5 Bedroom Refresh Tips from Erin Kern Cotton Stem
5 Key Bedroom Refresh Tips
by Super Mom of 4 girls and leading Farmhouse Designer, Erin Kern.
1. Form Over Function
When choosing a rug, I’m a bit more form over function so first and foremost it needs to fit my space. If the rug doesn't match your cute blue bottle collection, what's the point, right?
2. But Function's Important Too
I want a rug that will fit my family’s lifestyle. This is a combination of hiding the inevitable stains and a rug with a pile that’s just soft enough for tickle fights with my girls but not so long that I can’t clean it properly.
3. Be Interesting and Original
I look for original, interesting designs and color patterns. That is why I’m obsessed with my vintage vibe Well Woven rugs, especially my Maxwell Blue! It fits the bill for my personal taste and style while still being neutral enough to blend seamlessly into our home.
4. Shop smart!
Quality for price is so important when you're on a budget. You can get a beautiful rug that's plush and dense for crazy low prices...if you know where to look.
5. Don't Forget The Pinch-and-Pull.
Upon arrival, I immediately pinch on and pull at the fibers of new rugs to see just how much they are going to shed. Naturally, there will be a bit of shedding no matter what, but a good machine-made one should barely shed at all.
Interior decorator and Instagram darling Erin Kern is all about family.
It's her #1, always.
Is there any parent who hasn't paused and said, "But what if the kids break it / spill food on it / spit up on it?" Living your best life with your family shouldn't mean you don't get to have a gorgeous space, and a gorgeous space shouldn't mean you can't enjoy time with your family. "Beautiful design should be comfortable, affordable and, most importantly, bring peace to you and your family. Because I'm pretty sure they're your "why," too." Erin's Cotton Stem Collection with Well Woven is curated with family in mind, always.
This partnership came about because Well Woven rugs help give Erin everything she needs to create beautiful, affordable spaces where families can come together.
Above style, above anything, it's so important to Erin that her stellar decorations create a make a warm, loving space for her littles. "I’ve always loved creating great styled spaces but as my kids have taken over my house, my style has grown more comfortable and functional. I still love a great design or a styled space, but it has to be functional and make sense for my large family. It’s like a little puzzle for me; I have to figure out how to create original, unique looks without constantly caring if my kids touch things. I want them to LIVE here and be comfortable!
Not that style isn't important, in fact that's what Erin loves about Well Woven rugs, they look good and clean easy so that's two things she doesn't have to worry about! "My Well Woven rugs blend absolutely seamlessly with my decor," she explains. "They are some of the most beautiful and original designs I’ve ever seen. The colors and textures, patterns and prints, and everything about them make them mix so well with my home, my home’s colors, and my family’s lifestyle."
Ever fashion-forward, Erin elaborates on why her rugs are so yummy. "I love the creamy neutrals as this rug’s base, and then the pale green/grey/blues are almost a perfect match for my walls which are sea salt. Then the deep pops of dusty, dark teal give the vintaged pattern the perfect amount of depth and texture. Love this one."
When something combines this much style and comfort with affordability and cleanability that's a win, win, win, win.
Erin is the founder of Cotton Stem Interiors, a star Instagram influencer, and a mom to four wonderful daughters. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Erin loves all things farmhouse and comfort which has led her to creating her own dream home and helping others design theirs. The Cotton Stem x Well Woven Collection is her latest push to help put good design within anyone's reach.
It's been a winding road to get here, but Erin knows she's found her calling and knows her reason "why."
"Met my hubby in college (started dating after I bought him in a date auction...ha!), and we moved to the Tulsa area as newlyweds. Taught high school for a while, spent a whirlwind five years having four sweet daughters, and I get the privilege of staying home with my girls during these little years. And that brings me to my "why": it's them . . . It's family, my reason for everything. My little ladies and wonderful husband are my reasons "why."
Hello From Erin
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What people are saying about Cotton Stem Rugs
"This rug is beautiful. It adds a touch of color without being overwhelming. It looks as pictured and is very soft. Definitely a worthwhile investment!"
-- Leigh M.
"I couldn't love it more! I first saw this rug on @cottonstem instagram stories last year and I wanted it ever since! So, this year my husband and I got it for our 16th Wedding Anniversary! Thank you so much!"
-- Mandy G.
"So perfect, so soft. Great price for a rug I will have forever"
-- Danee M.
"I love it! Excellent quality. Rich colors. I couldn't be happier."
-- Shellie A.