Emily A. Clark

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10 Hardworking Runners for the Entry or Kitchen

Apr182018

I added a seagrass runner to our kitchen several months ago because I thought it could use a little texture and honestly, because it was $32. I thought it was worth taking a chance even if it didn’t hold up to this extremely high traffic area between our island and stove.

hardworking-runners-kitchen-entryway

 

As it turns out, I had this post halfway put together when, on my way out the door to church with all five kids, I dropped an entire smoothie on the rug (and myself). The kids thought this was hysterical, of course. I did not. So, I can personally attest to the fact that this is a fabulous option for the kitchen. I threw it out in the driveway, hosed it off and let it dry in the sun. You can’t see any evidence of the smoothie.

jute-kitchen-runner (In case you’re wondering: sandals, jeans)

 

My other requirements for a hardworking runner in the kitchen and/or entryway? It has to be easy to vacuum in a great texture or else, a very forgiving pattern. Here are a few more good options:

 

By the way, I ordered the 6′ option for our kitchen but it also comes in a 8′ option. (I didn’t need a rug pad.)

kitchen and entry runner rugs

You can read more about our honed granite countertops here.

And, the full “before and after” kitchen renovation can be found here.

 

 

17 Comments · Filed Under: floors, Simple Design Ideas · Tagged: entryway, flooring, kitchen, rugs

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The Saturday 6

Apr142018

ONE.  Lots to soak up in the designer’s portfolio.

 

TWO.  If you’ve ever dreamed of an outdoor kitchen. . . 

 

THREE.  Inside the homes of the Trading Spaces’ designers. (Did you all watch last weekend? Fill me in.)

 

 FOUR.  This is a neat project. Turning part of a garage into a butler’s pantry.

 

FIVE.  Thanks to The Washington Post for including my thoughts about faux flowers in this article. (I’m for them, by the way.)

 

One Kings Lane warehouse sale

SIX.  One Kings Lane fans: a big warehouse moving sale is happening now.

11 Comments · Filed Under: designers, Saturday6 · Tagged: decorating, Saturday6

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Pairing Art with Our Entryway Wallpaper

Apr112018

Nearly three years later and I think I have our small entryway wrapped up. I might not win any awards for speed, but sometimes getting things “right” is worth the wait. I (well, mostly my dad) wallpapered our entry early on and while I love all of the pattern, finding artwork has taken some time.

pairing art with entryway wallpaper

 

This is the little wall that’s been in limbo. It’s literally the first thing you see when you come to our front door. (I’m sure the pizza man has been worried about it on his weekly visits.) Although it’s a tiny space, there’s a lot to consider: the trellis pattern,  the silhouettes leading up the stairs, the patterned stair runner and the fact that you can see three other rooms from this spot.

entryway trellis wallpaper

 

I finally decided on this red and pink abstract from Minted that doesn’t compete with everything else while still tying it all together:

abstract-art-entryway-styling

 

 

By the way, Minted continues to be one of my go-to sources for art. I love that you can find unique pieces from independent artists all over the world. You won’t find work that you see in mass production everywhere else.

 

 

A few tips for pairing artwork with patterned wallpaper. . .

White space is your friend. It helps to break up the patterns visually so that the art and paper aren’t in competition. Minted offers both matted and unmatted framing options. (Since I needed a very specific size for this wall, I ended up ordering just the print and framing it myself. So nice to also have that option in lots of sizes!)

minted-artwork

Abstract art works well with a busy geometric wallpaper since the patterns “flow” differently.

I like to keep the frame simple. Often a sleek, modern frame will work best. A more ornate design adds another element to what may already be a busy space. (Minted now offers extra thin, matte speciality frames and non reflective UV plexiglass options.)

entryway-art-styling

 

Row 1:  Garden Lush  //  Lula  //  Rambo Relay Navy

Row 2:  3 Bottles  //  Orange Rush  //  Study 33

Row 3:  ode to rothko  //  Magnetic Field 1  //  Ananas

Row 4:  Farenheit  //  Composition 2  //  Big Egg

 

I’m working on editing more pictures with different angles so you can see how this space all works together. I’ll source everything for you next week, too. :)

 

Thanks to Minted for sponsoring this post.

10 Comments · Filed Under: #EACstyle, accessories, artwork, foyers, our home, Simple Design Ideas · Tagged: art, colonial, entryway, wallpaper

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I'm a wife, mom of five and habitual rearranger, trying to decorate our home one crazy day at a time.  This is where I share simple design ideas, affordable projects and the occasional deep thought.

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