
I can’t believe the kids are heading back to school already. My son starts next week, but I’m already in full fall nesting mode. This season I like to add layers and textures: warm throw blankets tossed over chair backs, a seasonal tablecloth in the dining room and a few rugs to make rooms feel cozier.

Our entry has been evolving for years, but lately it finally feels finished. Painting the front door and adding a new rug warmed the space right up and gave the whole area a more cohesive look.
Because we have dogs, indoor/outdoor rugs are a practical choice for us. They’re easy to clean: a quick wipe or, on sunny days, you can take the rug outside and hose it down. (The dogs still get bathed inside.) These rugs suit our casual home with several pups running around.

My new rug is the Samode Rug by Dash & Albert from Rug Studio. Its pattern brings a light, friendly touch without feeling too heavy or wintery. The texture is soft underfoot but durable, and my dogs Jack and Lily really enjoy lounging on it. I’m sure Bella will love it the next time she visits.
Update 2019: I’m proud to share that I designed rugs for Dash & Albert. It was a dream come true to see my patterns produced.

If you missed my post about the fiddle leaf fig I added, you can find that update on my site; it’s been a great addition to the entry and brings life and height to the corner.
Paint details for the space are:
- Wall paint: Studio Taupe by Behr All-in-One
- Door paint: Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
I’ve shared a full list of paint colors and details about our flooring in separate posts, along with a tutorial for the blue DIY bottle lamp pictured in the top photo. Those posts include helpful tips if you’re planning similar updates.
Have you tried indoor-outdoor rugs in your house?

For tips on keeping a clean home with dogs, check my post on that topic.