“Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.”
-Danny Kaye
Happy Monday, y’all!
Did you have a nice weekend? The weather was pretty close to perfect on Saturday here in Alabama. What a treat this extended summer has been. 80 degrees in November! SO wild! My brother said forecasters are predicting an extra cold winter though…it’ll be interesting to see if that’s true. (Mom- do I need to do something special with the hydrangea I planted on the side of the house earlier this year? Does it need to be covered when it’s cold?)
Y’all were so kind and encouraging about my vlogs last week! I didn’t know if people would prefer reading posts over watching them, so it was neat to hear that you’re cool with a mixture of both. Sometimes it’s just easier to say it, ya know?
So here’s what I’m thinking. The word “Friday” in Haitian Creole (my baby’s 1st language!) is “Vandredi” (von-dre-di). So how about “Vlog Vandredi”? Meaning, I post a vlog here (and on my YouTube channel) every Friday. Could that be another fun way for us to connect? A new “layer” of The Lettered Cottage? Another canvas to throw paint at. To keep it loose, I’m thinking I’d just go with the flow from video to video…design and decorating ideas, adoption, travel, food, DIY projects, crafting…those kinds of things, depending on where I’m at and what I’m feeling inspired by on any given week. What do you think? Am I forgetting a category? I posted my 3rd “living room ideas” videos over there a couple of days ago…here it is if you’d like to watch:
Now…regarding the rug: Kevin loves it. He wishes it was a 9×12, but he love, love, loves it. And I love Kevin. So, we’ll see. 😉 We’ll live with it for a while and see if I change my mind about warming things up. I can always try it in Sweet P’s room if we decide to go with something else.
(Homespun Trellis by RugsUSA)
I do love how a warmer-toned rug looks paired with our slipcovered sofas. Here is a photo of the same sofas sitting on top of a jute rug:
There’s something about that combo that just feels yummy to me. This next photo is a good example of how my favorite colors (cream, beige, dusty blue, gray) work with warmer tones, too:
Here’s another photo from ErikaMPowell‘s Instagram feed that shows a similar type of sofa with a similar type of rug:
(ErikaMPowell on Instagram)
I read somewhere that diamond jute rugs are the “little black dress” of the interior design world. 🙂
This is one of my favorite living rooms on Pinterest, and I think the rug is part of the reason why:
I know those kinds of rugs aren’t typically the coziest, but maybe there are soft-ish ones out there? (Anybody know of one?)
Regarding the drapes: Let’s flash back to the inspiration photo I put together in Photoshop real quick:
Some folks suggested we install a library ladder, but unfortunately that wouldn’t work here because the cabinets on each side of the doorway are going to stick out 12 inches from the wall they’re attached to. Which means, a ladder could only slide on a track above the doorway, so if you were standing on it next to a cabinet while the doors were open, you wouldn’t be able to see inside because the door would block your view.
I also wouldn’t want to see a ladder resting between the two rooms all the time….aaaaand I wouldn’t be able to have my beloved drapes if I used a ladder…so no ladders in this space for me. 🙂 And speaking of the drapes- here’s a good example of how the curtain closest to the built-in cabinetry (on the right) will look:
They’ll be snuggle buddies. 🙂
Oh, and one more thing- the photo I put together in Photoshop isn’t to scale, so that gap of wall space you see between the curtain and the built-in is wider than it will be in real life.
Alright- I’m off to hang one more Riviera Stripe curtain in the living room. I found one on eBay for a fraction of the retail price right after I published that last post about them. I love it when that happens!! 😀 I’m going to be on the lookout for four more over there too, so y’all be sweet and don’t bid against me, okay? 😉
PS- If you’d like to be notified via email whenever a new video pops up on my YouTube channel, just click the little red “subscribe” button over here: YouTube.com/TheLetteredCottage
There are three more Friday’s in November and we’ll be in Haiti for one of them, so I’m super excited to be able to vlog while we’re there too!
