WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH SHEEP SKINS?

I keep seeing them everywhere! Do you? And I have to say I have a bit of a love hate relationship with it. I find that it is more appropriate for creating a really lovely winter look but more so over the last year it has become the 'it' thing to have in styling your room. I have decided mid sentence while writing this blogpost that I would much prefer to focus on the positive aspects of the trending "sheep skin," so here goes! 

They are versatile and can be added to any room or colour palette especially if you are looking to create a real bohemian look. The contrast in materials against leather or plastic occasional or dining chairs is a winning combination. They allow for something that is not so comfortable, warm and inviting. 

It also allows you to create that picture perfect style and I feel they especially look inviting as a rug layered on the floor or in a nursery. 

What do you think about the trending sheep skin? Would you love one in your home? 

Photos are sourced from Pinterest. 

WHILE WE'RE ON THE TOPIC OF RUGS

While we are on the subject of custom rugs, even though I don't have my own rug range... YET! Let's just say, I wouldn't turn it down if it was offered to me... You would have to be crazy not to say yes to your own collection, I am working on the closest thing to it, a custom one for the farmhouse. Now I don't talk about the farmhouse much because it is all confidential but it must be said and shared that this custom design is coming along very nicely. Here is a sneak peek... 

WE ALL LOVE A BIT OF SHAYNNA BLAZE

Shaynna Blaze, Interior Designer and best known for her judging on The Block as well as Selling Houses Australia has just launched her own rug collection by ... the Rug Collection Australia.
How exciting, that is pretty much a dream come true for any designer and the ultimate compliment. Her collection is based on the idea of textures and that relaxed beach vibe, which fits the name Textured Coast very well. They are very understated in colour, pattern and tone which means they will work in a mixture of different colour palettes and styles.

What do you think of her new range? Would you love a Shaynna Blaze rug? You can find out more about her collection by clicking right here.

ARMADILLO NEW RANGE

Today at Decoration + Design I was mostly excited to head on over to the Armadillo & Co section to check out their new 2014 collection and their new Kilim rugs. Tomorrow on The Men Behaving Handy Blog, you will be seeing me talk about the rug trend and why rugs are very important. They allow you to be a little more adventurers with pattern and colour, which is what I feel this Armadillo & Co range very much expresses. Aztec has been a very huge trend that has carried through the design realm for a few years now and even though it isn't as popular at the moment, it is still popping up in many different areas in bright and colourful ways.

Armadillo & Co have a great collection as well as some perfect pieces for the kids.

Find out more about Armadillo & Co here. 

All images have been sourced directly from the Armadillo & Co website.

CUSTOM MAKING A RUG

For my current project we have a massive long hallway that needs filling and warmth. Due to its size and the nature of the home I have the opportunity to custom make the runner. I have something very specific in mind so it is great that Cadrys are going to assist me in making it come together.

There is so much to consider which you may not really think about, different pile colours, the loops, what type of material to have made from, should we have texture, no texture and mixtures of colours.
We are going for a very worn rustic look ... but let me just put it out there, it is not your typical rustic brief. Colours have not been exactly decided yet as we have some options, but here are some sneak peek behind the scenes at some of the colours and patterns that inspired me during my recent visits.

Cannot wait to keep revealing more and more! Make sure to keep up to date with this exciting project.

JDZ x

RUGS, RUGS & MORE RUGS

You probably under estimate the value of what a rug can do for you and your space. You probably have not ever really noticed before, but a rug is such an important part of anchoring a space, especially your home. Rugs work to add colour, personality, pattern, zoning, anchoring, warmth, sitting space, protection... my list continues. It is always the way when looking to update your home and or looking to furnish a place, it is the little things you do not expect to have to buy or spend some kind of money on. Well, you do not really need to spend a lot of money on one, but I have to break it to you, just like your new Ikea couch is going to cost you $800, be prepared to spend the money you save on cheaper furnishing on buying a decent rug, that might only cost you $100-$400 ( if you are on a budget & cost generally depends on size required)

Think of it in terms of buying a dress and this is direct at the ladies! Most of you are prepared to spend that amount on a new outfit and wont buy your own home a new rug to give it some warmth and style. If you buy the right rug, you will most likely only buy it once or for as long as you require it, which will I guarantee you, will be at least 3-5 years.


