Master Bedroom Update: $100 Room Makeover

I’m so excited to participate in the $100 Room Makeover challenge hosted by the lovely Erin over at Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry! For the next month, I’ll be working through an update of one room in my home for only $100 (and some creativity, hard work, and bargain shopping!).

I’m focusing on our Master Bedroom for the challenge, because the other projects in our home involve structural improvements. I’m so excited for the community and added motivation to get this room done!

When we renovated our home, we combined two small back bedrooms into a larger master suite with a walk-in closet, double vanity sink, and attached shower room. We had the ability to customize the space so it works perfectly for us, but I haven’t spent any time decorating or finishing the room in the last year and a half.

Part of the challenge is starting from scratch…. so here is how the bedroom looks right now! We recently insulated our attic, so there are overflow boxes in our room. We don’t have a great place to put the pillows for the bed, which (I have a hunch) makes it even harder to make the bed each morning.

I made our headboard 4 years ago for another bedroom decor scheme, and I don’t love it against our current paint color.

I really like the dresser I found from Target.com- it’s almost a perfect match for the platform bed and nightstands we have from IKEA.

Our bedroom is the most (well, the only) masculine space in our home, and I like finding ways to make this customized to my husband’s tastes and make him feel comfortable.

The other side of the space leads to the walk-in closet and bathroom area. The closet doors are the original doors from the old bedrooms that we renovated, hung on a new barn track. The closet is great, and I love the way the barn doors add original 1925 details to the newly renovated space.

The inspiration for this room is drawn directly from the beginning of our relationship where we met and married in downtown Chicago. We love industrial loft-style decorating, and I hope that our master bedroom can be a sweet reminder of our love story and an inspiring sanctuary away from our busy lives.

Plans for the $100

I’m sharing inspiration photos of products I am considering for this project here for your convenience. These links may be affiliate links that help support my design blog and business with no added expense.

Headboard Accent Wall – $40

Our headboard is a very neutral taupe linen color, and I still like it very much. In order to make it stand out against the wall, I would like to give the wall behind the bed some textural interest. To go with the industrial feel, I am leaning toward a brick texture. I know that a real brick veneer is outside of the scope of this project, so wallpaper is probably the best solution here. I also may not be able to cover the entire 100sf wall behind the bed, so I’m considering a faux fireplace effect, by trimming out the brick section with wooden strips. Stay tuned!

This gray wallpaper is one option. It is removable and self-adhesive.

This painted brick wallpaper is more rustic which I love, but will require traditional paste (= more work).

White brick is an interesting fresh look to consider, too.

Window Treatments – $50

I’m loving the new black steel pipe window treatments that are showing up industrial design right now. Curtain rods are EXPENSIVE and I need three- so I’m hoping that the pipes will be a bit of a better deal. I’ll share the materials I use and a quick DIY post next week!

The sparse black style of these is very “loft” 😉

I have three of these gray curtain panels from IKEA that I will reuse from my daughter’s nursery design in our Chicago apartment.

Reclaimed Floating Shelving – $10

We recently were gifted with a truckload of reclaimed barn wood (WOOHOO!) from my dad, and it is more than enough for the other projects I have brewing. So several boards will be joining the party for this design. I love the pipe style shelving, but the budget is tight (!) so I think floating shelves will be the winners here.

Our walls are pretty bare and I know personal decor touches on shelves will make a big difference!

I can’t wait to get started on these updates and share the process with you! Check out some of the lovely and inspiring bloggers who are taking the #100roomchallenge with me! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram where all the best details will be shared this month.

instagram Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account.

Learn more

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1488553829264_231081 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid { margin-right: -20px; }
#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1488553829264_231081 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid-slide .margin-wrapper { margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; }

xoxo,

Alyssa

An InLinkz Link-up

https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js

How to Shop Online for your Home (with confidence!)

Friends and family often ask me where I source the items that I use to decorate and furnish my home, and express doubt and hesitation when I tell them the answer: I shop ONLINE!

If you have ever wondered how in the world you could possibly decorate your home or buy new furniture with items you find through online retailers (like Amazon, Target.com, Wayfair, One Kings Lane, or World Market)- here are 5 guidelines that I use to shop online with confidence for my home.

