Fun with Photoshop and a Chance to Vote, Too!
Written by stephanie on January 21st, 2009As Julio will tell you, I’m not exactly decisive. I tend to agonize over the simplest decisions. Sadly, this is especially true when it comes to rehabbing the bungalow.
I can spend months researching something as simple as a kitchen faucet. But even if I do eventually place an order, I will drive myself crazy wondering if I’ve made the right decision. I’m always absolutely certain I could have found something better – the “perfect” whatever – if only I’d searched a little bit longer.
What does this any of this have to do with Photoshop, you ask? Well, we really need to find a rug for the girls’ playroom. As you’ve seen in recent photos, the floor up there is rather bare and uninviting.
playroom in its current state
I’d love for Chloe and Ginger to be able to sprawl out comfortably while they play or read books, but that isn’t really an option on the cold hard floor.
As for what I’m looking for in a rug, I suppose I do have some ideas. For example I’m fairly certain I want some sort of pattern or print. I’m also pretty sure I’d prefer a rectangular rug to a round or oval-shaped rug, as that would provide the girls with more sprawl space.
The playroom has PLENTY of green in it already, so I think something black, white and/or pink would make more of an impact than something predominantly green.
The rug should be soft and comfy but also shouldn’t be so babyish that the girls will outgrow it in a year or two. Size-wise, I think 5′ x 8′ would be about perfect.
Did I mention that I don’t want to spend a bundle?
A pretty long list, I know. You’d think such a long list would narrow the field a bit, but honestly, it doesn’t. Basically, I’m now considering hundreds of rugs vs. the thousands I was considering prior to creating this list. So that’s where YOU can help. I’m thinking I should take a poll.
Maybe it’s inauguration fever, but I thought I would “rock the vote” and ask if any of the rugs below strike your fancy. Or do you think I should run straight back to the drawing board? (And by “drawing board,” I mean Google image search and Photoshop!)
So, what do you think?
Do any of these scream “Pick me! I’m perfect!” or do they all leave you wanting to demand a recall?
White and Black Damask
Black and White Damask
Black with White Dots
Black and White Floral
Zebra Stripe
Large Pink and White Dots
Black and White Swirl (Whoa!)
solid round rug
Pink and Green Circles
21
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I’m a fan of the B&W swirl.
21
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Somehow, Andy, that doesn’t surprise me a bit.
21
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Although I like the damask rugs, I think the pink and green circles look most appropriate for a playroom. I like how they echo the lamps. But maybe I’m swayed by the fact that it’s what my own daughters would have liked when they were younger.
21
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The pink and white polka dot rug is fine. The room needs some plants and maybe a fish tank. Plants please.
21
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Try a jut rug.
21
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Thanks Lisa! My six year old likes that one quite a bit too. Her other favorite, interestingly enough is the pink and white dot rug Tiny White Bungalow voted for.
I think it will be awhile before we can even think about adding any plants or a fish tank. Ginger is only a year and a half old and she’s into EVERYTHING lately. I have visions of her eating the potting soil and dumping the fish out on the floor! Yikes!
I don’t think jute will work at this point – they’re both still pretty little – I’d like something soft and comfy that they can lay on comfortably. I think jute, sea grass and the like are just too scratchy for tiny tummies.
21
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If we had to go with the ones here, I would agree with Lisa and go with the pink and white polka dot rug.
Just thinking about practicality and something that will last, black and white on a kid’s room floor sounds like it might last 1 1/2 hours or so before displaying the marks of child’s play…Good luck!
21
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I like the pink and green circles mostly because we have rugs with black on them and they don’t look good unless vacuumed often due to lint, hair, dust, etc.
But who knows, you may be a vacuuming freak and the I like the black pink and white dots one too!
22
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i like the white & black damask and the pink and green circles, for what it’s worth. and your bookshelf cubbies!
22
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The rug with the pink and green circles gets my vote. Love it!
22
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Ok so I like them all whichever you decide will look good, having said that I too share my home with shedding pets and even if you vacumm all the time solid dark carpet or most solid dark or dark background can be a bit trying- used to have a navy blue carpet that drove me nuts!
