HOW TO BLEND YOUR STYLES INTO ONE GREAT LOOK

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You and your partner are a great match in so many ways. If only you were on the same page when it came to your taste in home decor…

Take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. Few couples find instant harmony as they “combine their assets,” so to speak. Not to worry. Consider this an opportunity to collaborate on a common goal: great style that works for both of you.

Embrace Your Differences—to an Extent

We’ve all heard the term, “eclectic style,” the concept that it’s OK to mix and match. While that’s very true, there’s a fine line between cool eclectic and flea market hodgepodge. If your styles are highly different (e.g., he likes European traditional while you love loft chic style), one of you is going to have to give up more than the other to make it work. Think of it as the 80/20 rule.

As long as about 80% of your room decor conveys a particular style, you can accessorize and really play around with that other 20% by incorporating some very different style accent pieces.

Make Easy Adjustments

Say he’s bringing a very expensive dining room set to the table. He loves it, and he paid a lot for it. So it’s staying. But it’s not quite you…too heavy, too traditional, too dark. Here’s an idea: elevate the space with a light and airy wall color…a crisp white or maybe even a sky blue can be instantly uplifting.

The right accessories like accent tables, lighting and wall art can bring the space closer to your style. Looking to modernize the traditional? An inspired choice in upholstery furniture, curtains or floor coverings can weave the “old and new” beautifully. Take, for example, rugs. A bold striped pattern or something "organic" with a flowing feel is still restrained enough to play with traditional furnishings. It’s just got a fresher, more contemporary slant.

 Have a Common Thread

When you’re trying to merge a lot of different elements, consider the three Cs: color, consistency and commonality.

Color and consistency: If you think you have a “lot going on” in a room, an easy rule for tying the look together is to have a consistent thread throughout the space. Say that dining room set of his has upholstered chairs. A particular color in that upholstery might be an inspiration. Sprinkle that color throughout the space using pillows, throws and accent pieces to create your signature design. 

Commonality: If you both have wall art you’re proud to show off, consider a “gallery look” so that they share the same style frames. It looks so much cleaner. A set of lamps that “talk” to each other or different accessories of the same material (e.g., a distressed goldtone metal) are all great “unifiers.”

Bright Idea: Check out our “How to Create a Gallery Wall” and “Going for Gold: Decorating with Metallic Gold Accessories” blogs for even more tips on how to liven up your space.

We’ve devoted an entire blog to the theme of getting a mattress that works for both of you. Check out "How to Choose a Mattress with Your Significant Other" to find out more. And don’t miss our partner blogger Jenna at Visions of Voguewho did an amazing job restyling her living room using exclusively Ashley HomeStore furniture!

These are just a few of the ways you can each express your individual tastes in a highly cohesive fashion. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine!

STUCK AT HOME? STEP UP WEEKEND COMFORT

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No weekend plans means one thing: spending lots of time at home in your living room-–great after a hectic work week–not so great if your furniture has had better days. Say goodbye to Aunt Edna’s old couch and make way for transforming your living room into an island of comfort. Discover five essentials that will make lazy weekends all the more relaxing.

RECLINE AND INCLUDE MOTION FOR COMFORT

Whether it’s one, two or several, recliners in the living room give you and your guests the chance to elevate feet and reduce back stress. Go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com to look for features like wide seats, power options and soft, supple leather. Don’t stop with recliners. Add a reclining sofa and loveseat. Be sure to check out power options, so it will be easier for guests to adjust their seats. Just think: now there will be no arguments over who gets the recliner.

ADD A TABLE OR TWO

Tired of balancing your plate while finding a place to set a drink? Welcome a coffee table and end tables to your comfort zone. Look for tables with casters, so you can easily move them. A round coffee table is ideal because it gives you more space. Imagine having a spot to set a large pizza for game-time snacking. Include end tables too. They’re perfect for lamps and offer more spots to set snacks and drinks. Discover end tables that include options like charging stations―super if you want to be able to charge your phone, iPad or laptop from the comfort of your living room. Create a welcoming atmosphere by adding tabletop accents, like vases, candles and sculptures.