In a hurry? Grab these tips in a cheatsheet download 😉

//static.mailerlite.com/data/webforms/322243/f5l3v7.js?v1

1) Mind your P’s and Q’s (Policies and Questions…)

Anytime you shop online for furniture or decor for your home, make sure you understand all of the policies set up by the retailer, and review any FAQ’s that they have posted (Frequently Asked Questions).

For example, Amazon Prime offers free shipping and returns, BUT not everything you can buy on Amazon qualifies for these perks. Target has minimum purchase order totals before you can get free shipping, and some items may be returned to a physical store (others might not!). Wayfair offers free shipping on all subsequent orders within 30 days of a large purchase, so pay attention to your timing if you have big plans for a space that you plan on furnishing through Wayfair!

Check the shipping and return policies carefully, you won’t regret it. You might regret having to pay shipping costs for a furniture return that you didn’t plan on. I always try to get free shipping and returns if I can!

Also- the FAQ section is a great resource to learn more about an online retailer. These are (typically) the questions most asked by customers, and they have tried to answer as many for you in one place to make your shopping experience as easy as possible!

2) Have a plan before you start shopping

One of the hardest things for me about shopping online is the sheer quantity of design choices that I have to choose from. In a store, there may be 10 different options if I need a blue pillow. Online? I have 325,469 options for blue pillow….

It can save you some serious time and wasted energy if you have VERY specific items that you are searching for, and have these items written down BEFORE you dive into your shopping expedition.

If you have a compete design plan in place for your room, you can use the size/shape/texture/color/style of each item you need to help you filter through the “endless” options you will find online, and narrow it down to the perfect one for you!

3) Set realistic expectations

I know there is a good chance that my online purchases MAY not be completely perfect when they arrive. Be sure that you are using your best judgement and that your expectations are realistic when you are ordering home furnishings online.

There is no 100% accurate way to match colors or textures when you are ordering from an online retailer, so there is a chance that your purchase may arrive less than you thought it would be.

Remember the 1st guideline: know your policies before you shop!

Making returns and exchanges is a very real part of my experience shopping online, which is why I always try to use retailers that make returning and exchanging products SUPER easy on the customer. I have received broken furniture, incorrect orders, and items that were the complete wrong color- which is probably the reason I am so passionate about knowing your policies AND I’m a stickler for free returns!

SIDE NOTE:

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone! If something isn’t right, (broken, the wrong item, or was completely misrepresented online) call Customer Support!

I had a loveseat delivered with a broken leg, and after a quick phone call- a complete replacement piece was shipped (for no expense!). Instead of giving me any hassle, the customer service representative was very helpful, understanding, and kind. If anything is wrong with your online shopping experience: call to talk to a REAL PERSON. They can be so great!

4) Get to know your tape measure

This may go without saying… but dimensions are one of the most important elements of shopping for home furnishings and decor. If you need a new couch, you shouldn’t just waltz into a furniture store and order a $2,000 couch without first making sure it will fit in your home!!! (Right?!?!) Well, I know it happens, and it’s not awesome. So, listen up.

Almost an extension of #2 (Make a plan), be sure to have specific and accurate dimensions of your room and of the items you need to buy before you start drooling over the newest sale event at Joss & Main. Home furnishing specials are designed to get you to buy on an impulse…. BEWARE.

For small items, measure a piece of string or find a similar object int our home that is the size of your purchase. It is difficult to visualize

For large items, use tape (blue painter’s tape or masking tape) to outline the size of your furniture in the space where it needs to live. You may be surprised to actually see how large (or small) that tufted loveseat appears in your home.

In my family, we have very tall people (my husband) and short people (me!) who have different preferences for seating furniture. Shallow couches and chairs are not comfortable for everyone in our home, so we are always aware of the cushion depth for chairs and sofas.

Some dimensions to consider:

Height (overall; seat height; back height)
Length (overall; seating area length)
Depth (overall; seating area depth)
Note the difference between overall length, and functional length (cushion size of a sofa cushion, for example)
Find out if there is a standard height for items (the difference between counter-height and bar-height barstools)
Interior dimensions for storage furniture compared to the items you need to put there!

5. Be prepared for Some Assembly Required

For larger items that you purchase online, pay attention to the fine print about how many shipments are included and what type of assembly may be required to put the furniture together.

Pieces like sofas may come in 3-4 large pieces that fit together, with cushions packed separately. Tables often arrive with legs unattached so they ship in a flat box. My loveseat (the broken one!) came as the backrest with two legs attached, the seat, and two more front legs that needed to be screwed in. Many come with the necessary parts and tools included (often an allen wrench and screws/washers) as these are the easiest for many people to navigate.

