Bumblebeez SC Zone 7 do you have any thoughts on rugs / art work (or other pieces) to bring the room back to a transitional / classic style? Rebeccamomof123 I’d love to hear your suggestions, as well. I don’t mind replacing the artwork. I’d like to make the chairs work, since they are new and past the return window. I am definitely struggling.

Rebeccamomof123 the rug you asked about is our old rug. It is in the same room. In that picture I was playing around with chair placement. The colors in the rug are a little off and it is too small for the space.

Caligirl, I do think for the overall "look" Pottery Barn is a good place to start at. It doesn't mean you have to buy things there, but the styles are very carefully cultivated, but can be found elsewhere, if you copy closely.

Way too many "cool/cold" colors.

a) you didn't break any rules. there's no rule stating which item should be purchased first. it very often is art..and one very well known designer whom I quite admire thinks for example the last purchase for the room should be, surprizingly maybe, a sofa..:)

but you're right in a sense that one should have overall vision..now, it can be pretty clear or vague, after all it's a process. Seven months is nothing..sometimes just the thinking takes seven months:) All these great rooms put together and photographed for magazines were thought through and planned and tweaked, and collected, and for years sometimes, It's normal. It's also normal to feel like it's driving you mad..whether you think decorating is your strong suit or not. I can go from being "house proud" to being mad at myself for not creating some much more magnificent space up to several times a day sometimes.

ok..let's get to b)..

-what else did you like about the artwork, except for the colors? If you don't mind changing it-maybe that means you don't love it enough. Then I might agree with you-art should be bought because one can't resist it. Maybe your mistake was not in buying art first, but buying this particular art. Or maybe you loved it all right but right now see it as a source of trouble. Art is weird like that. We build relationships with it:) And break them up sometimes.

-terms are vague. "transitional" is a word I personally haven't coined yet, I strongly suspect was invented because not everybody likes word "traditional"..Clean look..again, it will fall on some continuum, right?

Trying to match colors exactly it's a normal mistake all but most talented people go through. It's like learning experience that is hard to miss. But it's an important one. How you'd know otherwise?

So..do you have inspirational pictures of rooms you consider to be "that's what my room should be for me, that what it should say, that's the vibe, that's the feel, this and this, I admire"? Can you share them? Any favorite stores?

If you want to find your vision again-let's step back and go to inspiration, what do you say?

maybe as becky says the problem is having color there at all? Maybe you'll find out you want to do something monochromatic..or different material altogether like sisal..? or you don't want "newer" take on a rug but want, you know, a traditional rug, they can be very exuberant but very subdued as well?

or else you might feel you continue to acquire pieces that work-and they do, indeed-but continue to be unhappy.

Since as much as you feel you lost your vision-you still aware of it much better than us, at this very moment..it's on the back of your mind, waiting.

I like it. I like the colours and the size of the pattern along with the artwork. Are you planning on doing any windowcoverings? Have you done any decorating on the mantel or hearth of the fireplace? Do you plan on a coffee table?

What colours have you used in the other rooms? Or any textures in the other rooms? What colours are your linens for the kitchen? Are you planning on floormats in the kitchen and if so, any chosen colours yet?

You could do copper or baskets as accent pieces. I would suggest a wood coffee table and side table to warm the place up.

I like your rug and I like your art...but I don’t like them together...

Uttermost

All these great rooms put together and photographed for magazines were thought through and planned and tweaked, and collected, and for years sometimes, It's normal.

My favorite rooms in design magazines, books, online are the rooms that have been collected/designed over years. The ones I can't stand are the ones that look that the homeowner went to TJ Maxx, especially for "accessories".

I'm in the minority on GW believing the art in your home should be chosen because you love it, because it speaks to you, because you find it meaningful. I do not believe that art needs to "go" or co-ordinate with any furnishings. caligirl, if the best thing you can say about the print in the living room is that the colors really go with the countertop, then it might be time to consider something else, because it's a prime focal point taking up prime space in the room. As april says, don't worry about leaving the space on the wall blank while you wait to find the art piece that stops you in your tracks or makes your heart sing.

