such a short dark bench under the light was making the room look a bit top-heavy and unbalanced, but the one we’d like to someday upgrade to would ideally be as long (or almost as long) as the bed. We just thought removing it for some pics might help you guys “see” past that awkwardly small brown rectangle in the room. But for now it’s still in here since it serves a nice little Burger-related function (he hops on and off of it to get into the much-taller-than-our-last-one bed). So here’s how the bedroom actually looks these days, bench and all:
To go back to our post title (ah full circle, it’s like an episode of Family Ties) we, uh huh, uh huh, really like the new rug. And as for Clara and Burger, they love it too. Oddly enough for semi similar reasons: traction for Burger and texture for Clara. She likes to pet it and “pinch” the nubs, and he loves to run circles around it (which he can never do on slippery wood floors). Ah sweet rug victory. There’s nothing like it.
And now, just for fun, we’ll leave you with a shot of the room as it looked a little over two months ago. It really feels a lot more like “our room” than it did back then.
Gotta love that Christmas tree in the background.
Nikki says
I actually noticed the bed and light right away when I saw the picture of the rug!!! It looks one million times better as it’s not so cluttered up at the ceiling anymore. I knew you guys would figure it out!! Awesome job.
carolinaheartstrings says
Very nice. The room is coming together well. Great choice in rug color and material.
Karen J says
Looks great! A long low storage bench would look nice too. I’m sure you already have a plan for the nightstands, but you could use the Ikea Expedit 4×4’s or the Ikea Rast dressers? This blog shows the Rast dressers redone Dorothy Draper style:
http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-ikea-diy-dorothy-draper-style.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love those but they’re too wide for our space (the door would hit the one on the right). So inspiring though!
xo,
s
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
It looks fabulous! And I love that you left the small white rugs too. Gotta love a little fluff under your feet when you first wake up!
Harinee says
I haven’t read the post yet but the video’s playing while I type! It’s the perfect thing to listen to in the evening after a looonng day-relaxed me instantly! Thank you!
Jenn says
love the rug and LOVE the bed without the top! it looks so great and made me like the light fixture 100 times more!! i tend to fall in love everything ya’ll do and wish i could think of some of these things on my own :)
Bree Leonard says
I love the rug, but I’m so glad you gave Ed the haircut. The flow wasn’t there with the rail hugging that lamp so close (to me anyways).
I can’t wait to see the art you bring in!
Marla says
It looks so inviting. Such nice balance. Ed’s haircut really gives the light fixture more room to “shine”. I like the way you guys really think things through in decorating. Very inspiring!
lilcg says
I was so disappointed when I followed your link to the rug (which would be PERFECT in my living room) and discovered it is sold out online :(
YoungHouseLove says
Good news! We’ve heard that it sells out and they bring it back pretty frequently, so keep an eye out for it again!
xo,
s
Candice Matthews says
Ed’s haircut?! Genius! I love how balanced the room looks now with nothing taking away from that light fixture! Great Job!
Joy says
Your new rug settled the room down. Great photos. And removing the top rails of the bed posts opened up the ‘vista’.
– Joy
Lindsay says
Love Ed’s haircut and the new rug. I was thisclose to buying what I’m pretty sure was that exact pillow from Target over the weekend. Sadly, I decided my cat would definitely attack/eat it. Add that to the fact that my rug decisions are ALSO based on the cat (as in, we can’t really have a rug because he thinks they’re scratching posts/his toys) and I’m pretty sure it’s not my husband and I that are really “in charge” at our house…sigh. Ah well, at least he’s a cute little guy. ;)
Candice says
Ooh, I’m really liking the bed/light fixture combo now that the top bed slats have been removed. It’s not like I didn’t like it before, but now your eye can travel up, up, up freely without having the horizontal lines complete with the beautiful light. And the rug is great – really makes the space feel “grounded” he he
jbhat says
The fact that you bought an 8×10 rug for $249 is just blowing my mind. It’s lovely. I like the small switcheroos too.
jbhat
Erin says
Looks fabulous!