More intricate pieces like dressers, filing cabinets, or barstools will have more pieces that require carefully following the directions. The dresser in my bedroom took several hours (in between mom-ing!) but it only cost

Part of purchasing furniture online is accepting the required labor on your part. Some Assembly Required actually contributes to the savings you can find online as opposed to shopping at more traditional brick-and-mortar furniture stores.

Good luck on your next home design and decor project!

Grab a quick cheatsheet of these tips to have handy for your next online shopping spree.

//static.mailerlite.com/data/webforms/322243/f5l3v7.js?v1

Transform an Unused Formal Living Room into a Functional Family Office

My client Laura came to me with a dilemma. She was moving in to a new house, and didn’t know what to do with the very traditional and formal front room. Her family is busy, and all of them have work to do- which usually would just get piled on the kitchen table! Two teenage daughters and two working parents adds up to quite a bit of homework, laptops, and paperwork to organize!

We dug into the design challenge of transforming the traditional, formal “sitting room” in the front of the house into a (hard working) functional family office that is bright, welcoming, organized, and inspires creativity!

The original room, like many formal sitting rooms, is directly off the front door and leads into the dining room. There are great windows facing the front yard along the long wall. Laura shared photos of the space with me, as well as photos of items she was considering using for the room after they moved in.

*SIDENOTE: Planning a room design before moving in to a new home can save you so much time and headache when it’s actually time to move! You will have a plan and a place for things before you unpack, and will get to start enjoying the space that much sooner.*

The original room

This formal front room was being used as a formal living room and piano room before Laura and her family bought the house. With great lighting, nice hardwood floors, and a neutral paint color- furniture placement and functional pieces will make the greatest impact for the new homeowners.

Laura’s priorities for the room were to create 1) a welcoming space for the whole family, 2) an office workspace for her to use when she wants to work on her business closer to the family in evenings/weekends, and 3) a great space for her older children to work on homework (that is NOT the kitchen table!). AND- to do all of this in a fresh style that reflects the energy of their active home.

Using existing items

Since the family was moving, Laura had plenty of flexibility when deciding which items to use in this room, and which things would need to be purchased new to complete the new design!

This cozy chair for reading and lounging would stay in the space.

This farmhouse style table with a bench was not needed for the dining room, and provides great workspace for the entire family.

These desks are the perfect size for a homework station for busy students.

MoodBoard and Inspiration

When I’m starting a new client design project, I love using moodboard collages to get things rolling. Moodboards are a great tool to create a shared “language” through visuals that helps my client and me have productive conversations about the design of the space.

For this office, Laura let me know that her favorite sources for her home are Pottery Barn, World Market, and (of course!) Target. She is drawn to cool greens and blues, and wanted the space to be inspiring and uplifting.

The home has great hardwood floors, so the neutral furniture and interesting patterns of rugs and textiles would really create the personality of the room.

I used Laura’s photos of pieces we would use in the space to mix and match them with the new design ideas.

Floorplan and Furniture Layout

This room needed to serve several functions. By using furniture to divide the room into smaller areas, the large space feels like more intimate work areas that have a defined purpose. Rugs also help define separate zones in the space.

I suggested using the corner of the room that is just inside the foyer as a sitting area to welcome guests into the home. Then, repurposing the dining table as a large workspace along the far wall prevents the large piece from crowding the room, and keeps walkways clear.

The Big Reveal

View from the from entrance, looking back into the dining room.

The addition of a sofa and window treatments makes the room even more inviting.

The blue chair and a floor lamp create a cozy corner for reading or studying.

Wouldn't you just love to do homework in this room?!? — Wouldn’t you just love to do homework in this room?!?

What does Laura have to say about her new office?

I LOVE how the room came out. It is totally functional – we are all using it!

I truly enjoyed working with Alyssa in designing our front room – which was traditionally used as a formal living room. As a family who spends most of their time in the kitchen and family room – I did not want to have a formal living room that would never get used. I explained to Alyssa that I wanted a room that was completely functional for my family. A room to read, do homework, work on projects or play a game or just sit and relax or talk. Alyssa nailed the design!! I was so excited with what she came up with. She completely took into consideration everything I was looking for. She incorporated furniture I already had. She just “got it and me!” She is so easy to work with, responsive, full of energy and ideas. Working with each other from a distance – was no issue at all. Probably even faster and easier than someone I would have had to meet with in person. With technology today – it totally worked for us. I highly recommend Alyssa. I cannot wait to do my next room with her!

