DESIGN TIP: AREA RUG PLACEMENT
Area rugs are one of the easiest ways to transform a space—but only if they’re placed correctly. The right rug can anchor your furniture, define zones, and bring warmth and balance to your home. Here are simple, designer-approved tips to get it right every time. Your Living Room rug should connect your furniture, not sit awkwardly in the middle. The three golden layouts: All legs on: The most polished look—every piece sits fully on the rug Front legs on: A balanced, everyday designer approach Avoid floating rugs: A small rug centered alone breaks up the room visually Jade & Sage Tip: When in doubt, go bigger. A larger rug makes your space feel more open, not smaller. A Dining Room rug should make your space feel effortless—not frustrating. What to get right: Leave at least 24 inches around your table Chairs should stay on the rug—even when pulled out Match the shape of your rug to your table Jade & Sage Tip: Choose low-pile or flatweave rugs for easy cleaning and smooth chair movement. Stepping onto a soft rug in the morning? That’s a small luxury that changes everything in your bedroom. Best placements: 2/3 under the bed: Starts under the bed and extends outward Full coverage: Bed and nightstands sit fully on the rug Side runners: Perfect for smaller budgets or tighter spaces Jade & Sage Tip: Aim for 18–24 inches of rug on each side of the bed for balance and comfort. Your entryway is your home’s introduction—make it count. Simple rules: Choose a rug that fits the scale (not too small) Leave visible flooring around the edges Layer a doormat for added texture and style Jade & Sage Tip: Go for durable, natural materials that can handle everyday traffic. Final Thoughts If your room feels unfinished, start from the ground up. The right rug, placed the right way, will: Make your space feel larger Bring your furniture together Add warmth and comfort instantly And most importantly—it will make your house feel like home. Love design tips like this?Stay connected with Jade & Sage for more curated home inspiration, styling guides, and shop-worthy finds designed to elevate your everyday living. What to check out next… DESIGN TIP ON ART HANGING DESIGN TIP: WINDOW TREATMENT HANGING Shop Area Rugs RUGS More info. on how we can work together. HERE
SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE FOR SPRING
Spring is the perfect season for a fresh start and new beginnings. Refresh your home with these simple, affordable tips to create a space that feels renewed, light, and inviting. ( This Affiliate links are included for your shopping convenience. I might get a small commission. No cost to you) Privacy & Disclosure Refresh #1– One quick way is to lighten up your space. Simply add lighter colors and materials into your room. Swap out your heavier materials like velvet and knitted materials for something lighter like linen and cotton instead. You can quickly achieve this is by swapping out throw pillows and throw blankets. Affordable way is by switching out pillow covers. A fresh new look in seconds. Here are a few pillow covers that caught my eye. Needing pillow inserts? Check these out! Pillow Inserts Refresh #2– Second, The temperature outside is getting warmer and pleasant. Air out your home by opening up those windows. If you have dark curtains on your windows? Swap it out for a lighter window treatment like linen, sheer and cotton. Refresh #3– Plants and florals! After getting fresh air into your space bring nature in. Add air filtering plants into your space. Great for the air and for you. Some of these air filtering indoor plants and hard to kill plants are snake plant, rubber plant, spider plant, Peace Lily, English ivy and the Aloe Vera just to name a few. Refresh #4– Fresh Scent. No more autumn candles and Christmas scent of pine. Time to Swap it for a fresh summer vibe scent. A scent of clean cotton, tropical vibes and/ or beach scent. Keeping the air clean, make sure you choose either soy, beeswax or coconut wax. Your lungs will thank you. Check out these great smelling soy Candles. HERE Small, thoughtful updates can completely transform your home—making it feel fresh, light, and airy without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for my next blog post! Love design tips and inspiration? Join my newsletter and never miss a new idea. Have design dilemma? Check out my E-Design Services. HERE
SHOP THE LOOK: ENGLISH COTTAGE
