March 6th, 2012
It’s not always easy to know which rug will be right for your space. We often find a rug that we love at the store, then get it home to find it is too small, large, or awkward in our home. However, there are tips and tricks that you can follow to ensure that your rug will be proportionate and attractive in your room.
Photo: House Beautiful
1. You should try to cover as much floor space as possible in areas that are high traffic, such as entryways and family rooms. This helps protect your floor from wear and tear and avoids having a place where one foot is one the rug and the other is not.
2. If you are using a rug for more decorative purposes and still would like to show off your floors beneath, pick a size that will let between 18″ and 24″ of floor show on each side.
3. Sizing the rug so that it sits slightly under your furniture will keep it in place even better than a rug pad. This also helps avoid the illusion of a “floating rug” which can look awkward.
4. Rugs help absorb sound. In a room where this is an issue, try to cover as much floor space as possible. Generally, between 8″and 12″ of floor on each side is the minimum. This is especially helpful if you live in an apartment or condo where you have neighbors below.
5. There are different rules for different pieces of furniture. Rugs should extend 24″ from the sides of a Dining Room table, enough room for chairs to push out without going off the rug. From the sides of a bed, a rug should extend 18″
Photo: House Beautiful
6. In smaller rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens, rug placement can get even trickier. You will usually be dealing with smaller “scatter” rugs which are placed throughout the room. These often range between 2″ x 3″ to 4″ x 6.” The best placement is in the most high traffic areas: in front of the sink, the tub, etc.
7. If you are still unsure about what size rug will work best in your space, use masking tape to mark off several different sizes. This will help you to visualize what will actually look best in the room. You won’t be surprised when you get your rug into the space and will be able to avoid a trip back to the store to exchange.
Follow these tips and you will find a rug that is both functional and beautiful in your space.
Tags: absorb sound, House Beautiful, interior, interior decor, interior design, rugs, tips and tricks
Posted in Flooring, Tips | 2 Comments »
January 14th, 2011
Wide plank hardwood floors have a vintage American feel to them and are a wonderful look in any room of the house.
- Photo: Architectural Digest
- Photo: My Home Ideas
Photo: Southern Accents
Photo: Traditional Home
Photo: Traditional Home
Photo: Traditional Home
Photo: Elle Decor
Tags: Architectural Digest, Ciao Interiors, Elle Decor, hardwood, my home ideas, southern accents, Traditional Home, vintage, wide plank
Posted in Ciao Interiors, Flooring | No Comments »
November 30th, 2010
Photo: Southern Living
Photo: Veranda
Photo: Decor Pad
Photo: Coastal Living
Photo: House Beautiful
Photo: House Beautiful
Photo: House Beautiful
Photo: Traditional Home
Tags: Flooring, painted tile, pattern, pillow, window treatments
Posted in Flooring, Interior Decor | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2010
Why be limited to just one? Perfect for those of you that just can’t get enough, rugs that is. Check out these interiors that show off their rug pride.
Natural fibered rugs can be not so soft to the touch. Add a soft texture on top for a pleasing experience for your feet!
Is your favorite rug not quite the right size for your space? Don’t just toss it for a larger one, instead layer it on a large solid area rug for added drama and emphasis
Below a floral area rug adds a nice contrast in pattern
Tags: animal hide, layer, rugs, sisal, texture
Posted in Flooring, Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 11th, 2010
If you are building a new house or just renovating your kitchen, one of the big decisions to be made is what type of flooring to put in your kitchen. Tile, wood, vinyl, and stone are all appropriate choices for different people. How do you know which is the right one for your home?
While it will not last for generations, vinyl is a good option for those looking for an option that will be inexpensive and easy to install yourself. Vinyl can be tricky around the edges and at seams of a pattern. You will have to take great care to cut very carefully and match the repeat of the pattern perfectly. Vinyl is best for those looking for an interim flooring that will last them until they are ready to make a bigger investment.
Tile comes in a wide variety of looks. You can get tile to look like almost any type of stone and in any color imaginable. Make sure to have a professional installer measure so that you buy the exact amount that you need. Dye lots can vary in color from day to day and if you come up short, it could be difficult to match your tile on a future trip to the supplier. Tile is extremely durable and if a tile does become chipped or break, it is possible to replace it. Installation can be expensive but is worth it because of the precise nature of laying tile patterns. Glazed tile will stand up to stains much better than unglazed, so it is a better option in the kitchen.
Stone is one of your most durable options for the kitchen, and though it can be expensive and installation must be done by a professional, it will last for generations. It is a beautiful, timeless look, but is not the best option for children or the elderly because when it becomes wet, it becomes extremely slippery.
Wood is a wonderful option because it can often be carried over from the other rooms in the house and contribute to an open flow throughout your home. Wood is an extremely strong, durable material that will last the life of your home as long as it is kept in good shape and refinished when necessary. One of the drawbacks is that it will show wear and tear in the finish in high traffic areas.
Each type of flooring has pros and cons, so it is important to make a decision based on your ability to invest at this time and just how durable of a floor you will need in your kitchen.
Tags: Ciao Interiors, durable, Flooring, investment, kitchen, new build, renovation, stone, tile, vinyl, wood
Posted in Flooring, Kitchens | No Comments »