Until next time, mamas-

xoxo,

Alyssa

Rustic Farmhouse Family Basement: Before & Afters!

This project was a start to finish transformation of an open-concept basement that needed to function as a comfortable and efficient space for the entire family. See below for Before and After photos of the room from start to finish!

Here is a great view of the transformation of the entire space from start to finish. Michelle had already updated the can lights and added drywall to the space. She was also happy with the tile on the floor, but was looking for some added texture and color in the space.

By using the three purposes of the space as a guiding principle for the design, and keeping Michelle’s love of rustic farmhouse style (especially reclaimed materials!) in mind- we found a floorplan that finally helps the room make sense!

Check out some of the DIY projects that make this space customized for Michelle and her family:

A DIY bar table behind the couch adds functional and social seating options, and helps define the social/lounging side of the room.

Michelle found this awesome window and turned it into the perfect mirror for her space.

This corner shelving unit was built to hide a sump pump in the basement. By painting this awkward corner a navy blue, and leaving the shelves white- the items on the shelves really POP! The saxophone has sentimental value, and is hung on a DIY display of pallet wood.

These DIY shelves echo the pipes from the bar table and bring in great natural texture with the raw edge of the wood.

Michelle has cats in her home, and they hate rugs.... so the design incorporated a flat printed straw mat as a carpet- and they love it! (success!) — Michelle has cats in her home, and they hate rugs…. so the design incorporated a flat printed straw mat as a carpet- and they love it! (success!)

What’s Michelle saying about her basement?!?!?

Alyssa turned my space from mheh to wow! After a short phone call, she designed the space in a way I was unable to for the last three years. She was even able to add functionality by adding my partner’s office into the space. She turned our basement into a place where my family can live and create memories! All without ever seeing the space in person and working within my budget!

Easy as 1, 2, 3: Online Home Design

Michelle's reaction: .....Perfect! — Michelle’s reaction: …..Perfect!

Consultation call and Inspiration

First, I worked with Michelle to nail down her design style and her priorities for the space. We chatted on video chat, and she shared a Pinterest board with me.

After we agree on the mood board and have a clearly defined direction for the room. I get started on the next steps!

Floorplan and Furniture Layout

After I understand my client’s dreams for their space, I can dig in to the functional and harder working areas of the space. Michelle and I went back and forth several times before we found the perfect layout. With a 3D room generator program and accurate dimensions of the room and furniture- this is SO MUCH EASIER than dragging your own furniture around, or guessing at dimensions when you’re shopping online.

This large basement has a support pole in the center, and we needed to incorporate an existing 12 foot sectional sofa. It took a few turns of the sofa to make it fit, but once it was int he right spot- we knew it was perfect!

Shopping List and room Installation

Once the floorplan is complete, I get to work creating a shopping list of all of the components of a room that will bring the look together (style AND function!). For Michelle’s basement, this was a rug, toy storage, desk chair for her partner. I also made a list of the DIY projects she was planning to complete- and provided helpful resources for design inspiration and How To’s when necessary.

Room Reveal!

The most exciting part of the process, besides helping my clients realize their dreams for their home, is seeing the Before & After photos of the room.

This basement was thrown together and didn’t feel like it had a purpose. There was no storage for toys, and no office space either.

To wrap up, a final note from Michelle:

Have I mentioned I’m OBSESSED with this space? SO. OBSESSED.

Let’s work together to make that unloved room in your home your new obsession. Call me!

Book a FREE Design Discovery Call

Create Playfully Chic Little Girl Bedrooms (for sisters!)

A client reached out to me with a dilemma: her two daughters’ rooms are always the last to get any design love in the house, and she had NO idea how to create special spaces for them to call their own. These rooms needed lots of personality, BUT also needed to grow up with the little ladies.

I dove in! My own 5-year-old loves “decorating” her room, and has LOTS of ideas about fashion and design. (Wonder where she gets that?!?!?) What a fun project to dream up not one, but TWO little girl spaces =)

My goal for these rooms was to create a design that would easily grow up with them over the years. Kid rooms do not have to be filled with cartoon characters and “kid furniture.” If you are creating coordinating designs, or designing across several rooms and keeping a theme- follow some simple guidelines.

