Well, well, well…according to your responses to this post, many of us are our own worst enemies. The weight of our plans and intentions overwhelm and cripple us, leaving a lot of un-started projects. It makes me feel better knowing I’m not alone in that stressful mind cycle, but I hate that so many of us get caught in it. But since declaring that I’m going to “Just Start Somewhere”…I’ve already started re-working a gallery wall, and raided the Algot sale at Ikea for my craft supplies….both with minimal premeditation! It feels so freeing!
One of the things that’s been on my list, is our Living Room rug.
It’s large, bright, colorful, and extremely well-made. Not to mention, it was really expensive. It should be my jam, right? So what’s the problem? Well, we inherited it from my grandparents several years ago, and at the time, we were just grateful for a rug large enough for the room.
You know I don’t shy away from color, pattern and boldness…but the rug is so overpowering. I do love all the colors, but never really loved the rug. Mr. Sugarplum really never loved it. But I struggle with those feelings because it is so nice, and it was my grandparents.
I started noticing a lot of stylish people layering rugs…specifically, layering a cowhide over another rug.
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Not only do I love the look, but I thought layering might be a good option to help the floral rug fit our style better. So I took advantage of a recent sale and grabbed this one.
Once I had it in place, I asked the Mister what he thought about the new Living Room rug? His answer…
I went with the light natural instead of a traditional brown and black cowhide because I didn’t want any more color and pattern on the floor. It’s a gorgeous rug, but I think it might be a little too tone-on-tone with the floral rug.
Not to mention, I have a really hard time getting over the fact that this was an actual cow’s skin. I’m not vegan or anti-leather, but this is a little too still grazing grass for me.
So what do you think? Do you like the look of layered rugs…these layered rugs in particular? Or am I just doing what Mr. Sugarplum so eloquently said, ‘Nice try, but you can’t polish a turd.” Do you think we should hang on to things if they aren’t our style
or make us happy, just because they were free? Or even if they belonged
to people we loved?
Pssst…see all the Living Room projects here.
Your home is sooooooo gorgeous!
I'm sorry but I agree with your hubby. I like the look of your inspiration rugs, but the one you got just gets lost. Have you ever heard of re-dyed rugs? There are some great ones on Pinterest and it might be something you can DIY.
Beautiful rug! But you're right, it clashes with the other bold colors and patterns, which I love! If it were my livingroom, I would go with a more neutral rug..like a pretty navy blue one. I personally don't like the idea of having a cowhide on the floor. Too trendy? Not really calming and comforting? I don't know lol. Just doesn't make it seem like "home" to me. Good luck!!
I have always liked your decorating style, but the rug on rug looks awful. It looks like you are trying to hide a stain on the bottom rug, and I can't get past the cow skin. Can you move the original rug to another room or give to a relative so it stays in the family? Then purchase a different rug. It is hard to let go of sentimental things, but sometimes you just have to.
I love layered rugs. I even like cowhide. But, I just don't think this combo works. I think the colors are too similar and the styles are too dissimilar — if that makes sense. Can't wait to see what you do because I love this room and how vibrant it is.
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
ohmyword! I almost shot coffee out my nose at the turd comment! thank you so much for strting my day off with a laugh. I have to agree with you Mr. – get a new one – bless someone (check with family 1st) with the other. I do like layering I just don't think you can layer anything that WON'T clash with it.
I agree with Angela, I like the originality of the cowhide over rug thing even if it's not my fix (and being Ms. Clumsypants I'd be afraid of slipping and/or getting my foot caught), but I find those 2 too similar in color (not suggesting a black hide either 😀 ). But definitely a brighter rug for this room! Can't wait to see what it will turn to be! xxx, Marjolaine
I love your colorful style but agree that the rug doesn't truly "fit". And I totally understand wanting to use a special, heirloom piece in your home, but I think sometimes we can try so hard to make it work that the rest of the space suffers or has to change around it. I love the idea of layering rugs, but the cowhide definitely gets lost here. If you're not sold on the animal skin, I would scrap the hide altogether! No use crying for Bessie every time you walk in the room! 😉 can't wait to see what you end up doing- I know it will be amazing!