I'm not crazy about the rug, but I tend to like a more traditional pattern with warm colors.

I do agree with Anglo that overall the room feels too chilly.

I haven't read all the replies, so here' s my take.: I like the rug a lot. However, I am wondering why you replaced the previous rug (the one with the dog on it). which I actually prefer because it's a bit more traditional, serene, love the tone on tone.

I think it looks sophisticated. To bring in the color of the art work, I'd just get some pillows and accessories in the blues/greens/teal as well as some natural fibers (baskets?), faux fur, plants, some books, candles.

I think the room looks well coordinated and normally wouldn't comment when it comes down to something that isn't my personal taste. But what compels me to comment is that you don't seem happy with something about the space.

I'm not sure if it's the rug or something else that's bothering you, but to my eye the artwork stands out as the odd man out. Your other choices look more classic and refined, whereas the artwork looks mass produced and lacking in anything to draw you into it. Yes, the colors match with the rug and furniture (and counter tops), but that's about it. Again, this is my personal opinion, but maybe you feel the same way. I do like when the large pieces of art relate to the room as a whole in some way (doesn't have to be color necessarily), but not at the expense of not being something you love. Your comment that you don't mind replacing the art leads me to think that's the thing you should try removing from the room first. Then you can reassess how you feel about the rug and whether you want to keep or return it.

I don't necessarily think buying the art was a mistake... It led you to the chairs and other items, and I think the chairs give some nice color and personality to the room that you might not otherwise have chosen. I think the rug looks great in your space, but other rugs would too, so only you can answer whether it's "the one" or not. Maybe you can find an inspiration picture that's similar to your original vision for the room if you want something more true to what you envisioned at the start. That might help to help guide you through the rest of your choices. Either way, take your time. If you rush too much, you'll likely end up with something "good enough" but that doesn't really give you that feeling you're looking for when you spend time in the room. Good luck! You have a great start.

There have been many wonderful comments, so thank you. For those who mentioned there is something bothering me about the room, you are right. The rug, although it looks nice, is a bit too contemporary for me. Through and through I love all things classic. I love the quality of the rug (hand knotted banana tree silk) which is what made me contemplate keeping it. That and I am desperate to have a finished room to enjoy. I appreciate that the best rooms evolve over time and I’m okay adding things, or switching pieces out, as time goes on. If I can get the basic pieces in there (like curtains) I’d be happy. I have a three and five year old, so I don’t have a lot of free time to devote to decor.

Many have commented on the previous rug. Unfortunately, it was a 6x9, so too small for the space. The colors did not go the best with the teal chairs, either. If I were to go back to a more neutral rug, would everyone suggest - cream / ivory tone on tone, grey tone on tone, cream and grey? Originally, I was looking for something soft with creams, a touch of grey and teal. I looked everywhere and could not find what I wanted.

Here are some inspiration photos of rooms I like.

This may be a blessing in disguise. Even without a 3- and 5-year-old, you do NOT want a silk rug, especially so close to your kitchen. Get something in wool, which will wear like iron.

Also, we know now what size of rug is too small : ) -- what's the right size? That will help anyone looking for possibilities for you.

I have to say, I do not know much about banana tree silk. When I researched it, it was compared to viscose. This rug is definitely thicker and plusher than viscose. The website described it as “durable” and I think of it as a wool rug but so much softer. It really is quite wonderful. I do not know how it will wear over time and, honestly, I was a bit afraid of that aspect when purchasing. But I have a feeling it wouldn’t be too bad.

To stay on topic, I would need an 8x10 rug. That is the size of the new rug and it works perfectly, in my opinion. And I wouldn’t want to spend over $1,000 for a rug. With two little kids, and a dog, even that makes me a bit nervous.

Banana tree silk is abaca, a plant (banana)-based fiber, made from the stems, IIRC. If I were in the business of selling abaca rugs, I'd be telling folks they're durable too lol.

Do you know that the blue and white rug you like at Citrine Living, 7'10" x 10'3", is only $316?