1) Keep furniture styles cohesive.

I chose basic furniture pieces for each room that were either identical, or could mix-and-match in a different space in the future. If pieces are TOO specific to one room, it’s hard to move them around in a new house (or after the kids rooms get converted into something else!).

2) Use variations on a (color) scheme.

For these rooms, I chose four colors to set my color scheme: Main, Accent, WHITE, and Metallic. This made shopping for decor SO EASY- when you know the colors you are restricted to- it’s much easier to say NO to all of the distracting decor that you see on the shelves! Especially in a kid room- keeping the color scheme simple really ties the room together and makes the design feel sophisticated and intentional.

3) Lean towards the multi-functional.

Kids don’t stay kids forever! I chose furniture, accessories, and accent pieces that could be re-purposed in other adult rooms in future years if necessary. Just because we have to buy our kids new clothes every year- don’t let them grow out of good design, too!

And now what you’ve been waiting for! The Room Designs!

Shared Design Elements

By including several matching items in each room, I wanted to keep the girls’ designs different enough, but still equal (to avoid future fights!). These simple, white, foundational pieces can be updated to countless styles as the girls grow and change their tastes.

Room A: Tranquil Turquoise

My daughter especially loves this room design (and promptly asked me to made a moodboard for her room, too!). I love turquoise as a base color, because it can pair with SO many other accent colors that help it grow up with your little girl. Coral here is a playful and aquatic color pairing that reminds me of mermaids and shells on the beach.

Room B: Pretty in Pink

The second room is a bit more muted with soft pink, gray, and gold metallic accents. Using the same base furniture, I created a entirely new design with a different rug, pillows, and wall art!

Let me know if you have a little girl room to makeover at your place, and share your style with me on Instagram! I’m hanging out over there every day sharing my home design adventures and soaking up inspiration from all over the world! If you won’t to connect, follow me at @alyssaturnercairns and tag your home design shots with #ATChomedesign. See you there!

instagram Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account.

Learn more

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1486061905390_59984 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid { margin-right: -20px; }
#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1486061905390_59984 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid-slide .margin-wrapper { margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; }

Create a Peaceful Farmhouse Bedroom (Steal This Style!)

Peg, a friend from my neighborhood, asked for some help pulling her master bedroom together this winter. She lives in an old home like I do, so we both know what it is like to navigate some challenges of a house in Michigan built in the 1920’s!

Luckily- she knew EXACTLY the look she wanted for their room, so we dove right in to see how it could translate to her space.

This project was the inspiration for my “Steal-a-Style” design package where I quickly and affordably give my clients a shopping list and plan to create an exact style in your home- pulled directly from your inspiration photo! Quick, easy, custom design that stays on budget and saves you SERIOUS time and effort. Score! Check out this service HERE!

The photo Peg shared with me was the peaceful and romantic, farmhouse-inspired bedroom designed by Liz at Love Grows Wild. Liz’s home improvement and design inspiration on her site are such a delight! If you don’t know her already, check her out at www.lovegrowswild.com, or follow her amazing feed at instagram.com/lizlovegrowswild

Based on Peg's inspiration and the layout of her room- we put together a Design Guide for her new Master Bedroom. Photos are examples of products, and are not mine. — Based on Peg’s inspiration and the layout of her room- we put together a Design Guide for her new Master Bedroom. Photos are examples of products, and are not mine.

When a client asks for a “Steal-a-Style” package, we start the project with a phone call or video chat to discuss the space she wants to design, as well as narrow down her inspiration photo.

The best part of Steal-a-Style is that the client has NOTHING more to do after that call! I take the inspiration photo, the client’s budget, and the dimensions of the room, and get to work. I put together a shopping list of as many design elements as possible and get back to the client with an implementation guide and the list. We might email a few times to make sure it all goes as planned- but it’s that simple!

Learn more about Steal-a-Style

For Peg’s Master Bedroom, I found the major furniture pieces, linens, and a few decorative touches to complete the transformation of her space. She and her husband found some awesome pieces at local antique shops and boutiques, and it was fun seeing how they worked these into the room.

Click each product photo for more information. This round-up includes affiliate links that help support my business at no additional cost to my clients or my audience. Thank you for your support! =)

We are working on the finishing styling details of this room later this month, so stay tuned for the reveal of this sweet farmhouse master bedroom!