I would vote White and Black Damask
)
or White and balck Floral- you get the black which looks great with everything you’ve already done but not as tough to keep from turning pug color -just my 2 cents
22
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I like the white and black damask and the large pink and white dots. Definitely something with black. Probably the dots are more kiddy and playful. What I really want to know is how you keep the playroom so clean?!
22
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Black and white dots!
22
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I vote for the pink & green circles. It has that softer feel for little girls.
22
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I haven’t visited your blog in quite a while, but I am having fun doing so now
I personally think the black and white dots adds just the right amount of visual punch. It also grounds the room graphically.
My second favorite is the large pink and white dots.
Your home is beautiful. I am sure no matter what rug you choose, it will be tasteful and fun!
22
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My first choice was the black with white dots, but then I saw the one with the large white and pink dots. Then there’s the pink and green circles, which doesn’t have the black I was looking for, but I do have to say it looks great.
Overall, I think the black with white and pink dots ties the room together perfectly. There, decision made. Place the order before I change my mind!
22
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Either the Pink and Green Circles or the Large Pink and White Dots. I think I lean toward the Pink and Green Circles… yeah – that one.
22
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First choice, black and white damask, it really does look lovely with the photos and wall coloring. My second choice would be the pink and green circles, though I don’t envy you keeping that one clean! Nice photoshop work Stephanie!
23
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I love the first choice, white and black damask. Looks great and won’t seem too young when the girls get older. Second choice is the 2nd one, black and white damask.
23
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I like the damasks the best – black and white because it is less likely to show up dirt, so more practical, and white and black because it looks so great with the border. But, I also like the large white and pink circles
What do the girls like?
24
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Another vote for the large pink and white dots (second choice black and white dots). The green rug looks too busy for my taste, as I love the clean lines in your playroom.
24
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Your house is seriously one of the coolest ever!
24
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I love the black with the pink and white dots. Dots are quite in!!!!
24
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I think the darker color rugs tend to make the room look a little too dark… I vote for the pink and green because it’s colorful and light. If you could find one that does have light colors but no green, that might work out your “overly green” issue.
24
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White and Black Damask or Pink and Green Circles
25
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I vote pink and green circles and squares! I love your playroom and dream of having something similar. We are currently undergoing a drawn out playroom wall dilemma. I am tempted by the apple green you have in yours.
Cheers!
25
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I love the pink and white dots, but my 2nd choice would be the black and white damask. Such a difficult choice!
27
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I vote for the White and Black Damask, though I don’t think you can make a wrong choice here. I’m a sucker for high contrast area rugs, though the big black stripes in my area rug drive me nuts when I’m trying to get it clean!
27
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Cottager likes the first one – white and black damask. I like it too, but I think definately the pink and green circles. It is bright and fun and perfect for the room.
31
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Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful comments. There’s a lot to digest here – I’ll be sure to respond in a new post.
23
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We are in the process of making our attic into a playroom for our two girls as well, and LOVE LOVE LOVE your design! I am going to try to replicate it as much as possible, but know my limitations!! I found the fabric you used, but I’m hoping you might share the paint color??? Thanks for the inspiration!!!
23
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Hi Seana,
Glad you like it!
A full list of the colors used throughout our house can be found here:
http://bungalowinsanity.com/2007/11/16/paint-color-postpaint-color-post
The color on the playroom walls is called Pekoe Tea. It was a Miller Paint color. They changed their palette last year though, and this color is no longer in their fan deck (although they have the recipe in their database and can still mix it for you.)
If you don’t have a Miller Paint store in your area, I believe Duron is another company that uses that same color palette.
The other thing you could do is bring a piece of your “Spirodots” fabric to your local paint store and have them do a custom mix for you — matching the paint color to the green in the green polka dots. That may be your best bet, actually. I bought a little extra polka dot fabric to make pillows a few months ago (after I’d made the other polka pieces for our upstairs) and it ended up not really matching all that well – different dye lots I guess. So you are going to want a green that matches your polka dots, and Pekoe Tea might not match since every batch of fabric is slightly different.
With a custom mix, you will get something very close to the green in your fabric. It doesn’t cost extra to have a custom mix made, although sometimes you might have to come back the next day to pick it up. I would definitely recommend having the mix done at a reputable paint store (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, etc.) vs. a home improvement center because they will work to get you the closest match possible. At a Home Depot or Lowe’s the end result of a custom mix can be a little unpredictable.
