Eco-Friendly, Non-Slip Rug Pads: Oft-Forgotten but Worth Every Penny

I have, in the last few years, finally come around to understanding that spending money on a good, quality rug makes a huge difference in defining and designing a space. When looking at Pins for inspiration, the presence of a great rug was a consistent element that caught my eye in rounding out a design. There are some great sites and stores to get spacious rugs at a decent price, and I'm really enjoying the benefits of budgeting for some floor decor.

That being said, after I've shelled out a hunny or so for a rug, the often-recommended rug pad is easily overlooked, generally with a well-intended "Maybe later!" What's funny about this response to me is how irritated I can get with a rug that never stays in place, or doesn't feel near a soft as it is stylish, and yet I don't ever actually circle back and pull the trigger on a pad. 

Y'all, I've learned (yet another) lesson.

I recently learned about an awesome US-based company called Rugpadusa.com, and in addition to manufacturing, packing, and shipping right here in good ol' 'Merica, they have a great selection of eco-friendly, non-slip pads at great prices. 

After doing some research, I learned about the harmful side effects of using cheap, chock-full-o-chemical pads, which was especially alarming to us as we absolutely cherish the original hardwood in our bungalow, which was built in 1930. The idea of permanently ruining that with a pad due to outgassing, reactive ingredients, or breakdown of the chemicals into the surface was not worth the perceived discount in price. 

If you've been tracking our kitchen renovation, you probably recall seeing a pretty new runner show up over the tile floor. The tile is hard and very difficult to keep clean (we didn't have it in the budget to rip it out and put in hardwood tile, but we've got our eye on that at some point down the road), so a runner seemed like a great way to cover that mess and make it more warm, anchoring the space with a cozy vibe. 

The Stephanie rug from Loloi was exactly the look we wanted, but...

Rug + Tile = Slippery Cursing

Enter: Super-Lock Natural Rug Pad. Not only does this grippy, mildew-resistant pad stand up to the high traffic it endures, but we were also able to get it in a custom size to accommodate the unique size of the runner we ordered. (It's easy enough to trim this guy if needed, but love that they give no flack to cut to order.) We added a couple of pieces of double-sided tape between the rug backing and the mat to minimize all slip, and it's been wonderful ever since. Doesn't budge a bit when I vacuum, which is often thanks to our furry son.

And speaking of kitten shenanigans, we also had a small rug by the front door that was constantly askew thanks to Scrappy's incessant "dancing," shall we call it. I opted for the plant oil-based Eco-Solid rug, since this area was directly on our stained hardwood. I really like the padding of the Eco-Solid, and we definitely enjoy having the best of both worlds since it's now more cushy, but still lays flat when the door opens.

Each pad on the site has tons of info, so it's really simple to choose the right option for your surface and needs. And I found Customer Service to be super helpful for any additional questions. As simple as it is to overlook, it's amazing what a difference it makes to have something like this to make your life easier, both now and when you decide to redecorate or move (as no one wants to discover at that point that a crappy pad has destroyed your flooring).

Bungalow Kitchen Reno: The Reveal

Thank you for sticking with us over the last month as we've shared the various stages of our kitchen renovation with you! It's been such a neat process, and we're getting to enjoy it all over again as we share it with y'all. We so appreciate all the sweet comments, and have to thank the Lord for providing us with the means and helping hands to make it happen. It's a small thing on the spectrum of importance, but we realize just how rich we are given where God has placed us and the things we're able to do. It's truly a treat and a gift, and we don't take it lightly!

Without further ado, I share with you the finished state of our kitchen...

(Click on photos to enlarge)

 

{Sources}

Butcher Block: IKEA (discontinued*)

Stain: Minwax (Early American)

Sealer: Waterlox

Upper cabinet color: Benjamin Moore (Chantilly Lace) 

Lower cabinet color: Benjamin Moore (October Mist) 

Wall color: Benjamin Moore (London Fog)

Sink: Kraus

Faucet: Moen

Backsplash: Merola Tile (with Delorean Gray grout) 

Pencil trim: Anatolia Tile

Rug: Loloi via Rugs USA

Knife magnet: RSVP via Amazon

To request additional sources, please contact me or leave a comment.