Designing a Cozy Rustic Office

My latest design project is an office plan for an amazing chica who works from home- balancing a career AND the hustle of owning her own consulting biz. She wanted to create an office that was inspiring, welcoming, and cozy. She had the idea of her dream office in her mind, so we started working together to make her dream space into a reality.

We started planning her space by sharing some inspiration images, from which I created a mood board. I often start working with a client by creating a mood board that reflects the feeling and the types of functional pieces we will need to include in the room. This visual collage helps create a shared language between us, and gives me a head start in sourcing some of the key design elements we will include in the room. This Cozy Office mood board was especially fun to create as I imagined her dream work space:

Cozy Rustic Office Mood Board: all images are not mine, and are used as part of the client consultation process.

Katelyn knew that her preferred work space is in a large chair or chaise, and she was dreaming of curling up with her laptop, somewhere to put her coffee, and a cozy arm knit blanket. We identified that her cozy style also had elements of rustic and industrial to it, with lots of warm woven textures, natural materials, and functional pieces to include in the space.

This room is ONLY for her work space, so we did not need to work in any furniture for clients, guests, or her family.

After the mood board was approved, next I move to the layout of the room. This space had one window, and the door and closet used up an entire wall.

Configuring the layout of a room often takes 2 or 3 attempts. When the right layout falls in to place- you just know it! This office needed storage, a wall mounted TV, and plenty of comfortable inspiration.

The layout for this room finally fell into place with an oversized chair by the window, a storage bench for extra seating and a nice place to stow extra papers or pillows, and the TV mounted on the wall with an industrial console table for medial components and office storage.

Katelyn specifically asked for a bar height pub table to use as a standing desk. An overhead floor lamp provides task lighting without requiring any extra electrical work.

The next step is to source the perfect items for the room, and then I hand over the implementation plan to my client!

Stay tuned for Before and After photos of the office!

Family-Friendly Rugs (with style!)

I had a mom the other day ask me, “What kind of rug can I put on my floor? Am I doomed to have no pretty rugs until my kids leave the house?”

My answer to this is HECK NO! I would like to introduce you to my favorite rug for this season of our lives (as busy, messy, active families!): the synthetic flatlay (indoor/outdoor) rug.

These rugs are durable, they are affordable, and they come in every style you could dream of! They sometimes are labeled as “patio rugs” or “indoor/outdoor”- I always read through the comments to be sure other customers are happy with them in their living space.

This post contains affiliate links to the rugs discussed here. I may make a small commission if you choose to use my links, and there is no added cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Take a look at the rugs currently in my home.

In my dining room, I have a cream and gray oriental print rug. It’s gorgeous, elegant, it grounds the table and defines our narrow and awkward dining room. (And I’m not even afraid of having a white rug in my dining room beneath a highchair!)

The ivory and silver rug in our dining room.

In my living room, which receives the most traffic of any space in our home, I have a cream and silver Moroccan print rug. It’s 9’x12′ and it cost less than $300! The rug is still available at Target.com!

Arles Rectangle Patio Rug - Beige/Light Grey - Safavieh from Target.com. Click image for purchasing info =) — Arles Rectangle Patio Rug – Beige/Light Grey – Safavieh from Target.com. Click image for purchasing info =)

In our office, which is also a sunroom opening out onto the deck and the backyard, we have a silver and cream floral rug that we intended for the dining room. Unfortunately, I bought it before we had finished our home renovation and it was too large for the space! Whoops. Luckily it fits perfectly in the office, creating an almost wall-to-wall carpeted feel. It’s cozy in the winter and fresh in the summer and, being synthetic, all of the mud and dirt from the outside scrubs out with no problem. We have the 8’x10′ which was on sale for $202.

Outdoor Patio Rug - Safavieh from Target.com. Click image for purchasing info! — Outdoor Patio Rug – Safavieh from Target.com. Click image for purchasing info!

Another flat rug that I LOVE is in my son’s nursery. It’s large, bold, and brings lots of life and interest to the room! It vacuums easily and still looks like new.

Newell Glenn Navy Area Rug by Andover Mills from Wayfair.com. Click Image for product info.