One design style that continually inspires me is English Cottage aka Cottage-core. I’m naturally drawn to spaces that feel organic, rustic, and deeply connected to nature. I love homes layered with vintage finds, historical touches, and natural materials that bring warmth and authenticity into a space. For me, design isn’t about trends—it’s about creating environments that feel grounded, storied, and timeless. Spaces that feel collected over time, filled with character, history, and quiet beauty. 1. What Is English Cottage/ cottage -core? English Cottage is a romanticized aesthetic inspired by: Rural European countryside life Handmade living Slow, intentional rhythms Gardening, baking, sewing, homemaking Vintage charm It’s about simplicity, nostalgia, and natural beauty. 2. Core Design Elements Color Palette Warm cream Soft sage green Dusty rose Muted lavender Butter yellow Faded blue Warm wood tones Materials Natural wood (unfinished or lightly stained) Linen & cotton Wicker & rattan Stoneware & pottery Lace & crochet Dried flowers Textures Floral prints Gingham Ruffles Quilts Distressed finishes To help you visualize the possibilities, I’ve created two curated “Shop the Look” living room designs that you can easily recreate in your own space. click the links to shop SOFA/ ARTWORK/TABLE/ HUTCH/PENDANT/TRUNK/CHAIR/TABLE/RUG/GREENPILLOW/ RABBIT PILLOW/ FLORAL PILLOW/ WHITE PILLOW click the links to shop SOFA / CHAIR / RUG / PENDANT / KNITTED PILLOW / BLUE PILLOW / TABLE / WINDOW PANELS ( This Affiliate links are included for your shopping convenience. I might get a small commission. No cost to you) Privacy & Disclosure Love this style?Sign up for my newsletter and receive weekly inspiration from Jade & Sage. Each week I share Shop the Look designs, step-by-step design guides, and ideas to help you create a home that feels timeless and beautifully curated. When you join, I’ll also send you my FREE e-book: The Designer Room Formula Blueprint, revealing the simple design framework professionals use to create balanced, designer-level rooms.
SEE WHAT’S TRENDING 2026 HOME DECOR TRENDS
Every year, the interior design and fashion industries come together to forecast what will define the year ahead. Soon enough, you start seeing the same styles, color palettes, and overall “vibe” everywhere you look. I’ll be honest—I don’t typically chase trends. Especially the ones that feel over-the-top, burn out quickly, and leave you feeling like you need to redesign your home all over again a year later. That cycle can get expensive fast. Instead, I gravitate toward a more classic, timeless approach—one that evolves naturally and continues to feel relevant year after year. That said… I have to admit, I’m really loving the direction this year’s trends are taking. So let’s break it down. The Vibe This Year This year is all about personal expression and nostalgia. Consumers are leaning into spaces that feel comforting, authentic, and grounded. There’s a strong pull toward natural, organic elements—designs that feel lived-in, meaningful, and connected to nature rather than overly styled. via Healthier Homes 1. Natural Elements Are Leading the Way We’re seeing a renewed love for materials like: Real wood and raw textures Medium oak and warm walnut tones Natural stone Organic cotton and linen fabrics These elements bring warmth, depth, and a sense of calm into the home—without feeling trendy or forced. via Healthier Homes A Shift Toward Health & Sustainability Homeowners are also becoming more educated and intentional about what they bring into their spaces—not just for style, but for well-being and environmental impact. This includes: Natural and non-toxic wall treatments Raw and responsibly sourced wood Organic, breathable fabrics Low-VOC paints A greater focus on indoor air quality Design is no longer just about how a space looks—it’s about how it feels to live in it. via Lulu and Georgia 2. Warm Neutrals This year, we’re moving away from stark whites and cool grays and embracing warm, inviting neutrals. Think earthy browns, soft taupes, warm beiges, and gently muted tones. These colors create depth and comfort, making spaces feel cozy, grounded, and timeless rather than sterile or trendy. 3. Curated Maximalism The phrase “more is more” is making a comeback—but with intention. Curated maximalism isn’t about clutter; it’s about thoughtful layering. Every piece has purpose and meaning, whether it’s collected over time, passed down, or simply loved.Expect layered textures, bold yet balanced colors, vintage accents, and personal objects that tell a story. The result is a space that feels rich, expressive, and deeply lived-in—full of nostalgia without feeling overwhelming. 4. Vintage Revival Vintage is back… though truthfully, it never really left. What’s different now is the modern twist. We’re seeing vintage elements thoughtfully mixed with contemporary design to create spaces that feel both fresh and familiar.Caned furniture is returning with cleaner lines and a modern edge. Checkerboard floors, handmade pieces, and richly textured materials are reappearing, adding charm, character, and authenticity to interiors that celebrate craftsmanship and history. These styles are definitely my style. Natural elements, comfort, cozy and mindful curated decor and design. How about you? Check out my e-design services HERE Get you started in decluttering and organizing your home. Download my EBOOK HERE