When we moved to a smaller house recently, my dining room rug was too large. It was really beautiful, really expensive, but it didn't work here so I sold it (for next to nothing). I have regretted selling it ever since. Just roll the rug up and put it in the basement or attic. You might want it in another room (or house) someday. I'm not a fan of the cowhide trend.
The bones of this space are so great! I like Julie's idea of trying an overdye on the rug from your grandmother. That way you can keep something dear to you but have it better reflect your style. Maybe give it a deeper tone as it seems that what isn't working is the pop of color against the natural background. Good luck!
Those who love(d) us want us only to be happy. Keeping something that worked for them, but no longer works for you, is not making you happy. It sounds like your rug has transitioned from a lovely remembrance honoring the relationship & a great solves-a-problem item to being an obligation … "what am I going to do with it?" … and not a joy. Perhaps it is time for the rug to move on to another room, a consignment store, another family member's house, or a donation. Around here large high quality rugs sell amazingly well at consignment stores … I recently sold one that I thought no one would want. If you aren't ready to part with the rug how about modifying it? How are you with "paint by numbers"? If the rug or sections were re-colored (fabric paint) would it work any better for you? You could also have it professionally over-dyed. And because I haven't already written too large of a comment (hehe) I personally think a darker tone rug on top of the current might actually work better … the light color of the "center field" really makes the other colors in the rug stronger … if the topper rug was darker, then the surrounding furniture would become more of the focus and the remaining "border" of the large rug would be an accent that tied into the room. Just my silly little thoughts.
eh im not a huge fan of the cowhide rug. maybe because we had cows when i was little…but it freaks me out! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Your grandparents' rug is really pretty and special, but I really really believe that if it's not working for you then take it out. I struggled with this same issue of a REALLY expensive rug that we owned whose colors I had fallen out of love with. I decided instead of selling it, I would just roll it up and store it for another time in our life – or not – and since then I replaced it with a relatively inexpensive jute rug from Overstock that doesn't take over the room. Best.decision.ever. Plus the good rug is still wrapped up in a tarp in my basement in case we change our minds or style. A rug is a HUGE part of a room and if you don't love it (and neither does your husband, who is the best one liner ever btw!) then why live with it every day of your life? PS I love the light in that room and your eclectic and fun style!
Love all your pillows and striped blanket, I think we raided Ikea the same day, lol. The rugs not my favorite, the bigger rug alone is much better without the cow hide. I don't like cow hide in general but the bigger rug swallows the light cowhide rug. Maybe a woven or a darker solid color rug under that cowhide?
I completely disagree with everyone! haha! I love cowhide and I love layering. I just think you need a different cowhide rug. You already have black and brown in your room, so a black & brown cowhide wouldn't bring any new colors in. You already have SO much color in there…if you add another bright color, it's going to look very harsh and silly. I'd just try again at a cowhide rug.
Men are so funny and clueless sometimes, he thought you were working on a project, ha! I love the cowhide and layering look and have been looking for a cheap hide but haven't found any yet. The WM one is gorgeous but I agree that it's a bit too close to your current rug. I think it'd definitely work you just need to find one with more of a contrast, maybe not brown but a rich camel/caramel-colored one?
I normally love the layered look, but it's a little too monochromatic and too symmetrical. Time for a new rug!!
Unless you are eating rice and beans, and living below poverty level, keeping something merely because it was free is not a good idea. Surround yourself with things that YOU like.
Your grandparents' rug, while probably quite lovely in their home, seems out of place in yours. However, I'm not the one who lives in your house. And it *is* your house. If you like the rug, keep it.
Your style is definitely not mainstream. Most people would probably not be comfortable with that much color. You need to be true to your own likes and preferences; if you like it, that's all that's important.
Good luck with your decision.
Oh girl, you are always good for a laugh. I love the layered look with rugs- but I am giving you permission to buy a whole new rug. One that you LOVE and that makes you HAPPY. Stop thinking about it. Just do it. Do it. Do it. Do it! ha. Easy for me to say, it's not my $$. 🙂 Could you use this rug in your daughters room? Sell it on craigslist and put the money towards the new one?
