Rambling Renovators: budget decor

It has been awhile, friends! As our home and life settles into a pace where there's less renovating and decorating going on, I've been inclined to post less. But, I do want to share with you when there's a project worthy of sharing. Sound good?

We made some changes to our dining room recently. From the soft jute rug to the vintage mirror to the new trim paint (serendipitously called Jute AF-80 by Benjamin Moore), these updates have infused our dining room with the charm and warmth it was missing. Let's talk a bit more about that jute rug as I feel natural fibre rugs are something you can use in almost any space.

chris loves julia judy rug, natural soft jute rug with border

Soft Jute Rugs

Are you a fan of classic home décor that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort? Then you'll love soft jute rugs which I think are a must-have for any stylish home.

Let's start with the basics. Jute rugs are woven from natural fibres derived from the jute plant, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. They're known to be highly durabile and bring a warm, inviting appearance that adds a touch of organic charm to any room.

Softness + jute seem like an unlikely mix, but let me tell you, there are many pretty and soft jute rugs out there! Now, why is softness such a crucial factor when choosing a rug? When you value both style and comfort, the importance of a soft rug cannot be overstated. Softness not only enhances the tactile experience but also adds to a cozy atmosphere that makes your home feel like a haven.

soft jute rug with jute cotton mix in formal dining room

Why Choose A Jute Rug

Years ago, when it came to selecting the perfect rug for our dining room, I selected a wool rug in a basic tone-on-tone blue pattern. I loved the plushness of the rug. It was perfect for lingering family meals around the dining table during the holidays. It added an elegance and coziness.

But, it was boring. Predictable. Safe.

traditional dining room rug, dining room wallpaper, dining room wainscot

This room, with its cheery botanical wallpaper, demanded a rug that was light but textural. Stylish and happy. A soft jute rug would bring the mix of beauty and playfulness I was seeking.

There are many compelling reasons why you should choose natural jute rugs but here's what put them at the top of my list:

They offer texture and warmth, making them perfect for cozying up in any room
They are also crafted from eco-friendly and sustainable materials and make for a guilt-free option that doesn't compromise on style or quality
Their versatility allows them to seamlessly blend into various décor styles
Finally, their durability and longevity ensure that your investment lasts, maintaining beauty and functionality over time.

I have a jute chenille rug that we've used in various spaces in our home and it still looks timeless and new. Natural rugs will last you for years to come.

jute chenille rug, soft jute rug for living room, natural jute rugs

A jute chenille rug in our living room

Factors Influencing Softness in Jute Rugs

The softness of jute rugs is influenced by several key factors. Firstly, the quality of jute fibres plays a significant role, with higher-quality fibres yielding softer rugs that feel luxurious to the touch.

Secondly, different weaving techniques can impact softness, with certain methods creating tighter weaves that enhance the rug's softness and durability.

Additionally, mixing jute with other materials can add softness. Our rug, the Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Judy rug in Natural/Ivory features a blend of jute and cotton. This mix softens the rug and makes it feel plusher and more comfortable underfoot.

Lastly, the use of backing materials can affect softness, with quality backing providing additional cushioning and support for a softer overall feel. Considering these factors when selecting a jute rug ensures you choose one that not only looks beautiful but also feels exceptionally soft and inviting in your home.

Tips for Maintaining Softness in Jute Rugs

To preserve the softness and beauty of your jute rug, follow these essential tips:

Regular vacuuming and cleaning are crucial to remove dirt and debris that can cause the fibres to become rough over time
Avoiding moisture and humidity helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which can compromise the rug's softness and lead to stains
Using rug pads underneath your jute rug not only adds cushioning for comfort but also protects it from wear and tear, maintaining its soft texture.
Consider professional cleaning and maintenance periodically to deep clean and rejuvenate your jute rug, ensuring it stays soft and luxurious for years to come.

This particular rug has a nice thickness but it does slip around on our dining room floor. I'll be adding a rug pad underneath to prevent that and to prolong the life of the rug.