Lol!!!! Oh! It’s a GUEST room too. Now the curtains make a lot more sense. Why not get 2 curtain panels and stitch them together? That way, they’ll have a bit of fullness still when they are closed. The stitch that will do this without removing existing hems is called a faggot. I have a special foot on my sewing machine that makes this a breeze. I searched for a youtube tutorial on it and came up dry. (BTW be super careful when searching for this stitch, I made sure to use SEWING MACHINE in every search query and still got some questionable results.)
I do like the cool toned rug in that room, but I know what you mean about warming up the space. My bedroom is all gray and white, so I added a jute rug and gold sequined pillows and it was like breathing life into the space. Either way it will be great.
P.S. The Jute rugs with chenille in their name are softer than the others, but still not like a nice thick wool rug. You could always layer the rugs and put a softer one on top but have a big boarder of jute showing around the edges.
Love the video, Layla! And I’m with you…a warmer toned rug would be the anchor I think your heart is yearning for. Also, love the curtain idea – both for it’s practicality and for its softening. Since this room doubles as your guest room, the privacy for your momma matters. 🙂
You could use two panels on each side of the doorway. Usually when you do something like that you allow 1 1/2 times the opening – a 6′ opening would have 9′ of fabric. But two panels that compress that much would work great. You could even put a few dots of velcro on the edges and let them stick together. Wouldn’t show because of the gathering. Just a thought. Maybe if you got that rug in a creamy tan it would work better in there.
The only thing about the particular panels I have is that they aren’t finished on both sides. I think I’m going to look for some double-sided fabric and see what it would cost to go that route, too.
I love the vlogs! I feel I get an improved view of the rooms, vs photos. And your warm personality just makes them a joy to watch! And the coffee smells great?
Mmmmmmm…coffee… 😀
You are so dang cute! I like the curtain idea!
Thanks, Melissa! XO
Good Morning Girlfriend!
I think the coolest thing about your blog is watching your rooms build, or layer, week after week. It teaches us patience. I always want to get things done quickly, as I have no patience, but I am learning to “chill” and let a room breathe a little between layers.
You are teaching this old dog, so many tricks……….
Coming from a hooker……..I hope someday you will incorporate a hooked rug on your walls………..someday. Instant warmth. BOOM!!!!!!!
I do have a question……..or, perhaps, a request……….one day soon would you offer a discussion on sofa’s that can be slipcovered sofas. In the next few mos, I will be buying a slipcovered sofa and I have no clue how to choose one. YOU have two!!!!!! Maybe I need to get a regular sofa……..and then find a slipcover………..I have no clue. Or do you buy a slipcovered from the get-go????? I don’t know. Help help help…….
Loving the Youtubes……….I sit and giggle right along with you. I am now looking very critiquely at my drapes. LOL!
Xoxo
Good morning, Ter’e!
I’d love to get things done quicker too, but we don’t have the budget for that, and I don’t know that I could make that many decisions at one time anyway- LOL! 😀
Our sofas came with their slipcovers, but I’m sure you could find someone who makes slipcovers locally if you checked with a fabric store in your area. I loooove having light-colored slipcovers…if anyone spills or stains them, I just rip ’em off and throw ’em in the washer with some bleach. Voila! Good as new! 😀
If two curtains are fuller that you want you could cut one down the middle and sew them together so you would have 1 1/2 on each side.
That is what I was going to say. Not as expensive as buying 4 panels and you don’t need to add that much more!
I’d actually have to buy SIX panels, because the back sides aren’t finished on those PB drapes. I’m thinking about trying to find a double-sided fabric instead.
The only thing about that is that the PB drapes are only finished on one side. I’m thinking I may just look for a fabric that looks good from both sides. We’ll see. 🙂
I love the video blogs. It’s just nice to have that human connection piece added through video. P.S. Can you ask Kevin when we can expect his Worship Album? Have a great week.
Loving the vlogs! You crack me up?