ILLUMINATE WITH LAMPS

A weekend at home means you’ll have lots of time to become a bookworm. For this escape, it’s important to have a lamp that gives off the right amount of light. When looking for lamps, consider those with light colored fabric shades because they let more light through. You’ll also want lamps that provide the right intensity for easy reading. Since the amount of wattage required for reading varies according to a person’s age and eyesight, it’s helpful to have lamp with a 3-way switch.

TREAT YOUR FEET

Full comfort includes what’s under your feet. An area rug, like a jute rug, not only anchors the sitting area and defines its space, it helps warm the room by creating a comfort zone between a bare floor and your feet. These beautifully handwoven rugs not only add color and texture to the floor, they can create a calming effect with elegance.

PUFF UP PILLOWS

Accent your recliners and sofa with pillows The more the merrier. Look for extra soft pillow covers then fill with feather inserts. They work great for armrests, headrests, back support and more. Don’t stop with pillows, include throws and poufs for ultimate comfort.

With the scene set, you’ll be looking forward to lazy weekends of true relaxation.

We want to know what else helps you unwind at home. Please share your thoughts below.

SPRING AWAKENING: FRESHEN THE BED IN A BEAUTIFUL WAY

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The birds are chirping. The buds blooming. And the air…so fresh and fragrant. Even if you’re not a morning person, spring awakenings have us waking up on the bright side. Time to bid adieu to winter’s heavier look and feel, and lighten up with a tip-top top-of-bed refresh.

Let your style blossom with the ultimate top-of-bed ensemble:

Sheet Dreams. It feels awfully good to tuck away the flannel sheets until next winter and unfold a fresh set that’s light and luxurious. In terms of quality, we hear it all the time. Go for the highest thread count you can afford. Yes, thread count matters, but it’s not the whole story. Take into account material, too. Among your options:Egyptian Cotton. No question, you can’t beat 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Fabrics made of Egyptian cotton are not only softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton, but they also soften over time to the delight of those who spring for the best.

Sateen. With their high luster, sateen sheets appeal to those who love a touch of sheen. More often than not, sateen sheets are made of cotton (and sometimes rayon). Because of a “mercerizing process,” sateen sheets resist mildew, making them a good choice for folks with allergies. They also drape well and have a high-thread count.

Microfiber. Made from materials such as nylon, polyester, recycled plastics or wood pulp, microfiber sheets, which consist of very finely woven fibers, are exceptionally thin and smooth yet quite strong. Keep in mind that microfiber sheets retain body heat. If you prefer a cooler bed, cotton sheets might be a more comfortable choice.Tip-Top Style. Few things transform a bedroom quite like a crisp, new comforter, quilt, duvet cover or coverlet. And what better time than spring for an update? And it’s not all about florals. With a touch of texture, vibrant solids are far from boring and quite lively. Geometric patterns, trellis and lattice prints and ikat designs are beautifully on trend this spring.Pillow Talk. For a quick, easy and affordable spring top-of-bed makeover, a plethora of accent pillows speaks volumes. A blend of highly textural fabrics and brilliant pops of color might be all you need to bring a fun and flirty springtime feel to the bedroom.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS: DECORATING WITH FLORALS

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 Here we are, in the delight of early May when the flowers are starting to beautifully bloom. What if you could make the stunning sights of spring last all year long? You can, simply by bringing the outdoors inside with floral furnishings and decor!

Seasonal Swap Out

What’s more simple than propping a few floral throw pillows on a sofa or chair? Not much! We’re especially loving our painterly Home Accents pillows in blue and orange. They’re designed for indoor/outdoor use so you can even add them to a porch swing or patio furniture if you’re so inclined.