I just got our latest flat lay rug this week! It’s an 8 x 10 gray and ivory Moroccan print synthetic rug for the basement that cost $89! (what?!?) As you can tell, I source most of my rugs on Amazon.com or from Target.com. I watch home sales for flooring discounts and I’m always sure to save one in my cart until I have a coupon available to apply as well. Ive noticed most great home sales happen in between the seasons, whether it’s cozying up for fall and winter or refreshing your space for spring. Amazon regularly has such good deals that I can rely on finding a rug for under $100 most anytime of the year.

Basement Rug! (In a not-yet-finished basement, but we can't wait to reveal this space when it's done!) Forgive the low lighting- for reference, the baseboard trim is white. — Basement Rug! (In a not-yet-finished basement, but we can’t wait to reveal this space when it’s done!) Forgive the low lighting- for reference, the baseboard trim is white.

Diagona Designs Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design from Amazon.com. Click for product info!

In my house, coffee and wine are staples we drink them almost every.single.day. Wouldn’t it figure, for a girl who loves clean and white decor so much- (you guessed it) red is our favorite! Instead of panicking when an entire glass of red wine was spilled on my couch and my ivory rug in the living room (yes this happened…. and not just once! 😖) all I have to do is blot up the spill ( you know I was panicking on the inside, but I stayed cool as a cucumber for the hubby’s sake!) and then douse the area with a spray bottle of water and Dr. Bronner ‘s organic peppermint soap. Sidenote: this stuff is incredible! I use it for dishes, for washing hands, and (in a very diluted spray bottle) to clean our marble countertop. This stuff is organic, doesn’t leave a residue, and I know that it safe for my family. One time I even added the lavender scented soap to our laundry when I had some stubborn mildew to wash out. You can find it on Amazon as well as at most organic and health food stores, even sometimes at specialty places like Trader Joe’s. I’m still waiting for ALDI to start carrying it!

Now, back to the rugs. There is a lot of foot traffic in my house: mud and snow and rain from the Michigan outdoors, wine and coffee from this house who loves our vices, and paint/chalk/all sorts of craft supplies from the very creative five-year-old. I still have my white and cream and gray rugs, and I don’t panic because I know that no matter what we do to them, I can just scrub them and they’ll come back like new!

My rules for buying new things to go in my home design is that they need to look like the entire house all goes together. I want my home’s style to be consistent and intentional. Your home can create an atmosphere of peace and cleanliness and calm for your family where you create memories together. I try not to invest too much in pieces that will be sentimental or that I hope to have for a long time right now, when I have two littles to chase all day! (If I’m going to invest multiple hundreds of dollars in a piece it needs to be either featured in a safe place or be something that I know is going to stand up to my children and the active life that we live in our home! People come before style!)

Just because I have traffic on our floors does not mean that I have to sacrifice style or comfort. As we are redoing the basement (our current project), my philosophy is that I want it to be comfortable, welcoming, but still make me proud to call this my home. Does your home make you proud? Are you comfortable and peaceful and calm when you’re sitting in your most used room? Or do you feel stressed anxious hectic or nervous about your surroundings? Check out the links to the rugs that I posted I think you will be surprised by the patterns and styles available and impressed by the comfort and design level of design they bring to your home. If you still think you could use a little bit of help in creating family friendly spaces that are peaceful and calm and welcoming and comfortable let me know!

CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation call and let’s chat about what in your home needs to change in order for you to fall in love with your house again.

Until next time,

XO XO Alyssa

Top 10 Affordable Large Rugs (from Target!)

In a house with lots of foot traffic, kids, babies, (a husband!), pets, and a busy working mom- the last thing we have time to worry about is taking care of the rugs on our floor. When I shop for rugs at this stage of our life, I want value and durability AND I want them to look like they were WAY more expensive than they really were!

The rugs included here in this guide are affiliate links where I have found great rugs at great prices. If you use my links, you help support my design business at no additional expense to you. (Thank you!)

I regularly watch for home sales, or flooring sales, on my favorite sites: Wayfair, Target, World Market, and sometimes Amazon. While these items may not be on sale right now- bookmark this list and check again! When the one you have your eye on drops below 25% off- GRAB IT! This round up is from Target- which has been my favorite place to order durable, affordable rugs online. Let me know what you think!

These rugs have great personality and will make a huge impact without spending lots of dollars. Many of them are indoor/outdoor, or outdoor rugs- I love them! They are largely synthetic materials and can be SCRUBBED if needed, or even taken outside and sprayed with the hose. (Now that’s my kind of durable!) We have indoor/outdoor rugs from Target in our living room, dining, kitchen, and sunroom/office. They are holding up great and they have seen daily foot traffic for over a year.