Hope this helps!
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Thanks so much! I ordered the spirodots, and although it’s too bad that they don’t make that paint color anymore, I think you are right about the dye lots, and the color match process will prob be best. Thanks again!!!
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You’re welcome. Good luck! Please send photos when you’re done – I’d love to see how it turns out.
14
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Where did you get those adorable flower print pillows?
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Hi Lilly’s Mommy. The pillows were a total fluke. I saw them in a big cardboard box marked “clearance” at our grocery store, of all places. (Fred Meyer, just in case you live on the west coast.) The colors were right and they were ridiculously cheap – I don’t remember exactly – maybe $4.99 each – too good to pass up!
They’re actually embroidered with light pink, dark pink and green thread – not printed, and they’ve got pink pompoms too. The girls love them!
22
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I love this playroom. Can you tell me where you got the toy chests..
22
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Thank you, Ruby.
I found them at Linens-n-Things before they went out of business.
I wanted a place to store dress-clothes and stuffed animals. I’d looked at few toyboxes, but they looked really babyish and I wanted something the girls could use for awhile. I also liked the safety hinges – no pinched fingers! I think I got them about a year ago and I think they were $79 each although I remember using a 20% off coupon I’d gotten in the mail.
LNT went out of business, but now they are back as an internet-only enterprise, so maybe they still carry them online?
The most similar thing I’m seeing after a quick google search is:
http://www.csnstores.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=KL1081&refid=YP49-KL1081
26
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love this room! where did you get the 8 unit cubby?
26
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Thank you Leena. The shelf is nothing special – just the mid-sized Expedit shelf from IKEA turned on its side (in their catalogue it’s upright.)
27
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thanks for the response! i think i’m going to have to steal your idea if you don’t mind
target has similar looking storage chests/benches. what a fun room!
27
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I definitely don’t mind! Send photos when you’re done – I’d love to see them!
15
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Wow i love the room. Im very interested in where you got the black with white polka dot rug?
15
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Hi Sheli –
Thanks! The one that is black with white dots (not the one with both black and pink dots) is from the Pottery Barn Teens web site.
28
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I like the large pink and white dots, it looks fun and inviting for the children to have fun! I am looking for storage ideas and I love your white bins on either side of the book care, may I ask where you got them? Thanks!
28
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Hi Steacy,
I found them at Linens-n-Things before they went out of business. They relaunched their web site awhile back so you might try there. Otherwise, if you read through the comments on this post:
http://bungalowinsanity.com/2008/08/16/playroom-progress/
there are links to several other similar storage benches posted there. Good luck!
27
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I love this playroom! What paint color did you use for the walls and where did you buy those adorable pink lamps?
27
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Hi Lindsey,
The lamps are from IKEA. I used their $5 Skimra shades in dark pink: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60154136
Then I used double-sided tape to attach a length of beaded ribbon along the bottom edge of the shade and used grosgrain ribbon around the shade between the dark and light portion. You can see what I’m talking about here:
http://bungalowinsanity.com/2008/08/16/i-heart-ikea-hacker/
As for the paint, the playroom wall color is called Pekoe Tea (7673M). It was a Miller Paint color before they switched to another palette.
Duron is another company that offers this color: http://www.materials-world.com/paint-colors/duron/duron_colors_14.htm
6
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Ha ha ha … thats an good idea.
27
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I’m a 14 year old girl.
they will never outgrow a animal pattern, plus it looks very nice in the room. I love this idea, i like it for my own bedroom 
Can you share where you got the furniture?
and i really like the zebra stiped rug. Your girls will grow up and still enjoy it
27
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oh, i read through the comments.
haha, never mind on the furniture part! but i still really like this room, im re-doing my bedroom soon, and i want something like this!
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Hi Em –
Thanks so much! I would LOVE to see a photo of your room when you’re done with it, if you feel like sharing. Have fun!!!
14
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Rory picks the pink and white dots and I pick the b/w damask.
17
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Thanks Gretchan and Rory! We did finally pick a rug over the holidays. Now I just need to vacuum it so I can post a photo! It’s wool and keeps shedding! Thanks for checking out the blog!