Dreaming of Spring

Bright and cheery bedding sure makes waking up on the right side of the bed easy! ThePaislette 4-Piece Quilt Set combines the perfect shades of lime and turquoise for a stylishly spring look. And the mix of paisley and florals is a foolproof way pull off the pattern mixing trend.

 ​

On a Field of Flowers

Want to feel like you’re sitting on a field of flowers all year long? Simply add a floral accent chair to the living room or master bedroom. Our Shoshana chair showcases geometric flowers in a to-die-for shade of aquamarine. The creamy background and gray details help tone down the bright flowers and make the look more livable even in the dead of winter. Of course, if you want your home to really scream spring, you can select a chair with a more intense color palette, like the stunning Daystar.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate floral decor into your home? Tell us in the comments below!

HOME DECOR THAT MAKES IT EASY BEING GREEN

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St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and what better way to celebrate than by sprucing up your decor with green accessories? The color green is supposed to promote peace and tranquility, making it the perfect color to decorate with well beyond St. Patrick’s Day. Need inspiration? Continue reading to check out some of our favorite green accessories.

Stylish Ways to “Go Green”

One of the easiest ways to add a splash of color to your space is by adding a few throw pillows to a sofa, bed, entryway bench or dining room chair. Our Aville pillow is a perfect shade of bright and cheery green and goes beautifully with neutral color schemes.

If you’re going green, why not use actual greenery? Or, in this case, artificial greenery that looks like the real deal but requires no watering—just the occasional dusting. Our stunning topiaries are available in small or large sizes so you can choose the one that goes best with your decor.

Natural (or artificial) greenery not your thing? Add a splash of green to a feature wall with our Birch Tree Wall Art. Arranged horizontally over a buffet or cabinet, this triptych set is a beautiful way to bring an organic touch into your living space.

Our glass boxes might not be green, but they’re a lovely way to display a lively succulent garden. Check out our article on decorating with springtime succulents for more ideas.

Last but certainly not least, our Taisce pouf ensures adults aren’t the only ones brightening up their spaces. Taisce is the perfect perch for reading and studying and serves as a stylish spare seat for sleepovers and get-togethers. And its vibrant lime shade isn’t bad either!

Sharing is Caring

What’s your favorite way to incorporate a little green into your decor? Sound off in the comments or visit us on Facebook to share your ideas.

Expert Advice: 15 Essential Tips for Designing the Kitchen

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With more than 50 kitchen projects under his belt, Jerome Buttrick of Buttrick Wong Architects (a member of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory) is a veteran of kitchen design. One of those designs was for Julie's kitchen, which serves as an ongoing testament to his thoughtfulness on how to create a meaningful space in what has become the hub of the modern home. We asked him to share his insights.

Remodelista: What's your approach to kitchen design?
Jerome Buttrick: Kitchens are really the soul of the house and are for more than just cooking but also for congregating, so they need to be put in the context of the home's public spaces or the adjacent spaces. In a lot of older houses, the kitchen tends to be isolated and often small. Today, people want a kitchen that incorporates both a workspace and a casual space for dining or even working.

Above: A window was added to this kitchen in a Pre-War House in San Francisco to let in light; a shade acts as a scrim between the owners and their neighbors.

Above: This San Francisco kitchen island features stained oak cabinets beneath the counter. On the far wall, in lieu of upper cabinets, is a stainless steel hood with a shelf. "An elevated shelf behind a counter or a stove is a nice thing to keep things off the counter and keep it looking clean."

Above: A soapstone island surrounded by a wood counter in this updated kitchen of a Pre-War House in San Francisco. Buttrick notes, "It's nice to have a chandelier over an island as it adds intimacy and scale to a room, although it should not compete with the dining room lighting."

RM: What are people looking for in a kitchen?
JB: They want an efficient work space, they always want storage, and, even if they don't immediately realize it, they want some basic parameters to separate the wine-drinking guests from the action in the kitchen.