Where to Buy Soft Jute Rugs

It's easy to see that soft jute rugs offer a ton of benefits that make them a fantastic choice for enhancing your home's comfort and style. Whether you're looking for a cozy accent or a practical yet stylish floor covering, natural jute rugs deliver on both fronts.

If you're interested in getting a rug of your own, I've rounded up a collection of the prettiest jute rugs you can find today. Pick any of these to transform your living space with the warmth, comfort, and timeless charm of soft jute rugs.

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There's something undeniably enchanting about the charm of a cozy cottage. The warmth of natural materials, the timeless appeal of vintage finds, and the casual comforts that define cottage style decor make it a great idea for transforming any space into a welcoming retreat.

Today I wanted to share the cottage style decorating ideas that you'll find at Wildwood Cottage, our summer cottage in Prince Edward County where we escape from city life. We've made a few changes lately, so I wanted give you a tour of what it looks like today.

Cottage Decor Ideas

country cottage with red siding at East Lake Shores in Prince Edward County

Let's start outside. Our cottage is located at East Lake Shores, a 3-season cottage condo resort. This means we own our little plot of land and the cottage, and we get to share amenities like swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, watercraft, and planned activities with the rest of the cottage owners and renters.

It's the best of cottage life and a great base to explore the County. The area has 40+ wineries, amazing restaurants, and the magnificent white sandy beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park are only a 10 minute drive away. The cottage is not winterized though, which means we enjoy it from early April to the end of October.

Here's a view of the back of the cottage. You'll see its situated amongst the trees, which keeps the cottage nice and cool. The two sheds are ones we installed ourselves and finished to match the cottage.

Doing any sort of DIY or decorating project at the cottage takes some effort. We have limited time here so home improvement projects require better planning, getting materials ahead of time, and being willing to give your time at the beach to do the work.

Many of our projects have sat for years as a result, but we managed to complete the loft, guest bedroom, and redecorate the living room this summer so I'm excited to show you those updates.

cozy cottage decor ideas, cottage decorating style, summer cottage decor

Screened In Porch

The best place to be in the summer is right here on this porch. At 200 sq ft, this large screened in porch is where we gather for lunch time meals, morning coffee, or late night conversations with friends. It has a small table for dining, and a larger lounge area with ample seating.

screened in porch with round dining table and pendant light

I love how the scenery changes with the seasons. Crisp and cool in spring and fall, and warm on summer nights. And the best part is - no mosquito bites!

red cottage decor with door decal and plaid outdoor mat

GET THE LOOK:

cozy cottage decor, country cottage decorating ideas, modern country style s

Dining Area

farmhouse table x-base dining room with floral curtains

Just inside the front door is our dining area. I had this X-base rustic table and bench custom made by my friend Chris at Whitewood Studio. It's hefty, substantial, and has held up to eight years of regular use. I paired it with outdoor chairs and I have to say, those outdoor chairs are just as comfy as indoor dining chairs!

The gorgeous custom curtains really help to define this space and make it special. The fabric is Fleur Botanical La Mer from Fabricut and it features the prettiest combination of flowers, berries, and a butterfly or two. A DIY peg rail keeps this corner neat.

open concept kitchen, cottage kitchen decor

Open Kitchen With Island

The cottage features an open floor plan with the dining area, kitchen, and living room adjacent to one another.

The galley style kitchen features a wall of cabinetry and an island. The white shaker door details and gunmetal hardware suit the country feel of the cottage.

The swing-arm lamp above the window, the plaid roman blind, the black metal faucet, and the moonstone backsplash were some of the custom and DIY touches we added to this area. In such an airy, white space, little pops of colour can make a big difference.

GET THE LOOK:

You'll find our decor is a mix of nautical and country. Our cottage is in the country, by a lake and a beach... I couldn't decide between the two decor styles so decided to incorporate both!

These bistro counter stools were the first thing I bought for the cottage and I'm still in love with them. So many great meals and conversations were enjoyed sitting at these stools.

Living Room With Faux Shiplap Accent Wall

The faux shiplap wall in the living room is another one of our DIY projects. We've debated painting it over the years, but I love how the wood looks against all the white. Keeping the shiplap natural adds an organic and homey feel to the cottage.