I think I've read from others at GW that esalerugs.com offers free shipping and free returns, so you can try out rugs in the room and see how they go, with walls, furnishings, etc.

From esalerugs,

6' 8 x 10' 1 Kashkuli Gabbeh Oriental Rug

8' 3 x 11' 11 Afghan Akhche Oriental Rug

From ecarpetgaller.com (not sure about their returns),

7'10" x 10'3" Hand-knotted Finest Ushak Grey Wool Rug

8'11" x 11'10" Hand-knotted Royal Ushak Light Grey Wool Rug

8'11" x 11'11" Hand-knotted Royal Ushak Cream Wool Rug

8'6" x 11'7" Hand-knotted Royal Ushak Teal Wool Rug

Wow, that is a great price. I’m not sure I can imagine the teal chairs with it, though. I do like the rug in the third photo.

Here is a closer up photo of sofa / chair fabrics (in case it matters.)

I'm hesitant to say this and I hope you're not offended but I feel the art piece will never work as it's screaming for people to look at it. I say that as an artist and the fact that you are wanting a clean line calm and warm room and that and the rug is failing in that dept. also. Soooo why not just start again and we will help you. You did well with the sofa and chairs and you have a lovely home. Do you want color added? If so, what are you favorite colors, if you choose ones you love then you'll enjoy the room so much more. I love muted colors so all of my home is decorated in muted. It keeps me centered and calm but others love lots of color which is great too. We're here to help.

caligirl, if you actually like Suzani patterns, what might look nice is to get lumbar pillows for the chairs with a Suzani pattern -- you get to keep an element you like but it becomes less overwhelming to the room.

Etsy lumbar pillow

Yayagal do you think I can achieve that clean, classic look while still keeping the chairs? I am past the return period and I would hate to lose that much money. Otherwise, in hind sight, I would have chosen a more neutral / soft color chair. The rug can go back and I don’t mind losing the artwork. The only other thing which has been purchased is pillow and that is not a big deal, either.

As for favorite color, I am pretty boring. I tend to stick with greys, whites, navys, blacks and really anything neutral. I really am not a big fan of red. I also like metal colors...gold, silver, pewter. My house is painted grey, blues and greens. Here is my paint color palette.

Yayagal do you think I can achieve that clean, classic look while still keeping the chairs? I am past the return period and I would hate to lose that much money.

Not Yayagal, but I think the color works well, and is a good choice for a family with kids : ) . You can always "mute" the color of the chairs with a throw and lumbar pillow in lighter colors on each chair.

Cali, the rooms you love and pictured are beautiful. Copy them. The colors are generally soft and subdued, while the rug and art you have are not.

Caligirl, I think the chairs are beautiful and there is no reason why you can't still have a clean classic, airy look with them. Their color is classic, muted and understated. I think a cream throw on one of them will help neutralize the color even more. For a rug, I think you should look for natural fibers or muted tones...creams, beiges, and maybe a muted grey/teal in the border or center, but not as the main background color. I will see what I can source in an 8X10 below your price point.

Also, not sure what you have for lighting in your room? Did you notice that in every single inspiration pic you posted, there is a round/circular chandelier?

Here are a few options to consider. You'll have to check return policy, I didn't get that far...

This one is thin, all wool, and despite the name of the rug there is no green in it. I think it has a cool vintage look to it and it's half your budget. I think the colors are perfectly muted with a hint of the blue to tie in the chairs. Sorry for image size and blurriness- can't help it.

This one has cotton and jute listed in it's material. Pretty, neutral colors. Very thin, low pile, which I find easier to keep clean, personally. Spills don't have as far to 'seep in' so they wipe up more easily.

