This post was sponsored by Annie Selke as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
This is probably going to come as a shock to you if you have been around the blog at all, but I like the color red.
This is not a “new” phenomenon for the Kim-meister. I pretty much claimed red as my signature color in middle school. Maybe before. If I could find my senior pictures, you would see two of my favorite things – red shirts and my GAP overalls.
I still love overalls, too. But that’s a post for another day. #90sforever
When I decorated our first few homes, I ignored some of my instincts. In the first few houses, I used red in small small doses … and at Christmas. But it just wasn’t enough.
The Internet told me to only use neutrals. Or yellow. Or aqua. Or white. And those are all really great colors. But the truth? I love myself a little (or a lot) of red. And just because the Internet tells you to do something doesn’t mean you have to do it. Be a rebel.
In my case, I’m just happier in a home infused with my signature color.
And I’ve found that by listening to my inner voice, the one that tells me that my home needs more RED, I can find a signature STYLE.
As we have been settling into our house, it was clear we needed some rugs on the floors. And while I wanted pretty, this was also a giant part practical. That back door and the kitchen needed runners, stat.
To me, runners are great spots to work in pops of color – and in my case, pops of red. And since both of the rugs were visible from the open spaces in the home, I wanted them to coordinate but not match perfectly.
I’ve been swooning over Dash and Albert rugs from Annie Selke for years, considering them in our last kitchen and our stairway.
The kitchen and mudroom are hard-working spaces, and these are hard-working rugs. They are beautiful, durable and comfortable. (I added a few solid extra-grip rug pads to keep these rugs right where they belong. Nobody likes a slippy and slidey rug. Game. Changer.)
For the kitchen, I chose the Arlington Red/Camel rug – an indoor/outdoor rug that is as durable as it is comfortable. It feels like a plush wool rug underfoot, but it’s easy to clean and actually made from 100% recycled bottles. The subtle herringbone pattern is a beautiful addition to the kitchen.
In the entry, I chose a striped version – the Framboise Woven Cotton Rug, which brought a great deal of interest to a pretty bare walkway.
There’s something classic about the stripes. It ties everything together in the kitchen and the mudroom. And while it’s light, it’s easy to clean and hides a multitude of sins dirt.
I love that the rugs gave us a nice way to bring in our home’s signature color and are practical, to boot. It’s the perfect way to create our own personal style in our home. And it feels like a more happy, comfortable space just for us.
And for an added punch of this signature color, I chose to bring in my red metal cafe chair and a giant oversized pillow (the Lexington). This is my sidekick’s spot while I’m cooking.
I loved perusing the Annie Selke fall catalog for inspiration for my own home. And I love how I was able to bring that inspiration home to create a happy and unconventional space.
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Do you want to develop your own uncommon home with a signature color?
Here are a few tips:
- Begin by discovering the colors and patterns that truly bring you joy. (Colors you gravitate towards in clothing and art are a great place to begin.)
- Find a variety of inspiration images that brings that color to life.
- Start small – adding some details that bring that color into your space. I love pillows and window coverings for an easy starting point.
Giveaway – 3-$500 Annie Selke Gift Cards
And now the great news … three folks have the opportunity to kickstart their own home decor with Annie Selke.
Prize: One of 3 Annie Selke gift cards, each valued at $500
Do you have a signature color?
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Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
I’m an Aries, so I’m supposed to really love red, but it kind of intimidates me in real life. But it’s definitely working in your house! I’m more of a blue and green person myself 🙂
Kristin says
I love the Dash and Albert rugs, but haven’t bought one, because I hate buying home decor items without seeing them and feeling them first… I may have to bite the bullet and get one for the kitchen.
Colleen says
I had not heard of Annie Selke rugs, thanks for the introduction – although my cc doesn’t thank you! Here’s hoping I win the giveaway.
I love that you’ve embraced your ‘red’ side! That’s my personal favorite color! However, my signature home colors run in the autumn spectrum – oranges, bronzes, greens and such. Great for the 70’s and 80’s, not so much now with all of the emphasis on cool greys. I have a couple of pieces of artwork – nature photography – that I’ve decorated around and my hubby and I are quite taken with the results. To thine own self be true – especially in your own home.
Jodi says
I too love red as an accent color – seems to make everything brighter!!
Lisa H. says
The herringbone rug is gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve seen one quite like it before.
Red was also my signature color for ages, specifically with red shoes. Honestly, at my passion’s height, about a third of my shoe collection was red, and I still remember my first “splurge” item for my home: four Red dining chairs from IKEA—bought on sale for less than $20 a piece, and assembled by me. I still have them (roughly a decade later), I still love them, and I still don’t regret going bold!
Kim Woodward says
Love it! And I love your splurge items! Red4Life. 😉
Valerie says
I’ve never heard of Annie Selke until now and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. We’re buying our first house and I’m at my desk right now swooning!!
Courtney says
I have to admit. The color red has never been high on my radar but after seeing your beautiful home and eye for decorating, you surely changed my point of view!! I love everything about it!
Kim Woodward says
Aww, thanks Courtney! Red doesn’t HAVE to be your signature color. (Although I highly recommend it.) 😉
Cassie Bustamante says
love your new rugs! and i can’t help thinking of steel magnolias… “mah coluhs are blush and bashful.”
Charmagne says
“Your coluhs are pink and pink!”
Kim Woodward says
It’s been so long since I’ve seen this!