The sofa has a pull-out trundle which we absolutely love (so perfect for movie nights!) but it has dictated the placement of furniture in the area. Furniture needs to stay to the perimeter of the room so we can pull out the trundle.

A striped chair and floor lamp create a cozy reading nook in one corner. The painted pig art with DIY shadowbox frame looks just right on this large blank wall.

GET THE LOOK:

For the TV stand, we've recently added this IKEA desk but I changed out the knobs for pretty floral ones. The open bottom allows us to tuck in these round ottomans when the sofabed is out and in use. Otherwise, the ottomans are often pulled in front of the sofa to use as tiny tables or footstools.

The vintage bookcase is one I've had for years. I repainted the navy blue to a chalky grey. We store all of our boardgames behind the doors and use the shelves to display interesting objects and local flea market finds.

cottage bedroom decor with gold yellow walls and plaid bedding

Cozy Guest Bedroom

cottage bedroom side table with woven shade swing arm lamp vintage side table

This is the first of three bedrooms in our cottage. This room had a complete makeover this summer. We changed it a bright blue kids bedroom with gingham wallpaper to this cozy and calm bedroom. The room glows and wraps you in warmth when the afternoon light shines in.

modern cottage bedroom decor with white furniture and nautical art

A desk (the same one as in the living room) provides a spot for WFH days. Luckily, the cottage has great wifi so we've been able to work remotely from here from time to time.

Opposite the bed, a collection of vintage boat photographs I found in a dusty box in Kingston hangs on the wall. The room has a definite nautical vibe which I love... when you're a guest in someone's home, don't you want it to feel like an escape?

I'm quite fond of this view. The dark green/almost black doors (Weathervane by PARA Paints) and the natural stain hand rail are very modern country in style.

The stairs take you to our teenage daughter's bedroom, up in the loft. The stairs can moved in against the wall when they're not in use.

Teenage Loft Bedroom

teenage cottage bedroom, loft bedroom decor with floral bedding

We've kept things clean and neat up in the loft. A platform bed with floral bedding, a low profile dresser, and a standing mirror are tucked along one side. Chloe has decorated the space with printed art and a vintage sign she bought at the local antique show. It feels youthful and vibrant, like a teenage room should be.

And of course, teenagers need a place to hang out. This modern IKEA sectional is the perfect spot to read or watch a movie on a laptop. The LED lights behind the sofa make a feature out of the slanted ceiling.

Here's the view down the loft stairs. It makes the cottage look like a dollhouse, doesn't it?

open concept modern country cottage decor

Modern Country Bathroom

This small bathroom has gone through a few changes over the years. At first, we painted it a mid-tone grey which was much too dark. Then we repainted the shiplap a minty green which look just right with the dark doors. A new floral shower curtain adds charm.

Cottage Primary Bedroom

white cottage bedroom with spool side tables and rattan headboard

GET THE LOOK:

The primary bedroom is simple and sweet. We haven't changed much since we first decorated it years ago. I take that as a good sign - when things are working perfectly, why change them?

My aim is to keep things soft and light in this room. The pale grey walls, soft bedding (this cotton duvet cover feels like your favourite worn-in t-shirt!), and wood accents create a room that is cozy and inviting.

Light pinstriped curtains and wood blinds allow the light to stream into this room. A dresser and small TV are all we need to keep this room functional.

Behind that door on the left is the one remaining home improvement project we have at the cottage: the ensuite bathroom. We plan to renovate it next summer and then we can finally call this cottage complete! Then, there will be nothing left to do except enjoy those warm summer nights.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of our summer home. I'm so grateful to have this place to really enjoy the summer months.

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Pages

Soft Jute Rugs

Why Choose A Jute Rug

Factors Influencing Softness in Jute Rugs

Tips for Maintaining Softness in Jute Rugs

Where to Buy Soft Jute Rugs

Cottage Decor Ideas

Screened In Porch

Dining Area

Open Kitchen With Island

Living Room With Faux Shiplap Accent Wall

Cozy Guest Bedroom

Teenage Loft Bedroom

Modern Country Bathroom

Cottage Primary Bedroom

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