RM: How do you create a kitchen that incorporates both a workspace and a casual hanging-out space?
BW: An island is the standard way to do this or a breakfast table nearby, but it depends on the particularities of the layout. It can also be done by creating a little breakfast area in the kitchen with built-in casual seating for a living room-like feel. The two spaces need to be fused together so don't look as if they are imposed on one other.

RM: The kitchen triangle?
JB: I think less in terms of the traditional triangle layout and more in terms of creating a work area that goes from fridge to sink to stove, with several paces between. This is an ergonomic question, and a kitchen is not a success unless you have solved this. The fridge and the sink need to be linked, but the cooking section can be a little more isolated or independent.

Above: Organically pleasing materials (marble countertops and oak cabinets) give this East Bay kitchen a timeless quality. Buttrick concealed the hood in the cabinetry above the stove.

RM: Favorite countertop material?
JB: There's no perfect countertop; I like organic materials and I am a lover of Carrara marble, the whiter the better. I am not troubled by patina, but you have to seal Carrara with Porous Plus by Miracle. I also like concrete surfaces by Concreteworks in Oakland, CA.

RM: Upper cabinets: yes or no?
JB: Upper cabinets are practical; you can make the cabinet fronts solid and uniform or create a sense of openness with glass fronts. Glass-fronted cabinets create depth and make the kitchen feel more spacious. If you do with this option, you need to think about the glasses and plates inside—there needs to be visual coordination. You can put in obscure (frosted or ridged) glass, but that only goes so far—the Disney mugs will still be visible. I often recommend sets of Crate & Barrel or Heath Ceramics dinnerware for a simple look.

Above: White cabinets with glass sides that sit on top of the counter.

Above: In this Indoor Outdoor Home, Buttrick created a custom stainless drain board behind the sink, which frees up the area on either side. The marble recessed backsplash is built into the raised walnut counter that sits six inches taller than the marble counter, concealing the work area from guests but still making it visually gratifying for guests on the other side.

Above: In the same kitchen, folding doors open onto the deck for a full indoor/outdoor experience.

RM: Other key elements?
JB: An exterior space is a big bonus; it's nice if you can add a deck and create a place to eat outside or have a barbecue.

RM: Kitchen hoods?
JB: If a hood is in the field of vision, it has to be taken seriously, otherwise it will be a visual distraction. We tend to custom design our hoods with simple lines.

RM: Microwave wrangling?
JB: They are unsightly and need to be considered early in the planning decision. They can be accommodated in a pull-out shelf or behind an island. Miele makes an attractive in-wall Speed Oven that serves as a second oven and microwave.

RM: How do you help clients choose materials?
JB: We gather all the samples early on and look at them together as a set, creating a materials mood board. We revisit it several times over the course of the design (if the materials don't look good as a set, they won't look good in a larger context).

RM: Storage solutions?
JB: People like tall pull-out storage drawers as they store a lot. There is no perfect solution for corners, but on one project we put a trash barrel in a corner with access from outside the building for removal. I like a stainless pan under the sink so when it drips (it will at some point), the water is contained.

RM: The best piece of advice for someone designing a kitchen?
JB: Come up with a budget. There are a lot of line items, and if money is tight, then splurge on what is most important. You need cabinets and a fridge, but if you cook a lot, go for the Wolf Range or go for the best you can afford.

Above: A sink with a view in this Berkeley residence; the counterops are limestone and the backsplash is Heath tile.

RM: Desirable design elements in a kitchen?
JB: Light! There is a real benefit to a sink with a view. It's really pleasant when that can happen. If not, then face the sink to the people that might convene with you.

RM: Your ideal kitchen?
JB: Kitchens are fundamentally about cooking, so I suppose my ideal would be a place where the process of making is enjoyable: a view and natural light; plenty of countertop space to work on, nice things to cook and work with, a few friends always on call, laughter, music—and a big sink. For it all to really work, the kitchen would need to be part of an ensemble of spaces that would include an equally wonderful dining area.