Just curious though, since Ed created a “blog divided” back when you introduced the NYE light, I wonder if any of those commenters who would have fallen on their swords in support of Ed’s top slats and the light, will be turned off by the haircut?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, so far it seems like most people (both Ed & light lovers and initial non-lovers) generally like the tweaks, but who knows what people really think, haha!
xo,
s
Erin says
Oh my gosh, I FINALLY provided a comment that garnered a response from the YHLovers themselves!! And now my day is complete. haha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we try to answer every comment question we get!
xo,
s
Snickrsnack Katie says
OMG, this has COMPLETELY changed the room. I was SO against that light fixture because it looked bizarre (to my eyes, personal opinion of course) in front of the bed with those slats. Even though they weren’t bumping the slats, it just looked like there were, and it was not at all appealing to the eye. Just taking away those slats and adding in that rug have completely changed my opinion. I now love the light and think it goes much better in the room! Great work!!
Mary says
As I read this post, I couldn’t help but think of The Big Lebowski: “That rug really tied the room together, Dude.” :)
YoungHouseLove says
Dude! Too funny.
xo,
s
Carrie says
Haha! I was thinking the same thing! The Dude abides.
Room is coming together so well…the rug is a great addition!
Kate V. says
I was concentrating on the rug in the first picture and didn’t notice that you removed the top slats of Ed until you mentioned it! I think it looks great; with the slats I thought the light and Ed were competing. Now they seem to be in harmony plus Jute the rug balances things. :-) The wide angle shot really helps me get a better feeling for the entire space.
Lana says
Love Ed WAY better without his top! Amazing what a little change can do!
Thao says
I really like that you guys didn’t rush into decorating the new house (like I probably would). You took your time and planned and it’s coming together so nicely! My knees buckled when I saw the picture.
On a different, when I type “www.you” into my browser, YHL comes up before Youtube. That’s a big deal coming from a 23 year old.
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow we’re having a moment. That’s insane slash awesome. Thanks for reading!
xo,
s
ALittleBite says
My addiction’s even worse… I only have to type “y”. But then again, I don’t usually visit Youtube… I’m 22 btw.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that is amazing. You guys rock our world. You know that right?
xo,
s
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
mine too!
Sarah says
Ooh, I love it! Total rug jealousy!!
By the way, and I’m sure someone’s probably mentioned this already, but your rug is now sold out on Pottery Barn’s website! I have a feeling that you guys helped that happen … :)
Gaidig says
It’s funny: I was just thinking “you need finials” when I got to the part about planning to add finials. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes. Finials are on the way!
xo,
s
Brandi H. says
Maybe I missed it, but I read your blog word for word. Wasn’t that rug not available until 6/3? How did you get it so quickly? Love it by the way! Need one myself actually.
YoungHouseLove says
We went to the store and got it in person instead of ordering it online. Check out the post before this one all about it (at the end we explain that we got it in store). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Samara says
I miss the canopy bars at the top:(
Sarah S says
The room is coming together more, but I’m still not loving the light fixture…or maybe the placement of it in the room (with or without the slats on the bed). I think it’s hard to fall in love with your view of this room b/c it doesn’t have the warm feeling that your last master had. Are you planning to add additional furniture or a sitting area?
YoungHouseLove says
We actually have a sitting area! You can check out a bunch of additional angles (which show that area) here: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/look-how-domestic-my-wife-is/
We also plan to switch out that old dresser for something leggy and curvy and antique (probably from craigslist) and hang art and all that jazz. It’s still definitely a work in progress. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Addie says
Love the new rug! I definitely like your idea of putting finials on the bed posts to make them look more finished. Quick question: I love that wall art you have in the left of the picture-looks like a topiary tree. Where is that from? Love it!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a dandelion flower print from Ikea a while back. It used to hang next to the door in our old house’s living room.
xo,
s
erika m says
Speaking of rugs…did you use a rug pad underneath and also…we have refinished hardwood floors throughout our tiny ranch and wondering if jute b/c it is a tougher fiber left any impressions on your hardwood at your old house? Finally any good hardwood maintenance tips from your old house? We have kids/no pets and we are so picky but they still seem to not be wearing(sp?) well. LOVE the haircut and the rug.