DONT:

Do not buy large pile, fluffy rugs if it does not suit your practical needs and you have children, it will only be a waste.

Do not buy a rug that sheds hair if you are not prepared the clean it and you again have children or floors that show the hair.

Do not buy a white rug if you have children or you are clumsy, because you will spill that red wine.

Do not buy a rug that cannot be easily cleaned or show dirt.

Do not buy a rug that is made of silk, unless it is for show only.

DO:

Do buy a low pile rug, sisal rugs or a rug with a very durable strong weave.

Do think of it as an investment and I think about the difference it makes to your environment.

Do think about wool combinations, the use of the rug and where it will be going go in your home.


You will only buy it once if you buy in right in at least 3 to 5 years, where as you will most likely only wear that dress off the rack once and then need to buy another one for your next event. Ways around the lump sum that needs to go into buying a rug can be buying smaller sizes and buying a couple or buy three different style runners ( Ikea have a great selection ) and them layering them so you get a really unique look and make up a rug at the same time.

Here are some great resources for rugs on a budget and some inspiration.

Image sourced from Ikea. It is the new Stockholm rug available in Yellow. 

Sourced from Freedom. Their new Summer 2014 range has limitless possibilities and orange is in!
Freedom is a great resource for rugs. 

Sourced from Freedom and it is such a great way to add softness and anchoring to a dining area. 
Do not be scared of using a rug under the dinning table. The dark colours allows for protection and low pile
will not get ruined. 

Layering allows you to be playful with rugs and create unique and interesting looks.
Image Sourced from My Pinterest. 

Kilm, Tribal and Aztec prints are amazing ways to add great colour and pattern to a contemporary design.
Image sourced from My Pinterest

Low Pile shaggy rugs look messy on purpose to give that really soft and effortless
look. This is very on trend at the moment, especially this style. Very much suitable
for a bedroom or study area. Image sourced from My Pinterest.

Temple & Webster have a great promotion happening at the moment with Cadrys, which gives you the opportunity to purchase some amazing Aztec inspired, vintage pieces at a very reasonable price. Make sure you sign up and take a look, you wont regret making the investment if you make it right.


Happy Tuesday,

JDZ x

FEATURE FRIDAY: DESIGNER RUGS

Kicking off the weekend with the announcement that the Nationwide Designer Rug sale starts today is pretty exciting! Designer Rugs is our leading Australian rug company that has a variety of unique designs and collections that is suitable for any home or commercial space. Not only do they also custom make and design but they are very well known for there collaborations with amazing Australian Designers such as Camilla, Dinosaur Designs, Alex Perry & Grey Natale, just to name a few. 

Now with their Nationwide sale starting today it is great to be able to share with my readers that you can receive anywhere from 20% to 50% off Designer Rugs. Maybe you are wondering why this is so exciting? Well because sales and opportunities like this do not happen very often, especially because the sale includes their full in house collection and a selection of their Australian Designer collection, which has never happened before.

Woohoo it starts today!! 20 to 50% off Floor Stock at Designer Rugs.
Loving the artwork for this campaign. It is very clever!  

Rugs are such an important part of assisting in grounding a space and often completes a look or theme in a space. A rug can also assist in zoning areas, especially if you are working with an open plan. It can also be a great way to introduce that touch of personality, colour or create an accent feature. That is why I think it is such a great opportunity to take advantage of this great sale and head on down to a showroom near you, do yourself a favor. 

You can find more about Designer rugs by clicking here and finding a showroom closest to you. 

Here are some of my favourite pieces from their Pinterest and Website.

ID Collection- Warp Speed by James Hargraves.

Saffron collection: Hillside- Frost.

"Pear Melba" from The Designer Rugs in-house collection 

Shibori round, from Akira's Hirameki collection.

Thanks to Designer Rugs for allowing me to post this as my feature post today and for being so lovely.

It has been really great to connect with you and looking forward to working together in the future. 

Make sure to follow them on Pinterest & Facebook. You can also find them on Instagram by searching @designerrugs

TGIF!!

JDZ x