Choosing the right rug for your living room is imperative in creating a polished and cohesive space. The right sized rug doesn’t just tie the room together; it can elevate your decor making your space feel high-end and intentional.

With so many sizes to choose from, how do you find the perfect one? A simple tip to follow is the ‘front leg rule’.

The Front Leg Rule: A Guide to Rug Sizing

What is the front leg rule? The front leg rule is a practical guideline for selecting the right rug size for your space. It dictates how your furniture interacts with the rug. Here’s how it works:

1. 1. Front Legs on the Rug: Ensure that the front legs of your sofa and chairs are placed on the rug. This helps in grounding the furniture and creating a well planned zone. It anchors the seating area, making it feel like part of a larger, unified space.

1. 1. Rug Extends Past the Sofa: The rug should extend beyond the sides of your sofa and chairs. Ideally, you want the rug to reach a few inches past the furniture on both sides. This not only frames the area nicely, but provides balance and proportion to the room.

1. 1. All Four Legs on the Rug: If space allows, the ideal situation is to have all four legs of the furniture on the rug. This is particularly effective in creating a high-end look, as it offers a sense of completeness and purposefulness.

Why the Right Rug Size Matters

1. 1. Enhances Proportions: A rug that’s too small can make your living room feel disjointed. It can dwarf the space and leave your furniture looking out of place.

1. 1. Create a Purposeful Look: An appropriately sized rug makes your space look like it was designed with intention and thoughtfully curated. It gives the impression of a well-design room rather than one where items were simply plopped down.

1. 1. Define the Space: In an open-concept home, or oversized living room, a rug can act as a visual anchor. A rug will clearly define the seating area and separate it from other zones within the room, creating a more organizing and inviting environment.

Measuring for the Perfect Rug

To get the right size rug, start by measuring your seating area. Consider the following:

1. 1. Measure Your Furniture: Note the dimensions of your sofa, chairs and coffee/side tables.

1. 1. Mark the Area: A great way to easily determine what size rug you need is buy using painters tape to outline the area where you want the rug to be. This is an efficient way to help visualize how the rug will fit with your furniture.

1. 1. Choose the Rug Size: Based on your measurements and these guidelines, select a rug size that accommodates your furniture comfortably. Common sizes for living rooms include 8×10 and 9×12, but can vary depending on your particular space.

Finding the perfect rug size for your living room does not have to be daunting. Follow these simple tips to help guide your decision and see here where I share my guide to practical and stylish family friendly rugs. A well-chosen rug will anchor your space, define your seating area and elevate your decor making your living room thoughtfully designed.

For more of my favorite rugs, check out some of my top picks here.

The post How to Find the Perfect Rug Size for Your Living Room first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen essentials, add some cozy touches to your living space, or invest in practical cleaning tools, there’s something for everyone.

Here are ten Prime Day deals of items I own and love that are definitely worth checking out

1. Rubbermaid BPA-Free Food Storage Set
   • Keep your leftovers fresh and organized with this durable and safe food storage set from Rubbermaid. Perfect for meal prepping and storing snacks, this set is a must-have for my kitchen.
2. Nugget Pebble Ice Maker
   • There is no greater ice than pebble ice. Now you can make it at home with this nugget ice maker. Enjoy your favorite drinks with restaurant-style ice any time you want!
3. Buttery Throw Blanket
   • Snuggle up on the couch with this buttery soft throw blanket. Available in various colors and sizes, it’s perfect for snuggling on the sofa.
4. Handwoven Rattan Storage Boxes
   • Add a touch of coastal elegance to your space with these handwoven rattan storage boxes. Ideal for organizing shelves or adding texture to a room. Personally, I love to hide my Amazon Alexa speaker in it!
5. Bissell Little Green Portable Upholstery Cleaning Machine
   • I am obsessed with this little green machine. Tackle stains and spills effortlessly with this portable upholstery cleaning machine from Bissell. Keep your furniture looking fresh and clean without the hassle.
6. Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
   • Experience the power and convenience of a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner. Perfect for quick clean-ups and reaching those tricky spots around the house, I use mine DAILY.
7. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow Inserts
   • Upgrade your pillows with these pillow inserts from Beckham Hotel Collection. Enjoy hotel-quality comfort and support for a restful night’s sleep.
8. Hand Block Print Cotton Tablecloth
   • I enjoy preparing the table for holidays and special events, and having a lovely assortment of tablecloths enhances the dining experience. I love these hand block printed cotton tablecloths, which come in a range of colorful patterns.
9. LED Cordless Table Lamp
   • Illuminate your space with this sleek and modern LED cordless table lamp. Perfect for adding ambiance to your living room or bedside table without the need for cords.
10. The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details Coffee Table Book
    • Treat yourself to inspiration with this stunning coffee table book. Explore timeless furniture, textiles, and design details that will elevate your home decor.

