Domino Effect / All Because of that NEW RUG!

That Good Ole Domino Effect

So, apparently the domino effect happens to most of you too..  I posted a photo of our new jute rug on Instagram and mentioned what happens to me when one new item is brought into the mix.  Too often, a chain of restyling happens.  This can be a good thing, and sometimes a royal pain in the butt!!  Don’t get me wrong, I love excercising my design skills, but I can totally become my own worst enemy at times.  How can one item cause such a dramatic result? And in this case, the item is on the FLOOR!!

My first victim was my open shelving duo.  Oh how I adore these.  They are so fun to style, but I wanted to simplify the styling.  I was browsing through one of my Christmas gifts, Home Body by Joanna Gaines, and came across this photo for inspo.

I was pretty pumped when I realized I have the same set of gray bowls featured!! Here is a before shot of my shelves.

The AFTER is the first photo featured in this post, and you can see them here as well. I always follow the same guide lines – groupings in odd numbers, elevating with books, and layering and stacking.  This time, I just spread the decor out more to create a more simplified appearance. 

A New Rug Started It All

If you missed my last post centered around this new braided beauty, CLICK HERE NOW!  This rug source offers price drops that will cause your jaw to hit the floor!

As I mentioned already, this new jute rug caused a domino effect and restyling the breakfast nook led to a counter refresh as well! I love mixing vintage with modern decor.  Mixing neutrals and natural textures found in woods and metals provides added warmth and texture to any space.  I removed the paper towel holder that used to hang on the side where that towel is hanging.  A simple brass hook now proudly stands in it’s place.  Talk about a dramatic difference, and the worry of that darn paper towel roll pulling away no longer haunts me. 

Countertop Styling

HomeGoods has some of the prettiest glass soap bottles.  They add character with or without the labels they are adorned with.  I decided to remove the label on mine and it just looks a little more simple and quaint now.  I also added in a few plants, and honestly they are all faux.  As soon as the weather gets nicer, I will be replacing them with real.  I have been doing better in the green thumb department, but I’m also not getting ahead of my self 😀

Here is a before shot.  I definitely loved this styling as well, so feel free to use it for more inspo!

One of my FAVORITE accessories when styling a kitchen is incorporating round cutting/cheese boards.  They double as trays and add a small amount of elevation, thus creating some interest.  There are so many pretty ones out there.  I have purchased mine on Amazon, Homegoods, and a local shop near me, Ruby Jewel.  I recently re-organized a few drawers, and found that I had an empty one after it was all said and done…. WHAT!? So, I decided to remove the knife block and store those knives with the rest I had in another drawer all together in one spot.  That freed up a small spot to the right of my stove that is perfect for the olive oils I use all the time. 

One other major change was removing most of the decor once displayed above our kitchen cabinets.  I kept a small grouping centered here.  Along with round cutting boards, I also adore the use of cake stands.  I’m not sure what you keep on your counters, but try elevating a few things.  It will free up some space and look super charming as well!

Here are some more before photos.

A Multi-Functional Centerpiece

Lastly, I draw your attention to a simple centerpiece.   I found this chippy tray at my favorite small town store, Knapp and Steiner just after Christmas.  I love it’s modest size and attractive presence. The trees aren’t blooming yet, but these faux branches are pretty convincing 😉  I have also embraced displaying a few items like, salt & pepper and pretty utensils for easy access.  

So, are you inspired?  Have I caused a desire to refresh your kitchen counters?  Maybe you don’t crave change as often as I do. Totally OK, but these photos are here for you if and when you get the itch 😉  I love a good refresh, and with spring inching closer, I feel another one soon 😀  Wishing you all a great weekend, stay cozy!!

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Author and photos – Martha Knake

Chief Editor – Emily Schunke