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Who caught House Rules last night?!

First couple to receive their home transformation, Fiona and Nicole were certainly not shy about their thoughts on cowhides – and that is that they hate them! So much so, that they placed a blanket ban on any contestants using a hide in any part of the house. 

This is not surprising as cowhides – much like coriander, have a way of polarising us.
On the one hand, they’ve been around forever, and just when we think they’ve officially had their moment, another blogger comes out of the woodwork to tell us that they are so “En Vogue” right now.

Our opinion? We actually don’t think they’ll ever go out of fashion – and like a wonderful leather piece, we love that a cowhide can actually look better with age. The irregular shapes and unique patterns, also lend a relaxed vibe.
Styled right, we absolutely love them 😛

Here’s a few ways you can style a cow hide to say less “Welcome to my Bach pad” and more “I’m a Stylish So & So”.

We adore this thrown together yet sophisticated cool setting. To try this at home layer an Embossed-Look rug with a complimentary hide that blends.   via Refinery25

Embossed Look Rugs:    

      

If you told me that you were laying down a cowhide to work in a Scandi Setting, I’d be the first to admit, confusion would be the first thing to set in!! via myscandiavianhome

But just to prove me wrong, these Scandi settings demonstrate indisputable, cow hide perfection!!

 

Get the look with Mendoza Champagne Brazilian Cow Hide – sadly out of stock at the moment but available for preorder.

https://missamara.com.au/mendoza-champagne-cow-hide-rug

Holy batman – how chic is this light cowhide and stark white backdrop. It’s hard to imagine this space with any other rug!! via mycosyretreat

To get this look, choose a hide with an overriding white theme, much like the Bauru or the Parana Salt & Pepper Hide available at https://missamara.com.au

 

 

Black out – at the same residence pictured below, we see the stark white interior this time, is paired with a black hide for high impact contrast in an otherwise muted setting. via mycosyretreat

 

A similar dark hide https://missamara.com.au/bluemenau-black-cow-hide-rug

So where do you stand on cowhides – Yay or Nay?

Lately we’ve seen designers use this technique everywhere – from bedrooms to lounge rooms to dining and I have to say – it’s unconventional yes, but I kind of love it!

I recall not so long ago when we shared some gorgeous examples of this trend on our Facebook page.

I was bursting to share these images with our followers – but I did not expect it to be so controversial! Some of you were extremely keen to tell me that this was a silly, silly trend, but much to my delight – there were also a good portion of you who were inspired!!

(I guess rug layering is like the Coriander of the Decorating World – you either love it, or hate it with a passion).

So hear me out!

Layering Rugs is a really a great way to showcase a hero rug (particularly if its a tad too small for your space) and add a more relaxed, eclectic vibe to your room.

So if you’re brave enough to give it a go, and you want to join #TEAMRUGLAYERING – here are some of our top tips:

1. Contrast is your Friend

Just like layering clothes, rug layering works well when you have one layer with complexity (our hero rug) paired with a more simple, contrasting layer.

Jute rugs are a great grounding rug, creating a base that can really lift a brighter, busier pattern.

Image Source: Amber Interiors

Shop the look: https://missamara.com.au/haiku-natural-chunky-jute-rug

 

2. Regular isn’t always best

Irregular shapes such as cowhide work a treat with rug layering! Your foundation rug will naturally create your zone which allows you to play around with placement of the top rug – angle and orientation.

Image Source: Hommemaker

Shop the Look: https://missamara.com.au/parana-brown-white-cow-hide-rug

 

3. Keep it Simple

If you’re not as brave – stick to neutrals such as creams, whites or greys. Layering rugs will introduce different textural elements to an otherwise minimal space.

Image Credit: Interior Design Pro

Shop the Look: https://missamara.com.au/figuig-cream-modern-tribal-moroccan-rug

 

4. Last rule: There are no rules!

Take inspiration from this gorgeous apartment in San Paulo and multi-layer to your little hearts content!

Though the placement of the rugs is well – sort of haphazard!! The similar style and patterns of the rugs give this room a high end, luxe look. 
So if you’re experimenting with multiple patterned rugs try and stick to one colour theme or rug type, and make sure that the rest of your space is relatively neutral.

Shop the Look: https://missamara.com.au/idfu-pink-faded-floor-rug

Photo Credit: Fran Parente for Yatzer Architecture

 

Okay Guys – lastly just to show you that I practice what I preach I WAS brave enough to try this in my own home with an antique rug I’ve had forever and the Haiku Jute Rug on our site.