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, our jute rugs in the kitchen, bedroom, and den never left any marks in our hardwoods after years of use, but we did have a rug pad under all but the one in the bedroom since the bed held it in place. We don’t have a rug pad going on in this bedroom either (since Ed holds the rug so it doesn’t wiggle). As for hardwood maintenance, we just use a hand vac to get dust bunnies around the perimeter of rooms every few days in about five mins, vacuum our area rugs and the floors about once a week or so, and then mop with watered down Mrs. Meyers and a oMop from Target every season or so. After 3+ years of that in the old house our floors still looked awesome. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jane says
Looks beautiful! I’m also wondering if there are any cat owners with a jute rug. I have wanted one for so long but I’m afraid that 2 cats would think that I bought them the best gift in the world….a HUGE scratching post. sigh…
YoungHouseLove says
We actually have a comment convo about that going on (started by Mike if that helps you when scrolling back for it). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ryan says
Love the new rug. I really like the light a little higher too and without the “business” of the top rails on the bed. Seems like the light competes less for attention.
BTW…I know you guys caught some flack for the light. Just want to say that I think it’s a great addition to your more bold direction with design. I don’t know that I’d consider it for my own house, but that’s the fun of reading YHL…I gratify my DYI and design bug without ever spending a penny or getting dirty. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ryan! We knew some people would come around to our crazy light fixture (and some wouldn’t) but we’re just hopelessly in love with it! It’s seriously one of our favorite things in the entire house. We have a light fixture crush. Haha.
xo,
s
s leigh says
are the top bars of ed missing in your new pics or is it just the way the photos make it look?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, read the last half of the post for more info! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Annette says
Love the room and the whole color concept. I think I preferred Ed with the slats, though. I liked the distinctive ending of it.
It’s all your decision of course, but I was just wondering: Have you thought of just removing the front slat that threatens to bump toghether with the lamp? The remaining U would still give this visual closedness that I like about that kind of bed but not interfere with the lamp.
YoungHouseLove says
We tried Ed without the front slat, without the front and back slat (just the side ones), and without all four slats and preferred the totally topless look. Haha. But it’s definitely a personal preference thing!
xo,
s
Rebecca says
Spectacular! What a difference one rug & a hair cut make (pun..intended..lol)!
Rachael says
I love the new rug, especially the diamond shape! I’m currently living in an apartment with carpeted floors throughout much of it. I’ve tried out having rugs on carpets a little bit, but they always get scrunched up after being walked on. Do you have any rules you use for rugs on carpeted floors?
YoungHouseLove says
We love rugs on top of carpets (they can define areas, add texture, etc) but it’s really just really all about personal preference. As for them getting scrunched up, maybe try thicker rugs (like wool ones) which seem to stay in place. Or larger ones that go under things to be held in place (like a giant seagrass rug under your sofa and coffee table). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ronnie says
Love, love, love how the bedroom is coming together. I didn’t realize how much Ed’s upper portion detracted from the room until you gave him the haircut! I also agree that the bench needs to go. The room is looking awesome! Just when I think I love the room already (ala guest room), you go in and make some minor tweaks and make me love it even more!!
Darla Bennett says
Do those faux sheepskin rugs ALWAYS look that perfect? I mean, I now if we had some set up, they’d be a MESS! The room is just about perfect. Now, I wish we could find a great fixer upper in Bon Air (in our price range..that’s the hard part!). We are looking at one today in Woodmont. What do you guys think of Woodmont? Also, feel free to NOT respond to this. I would completely understand..
YoungHouseLove says
They don’t look perfectly brushed per se, but they do look crazy and shaggy and fun all the time. Plus since they’re faux we can machine wash them, which keeps them white. As for Woodmont, we love that area. We know a few people who live there and it’s a great spot! Good luck!
xo,
s
Erica says
I used to live off of Woodmont, probably about 4 years ago. I really loved the area. Very family friendly, there were a LOT of kids out and about in the summertims, and very friendly neighbors! best of luck!
RachelH says
Hi guys! I’ve never posted before but have been reading for awhile now… I have to say I LOVE the little tweaks in the bedroom- all the things that have previously bugged me (the ottoman at the end of the bed, the light being perpendicular to the canopy rails) are gone (or at least almost). These feel like finishing touches that look so great now! I’m finally going to throw a (possibly silly) suggestion out there- I think it would be so cute to replace the ottoman with Burger’s own little white steps on the side of the bed- haha! :) Love, R
PS- I am also in love with your guest bedroom- ALL of it :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, how about a swanky version of doggy steps?
http://www.google.com/images?q=doggy+steps&oe=utf-8&rls=com.yahoo:en-US:official&client=firefox&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=647
Too funny!
xo,
s
RachelH says
Haha!!! I’ve never seen those before! hilarious :)
Daniela says
Someone may have posted this comment, but did you guys remove the top rails from your bed?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup just read the bottom part of the post for that info. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
NYer says
Don’t know if these would work (after they were spray-painted white, of course) but can’t beat $9.08 for 4 finials!