{Revisit the Kitchen Reno Series}

The Before Situation

*Preparing the Ingredients ("The Great Butcher Block Track-Down")

Staining and Sealing the Butcher Block Countertops
Painting Cabinets
The Sink That Started It All

Inspired by Art

When it comes to playing games, I am one of those very conceptual clue-givers/clue-drawers. Instead of taking the shortest route to get to the answer (such as using opposites as clues to string together otherwise disparate words to come up with a phrase), I explain the thing from the dawn of time, in the grand context of all the life. I don't operate this way on the guessing end, mind you, but when it comes to doling out clues, I think everyone's blood pressure raises slightly when I'm up. Playing games with me is akin to the skill (and patience) it takes to see those Magic Eye images; you have to cross your eyes ever so slightly and relax your brain, and then...sailboat.

Where am I going with this? I think this same "quirk" (makes it sound cuter) is what draws me to certain art pieces. Sometimes, I like a print or painting because it reminds me explicitly of an experience, trip, verse, etc. But more often than not, I am drawn to the overall feel of it because of a visceral liking. Not for any rhyme or reason that I can figure, but something stirs and I dig it.

I was recently asked to come up with an interior design that was inspired by a piece of art, and one piece in particular piqued my interested over and over again. It certainly wasn't the easiest choice to design around, but the weight, texture, and color of it had me toggling back and forth until I finally surrendered and said, "Let's do this!"

Painting: Invaluable.com // Sconces: Wisteria // Chandelier: Z Gallerie // Pillows: Z Gallerie
End Table: Candelabra // Vase: West Elm // Spray: Z Gallerie // Sofa: Wisteria
Hardwood: Seconds & Surplus // Rug: Rugs USA // Paint: Benjamin Moore (Dune White, Simply White trim)

The key for me was trying to design a space that still feels very accessible, yet embraces the intensity of the painting. I went with a neutral wall and sofa in this living room design to let the accessories compliment the colors and textures of the abstract work, which I chose to leave unframed for a modern focus. I've adored these iron sconces from Wisteria for months, and incorporated the round shape of the sconces, chandelier, and side table balance the squared sofa, pillows, and large canvas. Not to OD on neutrals, I pulled out some of that rich warmth from the painting with statement copper and brass elements (side table and chandelier), which is also complimented by the honey-hued hand scraped hardwoods. Loving how all the unique textures of this room bring visual interest, but don't compete with the lovely centerpiece of the painting that started it all.

What inspires your design ideas? Need some help? Visit www.invaluable.com!

{Ikea Hack DIY} How to Add a Drawer Knob

It's almost embarrassing to call this project an Ikea Hack given the simplicity of the change, but I was looking for a quick and easy way to give our Malm dresser a little sumpthin'. We're working on an envelope to add Pier 1's Hayworth Dresser to our master bedroom suite (we have the nightstand and bedside chest already), but in the meantime, our 6-drawer Malm is functional, even if a little clunky. 

I was already in the midst of about five other projects this weekend, so I wouldn't allow myself to chew off any more than simply adding knobs to the drawers. I love the idea of O'verlays and/or adding mirrors or gray grasscloth to the drawer faces, but I opted for easy peasy, knowing we wouldn't be keeping the dresser (and anything too custom might make it tougher to sell on CL when we're ready for the Hayworth piece).

Funny enough, there are tons of awesome posts out there with tips for upgrading various Ikea dressers and nightstands, but they seemed to skip an important detail in their tutorials/DIY recaps: how to add the knobs. They mention that step, but it's not much more than a mention. "Add knobs." Oh...kay. And it may be an intentional omission because the assumption is made that it's too easy to cover, but I had no idea how to go about it, so this little girl needed some help. I Googled and found this awesome video, which helped me knock out this project in a snap. So, dear blogosphere, I offer to you my step-by-step recap, dedicated to those of you who also need the 101 deets.

What you'll need: 

• Painters tape
• Pen/pencil
• Yardstick (or measuring tape)
• Knob and screw* - I used these satin nickel and acrylic knobs
• Drill with appropriate sized bit (I used 3/16 per the recommendation of the dude at Lowe's)
• Screwdriver
• Cloth/rag
• Washer (optional) 

The Drawer {Before}

First, find the center of the drawer using the measuring device of your choice. Apply a strip of painters tape on the drawer face, and mark the crosshairs of the center with your pen/pencil. (If you're doing a handle with two screws, you obviously need to do that math to find the appropriate placement in the center, since it'll depend on the size of the handle. If I were doing a handle, I'd probably make a template to reuse. But center is simple enough to find for a single knob.) 

Enter: power tools. This was the first time I've used a drill, which was probably a little bold given M was away working on set all day, but I was like, "Well, I mowed the lawn, edged, and had a beer today, so maybe it'll all just fall into place." Workin' on my dude skills, y'all. Turns out, not so scary. And I only sacrificed one drill bit. (Yeeeeeah, so the direction of the spinning...matters. Lesson learned, am I right?!) Before drilling, I applied another strip of painters tape on the inside of the drawer (where the drill would come through) to help minimize splintering (in the absence of scrap wood). Then, drill on through at the crosshairs. Confidence is key!

Looky! A hole! Use the rag to wipe away the debris, and remove the painters tape. (I actually saved the strips of painters tape for the subsequent drawers, and pushed the sticky side of the used tape down on the freshly drilled wood shards to minimize mess; then wipe with rag, or in my case, washcloth.)

Now, attach the knob and screw. I added a washer on the inside of the drawer for a cleaner look, but that's totally optional. Use the screwdriver to get it nice and secure.

That's it! It took less than 30 minutes to do all six drawers, and I was so surprised at what a change it made. The addition of the knobs has been great motivation to finish up more of the decor elements in our master, such as adding a tray, catchall, and some objets to style the top of the dresser, hanging curtains, and adding a plant to the corner (behind the dresser). I'm thinking a fiddle leaf fig in a round basket. (Of course I am, right? Blogger, duh.)

Thanks for bearing with the shoddy iPhone photos. And if you're still feeling frisky, check out some of my other DIYs!

*Lil tip: make sure you have the right screw length for the drawer thickness. Neither of the screws that came with my knobs fit, so I had to make another run to Lowe's to find an in-between length. Fun.

Holiday Decor Inspiration

Last year was our first Christmas in our new home, but a mere month out from our wedding and honeymoon, we were frankly a little short on energy (and funds) to decorate and make the place more festive. (We did get our tree up, of course, and loved having those twinkly lights warm up our den and provide a touch of magic when we cozied up in front of the TV. Even Scrappy got in on the action. I'm pretty sure he thought the tree was a gift for him.)

This year, we're more settled into our little yellow bungalow, and I am definitely looking forward to purchasing some new decor to jazz up a few key spaces for the season. Focusing on two or three areas will help me stay within a reasonable budget and really make those spaces feel special (versus trying to do too much all at once, which will inevitably mean storing bins for eleven months out of the year that house mostly junk because I went for quantity over quality).

{Den/Living Room look}

Burlap Christmas Tree // Antique Hydrangea // Mercury Glass Lantern // Faux Bois Mercury Votives

{Formal Living/Dining Room look}

Mini Metallic Pinecones // Antique Bells // Modern Metal Tapers

{Front Porch}

Eucalyptus and Red Berry Wreath // Lit Boxwood Garland

 

These items will inspire some shopping, some crafting, and some repurposing to accomplish a look that compliments our overall home aesthetic, but still reminds us that it's that sweet season of family, friends, love, and lustre.

 

What's your decor approach this year for the holidays?