These Prime Day deals are too good to miss if you’re looking to refresh your home or simply find that perfect addition to your space. Remember, Prime Day offers are for a limited time only, so act fast to snag these fantastic deals while they last!

Happy shopping and happy homemaking!

Visit here for even more of Amazon favorites.

The post My Top 10 Prime Day Deals for Your Home first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

When it comes to art, I find many homeowners make the same mistakes around sizing and placement.

Here are three easy solutions to follow before you go putting holes in your walls.

How Large Should My Art Be?

The Error: Hanging artwork that is too small. (Unfortunately, I see this with rugs often too.)

The Solution: As a general rule of thumb, art can be about 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the piece it is hung above.

How High Should I Hang My Art?

The Error: A common mistake I see as a designer, is homeowners hanging their art way too high.

The Solution: If you’re hanging a single piece of art, the width should be a minimum of half the width of the furniture it’s going over. AND, the art should be hung ~8″ above the piece of furniture. That said, you should also be considering the height of the wall the art is being hung on. If the art is going on the wall without anything beneath it, standard practice shows, the art should hang at around eye level, or 60″ from the floor to the center of the art. But, if the ceiling is high, the art can be hung higher.

How Far Apart Should I Arrange My Wall Art?

The Error: A third mistake I see far too often, is a pair of wall art being hung too far apart.

The Solution: Typically, when hanging art in an arrangement of two or more, each piece should be hung approximately 2″-3″ away from the adjacent pieces.

Now, if you’re in the market for some new art, I’ve previously shared some of my favorite places to buy art online, or, if you prefer to look in person, art is one of my favorite pieces to thrift. You can find some really special, one of a kind pieces on auction sites, local estate sales or at thrift stores.

The post How to Hang Art – Mistakes to Avoid first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

What to consider first when buying a rug for your family home.

Living with children and four legged friends can make decorating a pain for even the most resourceful folks. Fortunately for you, I’ve done the research and have lived to tell the tale. If you want a space that is safe and comfortable, but also beautiful and welcoming, continue reading for my essential tips.

Starting with the foundation of the room, area rugs and carpets, ground a space, act as artwork for the floor and serve to define a specific area of your home.

Young children, pets, and yes, even parents, may spend a great deal of time on the rug – sitting and reading, playing with toys, crawling, etc. As you shop for rugs, it’s important that the carpet be easy to clean, durable and ideally, non-toxic, ie. the rug should really be forgiving.

Subject to spills and accidents, which are inevitable and may happen often, having an easy to clean and durable rug is an absolute must. Rugs can be an investment piece and when you worry about the mess and stains that may occur in high traffic areas, its key to be conscious of the material and pile (how thick) the rug you select is.

Materials to Consider

Wool – Most common material, known for its durability and softness. It’s naturally stain resistant, easy to clean and soft underfoot.

Cotton – An affordable option, cotton, flat-weave rugs are best for kitchens, kids rooms and casual spaces. Try layering them for extra comfort and style.

PET/Polyester (Synthetic) – With time, man-made fibers and improved over the years. These rugs are generally stain resistant, easy to clean, and some can be interchangeable with indoor/outdoor rugs which are created to withstand harsh elements ie. they can hold up to your kids. Overall, they are cost effective, but they won’t look luxurious.

Materials to Avoid

Jute + Sisal (natural fibers) – Though strong and renewable, if you have any fur babies in your house, cats will love to scratch these natural fibers and dogs may be inclined to mark their territory here. Some varieties are coarse and difficult to clean.