Becky I sure do think and know that you can make the room feel the way you want. Here goes with all the help. Your chairs will work , no worries.

agreed about silk..blessing in disguise indeed

hand knotted wool..or jute plus something but will feel different under feet I guess..or seagrass maybe..or inside outside..but hand knotted wool indeed wears like iron

i love ecarpet gallery and third and fifth and sixth images are my favorite...but in your inspiration pics(thank you for including them!) I see you indeed prefer more fluid pattern..a bit barely there..that's probably the reason for you clicking with more contemporary take on a rug you bought-the fluidity of the pattern

(I'd be very wary to spend one grand too especially when it's for something as permanent as a rug unless I'm crazy in love..thus I'm (almost) blisfully rugless..lol

and-that acrylic and gold table in the first(I think?) inspirational photo? you'll laugh but I saw smth similar earlier in the day..(question "Where?")..I thought of your room immediately. Let me retrace my steps a bit..

I'm less preoccupied with your room feeling too cool at the moment..it's a room in the making, it's just starting out..it will be much more to it than just what's in there at the moment

ok I found where I saw it(or something like it)..but it's glass(obviously). but they have a sale today,,,25% off sitewide

http://www.wisteria.com/Wisterias-Acrylic-Glass-and-Brass-Collection-Side-Table-NEW/productinfo/T16297

they have similar coffee table too

(no, not cheap. I'd hunt these things vintage..but that takes time, and time is money too..well sometimes)

you're not boring at all-but every pallette needs a bit to warm it up/or to cool it off. so warm metals and just a touches of warmer colors or just different texture will be what the room needs.

It's a lot like our faces I think)) There you have natural balance of matte and shine and cooler and warmer..even within one face. Probably makes us a bit predisposed to prefer it like that

(I just started thinking this thought so don't throw apples at me just yet..))

Rebeccamomof123 I don’t think the color of the chairs has been clear on here. The chairs are more of a teal green vs blue, which I think has made it harder for me to find rugs. I have found a lot of them to have more teal blues than green. I love the last rug you posted. Although, I initially considered a jute / sisal / seagrass type rug, I think I’d prefer something more plush / softer. My kids are always down on the rug playing.

Caligirl, now that's a chair if a different color! (Pun intended)

Back to the drawing board. You're right. In your above photos the appeared to be more of a dark teal or grey/teal. Seeing them here I definitely see more of green than blue. Still really pretty, just different than I thought. Ok.. stay tuned for round 2 of options.

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Windsor-Vintage-Seafoam-Blue-Cotton-Rug-8-x-10/17348487/product.html?refccid=N5BM3EKUHGUITGCLFMHHVYQQOI&searchidx=0&keywords=&refinement=vendorid%3A658

Sorry, from my mobile, no hyperlink option. (Why is that!?)

(I wanted to report that I found some great rugs by Nourison (I think?) on Gilt but they're all non returnable)

Cali, here's a rug I think might work for several reasons, first it's muted yet has energy, the colors have the teal, brown, cream and even a real green so it's covered all the bases plus it's not too expensive and it wouldn't show dirt like the lighter rugs and it has all the colors in your home plus the pillow colors on the couch. I could even find the right art if you so desire. Just an idea. Here is the link to view it https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/birch-lane-jasmine-gray-rug-bl4722.html?piid%255B0%255D=11954388&piid=11954388

I though a quest was for softer paler colors, barely there fluid pattern, basically I tried to oversee whatever didn't fit. not easy, since I liked a lot

I like the one just posted..

and more than any I liked this..but even I don't see it as calm..)) I'm probably not after calm right now..I'll still post it not because it's conductive or goes amazingly well with the room right now, or caligirl will like it, just to show it..and the mood that's the opposite of what we're looking for I guess?

(isn't it amazing that yarns and patterns and colors and textures can say so many different things..for us, instead of us?)

Sorry if it's OT..I don't want it to be OT obviously so I apologize if it comes across that way.

I'm just excited..you have a room ..and it's a bit like having an orchestra at your disposal..you're choosing what will be played...

now that's handwoven..very light unfortunately..all about texture..very calm..

http://www.serenaandlily.com/macram%C3%A9-wool-rug/m10232.html#tab2

I thiink you might like Serena and Lily though..I think their style hits what you're trying to achieve..they're not cheap but do have 20% everything for holidays

check their rugs..http://www.serenaandlily.com/rugs-shop-all/

check them in general..

http://www.serenaandlily.com/living-shop-by-room/

Great job, everything flows together beautifully & looks elegant. Though my favorite thing of all is that happy little Shi Tzu on the floor!

