Do you want the good or bad news first?
Okay, bad news. Everyone always wants the bad news first.
Remember this rug?
Pretty, right? Turns out it was killing me slowly. Don’t freak out if you have a jute rug. Weird and bizarre things happen to me all of the time. The weird and bizarre things are part of the reason I write this blog.
I was sick almost all of November and December with sinus infections. 30 days of antibiotics and 2 rounds of steroids led to a CT of my sinuses which showed chronic inflammation. Allergy testing revealed allergies to dust mites and dogs. I bought the appropriate dust mite proof bedding. I was fairly confident that I was not allergic to Ike (My symptoms didn’t change around him. I did notice symptoms around dogs that shed.).
After taking care of all of that, I was still congested at certain times and just didn’t feel well. I started paying more attention to the times I was I didn’t feel well. Many of those times came after being in the living room. I then pieced together the attack of the burlap and the fact that jute and burlap are closely related. (I’m going to talk to my allergist about this at my next appointment because these fibers weren’t something that was tested.)
We removed the rug from the living room. Bam. Symptoms were gone. I feel like a whole new person.
So bad news. My rug was homicidal.
Good news? I can buy a new rug. I sold the jute killer on Craigslist along with the small rug that was it’s predecessor. Which leaves me about $50 shy of buying this guy.
Source: rugsusa.com via Michelle on Pinterest
Rug buying make me nervous. They are such an investment. Nate is an accounting zombie so I can’t rely on him for anything. Ike just wants more bones.
So, what do you think? Do you like this rug? Do you have a patterned rug? The pattern is the only thing holding me back. Any other fantastic suggestions? (I need ~8x10 for size. And preferably less than $250.)
Ever had a piece of home decor turn to the dark side?
That sucks about your jute rug, but I like this one. I think the pattern will look great in there and it looks softer than the other :)
ReplyDeleteI love the rug. It's beautiful! I just bought a graphic patterned rug for my living room. I was scared at first too but I'm so happy that I did.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!
Wow. That's crazy. I have never heard of anyone having an allergic reaction to a jute rug. Good to hear you got it all sorted out and as for the new rug? I like it. I think it will bring a lot of color to the space without being to over powering.
ReplyDeleteBoo for a killer rug! Glad you're not allergic to Ike. I'm all for figuring out what works & doesn't work for you body, regardless of doctor opinions / allergy tests and just go with that.
ReplyDeleteMy first instinct when I saw the new rug was that it would look really nice in your living room! I love the blue. The only patterned rug I have is a tan and off-white chevron, so it's not exactly the boldest pattern, but I LOVE it!
I think that pattern will look fun and add a nice pop of color to the room without being overwhelming. Also, I'm sorry you're never allowed to visit me, because I have three shedding dogs and about 4 jute rugs ;)
ReplyDeletelove the new rug. wish I lived closer (the other side of Iowa) to help you but I would buy that rug. love the colors in it for your room. ang
ReplyDeletei always balk on rug buying, too- especially with kids and pets.... it makes me so nervous! i love the one you have chosen- the colors are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI like that one. I think it will look great in the room.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh no about the jute. I'm allergic to everything and now I'm wondering if I shouldn't even try to get one.
You might be able to find a "faux" jute rug, if you're only going for the look. I think the texture would collect dust though, so if you're allergic to dust it might be a problem.
DeleteElaine in Ark
For me it was a down comforter. DH told me not to buy it, because we live in hot Houston. Turns out I was allergic to down. Love the new rug.
ReplyDeleteI also replaced our down comforter with a wool one because wool is naturally dust mite resistant.
DeleteI have a down alternative comforter. My washer/dryer has an allergy setting, so it gets ultra-clean.
DeleteKiller carpets. If I had a dollar for everytime I heard that one...
ReplyDeleteBoo about the jute rug but I hear ya with the allergies. Our Christmas tree tried to kill me this year and that was a bummer.
ReplyDeleteI like the new possible rug - it's a fun pop of color :)
allergies are such a pain - I had to discover the hard way that I was allergic to steroids in a cream I had been given to treat a skin allergy - only once my whole face was inflamed and I couldn't open 1 eye did the Dr finally agree to do tests!
ReplyDeleteAnd I sympathise on the rug choices, it is so hard to decide when you can't see it in situ - I bought a beautiful bold handwoven rug in Morocco - and then had second thoughts and didn't take it out the packaging for 3 months - when eventually I was brave enough to get it out, I hated it, now, a year later I love it!!
That stinks about the jute rug! Buuuttt... I think I like the new one better!
ReplyDeleteJesse gets really bad allergies that turn into sinus infections quite often but refuses to go to the allergist. Men.
Darn allergies! Glad you were able to figure out what was causing it. Now, I'm scared, because I know burlap makes my allergies go bunkers, and I will be getting my new jute rug probaly sometime next week. I love pattern rugs, but I'm afraid you can't quite change things around with them ( case in point, my red rug!) I do love the Ikat print though, very modern. Good luck on your search, personally, I hate rug shopping. Have considered a chenille rug? A bit pricey, but they give you the neutral color a jute rug does as well.
ReplyDeleteI love that rug! Do it!
ReplyDeleteI want to inappropriately touch your new rug. I can't wait to see a picture of it irl in your room.
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame about the rug. At least you figured out the problem AND it justifies going shopping! Yay! Love the rug you chose! If you really love it, it will be worth paying more.
ReplyDelete-Shelley
ooo i liked simplicity of the jute rug but maybe a patterned rug will spice up your life? (LOL spicegirls)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! I was sick for 2 months and only discovered that I was allergic to the cute pine cone & basket arrangement when I put the Christmas stuff away. I had that stupid basket out all the time, but I was kind of tired of it, so I decided to call it "seasonal" and pack it way. I picked it up and could just feel my chest tightening. Out it went. Another plus - my dog's breathing cleared up, too. Poor little guy was also allergic to them. Now we're both breathing easy, although I have a HUGE case of the I'm-a-bad-dog-mom guilt.
ReplyDeleteGlad you figured out what was killing you. I like the replacement rug much better.
Elaine in Ark
That is crazy! Glad you all are doing much better!
DeleteYou poor thing :(. I am so glad you figured out what was slowly killing you!! I personally love this rug, I think the splash of color/pattern is going to be killer in your living room since the majority of colors/furnishings are all neutral. Can't wait to see what you decide!
ReplyDeleteCute rug! I guess it depends if the new rug goes with your couch cushions - at least it seems compatible with Ike! ;-)
ReplyDeleteKiller furniture really is bad - I once had a kitchen counter that always attacked me and gave me bruises, ha ha.
Pattern rugs are way fun. I like your choice here. Sometimes those online sales like Joss & Main have great prices on rugs, but I'm usually not patient enough. Good luck. I can't wait to see what you choose!
ReplyDeleteI like that rug! and I think your living room needs some muted colours, so I say giver
ReplyDeleteFYI- I recently realized I was allergic to shrimp. so sad :(
Ive never had a jute rug. No idea if it would bother me since I do have pet/dust/pollen type allergies
Story of my life. Well not the killer rug issue, but the fear of buying a rug online. Totally used to scare the heck out of me. Note my posts (http://retroranchrenovation.blogspot.com/2013/01/taking-riskon-rugs.html). But I am glad I finally took the plunge, and honestly, I like the possible new rug even better than that dangerous jute one! Doooooooo it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you figured it out!! My husband has been having sinus infection issues for the past two months... Perhaps I need to play detective too! I'm sure your new rug will look lovely in the space (and won't try to kill you). :)
ReplyDeleteugh. this is something that would happen to me. Although it really stinks that you were sick for that long and you had to get rid of your rug- I would be really excited to get back to shopping and breathing regularly!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you've been sick for so long. I thought the bad news was going to be that you had to get rid of Ike because of your allergies. I would take him. He like airplane rides, right? I am loving the rug you chose. The only thing I would keep in mind is whether or not it relates to what you have in the room and surrounding areas. From the pics I've seen you mostly have solid neutral colors so it seems like it would work fine. I love that you are putting a rug over carpet since I've been singing its praises for awhile (not everyone feels the same).
ReplyDeleteI love your blog because you are so funny! This post cracked me up! I love the rug you are looking at, it will add a pop of color without being overbearing and loud. Good luck!
ReplyDelete-Sarah
{limitedspaceorganizing.blogspot.com}
I think that rug would look fabulous in your space and really add color and a cool pattern in there!! Now go buy it and put up a new pic already! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, what breed is your doggie? Love him!!
ReplyDeleteHe's a Wire Fox Terrier!
DeleteI cannot believe your RUG was making you sick!! I'm glad you figured it out. As for the rug - I think we have similar tastes in decorating - I have a rug in our living room that has a really subtle print and I LOVE it. That rug seems a bit more "crazy", but, I do like it!!! I can't wait to see what you decide to do!!
ReplyDeleteI'm uber impressed that you were able to narrow it down to eliminate the culprit. Good detective work! I love patterned rugs and since all your furniture is non=patterned it will look great. Do it!
ReplyDeleteBuying rugs is my least favorite thing to do. I seem to only like the really expensive ones, and I can never justify paying tons for a rug.
ReplyDeleteAlso if it makes you feel better, I had to ditch our jute rug too. It wasn't killing me, but my dogs thought it was grass. Yeah it was a nightmare. We still have 1 jute rug left in the bedroom, but the dogs only lay on it so it's staying.
Lots to ponder in this post. I like the potential new rug, but mostly I'm wondering if I have something I am allergic too... I've had sinus troubles off and mostly on for the past 9 months.
ReplyDeleteBliss
Pretty sure you crack me up. That sucks about the rug but yay being forced to buy a new one!! I like that rug. You should go for it. :)
ReplyDeleteMake sure you look on Overstock for your rug! They often carry all the brand name rugs for much cheaper than they sell for regularly. I've gotten several Safaviehs for 1/2 off! You should also be able to find a discount code to couple with it. :)
ReplyDeleteOMG! Thank goodness you figured it out!
ReplyDeleteI love the new rug. Go for it!
Wow! I love that rug and think it would work so well for your space & I'm so glad your feeling better!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Sorry to hear about your homicidal rug. Glad you figured out the problem though!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad you don't live closer to me, I'm thinking about selling my dining room rug that you love so much. I'd ship it to you I'm pretty sure the shipping would cost $250 alone!
LOL! That is hilarious and deadly. Interested to hear some sources, I too am on the hunt for a new rug.
ReplyDeleteOh! I didn't read this post until just now, which is funny considering what i just posted today. Apparently our jute rug was trying to kill Andy! I'm starting to suspect there's evil living in the heart of jute. I wonder if wool would be better?
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow allergy sufferer, I feel you. Too bad the good lookin' rug was so hostile towards you. I like the new alternative and hopefully that one does not have homicidal tendencies.
ReplyDeleteThat's so crazy! Definite bonus that you get a new rug out of it. Might have been worth the near-death experience, right?
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is currently replacing patterned rugs purchased from Pottery Barn about 10 years ago with something a bit more neutral (though it does have navy & white stripes), just remember that the color palette in the rug will dictate the color palette in the room -- and any adjoining rooms open to the room -- for a long time. For me, it was 10 years. And 10 years ago reds and greens and jewel tones were all the rage ... colors that I'm currently eradicating from my home.
ReplyDelete:) Linda
Whoa, that's kind of crazy... Glad you figured it out and that you lived to tell about it!
ReplyDeleteSorry your rug tried to kill you. But it's good that your super sleuth skills kicked into gear and you figured out the culprit. Buy that rug. I like it.
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