Antique Rug Love: Get the Look

I think I've mentioned before that I'm a lover of area rugs.  I'm always browsing for new, beautiful rug inspiration.  In the first couple years of being homeowners, we removed old carpet, tile and linoleum from our house and stained the concrete, knowing that we'd fill our rooms with great rugs which are also more easily replaceable if need be. Lately, I've been seeing tons on antique rugs all over decorating blogs. They can work with so many different styles. Traditional, rustic and even the more modern, eclectic of spaces. Look at all of this eye candy.

(via Style Me Pretty)

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(via Jacquelyn Clark)

It just so happens that we have some antique rugs. They were my great grandmother's. She was affectionately known as Nana. I never got to meet her but my aunt tells me she was 'a genuine, kind, affirming giant in a tiny, calm package.' Sounds like anyone would have been blessed to know her.

My mom gave us the rugs when we first moved into our house. I love them because they've been walked on by generations. They're at least 100 years old and absolutely beautiful. My aunt and I talked about picturing Nana with a straw broom (lovingly) beating them...the rugs, I mean. : )

One of the rugs has been in our entry way since day one. I love how the reds work so well with the door and it also has green in it which is EVERYWHERE else. Notice Nickerbean 1's circle garland that she has lovingly displayed on our door. Crafty kid.

I recently moved the other rug in to the kitchen. Its naturally distressed and beautiful. The khaki color in our lower cabinets coordinates perfectly with the colors in the rug. It's also a perfect fit for the space.

I quickly searched craigslist and found a few in my area. Just search "antique rug" or "oriental rug".

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Let me tell you, those are a pretty penny. If you aren't into all that history under your feet...like maybe your own ancestors' but maybe not someone else's...I've pulled together a few of the same kind of look from a few places around the web. Some are even distressed to get the look of an antique.

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I think they're great for making a statement in an otherwise neutral space. Thank you Nana for having great taste, taking good care of the rugs and most importantly for the wisdom and sweetness you passed down to your granddaughters.

So, what about you? Do you decorate with any important family heirlooms? If so, what's your favorite piece?

Thanks for reading, friends.

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