I've had a TON of hand me downs. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I have a hutch that my Grandfather made for my Mother. She gave it to me when I got married. I absolutely love it, but it just doesn't fit in our dining/kitchen area. I'm thinking about moving it to my craft space when it gets done. We've also gotten a lot of decorations handed down to us…they usually get donated. Try to make the rug work in another room or just buckle down and donate it. Sometimes things just aren't worth keeping. I love your style and I know you will find a beautiful solution.
I love the layered look of a cowhide! I just bought a second one and my whole family is in love with it…so soft! I think some of my big decorating mistakes have been when I've tried to work with something I didn't love just for the sake of keeping it. I know it's hard to detach that sentimental value to special items. Can you store it even if you're not ready to part with it? Or, if it will fit, would it work in Babygirl's room?
I know how hard it can be to get rid of your grandparents' things in your house. My husband and I are struggling with that now. Maybe there's somewhere else you could use the rug? I have to be honest, I'm a fan of the layered rug look, but I don't think it works with these two. I think your money would be better spent investing in a new rug altogether. Check out RugsUSA.com…I've gotten a few from there and they always have good deals! 🙂
~Sarah @ 702 Park Project
I love everything about the room except I think the rug from your grandparents doesn't work perfectly. 🙁 I am very sentimental, too so I think it would be hard for me to use a different rug. but, I think I would keep the cowhide and layer a different rug under it. Could you use your grandparents rug elsewhere? Or would someone else in the family want it?
Hey Girl! I love all the color that you have in the room! I think that your grandparents' rug is sweet and completely understand about this difficulty of letting their peices go (I am dealing with several pieces of funiture that I inherited from my grandparents and even great-grandparents, and it is so difficult to figure out what to do with them because they are so sentimental and, let's face it, the world just doesn't make things like they used to…but they don't totally match our style). If it was me (and let me preface this with the fact that I might have a tiny tinsy hoarding issue), and since you have a daughter, I would wrap your grandparents rug up and put it in the attic for safe storage if needed in the futre. And with respect to the cowhide rug, we have 2 in our house and I love them! Since you went with such a neutral color hide (which I dig), I would go with a light sisal rug, like this fun room that also incorporates bright colors: http://jp14.r0tt.com/t_c9a94080-006e-11e3-b23b-736a79600014.jpg
I love your blog! Hope that you have a wonderful day!!!
Sorry, I gotta go with the Mister on this one. Not a fan.
I think that perhaps another rug is the way to go, although I know it's hard to do. I'm afraid that I've gotten stuck with a lot of castoffs, which can be frustrating.
I do like the layered look, but like you said, the colors are too similar with this cowhide. I say return the cowhide and splurge on a nice new rug for the room. I used to hang on to things that were passed down to me, but one day I decided that if it doesn't work for me anymore, it's ok. I'm a super sentimental person, but I try to only hold onto the things that still provide me with happiness and work in my house. If the rug doesn't work for you any longer (and you don't want to get rid of it), maybe it's time to put it in storage for a bit to see if you'll find another place to use it in the future.
I gave up my parents' old dining room rug a few years ago even though it was great for all the reasons you said here. In the end, the dusty blue and mauve just weren't "me." I do kind of think the cowhide blends a little too much with rug underneath…but that could be just in photos. It would pop a lot more against something darker – maybe a simple jute? Herringbone jute? Is there anywhere else you put your grandparents' rug that would be less dominant? Or where more of it would be covered by furniture? How about in your dining room with those pretty pink walls??
Oh I laughed out loud when I read what your husband said. I feel for you on SO MANY levels – this is exactly something my fiance would say. Men!
I have SUCH A hard time letting go of things I have an emotional tie with, but if the rug's not working, sell it, or donate it to someone who will really cherish it. Trust me, you'll feel so much better not struggling to like it for the sake of your grandparents. If you just can't part with it yet, I'd move it to another less trafficked room – one of the kids rooms? A playroom? But if you keep it in the living room, I'd skip the cowhide. These really look best with a natural fiber rug (sisal, jute, etc.) underneath.
