The Search for an Asian inspired Blue and White Rug

1. Today I have been doing a little online shopping for a client- trying to find an Asian rug with shades of blue and white in it. These were my four favorites of the day.
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I thought Asian and blue would be easier to find together than they were. Anyone seen any that you can add?
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What do you think? Have a favorite?- I numbered them for an easy vote. The headboard is tufted upholstered blue- bedding is yet to be selected- so I can make things come together there. We are using these cool stools from Wisteria.

4.

Area Rug Shopping

Kathy is shopping for an area rug. She has a traditional home, with light neutral furniture. To help her get started, I wanted to show her some different styles, and see what she liked.

Printed Jute

Printed Jute rugs are not going to be soft to sit on, but they are a terrific look. The texture is unique, and the colors are subdued and easy to live with. A rug like this, in an 8 x 10 (doesn't come 9 x 13)- runs around $600.

Hand Tufted Cut Pile

This rug is hand tufted, (still nicer than most machine made rugs) It is less expensive than many hand tufted rugs- under $1000 for an 8 x 11. The rug will be less dense than a $2500 hand tufted piece of the same size. An excellent value for a great look. 100% Indian wool.

Rugs of this style come in many different patterns. If you like this, do you prefer the size of pattern like the one above, or a more detailed pattern, like this one below (about $1500 for a larger 9'6" x 13'6"

The more detailed pieces generally come off more formal than the larger patterns. For Kathy's furniture, she could really go either way- a personal preference.

Wool Loop Tufted

For a more informal feel, a tufted wool loop is a different look. These traditionally are more "country"- but really very transitional, and are a common look in you typical "Pottery Barn" magazine- about $800 for an 8 x 11.

Tone on Tone

Perhaps the rugs all seem too busy or colorful for you. There are also some great looks in tone on tone patterns, like the one below, which is a silk and wool loop pile.

Two Tone

There are also some great looks in a two- tone, bringing in a couple of colors, like the one below in red and gold. ( about $1200 for a 7'9" x 9'9")

Chenille Rug

For a less expensive option, consider a yarn other than wool. (not polyester please-- ). The rug below is a cotton chenille. Is it as durable? No- but it is a fantastic look for a low $599 price for a 9 x 13. I really like the cherry blossom print. Geometric

The rug below is a Two tone Moorish Tile look, very causal and sophisticated at the same time. hand tufted wool, 9 x 12 for $799.

After you narrow down the basic style, then you can look at different rugs from there.

Rug Sources: Classic Home, The Rug Market, Pottery Barn

Idea #2 for Marbel

Marbel wrote in asking for ideas on how to take care of 40-year-old wallpaper in your kids' bedroom. My suggestion- cover it up!

Try beadboard or another wall woodwork throughout. This is a classic, timeless solution that looks as good now as when you send them off to college! Add a fun rug that you can change as they age. I love The Rug Maret Kid's collection. (Available through rug dealers and interior designers). They have some crazy cute ones for girls, especially.

If your little ones have a hard time settling down at night, keeping the walls less stimulating is a good idea. The pattern can be on the floor, where their eyes don’t typically go when they are laying in bed.

Thanks to the Rug Market and Martha Stewart furniture for the photos!