Silk – Silk rugs are beautiful and soft but, stain easily. They are also typically expensive to clean (and purchase).

Pile

Pet-friendly rugs, select a rug that has a lower pile with a tight weave. Rugs, like a shag rug, will easily bury pet hairs (and snack crumbs) and are not recommended for high traffic areas that will need to withstand daily wear and tear.

Colors + Patterns

Some pet accidents happen overnight, and some spills are not immediately noticed. Selecting a busier patterned or multi-colored rug can help disguise stains. Some people go as far as matching the color of their rug to their pet’s fur to hide shedding. This however, is not an invitation to stop vacuuming. You should vacuum at least once a week to keep your rug fresh.

Keep everyone in your home happy by choosing a practical and stylish rug. For additional family friendly offerings, check out my sofa guide.

The post A Guide to Practical and Stylish Family Friendly Rugs first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

You probably have noticed I make it a point to source as many sustainable and eco-friendly items as possible. However, there are times when I find myself clicking ‘check out now’ on Amazon to secure that 2-day delivery on a ‘needed yesterday’ type of item.

This month, I’ve started by Amazon Storefront, which I’ll continue to update a few times each month. There are quite a few Amazon favorites that have been my family’s go-to’s that I’m excited to keep all in one simple place for ordering. These favorite items vary from home, fashion and must haves for Wesleigh.

I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Please, let me know what products you’re shopping for most and if you’d be interested in a monthly, Amazon favorites or ‘what I bought from amazon’ series where I share all of my recommended purchases.

The post Discover my Amazon Favorites in my New Shop first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Five plus, women-owned businesses to support during Mother’s Day and throughout the year.

As you shop both large and small retailers for Mother’s Day, and for other holidays during the year, consider supporting one of the following amazing women-preneurs next time you need a giftable item. Or, are just looking to gift yourself a special treat.

FOR THE KIDDOS

Cre8ive Crayons – As seen in Wesleigh’s Easter basket.

WHO My name is Susan Goldman and I was born and raised in Philadelphia and now reside in Hoboken, NJ with my husband and 6 year old daughter.

WHAT We are a mother daughter duo inspiring tech free and imaginary play with our non-toxic, personalized crayons for the little Cre8ives in your life.

WHY I was in the fashion industry for over 25 years and was furloughed at the beginning of the pandemic. My Daughter and I did crafts everyday together during quarantine and one day we made crayons and gave them to her friends. They loved them so a few months later after much R and D we started selling our crayons locally. Then people began to ask for us to send them as gifts all over the US and our Etsy shop began this past October.

Follow Susan on IG here

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Becca The Dietitian

WHO Becca. I live in Philadelphia, PA with my dog, Beau, and my husband. In my free time I love to exercise, try new recipes, go to the beach, and spend time with friends and family!

WHAT I provide nutritional counseling/medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, heart disease, weight management, GI disorders, and more. I currently accept PA insurances but can also work virtually with clients from anywhere in the world.

WHY I’ve been a registered dietitian for five years and have worked in a variety of clinical settings. I decided to launch my private practice during quarantine to help people (remotely) who are struggling with a new to existing chronic disease make diet and lifestyle changes. I’m excited to be able make my own hours, be my own boss, and help people transition into a healthier lifestyle in the community setting!

Follow Becca on IG here

Pilates with Amanda

WHO My name is Amanda Baker and I started out as an actress in NYC. I needed a way to earn a living and always loved doing pilates. I started when I was 15 and have been doing it ever since. I wanted to help people feel as good as pilates made me feel and I’ve always been lazy so I wanted to give people hope that if I can do it, so can they!

WHAT Pilates with Amanda is based in NYC where I teach clients private pilates classes via zoom and in-person.

WHY I started the business because I wanted to inspire people to move and feel good. Pilates is for every one and every body, literally. I’ve taught such a gamut of people and love seeing how they transform both physically and mentally after a few lessons.

Follow Amanda on IG here

HOME

La Dentelliere – A favorite local shop, mentioned here, here and here.

WHO Michelle Anderson, Entrepreneur, Owner and CEO of La Dentelliere since 1985.

WHAT Specialty Gift and Home Accessories Shop offering imported items from France, Italy, Germany, England etc, all personally selected and curated.

