Once upon a time my entire home was red. Everything was red, well not everything, but a lot of things were.
In the girls’ room at the farm (one bed per child, plus an extra for a friend) I decided to go more neutral. this room went from being red, red, red to just slightly red. Here is the transformation, but the focus today is on the rug. Let’s see how it went down.
Here is the room with red baby dresses on the wall, red pillows, a red chest and a big, big red rug. Oh and look at those small lampshades *cringing*.
I may have overdone it on the red, maybe. Okay, yes I went overboard. I even had a red chest in here. Another problem was that the rug was ordered online and it was blue red, while the chest was a warm red. I never felt that they went well together, but it was going to be such a chore to return the rug. Be careful buying rugs online!!
As you may have seen in another post, the chest was changed out for this one below. Click here to see more about the French chest and mirror.
You can see the big, big, red, red rug below. I really love a flat weave rug, but this one was not going to work with the French, neutral direction I was taking the room. Below you can see the room with the pillows, lampshades and dresses changed out, but the red rug was still in place.
I rolled it up, and instead of buying another large expensive wool rug, I opted for two small rugs that just go in-between the beds. These were very inexpensive.
I like the way they are there, but not screaming for attention. Really the only downside I can see moving to the smaller rugs is that the pine floors are less protected from collie scratches. One of these days I may have to have the floors refinished, but really what is the point? They will get scratched up again as soon as they are redone.
All of this is part of one big project to make the farmhouse more French. If you want to read you can find the post on the French makeover here. I think I still have one more French room redo to show you… the living room coming soon.
What’s going to happen to the red rug? I’m not sure yet. And I am adding in just a bit of color in the room. I know, I know it sounds ‘cray, cray’. I am trying to decide between some duvets at the foot of the bed or some throws. Maybe you can help me decide.
Don’t you love what we learn as we blog! Great post, Anita… and really great message!!! Thanks!
With my love of color, I liked your touches of red, but too much isn’t in keeping with your style. The new look is very calming.
Love the transformation! The original “red” popped, but I prefer the calmness and serenity of the room as it stands now.
Perhaps some trows at the end of the beds that will bring the color of the small rugs up and onto the beds.
Yes Hope, I am going in that direction!!
Anita,
I adore that you left a “touch” of red in the throw pillows on the girl’s beds!!!
The rug is gorgeous and so is that dresser. . .
but I can see the direction you’re heading. . .and it is fabulous, dear friend!!!
One step at a time. . .one room at a time.
Little by little your Farmhouse French Style is evolving at the Ranch, as well!!!
Stay the course!!!
Fondly,
Pat
This looks great for visitors–and for photo staging– but if your girls actually use this room, where do they stash their “stuff” that all little kids collect? The room is just too perfect for me. Sorry I can’t love it.
Hi MJ,
This is at the farm. I can assure you my daughter’s rooms are as messy as all get out! And even this room only looks like this when I photograph it. BTW, they are 18 and 21.
Why this comment? What is to gain? Except now Anita felt like she needed to explain. Don’t like, don’t do. I never understand negativity.
Really???
Love your blog, I prefer a bit of color, the kids dresses in color over the beds make the room really pop. It would be great if you checked the text before pressing sent.
Love the new rugs and the overall look of the room!
Shelley
I love the new look of the neutrals….and that fantastic chest….I think we all in the past have gone a little “overboard” on a color we love!…..beautiful, beautiful room!
You are a wonder, all you do, and take care of a beautiful home for your family too. Keep up what your doing it is a gift from God. Thanks for sharing with us.
Being a big fan of red myself, the change up is very refreshing! The few pops of red that you kept look fabulous. The new rugs are very pretty too!
Room looks super. Color at the foot of the bed would be perfect. Less clutter means less mess to look at! Love it!
I love the room, with the red or without. I don’t think you had too much red. I adore the little white dresses hanging above the beds. This is a charming, charming room.
i love the changes and especially that you left more of that beautiful wood floor showing. xo Laura
Love the calm feel. As for the collie marks, let them be. They are part of the story. Everything is lovely.
I think quilts at the foot of the bed would be perfect!
I love your pretty room…and if you think you had too much red, you should take a look at mine. Oh, dear…talk about over kill on red. I am in the process of crying…no….not really….I’m trying new things to calm down the reds a little.
I just today bought a rug in the same pattern as yours only in black and white.
I sure can see a French Blue quilt on the foot of ea bed….
Love the change…I would put blanket, throw and/or duvet with the colors red(stipe on sham)/gold (color of the rug) on the foot of the beds…maybe geometric or pretty frenchy pattern.
Anita I loved both versions of the room, they just each have their own look. You did great!
((HUGS)) Jo
Hi Anita,
I too had RED everywhere in my home! And as much as I still love a bit of red here and there, I have gradually transitioned to a softer, calmer color palate in our home. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us – love your blog!
Warm regards,
Ruth L
Hello Anita, first time reading your blog, I’m so impressed and ispired. Love the addition of the rug in the room. We sometimes tend to go overboard in decorating so the removal of some items and additions of others are needed and that makes the statement needed all along.
The rug is perfect I like where your going with the girls room.
Btw I think a throw in the spring Summer and duvets in the winter at the foot of the bed. Or both to add extra color and if needed layers for chilly nights.
it looks lovely. You have such wonderful taste. ♥
I just found your blog and am thoroughly enjoying looking at various posts…lots to future read for sure.
I thought you must have had triplets until I read two girls and one bed for a friend. What a grand idea. Are the girls twins?
Here is an interesting questions …… do the girls sleep next to each other or is the bed in the middle for the guest?
Also….. did you go out and buy three new exactly the same dresses? They look so perfect (no stains from use). I love that idea….but I did like your red dresses also.
Can’t wait to read more and learn more. Thanks for all you share.
go with the red, the cream looks boring…
The best color is blue. Blue is great in woll rugs.