In our post about making your home cozy for the fall (and for the WI winter!), we mentioned rugs as a great addition to your lake cabin. But rugs aren’t just for decoration, they can also do SO much for your home.

Today, let’s talk about some reasons to love rugs and how to use them in your space. When you’re done reading, you can take a picture of your space, bring it on into our store, and let us help you find the perfect one!

**Psst! We’re also having a rug clearance sale from now through the end of January!**

Are you ready? Then let’s talk rugs.

1. Area rugs anchor a room and define a space

Especially in living or family room, placing your furniture on an area rug makes the space feel grounded (no “floating” furniture). This defines the space by giving it a border and makes the furniture feel like one cohesive group. 

Imagine this living room without the layered rugs? How would the furniture look sitting on the hardwood floor? Probably like they’re wandering. 😉

2. Layer rugs to add dimension and interest

Speaking of layering, this living room is also a great example of the design power of layering rugs. The bottom rug is made of a sturdy jute while the cowhide layered over the top adds immediate interest. It also makes the coffee table stand out more. Look at that gorgeous wood!

Trending: Skins are the new neutrals these days.

3. Area rugs create a color story and add texture

When the world turns to frosty white and evergreen in the winter, we turn to our homes for color, coziness and excitement — and rugs can play a big role in this. Better yet, the natural wooden interior of most lake cabins match everything. Amen. 

Don’t be afraid to let your eyes lead you to the colors that will make you the happiest this winter. When it comes to your home, your intuition is never wrong!

4. Rugs help protect your floors!

You know us… we can’t leave you without design advice and practical advice. Here’s the thing. We all know that lake cabins come with their fair share of tracking in the outdoors. (Especially if those wily grandkids are running around!)

The added benefit of rugs is that they protect your floors from dirt and debris, heavy furniture, and high-traffic usage. 

Pro Tip: Outdoor is the new indoor. Don’t be afraid to use outdoor rugs inside. They are perfect for high traffic areas, kids, and pets, and they’re very easy to clean.

5. Area rugs absorb sound and add warmth

When you add an area rug to your home, you’ll notice something interesting… the sounds in the room will become quieter. You won’t hear any echoes (especially in larger rooms) and the space will instantly feel more intimate, cozy, and warm. 

Neat, right? You can also hang rugs from the walls for an even more interesting source of texture and sound-proofing. Here’s a fun example:

Well, have we convinced you? If you don’t have any rugs in your home yet, you could be missing out! Come on into our store to take a look at how we’re using rugs. Better yet, bring in a picture of your space so we can help you find the perfect rug!

And don’t forget to come take advantage of our rug clearance sale going on through January!

We want you to be your happiest, coziest self this holiday season — and all your special guests, too. 🙂

Warmly,
Lakeside Living

It’s no secret… fall is coming! This time of year is always a little bittersweet. It’s hard to see summer end and the grandkids going back to school, but at the same time… fall in Wisconsin is GORGEOUS.

There’s nothing better than watching the leaves change colors and cozying up by the fire with cocoa or tea and a good book. 

This time of year is also one of our favorites because changing out your decor is equally as fun! This month, we’re sharing our top 7 tips for making your lake house extra warm, cozy, and oh-so-perfectly fall.

1. Decorate your fireplace mantle.

You don’t need lights and Santas to style your mantle for the fall season! Instead, use natural wood, birch, pine cones, etc. Your home will also benefit from the herbal scent of these fresh beauties.

2. Make your fireplace the focus of the room.

Move your furniture around and assemble it so your fireplace becomes the focus of your living room. With a mantle that’s decorated for the season, and seating that keeps you huddled around the fire, you and your loved ones will feel extra snuggly!

3. Add cozy, soft textures to your living room.

A cozy living space would be nothing without, well, the cozy factor! Throw cozy blankets over the edges of your sofa or chairs, so they’re ready for those bundled up moments. Add a few alpaca, wool or flannel pillows. You can even add pillows and throws to porch chairs!

4. Layer rugs for extra comfort.

Layering rugs is a great way to get a cozy look with added comfort. Place a cowhide over a thick shag or pattern over a solid. Place your furniture either entirely on the outermost rug, or with two feet off the edges to frame the space and keep it feeling together.

5. Add some spicy candles for a fall aroma.

Candles bring warmth and comfort to our eyes, but they can also bring the same feelings to more of our senses! Scents like cinnamon, pine or pumpkin are perfect for the fall season, and will have you sinking into that cozy living room arrangement, feeling inspired to bake in the kitchen, or eager to sip some hot cocoa. (More on scents here!)

6. Update your bedding.

A cozy home doesn’t stop at the living room and fireplace… make your bedroom a place for good time snuggles, too. Add a fake fur rug or throw, flannel sheets, a comfy duvet and soft blankets. When the weather turns chilly, you’ll have the perfect haven for some cozy beauty sleep.

7. Refresh your stock of entertainment.

When brisk temperatures have us retreating indoors, we’ll want some entertainment! (Especially if the kids or grandkids are around…) Nobody wants to keep doing the same puzzles!! Check your puzzle, game and book selection, and add a few new faces for some extra fun this autumn.

Well, now that we’ve shared these tips, it’s safe to say we’re pretty excited about the coming season!

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy accessories to transition your cabin from summer to fall, come stop by — we’re just as delighted to help you as if we were decorating our own homes. 🙂

Our best wishes,
Lakeside Living Design

We just returned from another trip to market! This one was in Atlanta, and yes, we got up to our usual shenanigans while on the road—uncontrollable laughter, plenty of oohs and ahhs, and of course, bringing items back to our store for you!

Well folks, it’s our favorite time of year here at Lakeside Living… when we get to deck out our store in Christmas decor and enjoy a bit of holiday magic!