Since you got such a deal, I'd keep it for a bit. You might come to love Bessie as much as we love our hide. Mooooooo!
I love the look of a layered cow hide on a rug. I think we will do that in the nursery if we still have a baby by the time we get in. I LOVE your floral rug though. It's pretty much why I started reading the blog.
I am agreeing with most of the comments above. I like the look of a spotted cowhide in the right setting, but the hide itself seems so thin for a rug. Maybe a sheepskin instead? That would provide a soft texture and help to break up the floral pattern. Just my two cents.
Hi Cassie, I do love the look of layered rugs. But I have to say, I am not a fan of this look. I think you aren't either by what you wrote. I do think you could find the perfect rug to layer over top of this one if you keep searching though. But now you will know that color does not work. It just blends in too much. Keep trying and don't give up because I think you can make it work!
I also meant to ask you where you got your couch? I luv it!
I really don't think the rug looks so bad with the color combo you have in your living room. I will have to side with your hubby though on the cowhide. I don't personally like the cowhide or layering look. I, however, have never been a trend follower. I know that if a couple of people are doing something in blogland then everyone jumps on the bandwagon. It is only a rug. I have to agree with some of the other comments. Roll it up, and buy a new one. Maybe something that leans more to a sisal so the rest of the colors can pop. I think painting it or having it over dyed will cost just as much as a new rug.
I do love your living room. A rug really sets the stage when all is said and done. Good luck with you decision. I am sure it will be beautiful.
have to say, i thought the same as Mr. here. how about one that's a little more natural tan/brown like this one? http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40222933/
I have to agree with many of the comments above. Beautiful rug, but not for this room and the cowhide just gets lost. I also agree that you should go with an overdyed rug. I have this one in my living room, and it would pick up the chartreuse in your couch pillow, and they also have a fushia option, which would look great too! http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-glory-overdyed/yellow/200SPRE8A-508.html
Love layered rugs, especially with hide, but I have to agree, the hide gets lost when paired with this specific rug. I think your inherited rug is beautiful, but It may not be the best option for this space.:( I know its hard to think of casting off such a sentimental piece, and I hope I don't hurt your feelings. I think your home is so vibrant and fun and I hope you are able to come up with a great solution:)
I always thought that rug didn't go =X. I put all the things my grandma gives me in storage. I might want it some day and can't bring myself to throw it away.
Love the look of layered rugs…..wonder if the floral rug would work in your dining room? Then you could swap the one in there and layer the cowhide over it – or layer the cowhide over the one you have in the dining room – would probably be really pretty with your dining room chairs……….obviously I'm a stalker and know way too much about your home 😉
I am so with you on feeling obligated to keep an appropriately-sized, expensive rug that you got from a relative. We've got the same situation going on in our house. Why do we do this to ourselves?! I tried the same thing (laying it with a second rug) but no dice. It is time for us to but on our big girl pants, realize we don't have the same taste as our family members, and get something we like for ourselves! Or at least hide the rug in the basement, claiming it "goes better" down there – not that I'd know anything about that. 🙂
I think you should LOVE everything in your home and it's clear from your post that you're unsure. Sure, it looks great, maybe for someone else. Plus, I too would find it hard to LOVE what's basically a reminder that a life died right there (and yes, I wear leather and eat meat); it's just so in your face that this was an animal. GL!
I had many family pieces that were OK, but just not working for me any more. I didn't get rid of them because I felt bad at getting rid of such beautiful family stuff. When the time came to move from Texas to PA last year, I became RUTHLESS with getting rid of stuff. I offered up all the family things to others, but nobody wanted them (exception of 1 piece). When I sold it all off, family members were angry and horrified….and yet, none of them wanted the stuff. All settled into our new place, I am SO happy with my decision, I feel so much lighter and not weighed down by things I no longer want.
I think you should LOVE everything in your home and it's clear from your post that you're unsure. Sure, it looks great, maybe for someone else. Plus, I too would find it hard to LOVE what's basically a reminder that a life died right there (and yes, I wear leather and eat meat); it's just so in your face that this was an animal. GL!
