Decorating Decisions: To Run Or Not To Run

I've been searching for a runner for our 9' long kitchen island for quite some time with little luck.  I'm not sure if it's a matter of not having found the right one yet or if it's a matter of 'less is more'.  For practical reasons, I like having something soft underfoot while cooking while giving the floor some extra protection, but now I'm really wondering if my search should quietly end. I need your feedback as to whether or not you like the kitchen floor better with or without a runner.  Also, if you happen to come across a rug/runner that you think may work, PLEASE let me know.  Take a look at some of my attempts below and give me your honest opinion.

The challenge is finding the right colors and patterns to coexist with the current area rug in front of the refrigerator and pantry (the only one I truly love).   HELP!!

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Looking forward to your suggestions.

Layered Neutrals: Part 2

I recently had the opportunity to visit clients who recently welcomed their second child.  After a brief hiatus from working on their home, I stopped by to stylize their living room with a couple of plants, several patterned pillows and a comfy throw.  Seeing how the space emerged from the virtual room inspiration (below) into real life was quite rewarding.  As life settles down for the growing family more personal touches will be added, but for now they have the foundation for an inviting living area to read, play and watch TV.  Many congratulations SH and JH on your adorable new arrival.

These are the key pieces that make up the room.

1.  EQ3's Mañana Floor Lamp    2.  Williams and Sonoma Herringbone Flamestitch Rug 3.  West Elm's Paneled Armoire  4.  Suite NY's Friday Lounger 5.  Room and Board's Tyne Round Coffee Table and 6.  the Mota Wedge Sectional from Viesso.

Before And After: Painted Ceiling

For a recent Cocoon Home Design project we painted the ceiling and walls in Benjamin Moore's Dove White.   We decided to leave the beams stained dark to ground the space and blend it with the stone fireplace.  Painting is the first phase for this home's transformation.  Area rugs, lighting, botanicals and carefully selected accessories will complete our clients' desired aesthetic.   Take a look the ceiling 'before and after' and the Pinboard that inspired it all.

Obsessing Over: 7 Vintage Moroccan Rugs

 

I'm loving the shaggy pile, mixed pattern and varied color found in vintage Moroccan rugs.  Woven in abstract or geometric designs in either monochromatic or bold colors, these rugs provide a great way to add whimsy and comfort to any room. Take a look at 7 of my favorites:

Which one do you like?

Images/Sources:

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Rug Reveal: The Two We Selected For Our California House.

Here are the two rugs we bought for our mid-century design house in California. With a lot of wood features and barely any space for wallpaper, I strongly feel that the wood in the new house needs to be toned down.  Hence I want to introduce colorful patterns for the floors and step out of my comfort zone that previously consisted of warmer hues and monochromatic color schemes.  Using vibrantly patterned rugs in cool shades of blue, the house will reflect (hopefully) a nice combination of textures, colors and patterns.  Take a look at the two we chose and some of the pillows we selected for the main living areas.

The moving truck is due to arrive in the East Bay next Monday.   After spending the upcoming weekend with us in New Jersey, on Sunday,  my husband will fly to California to receive our belongings and begin setting up house.  I'm beginning to feel anxious to get there soon...