Could you add “trim” prices to the PB drapery panels to get the width you need? We had a similar large opening in our house (11ft)and added a wood panel with little glass windows at the top to fill in the 2 ft on either side of the opening so our barn doors would have a place to rest. Love that we can now close the space off occasionally.
Yes, BUT, the PB drapes are only finished on one side, so I’d have to buy FOUR drapes, and sew them right side out together so it would look right on both sides of the doorway. I think I might just try to find a two-sided fabric instead. ?
Layla!
Love the idea of ties to secure the curtain panels in the middle. The ties could then hold the panels to the walls on each side when they are drawn back. To keep them in place and maybe allow for more “bunching”. Maybe a cute, light weight nautical-y rope!? Love love love the way everything is turning out. XOXO
Ooh! I looooove the idea of a nautical-style rope, Rachel! Thank you for the idea!! XO
Shades of Light sells wool “sisal” rugs. Get the look but so much softer. Also carpet stores
will make a room size rug for you and there are many types of carpet out there that give
the look of sisal.
Layla,
I know you want to make Kevin happy, but a happy wife is a happy life and he’ll soon see when you pick the right rug for your space. lol
The idea that you’re doing research on other rugs is your answer. Your gut is telling you to go warm….go for it, trust your gift.
Great idea for the guest room..plus whoever stay gets the fireplace !
That’s true, Sarita! 😀
Layla,
I “studied” your photo of the drapes and I am of the idea that the black rods are like a flashing light, the first thing you see. Could they be painted the shade of the walls? Makes one look up first thing instead of to the room. I could be very wrong..I usually am..it is just a thought. You are working so hard and doing really well.I do enjoy your newsletter. Jere
Hi Jere!
I’m actually super drawn to the contrast between our white walls and oil-rubbed bronze rods. I love the look of tone on tone walls and rods in other people’s houses, but I think I’m going to stick with my gut in our place. 😀
Layla…do you mind if I ask what shade of grey is that on your fire place… name and brand …I bought some and I’m not liking it…
Not at all, Susan! Here’s a link to the post about it: https://theletteredcottage.net/fireplace-makeover-update-paint/ 🙂
Happy Monday! If you keep up these vlogs, I won’t really have to visit your amazingly beautiful home! : ) And you know I’m up and out of the house biking or walking before you get up, so need for privacy for me (maybe for your nephew, though). No need to cover up the hydrangea, either – they can survive even in Minnesota winters!! Love ya’
MOM!! 😀
You will to!!!
And what about privacy at BEDTIME…when, you know, schwwwwwwwwt! 😀 Thanks for the hydrangea tip!
I love the curtain idea. Inexpensive white ones or, dare I say it, drop cloths, would work until you find fabric you love and would give you an idea of how it will look and feel in the space. And thank you for saying you love beige! When I say I love it I usually get the stinky face from people. Paired with white, cream and yup, grey…it just sings to me. The next time someone crinkles their nose at me when I say beige I’m showing the the screenshot I took of your comment! ive been calling it oatmeal for months to avoid the beige shaming.
Warm rug all the way. Pottery Barn sells jute and chenille woven rugs that are soft underfoot.
Beige-buddies unite!!! 😀
ok..as i said..i do not have a blog…i’ve only been reading for a year..but you are a doll. i laughed out loud when you talk about mama changing….i will keep checking your blog cause you are real…..love your thought process…keep up the vlogs..you’re to funny
I found this http://www.ballarddesigns.com/popularsearches/Soft-Sisal-Rug.html
I was wondering if you close those curtains that hang next to the door, and if so, how that works for you. I might consider that for my door. I love the videos and the opportunity to see your space come together!
We do at night sometimes, Denise. Maybe I’ll do a vlog about that this week!
LOVE the idea of vlogging every Friday!
Thank you for your encouragment, Lauren! XO
I LOVE your fireplace and I’ve been checking out all the work you put into it! So well done! Can you tell me where you got that beautiful work of art over the fireplace? Do you sell it? I couldn’t find it in your shop, but I think it would be perfect in my living room as well!