For more insights into kitchen design, check out our Architect Is In post with Jerome Buttrick. In need of countertop materials? See our 10 Easy Pieces Remodelista Kitchen Countertop Picks.

Looking for advice on how to design a bathroom? Read our Expert Advice with Essential Tips for Bathroom Design.

Check out our Gallery of over 1,500 kitchen images.

NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH: DIY PROJECTS YOU CAN DO ALONE OR AS A FAMILY

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March is National Craft Month. Use this as your inspiration to create something new, from whole-room makeovers to easy, kid-friendly projects. Whether you’re just a beginner or an established crafter, let this be the occasion that motivates you to start a new or finish an old DIY-project once and for all. Choose something you’ve always wanted to do and then track down the tools you need to get it done. There are a wealth of tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest, and plenty of online classes to help guide even the most inexperienced user. Or, if you have a skill you’ve perfected over time, share it with others; hold your own class, create a Pinterest board or establish a family-crafting night at home. Who knows—this may be the beginning of a new family tradition!

Erin of francoiseetmoi.com shared her ideas on how to create chic accessories from everyday items.

Robin from allthingsheartandhome.com created this adorable ”catching fireflies” light fixture.

Anna of askannamoseley.com was inspired to change an unused space in her home into the ideal craft room.

Then she posted instructions for making these fun and easy wax paper candle transfers with her kids.

Hope you’re inspired to start a craft this month. Leave a comment or post a picture on our Facebook page to let us know what you did. We’d love to see how it turned out.

TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP

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From Restless Nights to Sweet Dreams

Loomis-2-Piece Twin Comforter 

It’s something every parent dreads: the restless nights when their little ones just can’t get to sleep. Whether it’s because they’re anxious about a spelling test, had too much soda at dinner or wound themselves up on the playground, kids—like adults—can have trouble sleeping for any number of reasons. But, unlike adults, kids can’t pop a sleeping pill or imbibe a nightcap to help themselves get some shut-eye. Instead, parents must rely on all-natural techniques.

Lights Out

Nyx Table Lamp

The body produces a hormone called melatonin that plays an important role in regulating circadian rhythm. Production of melatonin ramps up as the sun goes down or an environment grows darker. Studies have shown that bright screens from computers, televisions, tablets and smartphones affect the body’s production of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Switch off electronics at least an hour or two before bedtime to give the body plenty of time to produce the melatonin needed to make your little one feel sleepy.

Warm up and Cool Down

Seventy 5-Piece Twin Comforter Set

Just as a dimming of the lights helps produce a sleepy feeling, so does reducing body temperature. It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a warm bath and increasingbody temperature actually helps with this process. As the body cools off from a bath, the brain recognizes the reduction in body temperature and causes that blissful sleepy feeling.

Create a Cozy Space for Sweet Dreams

A Hope To Dream

All the tips and tricks in the world won’t do any good if your little one doesn’t have a comfy sleep space. Unfortunately, too many children are forced to sleep on the floor or share a bed with multiple family members. At Ashley Furniture HomeStore, we believe that every child deserves a clean, unused mattress to call their own. That’s exactly why we’ve created our A Hope to Dream Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from every mattress sold in HomeStores goes toward purchasing a bed for a child in need. If you know a child between the ages of three and 16 who needs a new mattress, please click here to fill out an application.

Ashley Furniture coupon: 5 Simple Tips for Decorating With Accessories

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It’s amazing how small decorative items and accessories can make a huge impact in a room. Designers know the influence that rugs, lighting, throw pillows, art and other accessories can have in a space and know how to use them wisely.

Because unfortunately, accessories and small decor can also break a space. Decorative items are the most inexpensive way to freshen or add a new look to a room, but because they are so easily had, if a decorator is not careful these items can quickly overtake the home.

These simple tips for choosing, combining and decorating with accessories can help you pull together your room like a pro and avoid the common mistakes many home dwellers make with their decor.

1) Choose quality over quantity.