Hmmm…. I don't really think it works with your grandparents rug, but I totally understand wanting to keep it. Maybe you could just get a new rug and hang on to your grandparents' until it's right and works?
Can't polish a turd 🙂 Maybe it could work for someone in a little girls room? I feel better about getting rid of stuff if I can sell it to make money toward something new or if I can donate it to someone in need.
change is the only constant thing in the world!
I don't like either cowhide rugs or layered rugs! This particular combination is not working….as everyone else suggested if you are not happy with current rug in that area then try it somewhere else in the house.
BUT I seriously LOVE ALL colors in your home….specially now where all these neutral color scheme going on around here. That makes your style and your home unique….To be honest I think that floral rug makes your room unique on this whole blogosphere.
I'm not a fan of layered rugs. I'd start fresh with a new rug 🙂
Several have suggested moving the rug to your dining room. This is GENIUS!!!!!!!
What a perfect place for your grandparents' rug. If it's too big, have it cut down.
It's the best of both worlds.
I am so going to duck after saying this but I don't love the cowhide. The only rugs I like layered are a sisal with something on top. Which is what I would suggest for you my dear. Hands down. I completely agree with the suggestion to move the rug to a. your dining room or b. you bedroom. don't get rid of it, but you don't have to display it forever either. Almost everything we own is a hand me down from family and I've learned when to store things for later to satisfy my current style.
I agree that the combination doesn't work! Sorry! I hate to say I don't love the large rug either. I just think that the room would look so amazing with a new rug.
Would the floral rug fit in your daughter's bedroom?
I'm with your husband – the cowhide rug does nothing for the floral rug. The floral rug has got to go.
What I've always appreciated about your blog is that your house doesn't look like a Pottery Barn catalog. It's not perfect- it's a well decorated REAL house. While I've never been a huge fan of the flowered rug, I've always noticed it and smiled because it's NOT trendy. Too much "sameness" in the blog world does nothing to inspire, IMHO. So that part of me says to rock the floral rug. But if you don't love it in that space but can still use in another part of your house, even better!;)
You have a beautiful house but I'm not loving the layered look of rugs. It's just not my taste. I think I feel the same way about the hide of a cow on my floor making me a little uneasy lol
When these rugs are layered, I think they are often 2 neutrals (grasscloth, jute, hide, etc.). I think that's what's throwing you. No matter what you do, this rug will not be a neutral. My vote is sell it and use the profit to put towards a new rug that will see you through many more years.
I like layered rugs when the bottom rug is neutral and textured, like a berber or jute, and the top rug is colorful statement. It sounds like you've lived with your grandparent's rug for a while, so you've gotten plenty of use out of it….sell it and put the proceeds towards one you like? Or use it in another room? I don't think there is any shame in letting go of an item you no longer like, or are only keeping because of who gave it to you.
My inlaws have a real cowhide rug in their vacation home, and the feel of it on my bare feet creeps me out, even though I like the way it looks. And it is impossible to vacuum.
I normally love what you put together, but this combo is fugly. Soz!
Heavens no! Just because it was free or from your family doesn't mean you should keep it! If you and Mister don't love it, toss it. Get something that makes you happy…that makes your heart soar when you see it :).
Don't see the flowered rug as your style, Maybe put it in another room, or can you store it? pass it onto someone else in the family?
Connie
I'm not sold on the layering rugs idea. And while I love a western-themed room, I'm not sold on cowhide used with cottage-style, traditional or contemporary as is the trend. I think your rug would be super cute in a little girl's room or nursery…anyone to pass it on to? I agree that it is hard to design around a component that you just don't love and I think you end up spending more money to compensate. If you don't have anyone to pass it along to or another room to use it in…try storing it for a year and then see if you might just need to sell it.