WHY My Business began out of Passion and Love for All things Beautiful! It is very important for me to share this with my customers.

Follow Michelle on IG here

Laurel and Vine – Nothing makes me happier than seeing luxury brands commit to the environment.

WHO My name is Steph. I am mama to a sassy 2.5 year old daughter, Charlie, wife to an amazing partner, and a clean energy venture capital investment manager. I am passionate about 2 things – leaving a healthier earth for our babies and simple little luxuries done exquisitely. 

WHAT Laurel & Vine is a passion project that I’ve built on my core values – the environment and community – that embodies an understated, luxurious aesthetic.  Laurel & Vine candles are the most eco-conscious option you’ll find and are hand blended with modern sophisticated fragrances. The cherry on top? Our business is carbon neutral, plastic free, and we direct proceeds straight to impact non profits across the community. 

WHY After years spent searching for a light and bright candle that was free from hormone disrupters like phthalates AND petroleum products like paraffins, I was ultimately left empty handed. The products I found were too rustic-chic for my taste and that still contained hidden nasties (like candles branded as natural coco-soy that actually contained petroleum paraffin). So I decided to make what I was looking for myself. Laure & Vine was born. We make candles better and give back doing it. 

Follow Steph on IG here

FASHION

Letter Story Bracelets – One of my favorite personalized gift-able items, I’ve shared about on IG.

WHO Gabrielle Stella my background is in fashion. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always had a passion for clothes, shoes, handbags and of course jewelry!

WHAT Everyone has a story, why not wear it on your wrist? My bracelet line was created to make people feel great! The fun part is designing something that you’ll love to wear! Whether it be an affirmation, initials or name anything is possible!

WHY I started this line to highlight the good moments that stand out in people’s lives and when you look down at your bracelet it’s a reminder of what life is all about!

Follow Gabrielle on IG here

What are some of your favorite women owned businesses to support year round? Share your favorites below!

The post Five+ Women-Owned Businesses to Support first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Five essential items for styling your nightstand.

I like tchotchkes. Little collectable items picked up from travels, hand-painted dishes, leather catch all trays, you name it; I enjoy filling my home with precious items that are inspiring and remind me of a happy memory.

However, when it comes to nightstand styling, I believe in the theory a cluttered nightstand equals a cluttered mind. This is not backed by science, but I find I get a better night sleep with less on my bedside table than when I displayed too many knickknacks.

To keep my bedside table in check, I’ve narrowed down five essentials to include

Include Lighting

I’m a huge fan of layered lighting. It adds a warm and sophisticated element to a room, and it allows you to have much more control over how much light is on and when. The light on your nightstand will most likely be the tallest feature on your table but keep in mind, you’ll also want room for necessities like a water glass and eyeglasses. Alternatively, if you are short on space, you could opt for a wall sconce instead of a table lamp.

Add Greenery

I can’t stress this enough. It is crucial to add greenery into your home. Whether it’s on your coffee table or nightstand, adding a natural element such as fresh cut flowers in a beautiful vase really enlivens the space.

Incorporate Vintage Decorative items, Personal Effects or Books

Use a leather catch all or trinket dish to hold your jewelry, glasses or watch at the end of the day.

Display art or photos that makes you smile

Many people like having a photo of their loved ones on their nightstand, and for good reason. Depending on the size of your table, spring for a large frame (this can be balanced with a vase of flowers and/or books) or, go smaller and place the photo on a tray with personal effects and a bud vase.

Try a Candle/Diffuser

For me, lighting a candle when the sun sets marks the end of a day and diffusing lavender oil as I prepare for bed helps me unwind and relax. (just don’t leave the candle burning and don’t sleep with the diffuser on).

Are you a minimalist or maximalist with your nightstand styling? What are the essentials you keep out on your bedside table?

The post 5 Easy Ways to Style Your Nightstand first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Although I tend to keep our home as cozy as possible during the year, it’s always fun to switch up some décor pieces to kick things up a bit without being too intensely themed. Fall into the season with my favorite neutral decorating accents that will add a touch of autumn to your home.