Mass produced items are inexpensive and readily available at your local home goods store, but is that really what you want to fill your home (and your life) with? When it comes to room accessories, less is often more. One specially chosen, unique piece may work better in your space than loads of tiny knickknacks that have no value beyond price.

2) Choose accessories that are the correct proportion.

We’ve all seen homes where dwellers have mistakenly choosen a postage-stamp rug in a coliseum-sized room. And those awkward walls where the too-large piece of art is crammed into a too-small space. Before choosing and/or placing accessories, take the time to study scale and proportion and what fits best in your space. Scale and proportion are what help create a comfortable home and doesn’t cost a dime!

3) Combine textures and colors.

I’m a big proponent of neutrals in large furnishings and permanent fixtures, but I love using inexpensive accessories to really break out with pops of color and varying textures. Accessories can and should be used to add visual interest and contrast in a space, and accessories can easily and inexpensively be altered or exchanged to fit changing moods, styles or seasons.

4) Consider asymmetrical arrangements.

Mantles are commonly decorated with a mirror or art in the center, flanked by a candle or vase on each side, but this type of symmetrical arrangement can induce a snooze fest in a room more quickly than one of Grandpa Larry’s “stories.” When arranging accessories, try going for balance instead of symmetry and group smaller items in odd numbers, such as in threes or fives.

5) Add accessories in layers.

Think of accessories as decorations on a cake. Large accessories should be placed first and sparingly, with medium and small-sized accessories filling in and adding balance where needed. Several small accessories can give the “feel” of a large item when grouped, but don’t forget to leave some breathing room. Not every nook and cranny in a room needs to be filled with decor.

Home Accessory Ideas
Below is listed a very small sampling of home decor items that you can choose from to accessorize and enhance your home. Remember to mix colors, layers and textures by choosing pieces of varying heights, widths and styles. For additional contrast, I also love mixing vintage items in with new. Just remember, if you don't absolutely love it, leave it sitting on the store shelf. Accessories are like trains... another one will always come along.

• Lighting such as floor, table and pendant lamps.
• Baskets and bins
• Books and magazines
• Vases and other glassware
• Candles and candleholders
• Natural elements such as flowers, seashells, twigs and pinecones
• Mirrors, art and photos
• Rugs and doormats
• Pillows, cushions and throws
• Themed or specialty collections
• Birdcages and other hanging decor

Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: How to choose awesome area rugs

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I grew up in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and didn't know the beauty of a hardwood floor until my late 20s. Moving into a newly built condo in the heart of downtown, I was faced with what seemed like acres of gleaming wood floor. I loved the coolness under my feet and how streamlined everything looked.

It didn’t take long, though, before I craved a little coziness — so I bought a carpet. Let me clarify, it was nowhere near that simple. For me, finding an area rug was a months-long journey that taught me everything I could want to know about pile, durability, size, shape, patterns, textures, weight, cost, dye, practicality, manufacturing processes and, last but not least, beauty.

In the end I found that I personally gravitate toward antique low-pile or flat-weave rugs with a visible patina. Where some see old and used, I see a romantic past that might have included time spent on castle floors.

 Eclectic Home Office by Joel Antunes photography
Joel Antunes photography
Beautifully worn antique rugs take me back to living in Amsterdam, where rugs are more about function than fashion. The Dutch are effortlessly stylish and extremely practical, and fully carpeted floors are an anomaly. Area rugs are placed only where bare feet might encounter them, and they are usually easy to clean and to hang outside on a wash line.

My newest love is patchwork rugs made from antique rug fragments. They're a modern take on very vintage carpets and offer one-of-a-kind patterns and combinations. Like the rug shown here, they beautifully adorn the floors of modern homes, adding interest and a story.

I have since moved houses many times, and my prized rug with its timeless pattern and vintage allure has weathered countless iterations of home design and decor. It has also been to the rug cleaners a lot more than I’d like to admit, and not only is that time consuming, but it’s costly too. Because my rug is made of wool, it gives off faint hints of “warm goat” scent if I don't care for it properly. That is definitely not a good thing!