I totally love a layered rug! We have an Indian (the country) wool rug with a cow hide layered off one side so it's slightly under an accent chair. The hide is brindle and our rug is red with blue/black in it. That hide you got it SO gorgeous and such a fantastic size! But I def agree. It doesn't go with the current rug. I would bless someone else with it, like another commenter said. That hide would look gorgeous just against your wood floors until you find another area rug you love. Maybe it's being from Texas, but I feel like hair on hide is so timeless and classic. You can use it in so many spaces!
I know how you feel about getting rid of something that has such sentimental value. My decor leans towards rustic but I have a 6' oil painting in my dining room in the Impressionist style because it's been in my family for 100+ years. I need to remind myself that it will be better appreciated in someone else's home. As to your carpet dilemma, I think a black and white cowhide would look fabulous with the rest of your decor. Would pull together your other black accent pieces and add spunk and drama. Maybe you could layer the white one in your bedroom or elsewhere in your house.
Sorry, girl, but the layering of these two has got to go! 😐
IMHO because of your bold colors and the black and white throw I think a black and white cowhide would look better. The one you have is maybe too one tone. I love the flowered rug but I don't live with a husband. 🙂
IMHO because of your bold colors and the black and white throw I think a black and white cowhide would look better. The one you have is maybe too one tone. I love the flowered rug but I don't live with a husband. 🙂
oh, dear. i love your style. but this ginormous flower rug is detracting from your chic persona. i know, i know, it was your grandparents ….. i bet they would love if you gave to a family with less care about home decor aesthetics. if you get one snazzy rug you adore, no trendy cowhide rugs are needed — they are my least favorite animal print … and shape ~~ awkward.
LOVE YOUR BLOG !
love the look of layered rugs (Emily totally rocks that!!) but maybe it's okay to sell the rug? – or use it somewhere else in your home? I definitely don't think you have to keep using it just because it belonged to your grandparents. They didn't keep using it and gave it to you, right? As our tastes change it's okay to let go of things, even the sentimental ones. You have tons of pictures to remember it by.
I love the layered look, especially with cowhide rugs. But my husband, being the outdoorsy rustic guy he is, hates them surprisingly.
Although you gave me a fabulous idea – I might have to make one out of a drop cloth!
I like the look of yours, but you are right, maybe in a different shade? It doesn't sound like you are in love with it, so return it, get what you love!
Siding with the mister. In the photos, my first thought was that your new cowhide looks. . .dingy. Like it is old and kind of dirty or grimy. I would think your grandparents would want you to be happy. . . and don't force a rug that you don't love. The memory of them and a good photo or two are more precious than an enormous rug. Sell the rug, use the money to get a jute rug perhaps? (Jute rugs can be found on a budget.) And then layer the cowhide, perhaps?
Store, give away, or sell floral rug ASAP. Return cowhide rug. Go ug shopping with husband or show him rugs on internet to get his input. If you must put a rug atop the flowered one try a darker solid
I have to agree with your husband, the floral rug doesn't really go. The too room would look great with a jute rug and a bright color layered on top but I don't think either of those really fits the space or what I can see of your style from the blog. It's hair to get rid of things that belonged to those we care about but sometimes they have served their purpose and need to be replaced or repurposed. Good luck finding something that works.
Sorry but I agree with the Mister. I do love your hand me down rug and if it was mine I would try to find somewhere to use it, I wouldn't be able to part with it! I like the way the room looks without the rug on rug.
I can envision a great flokati rug in place of the cowhide. I love the look of layered rugs. I can understand the sentimental attachments to items but in the end if it's not for you, you are doing no one a favor in keeping it.
I'm sorry but I do not like the layered rug at all. The colorful rug is okay, and might go in another room with not so much else going on. I do have a question though…In your "meet Cassie" section you say that you are making over your home with one budget friendly project at a time (paraphrased). Is that cowhide- rug that cost over 300.00 budget friendly? I mean i get that that is how much they cost, but as an after thought? I just don't get it.
I love the look of layered rugs. Also- where did you get your sofa?
Thanks, Meg! It's from a store in Nashville called American Signature…but it's quite old!
I would have to say that the rug belongs in a little girl's bedroom and not your livingroom. It is still a beautiful rug, just in the wrong part of the hou