Over 10 years ago, I shared here on this blog that rugs were my decorating nemesis. I would get a room where I really loved it and then I would miss on the rug. It would be too busy, too bright, too light, too dark, or not the right color, material, or style. It would hijack the room and fight with other elements instead of complementing or enhancing them. While I think I’ve gotten better with selecting rugs (I mostly go with neutral, safe selections), it’s still an area of struggle. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel entirely confident, but I have picked some winners in recent years that have made me feel a bit better about the whole thing!
In the living room, we’ve had my default rug of choice – woven jute. They are neutral, work well with antiques, and are forgiving when it comes to kids and pets. In addition, they aren’t expensive, so it’s not the end of the world if and when the rug is ready for retirement. I liked the look of the rug, but it wasn’t as cozy as I wanted for our TV-watching, primary hangout room. I wanted a wool rug and decided I would keep an eye out for something that might be a good replacement.
When I saw the new line from CLJ x Loloi included some tufted wool rugs, I decided to take a closer look to see if any would work for our living room. I was immediately drawn to the tufted wool Briggs rug in wheat/ivory, but I had to think about the geometric/checked rug along with all of the other checks I have going on in the room. There are already three different checks, which might be breaking some sort of hard and fast decorating rule. Would one more check tip it over the edge? As a lover of all things checked, I decided I would go over the precipice and find out.
The fact that the rug is technically a grid and not a check helps. It’s also so soft and subtle in person that it doesn’t feel like there are too many competing geometric patterns.
The real win for me is that it feels amazing underfoot. It’s soft and cozy, which is just what I wanted for this room. It’s also a little lighter than the woven jute rug, which plays well against the darker green walls.
Here’s a look around the room and how the new rug fits in the space…
As a side note, I was photographing this room in the early morning, so there was all sorts of warm light bouncing around that I don’t normally have to deal with when I shoot it in the afternoon. The sun is coming up behind the fireplace wall, so it was interesting how much reflected light was in the space.
So, I can never commit to a rug being a “forever rug” in any given room, but this rug is definitely a keeper even if it ends up in another room at some point. That’s the nice thing about wool rugs. You know they will last a lifetime and, with this neutral coloring and pattern, this specific rug won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
If you’d like more details about the details in this room, you can find them in the posts below…
Antique Style Fireplace Reveal
12 Responses
I love it! I’m looking for something similar to put in our office that has vinyl plank flooring which requires natural fibers, so this would be perfect.
Their rug looks great! Did you use a rug pad under it?
Down side of tufted rugs is they never never never stop shedding. I have given up on them and only use machine or the uber ridiculous expensive hand tied. The color and pattern of tufted are amazing but the shedding is worse than a pet.
MMS!
The grid is perfectly charming in your living room. It complements the other patterns while providing a restful base for your beautiful colors and furniture textures. YOU DID IT!
Who’s leading in the shell contest?
Hugs from Mercer Island,
Diney
It’s a beautiful rug! I too have a rug issue, I’m never sure about my choices. Last year I purchased a living room rug in a light color and I hade a hard time keeping it clean so out it went. Could you do an update in a few months and let us know how the rug is wearing. I would appreciate that. I’d like to order it but will wait for your review.
I generally love everything you do. I do not like this rug. I don’t think it goes well with the brick in the fireplace, I don’t like the pattern in it; in my opinion, it looks like it is trying to imitate small square tile that someone didn’t lay very well, and it looks too modern in your space. Having said all this and being so negative about it, so sorry. If you and your family like it, then that’s all that matters.
Excellent choice! Something I would have picked myself! Adds a nice feel to the room.
I love it. I’ve never been a fan of jute indoors. They seem so casual to me. So many people in California use them outside patio/deck I think that’s where my bias comes from.
Looks really good, Marian.
I wanted to take a look at their website and was blocked for suspicious activities. Must have been my prying eye for a lovely carpet. XD
I think it is perfect! Love it.
As a long-time follower, I have often heard you say that rugs were your nemesis, and I am cardholder of that club too…lol! However, I think your new wool rug is a winner and compliments the room so nice.