Tile Search

Do you know how hard it is to find off-white subway tile in Iowa?  Well, let me tell you.  It’s pretty darn hard.  Or at least Nate and I were making it hard.

Our cabinets are not quite white and not quite ivory.  They are whitevory.



I think we have finally ended our multiple week search.  The Imperial Bone Gloss tile from The Tile Shop appears to be the winner.   Unfortunately the closest location is in Des Moines. We ordered a sample and it’s quite perfect. I keep petting it every time I enter the kitchen…to watch Nate cook. Now we just need to head west to make the purchase.  (Darn expensive shipping.)



We were really hoping the cheapo white tile from Menards would cut it but no such luck.



It’s just a shade off but that shade makes all of the difference.



I don’t think we’ll be able to tackle this project until the end of September or beginning of October…and it’s killing me.  At least the tile search is over!  Phew.

Rug Evolution

I’m not really good at following decorating rules.  I’m just not.  I live in Iowa.  My friends think I’m famous because I write a silly blog.  Who needs decorating rules?

Like rug size.  Who cares what the “rules” are in regards to rug size?  Not this Midwest girl.   Especially not me 3 years ago.

Well, hello baby 3’x5’ rug.  You’re so tiny and cute….and totally way too small for this room.

I told myself this totally worked…because I still had $100,000 in student loans…and I knew zero about decorating.  Totally works.  Totally works.

Slowly I began to learn that at least the couches should touch the rug.  Do you know how much large rugs cost?  A lot of money.  That’s how much.  But I should upgrade.  That rug above just isn’t cutting it.  How about a 5’x8’? That will totally work.

I can’t find a view from above but as you can see, the size is better.  Pretty decent.  But still small.

One popular rule that I have found is that the rug should be large enough to slide under the front legs of sofas and chairs in a seating arrangement.  All the legs touching the rug helps unify the furniture. 

I agree.  I also agree that the “rule” depends on your room.  The “all front legs touching” thing may not work for every room situation.  Rules. Schmules.

I also think I need to scoot the chair closer.  Thanks view from the walkway.

Now I think I need a round coffee table to balance out all of that square.  I should research coffee table rules.  Or stop learning decorating things.  The latter would probably make my husband happy.

Do you follow decorating “rules”?  Are you currently breaking any decorating “rules”?

New Living Room Rug

I did it.  I opened my new rug.  And I like it.  No more hating Overstock.  Woo hoo.

Some of you may be a bit disappointed after having read my navy rug post.  I went boring.  But hear me out.  Boring is good.  Boring is me.  I have this problem lately of wanting everything pretty that I see.  Unfortunately, I am unable to surround myself with everything pretty.  And just because it’s pretty, doesn’t mean that it fits the style of our house.  Does that make sense?

And Ike.  Ike LOVES the new rug!

I went with a jute and hemp rug from Overstock.  I decided that I wanted a neutral rug.  I like neutrals. Neutrals relax me.  A neutral rug allows me to change pillows. I like to change things. Pillows are easier/cheaper to change than rugs.  The price was right for the size.  The rug added some much needed texture to the room.  Sold.

The only thing we aren’t super happy with is the smell. To quote Nate, “It smells like a rodeo.” A day with the windows open definitely helped air it out.

The rug is jute and hemp so it’s not one that’s super soft and squishy on the feet…which may not be for everyone.  We don’t spend very much time on the floor so it’s not a concern of mine.  Ike is the only one who rolls around on the floor and he tells me it’s cool.

Are you a neutral fan or a bold color fan?  Why are rugs so stinking expensive?  Any fellow jute fans?  Can you believe that all of these Ike photos were taken without treats?  Seriously.  Me either.