I consider Olla-Podrida to be a Lifestyle blog, but do realize that, for the most part, it is all about food. So, this is going to be a blog post of a different feather, as I’m in the very early stages of decorating and, since decision-making is not my strong suit, I turn to the wise and wonderful of blogland for thoughts and advice. I’ll take you on a step-by-step photographic journey once each week as things get seriously into motion, but for now, I’m shopping, and one of the first things I’m going to need is a rug for beneath the dining table.
Here are two that I’m considering. I’m not going for a particular theme per se, but am trying to evoke the feeling of Hemingway, travel, exotic, with a dash of Old Hollywood…get the picture? (Pun intended.)
To give you a better idea of the logistics of things, here is the Floor Plan for the area in question. The dining area to the extreme left is where the rug will go, on top of a hardwood floor. The table on top of it will have black legs and apron, with a light-medium pine wood top and four black Windsor chairs. The sofa in chocolate brown will be on a pale neutral carpeted area to the left of the fireplace and perpendicular to the back wall.
Here is a picture of Rug #2 against the fabric of the sofa. It's not a good one, as I couldn't manage to capture the depth or richness of the colors, and the background is black not the navy blue it would appear to be here. But, trust me when I tell you that the brown in the rug is an exact match for the brown fabric of the sofa.
Okay, now see these lamps and side tables? I have them as well. No, this is not my sofa, nor does the rest of the furniture visible in this picture belong to me. These were the decorator's pieces, I just liked the look of the lamps and tables and had them made part of the deal. (I am nothing if not resourceful!) I’ll be swapping out the existing shades with these Calligraphy lamp shades from Pottery Barn.
Now, all things considered, which rug should I choose: Rug #1 with the black background and fan-shaped palm fronds, or Rug #2, with the variety of leaves in green, browns, and gold?