I like the above too.

Nosoccermom, that last one you posted is absolutely perfect, IMO! Love it, great find!! Can you share the link?

I really like that last one from nosoccermom!

(not the OP btw, just another caligirl oops!)

Nosoccermom for the win!!

I hope everyone enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving.

Nosoccermom could you post the link?

I also found these two.

I have almost convinced myself the chairs need to go. Obviously, I hate the thought of backtracking and losing the money, but in my head it just seems so much easier.

Kjoy1 I love the look you posted with the current rug. It almost convinced me to keep the rug. Amazing how those few changes transformed the room! Would you mind sharing where you found the artwork?

Not Kjoy, but I Googled Uttermost and feather and got this,

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/uttermost-feather-study-wall-art-prints-set-of-3/1046522870

I like the chairs and think they work well. I think you should add a few pieces as Kjoy recommended, rather than removing the chairs and starting again from further back.

I found this article back when I was considering a polypropylene (olefin) rug, and it changed my mind,

https://rugchick.com/2012/01/02/cheap-synthetic-rugs-what-you-need-to-know/

Hi Caligirl... yes Becky is right... Uttermost Feather Study...it is also sold here on HOUZZ...I believe it was $195 last time I checked. Here are the dimensions Sides=12x32, Center=18x32. Make sure to tape it out on your wall to make sure it is big enough:)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/feather-study-32-study-prints-decorative-wal-distressed-black-off-white-linen-prvw-vr~70612187[(https://www.houzz.com/products/feather-study-32-study-prints-decorative-wal-distressed-black-off-white-linen-prvw-vr~70612187)

oh I just shared several feathers in a different thread. They're pretty big

(since it's neverending "greedy bastard Friday"(c, Laurel Bern), and the site sent me email with a promotion notification-they have 20% site wide. but no frames. on the other hand one can choose warmer frame

https://www.leifshop.com/collections/art/products/feather-study-13-print

https://www.leifshop.com/collections/art/products/feather-study-14-print

https://www.leifshop.com/collections/art/products/feather-study-14-print

I really love their vintage pressed flowers I must say. but these are much smaller and more expensive. but beautiful. special..

like this one

https://www.leifshop.com/collections/art/products/vintage-pressed-flower-plate-dovefoot-cranesbill

http://esalerugs.com/33129062

sorry, was busy with Thanksgiving

or this one? I think it has teal in it when you look at the close-up.

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Persian-Rugs-Vintage-Antique-Designed-Cream-Beige-Tones-Area-Rug-710-x-106/12346448/product.html?recset=34f7b90e-9890-488f-b0ee-6eacf738e46d&refccid=CVO5OGX3V4PZ3RSDKZ6YQQZVNQ&recalg=872,873,839&recidx=1

I love it SO much I really want to know where you got it! Please share!

I think you need to bring some green into the room with pillows and I think artwork with other colors. Love everything. Just needs a little more interest colorwise.

Amaya Ahlfield the rug is from West Elm. It is the Painterly Abstract rug.

https://www.westelm.com/m/products/painterly-abstract-rug-blue-t3857/?kwid=productads-adid%5e215320075621-device%5em-plaid%5e341538535861-sku%5e9143645-adType%5ePLA&cm_cat=Google&sku=9143645&catalogId=71&cm_ite=%5b%5bPLA%5d%20-%20Good%20Mobile%5d&gclid=CjwKCAiAxuTQBRBmEiwAAkFF1idMEJY7a9ZdekkLvKXh0_knW3vffIZIG_QPFhJhkPCqUADhbdQ0EhoCQsUQAvD_BwE&cm_ven=PLA&cm_pla=Rugs%20%2b%20Windows%20%3e%20All%20Rugs

The chairs wouldn't have to go if you bought the Larisa rug.