The post Fall Decorating Ideas first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Our formal living room is the first room you see as you enter our home. It has transitioned from mostly playroom to mostly quiet, living space, with a few hidden toys for Wesleigh. The bulk of the furniture in this space has traveled with us from apartment to apartment, city to city but we still need a console, art and rug to really ground and round out the room. I love anything with geometric patterns and have been coveting this console.

Our home office has gotten a lot more action the past six months and lighting in that room is an issue. Although we have a nice big window, there is no recessed lights, so a task light is a must. I fell in love with this table lamp from the new Kara Mann collection at CB2 that I plan on incorporating into the design. 

Wesleigh’s room is mostly complete, eventually I’d like to layer a rug under her current Madeline Weinrib flat weave, but until then, what we really need in her room is a bookshelf or etagere to store and display items. I’ve always loved this rattan wrapped shelf from Serena and Lily.

Wesleigh’s Bathroom is one of my favorite rooms in our home thanks to the gorgeous Mokum La Palma print wallpaper. With the exception of a few final touches, this space is actually the most complete in the house. I just need to hang a photo, throw in appropriate wastebasket and accessories and can officially close the door on this room.

Our master bedroom is also slowly coming along, at this point, we need some art and window treatments but I’d first like an area rug. There’s nothing like stepping out of bed with bare feet onto a soft and cozy surface. This braided rug from Rugs USA looks like a chunky knit sweater and it’s made of wool and cotton so it will hold up to any wear and tear from Wesleigh and Tucker running around.

The post Friday Five | 09.11.2020 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Alphabet Soup

Place letters/numbers (foam) into a water bin for your child to scoop out with ladles. This works as a great bath activity as well.

Bubble Water Play

Gather a few buckets/containers or set up at an outdoor water table. Fill the buckets with water and your preferred soap (we’re big fans of Babo Botanicals as mentioned in my registry guide), toss in a few foam shapes or letters and let your child reach in for the objects or scoop them out with a shovel.

Ice Grab

This is a highly sensory activity so it may be very engaging for some children and not so much for others. If the cold bothers your child, have them try it while wearing gloves. To play, all you need is a bowl of ice, tongs or a spoon, an ice tray/egg carton and a large container. Show your child how to grab the ice and transfer the pieces into the tray. The melted water will remain contained in the larger bin.

*Bonus, you can add a bit of food coloring and when everything melts, you now have a water bin to continue playing with.

Color Mixing

Set up a large container with ice. Add a few squirts of paint into a squirt bottle – perhaps start with only primary colors. Add water to the paint and fill the bottles. Invite your child to squirt the bottles into the ice and discover different color combinations. They’ll observe how red and yellow make orange, proudly share

Draw in the Tub

Bathtub crayons are a fun way to add art to tub time.

Garden Soup

Explore your neighborhood or yard and have your child pick flowers, petals and grass. Invite them to prepare the garden soup by filling a bowl/container with the items , a terrific pretend play set-up that allows children to create all sorts of concoctions in the backyard.Have them snip leaves, flowers and grass, scoop, pour and mix the items into a large bowl of ‘soup’ to strengthen their fine and gross motor skills.

Spoon it Out

Perfect for bath time or set up outdoors, spoon it out is a simple way to keep kids entertained with objects you already have around the house. With any lid or object that floats, place the items into the tub or in a large bowl/container of water. Give your child a large spoon and have them spoon out the objects.

Squeeze Sponges

Provide sponges of different sizes for your child to absorb, transfer and squeeze water out of the sponges. Provide two bins, one with water, and one without. This is a great activity to promote fine motor development.

Painting With Water

To set up, all you need is a bin/bucket or a few cups of water and some paintbrushes so your child may ‘paint’ outside on your patio, driveway or sidewalk on a warm day, or indoors at a chalkboard.

Pom Pom Water Bin

Pom poms are amazing because they’re reusable – they can get wet and dry perfectly. Grab two large bins, fill one with water and the other with the pom pom balls. Provide scoops, spoons and cups and let your child take over, transferring the poms from dry bin to water bin.

*Dry the poms by ringing them out and placing in a pillowcase. Tie a knot at the end, wash in a normal load and dry with head (always within the pillowcase). Busy Toddler swears by this method.  

The post At Home, Hands on Water Activities first appeared on Lindsey Boova.