It's important to take into account how easy it will be to clean your rug and whether you can do it yourself or you'll have to take it to a professional. In a home with pets, children or multiple activities going on, a rug is going to get dirty. Can you clean it without a lot of hassle?
 Eclectic Carpet Tiles by FLOR
FLOR
Cambium Carpet Tile in Geranium - $12.99
The Right Style for Your Lifestyle

The other day I went to a client’s house to check on a renovation, and she wanted me to see how things had come together in the master bedroom. When I had left it last, the room was a warm modern bedroom with beautiful wood floors and a jute area rug under the bed with a pattern that wasn’t really working. I recommended we find a better suited rug for the space.

Walking to the doorway this time, I saw the enormous shag carpet that used to be in the family room taking up every square inch of the space. I’m very bad at pretending something looks great when it doesn’t, and in my shock all that came out was, “What happened in here?” My client could see I was alarmed and said, “Oh no! You don’t like it? It took my husband and I all day to take the bed apart and get this in here.” She was crestfallen. They meant well in their effort to repurpose the family room rug in a different space, but it just didn't work. The golden shaggy carpet took the room from modern to the '70s in an instant.

High-pile or shag carpeting works perfectly in a living room or bedroom in smaller doses. The high-pile carpet tiles shown here were put together to create an unexpected mix of pretty patterns. Enough floor surrounds the carpet that it doesn’t overpower the space but still provides comfort and coziness.

Many people like the luxury of a high-pile carpet underfoot. In those cases I recommend placing large, dense area rugs in the space, and only in the areas in which they’ll be walking on it. My personal belief is that rug is wasted when too much of it is hidden under furniture, in corners or underneath baseboards.
 Contemporary Living Room by Apartment 46 for the Home
Apartment 46 for the Home
Because my recent client’s family members love to entertain, host a lot of sleepovers and are always on the go, high-pile or shag rugs really don’t fit their lifestyle. Frequently used spaces require rugs that can withstand a multitude of sins — from spilled drinks to muddy shoes — and a shag rug is very difficult to keep clean in those situations.

Switching to a flat-weave or extremely low-pile rug reduces the look of wear and is more practical when it comes to vacuuming or spot cleaning.

In the room shown, my client needed an area rug that provided warmth underfoot but was still minimalist and elegant. A high- or medium-pile rug would have changed the sleekness of the room by creating an "island" with furniture on top of it. We chose a very low-pile quatrefoil-patterned carpet that was cut and bound to create a custom area rug. Although the homeowners and their guests do not wear shoes in the house, we had the rug protected with stain repellant to prolong its life.

Consider three things when choosing an area rug:
What you love
Where it will be
How to take care of it
As a general rule of thumb, medium- to high-pile carpets should be cleaned once a year to remove dust, allergens and accumulated dirt that isn’t easily removed with a vacuum. However, most people don't take their rugs to professional cleaners for years, if ever.

Low-pile and flat-weave carpets provide fewer hiding spaces for nasties and are more easily spot cleaned, but they require a twice-yearly old-fashioned rug beating to remove accumulated dust. Many can be dry cleaned in lieu of being cleaned by a professional.

It is important to schedule regular cleanings of all of your rugs and carpets to create a cleaner and healthier home environment. Rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting harbor a lot of yuck if not properly cleaned — from carpet beetles to carpet mites — and it makes sitting on the floor or walking barefoot really unappetizing.
 Modern Living Room by Niki Papadopoulos
Niki Papadopoulos
I recommend people choose flat-weave area rugs for high-use rooms. If there are young children who play on the floor, a low-pile carpet with a premium rug pad creates a soft, cushy place to be.

The rug shown here has a very low pile. But if anyone wanted to sit on the floor, it'd be comfortable enough for them to do so.

Bedrooms are a nice place to have a high-pile or shag area rug, but it should surround only the bed and not reach the far expanses of the space.