Top Ten Loveseats You’ll Love!

Sometimes there is a space that needs a little personality, and is begging to be a reading corner or a welcoming entry…. but nothing really fits.

Enter: the loveseat.

This little gem of a piece can serve as an over-sized reading chair, a foyer bench, a dining banquette, or an apartment-sized couch. It can turn an office into a welcoming meeting place, or a pair can transform a fireplace into a formal sitting room.

This furniture guide contains affiliate links because I think they are a great deal and will add style to your home. Using affiliate links helps support my business and adds no additional cost for you. Thank you for your support!

Here are some of my favorites for every budget:

The Adrianna Wingback Loveseat is classic and formal without being stuffy. We have this piece as a dining bench in our narrow dining room, and it completes the room with style! It holds two adults for dinner easily. This is on sale at the end of 2016 for $356 (but keep an eye out- it goes on sale!).

I am a sucker for the Chesterfield style of sofa, and this Huntingdon Loveseat is the perfect miniature version of the classic! The tufting, nailhead trim, and turned furniture feet are so handsome and charming. On sale for just under $320 it is a great investment for your space.

The Langley Street Zelmo Loveseat has classic, modern lines and will make a great statement in your office, guest room, or sunroom. It comes in a good array of colors, and is sure to blend in with a modern design easily!

The Caroll Loveseat has comfy cushions, stylish turned feet (that's the term for when furniture feet have a shape, instead of just being square!), and nailhead trim. For housemates (like my husband) who aren't a fan of tufting- this a great compromise piece. It's marked down to less than $360 right now- watch for sales! — The Caroll Loveseat has comfy cushions, stylish turned feet (that’s the term for when furniture feet have a shape, instead of just being square!), and nailhead trim. For housemates (like my husband) who aren’t a fan of tufting- this a great compromise piece. It’s marked down to less than $360 right now- watch for sales!

Oh, what a classic beauty. This plush statement piece is dying for attention (and she gets it!!!). Perfect in a formal entry or even as the accent in a master bedroom, the Velvet Marian Loveseat is a winner.

Oh, how fun are you?!? (Who said furniture shopping was boring?) There is nothing boring about this beauty. Filled with character from the rolled arms, to the turned legs- and that PRINT!- The Nicola Loveseat is to die for. Add this piece to your home if you're looking for a focal point, need inspiration for a new design, or just need to keep up with the rest of your eclectic style ;) — Oh, how fun are you?!? (Who said furniture shopping was boring?) There is nothing boring about this beauty. Filled with character from the rolled arms, to the turned legs- and that PRINT!- The Nicola Loveseat is to die for. Add this piece to your home if you’re looking for a focal point, need inspiration for a new design, or just need to keep up with the rest of your eclectic style 😉

T he Sarah Loveseat has a sturdy silhouette and blends modern and traditional styles easily. Originally $499 it's a STEAL for holiday 2016 at $189! — T he Sarah Loveseat has a sturdy silhouette and blends modern and traditional styles easily. Originally $499 it’s a STEAL for holiday 2016 at $189!

I know I already said I love a tufted sofa, (I really do!) but this one is worth a special mention. Not only does it have a classic shape and design details, but each button is covered in a unique patterned fabric. How cute! It is aptly named the Erin Cute-As-A-Button Loveseat , and is a great investment for your eclectic home at $449. Rumor is that it goes on sale, so keep an eye on it!

This Felton Tufted Loveseat is a great combination of classic/traditional and modern styles in one piece. (OK, OK..... I'll quit with the tufting!) If you're looking to update a traditional room, or blend more modern pieces in to your home- this is a great place to start for less than $400. — This Felton Tufted Loveseat is a great combination of classic/traditional and modern styles in one piece. (OK, OK….. I’ll quit with the tufting!) If you’re looking to update a traditional room, or blend more modern pieces in to your home- this is a great place to start for less than $400.

In such a great fabric of peacock teal and gray fleck, this mid-century modern loveseat is a charming, quirky, and confident addition to your home! A great choice for modern or eclectic spaces, the Teal Kaira Love Seat is one of my favs.

That’s the round up for now. Have you found great furniture that you’d like to see featured here? Or want to know how to work something in to your room design? Let me know!

And please share photos of your latest designs with me on Facebook or Instagram. Can’t wait to see what you’re working on!