Thank you, Kristin! Here’s my post about the sign: https://theletteredcottage.net/fall-mantel-decorating/ XO
Sew small magnets into the drapes instead of attaching ties! Then they will stay closed and snug to each other, but there won’t be any random ties hanging down when you have them pushed open. I love the drapes idea!!
Copycat Chic posted a room source list with a rug that you might like: http://www.copycatchic.com/2015/09/copy-cat-chic-room-redo-airy-textural.html?m=1
The rug looks like it got good reviews, and almost everyone mentioned how soft it was for a natural fiber rug! I’ve had it pinned, for the next time I need a new rug. Check it out!!
Hi Layla, love the vlog and can’t wait for the next one! I think you’re right about the warmer toned rug in your space…and I hope you get all your curtains panels.
I just have to say you are the cutest thing ever!! Keep noodling the drape idea. It does not have to be something permanent that hangs up all the time. We had a 3 car garage that was carpeted with ceiling fans and white cabinets. When we had parties we would block off the single car side with all of the “garage stuff” with floor to ceiling drapes made of muslin. I sewed a drapery tape that had little plastic circles already sewed on to the fabric tape and and screwed small white cup hooks in the ceiling. It worked out great, for a garage.
What if…… the rod was painted the same color as the wall, less conscious, and you only hung drapes on it when guests were there. The rest of the time it could be used to hang Christmas garland or a gallery rod to hand all of your Sweet Peas art work that you want to proudly display but does not quite go with the color scheme of the living space. Lots of possibilities!! Have fun!
Hi Layla,
Love the vlogs!
Liz at Naptime Decorator posted about her new comfy jute rug recently. Might be worth checking out:)
http://www.naptimedecorator.net/home/tips-on-buying-the-perfect-rug/
I like the idea of the curtains, but I kind of feel like you should hang them on the inside of dining room walls, like they frame the living room entry like a window. That way, your mom when she comes doesn’t have to worry about there being holes on the sides where the curtains are more likely to pull away from the side of the opening… Make sense? Anyway, love your home. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
You have great instincts. I agree that the rug is great but it is too cool for the room. I do like the pattern it adds tho. Maybe a taupe? I also like the seagrass and jute type rug ideas. I think they make them in actual carpet pile to look like seagrass if it’s softness you’re after. I actually have a 9×12 pottery barn jute and chenille rug that I love and it is really soft underfoot. I think the curtain separation is needed for privacy and softness. go for it!
Team warm rug! 😉
I see all your notes about the one-sided curtains. Don’t know what the price difference would be, but you could possibly line the PB ones with muslin, or similar, to finish them. May be less than two-sided fabric. Just a thought. Also, Ikea may have something that would work there.
I say no for the curtains between the rooms – its a cute idea but no.
Oh my word! I love the vlogs because you are such a riot! I am so thankful for your inspiring blog–you make home decorating such a fun adventure, and I really enjoy all of your great ideas (that totally work on a budget). But I think the best part about your blog is how you are using it to glorify God! You rock, sister!! Thanks for all of your silliness, ideas, warmth, and great taste (I say, go for the curtains…your mom will appreciate them when she comes to stay).
So about the rug! A few months back I was in the same boat… Love the look of jute, hate the feel. We’ve got two kids and in my opinion the family room should be beautiful AND comfy. So I ended up with the natural jute rug from word market … Love it. Love the price, love the feel. Now it’s no plush shag rug, but for the look you want at a price you can love it’s great. I’d buy it again tomorrow.
Love the drapery idea! Do it!!!!!
You’re too cute. I can’t even!
Don’t every stop vlogging!! 🙂
I adore the look of a jute rug, and bought a gorgeous one from pottery barn. Here’s the deal- it sheds horribly! My grands would come over and we would play toys on the rug and everyone would be covered in jute fiber!! Yuck and yuck! I ended up moving the rug to my 3 season porch and layered a vintage Persian rug on top. Just thought you’d want to know with your sweet P coming home soon!