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/177-8201469-7855967?asin=B0019I8720&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B0019I8720&CPNG=home%20decor&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0019I8720&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh those could work for sure!
xo,
s
Laura@JourneyChic says
Yes!!! Ed minus the decorative top slats makes a big difference, IMHO. The gorgeous big light looks so much better there without looking like it’s knocking on the slats. Awesome!
Sheena says
Hey! So I just came across this site & thought of you guys! I love the beams in your living room and thought you can only get that look w/ an older single family only, but then I saw these. Definitely something I plan on trying–I mean, no one would ever know! :) https://www.apr-express.com/default.aspx
YoungHouseLove says
You’re right about no one knowing! We’ve seen them in person (well something like them, maybe not identical) and it was so convincing!
xo,
s
Barbara @ Blogbitten says
I purchased Ed last year just to stage one of the bedrooms in my home and I love it. The crazy thing is I never thought to take off the top rails because I thought it would compromise it stability. I’m glad to know that I can safely remove them with an issue.
http://blogbitten.blogspot.com/2009/11/staging-master-final-edition.html
Alison says
Sweet!! I really like the rug, and the light fixture is totally growing on me. I thought it was awful last week but when I saw this post, I realized you guys were right all along!! I feel terrible for doubting you, nice work as always!
Jennifer says
I liked the light immediately… it was just the placement with the bed that I didn’t like. There really weren’t too many comments that just flat out hated the actual light were there?
I’m just curious because you didn’t mention it but was it those exact suggestions from your readers that made you second guess the top slats and how low the light was? In the comments you were pretty much like, this is the way we like it, different strokes for different folks. What changed your mind? I know you said when you got the rug in there you started playing with things but I was just wondering if the comments had anything to do with it. I think its great if they did because while some things are very taste specific sometimes its nice to have fresh eyes look at things and say, wow, thats really off.
I think the room is looking fabulous! I love the rug!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah a few commenters definitely planted the seed for sure! Initially we loved things, and then once we lived with the room and added the rug and moved the bench it was fun to tweak Ed and the light. We just had to come around. Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah says
The wood floors in your bedroom are gorgeous, and the textured but simple rug looks great with them. To date, every jute rug I’ve felt seemed overly scratchy. We’ll have to take a look at the PB options.
Kelley says
We have a similar “keeping the bench by the bed for the dog” issue ourselves. We recently scored a new bed frame on craig’s list but it has a taller foot board than our old bed. Even with the bench in place, our precious pooch can’t clear the foot board. So, we put it on one side of the bed. Not so convenient for us? Yes. Easy on the dog? Yes. Dog = Winner.
Kristi says
You could get 2 of the smaller Ikea basket-textured ottomans and put them together at the end of the bed for a longer (and still inexpensive) alternative to the black one you have now. I’ve seen it done this way and thought it looked really nice.
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
I LOVE Ed with his hair cut!!! I really think the room looks so much better without those top rails. Plus you were able to move the light up higher which looks alot better too. I love 4 poster beds!!! And the rug is gorgeous!!! Me wants one now.
Colleen says
Your bedroom looks stunning now as is, to think there is more to come, I can’t wait to see what you do with the walls, art-wise. Nice work as always, keep inspiring us! :)
Joelle says
LOVE the room SO much better without those top slats on the bed…i loved the light before, but something just wasn’t flowing about it with the top of the bed in the way. It just flows better now. it’s incredible how that little change helped.
question on the rug, shopping for one for a baby’s room, and was thinking about something more plush and shaggy…do you think the jute rug would be soft enough for a baby’s room?
P.S. i’m doing your mirror painting project from Clara’s room, found almost an identical mirror at Home Goods.
YoungHouseLove says
You might want to layer rugs in a nursery, like a large jute one with a soft sheepskin for playing!
xo,
s