Whats the verdict?

STILL love it!! As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always wanted to bring out this gorgeous old rug, but its always been too small for my space, so having a grounding rug has made this look work!

The jute rug acts like an underlay and has made the rugs together feel spongey and lovely underfoot.

I thought I’d share my space and you can make your own mind up, love? Or hate with a passion 🙂

(I won’t be offended either way)

Love and Light

Alex xxx

If you’ve never used our chat box on the bottom of the site – some of you might be surprised to know that there is a real live person that sits here and answers all of your rug questions. (No seriously though, that person is me 🙂

And whilst I love our one on one chats (- Live Chat people Hello!) I thought it would be entertaining for the rest of you to see the kinds of questions that have been coming through lately (as you can see they escalate very quickly).

“Alex -what rugs work best under a dining table?”

“Alex – I have a gathering soon what’s the best rug to get that’s pet friendly/ child friendly/ party friendly / stain friendly – EVERYTHING FRIENDLY.”

“ALEX – WHEN is my rug arriving?! I placed my order yesterday, I’ve got OVER 20 people coming to my house NEXT SUNDAY – HEEEELLLP ME”

Okay I get it guys – Its the holidays, people are coming over and you want your house to look as swish as humanely possible whilst at the same time be Armageddon-friendly.

So whilst I’ve been busy helping you all with party related styling and rug queries, along the way I’ve found some really super amazing Australiana Christmas looks that really – it would just be rude not to share!

So without further ado, I bring you some of Miss Amara’s rug styling tips for the holidays…

Baby It’s Hot Outside

You wouldn’t put a sweater on a kangaroo, so why would you defy the Australian Holidays – embrace a Summer Christmas by taking inspiration from this cool beachy, summer – vibes setting.

Image credit: splacer

A bold statement rug with a pop of colour is perfect for making a big impact in a communal space.
This look can be achieved with our  statement Bluebellgray ombre rug in blue or teal.

https://missamara.com.au/bluebellgray-prussian-17708-blue-ombre-rug

https://missamara.com.au/bluebellgray-teal-paintbox-18207-ombre-rug

https://missamara.com.au/dalvic-ivory-light-blue-distressed-transitional-rug

Its All in the Details

If you can’t afford to splurge on a big statement rug, shhhhh its okay!
Concentrating on a small area in your home such as the entrance or eat in is an effective way to make an impressive feature area.
Using round rug creates a interesting feature zone that you can then build upon with plants, vases or any accessories that work.

 

Image Credit: cocokelley, via instagram @k_bloves

  

https://missamara.com.au/kochi-handbraided-round-jute-rug

https://missamara.com.au/majuli-multi-colour-jute-round-rug

https://missamara.com.au/janov-white-navy-blue-tasseled-round-rug

If you Absolutely Must 

Okay okay, Christmas is Christmas and that means being all Christmas-ey with your white christmas, winter inspired settings – trust me, I get it!

We simply adore these Skandi – Inspired Holiday settings. You too can get a similar look without a thick, winter wooly pile. Opt for a flat weave rug, which will still soften your space, but is thin and cool underfoot for summer.

Image Source: Hampton & Harlow, La Machine

      

https://missamara.com.au/kelso-grey-cream-chunky-braided-wool-rug

https://missamara.com.au/larvic-white-wool-white-hand-knotted-rug

https://missamara.com.au/vaasa-grey-wool-hand-knotted-rug

And as always, short of basting your turkey for you – I’ll be here for the rest of your rug related/ holiday/ entertaining queries and styling advice. It’s been real!

Happy Holidays, Much Love Alex xx

Spring has arrived! Winter darks have been packed away and summer pastels and brights are beginning to emerge. Updating your wardrobe is a no-brainer as the change in seasons brings about warmer weather. But what about your home?

I get it. Swapping jeans for a jumpsuit or your coat for a tee isn’t exactly the same thing as turning around a room! But it’s possible to make some small changes to your accessories that will create a big impact. Think: a new print for the wall, a light cotton throw for the couch, a flatweave rug for your floor, a new lampshade or a set of pretty vases.

A Spring update generally means one of two things. Light or colour. Or both! When I think Spring, I think romance. Not the all-encompassing passionate kind. Young, light, flirtatious love. The air is fresh, the flowers are in bloom and the colours are just SO pretty! If you love love the way I do, celebrate the new season by adding accessories in shades of sky blue, mint green and flirtatious pink.

Here is some Polyvore inspiration to get you started: