<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title><![CDATA[]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
    <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:58:11 +0000</pubDate>
    <generator>Zend_Feed</generator>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[MEMORIAL DAY SALE! 20% OFF SISAL RUGS!]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/campaign015/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/email-marketing/Campaign015/promo.jpg">]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 07:02:33 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How to Clean Your Natural Area Rug]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/05-02-how-to-clean-your-rug/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>We receive many calls and emails from rug owners asking us how to clean their rugs. With the proper maintenance, rugs from Natural Area Rugs will last awhile.  If you want a rug that requires minimal maintenance, we suggest a natural fiber rug. Environmentally friendly and durable, natural fiber rugs are made from hair-like materials that resemble thread. They are made from plant and animal sources as opposed to synthetic fibers which are artificial. Examples of natural fiber rugs include jute, sisal, seagrass, and wool.  Seagrass, sisal, and jute rugs are the easiest to care for. We recommend vacuuming your rug once a week go with and against the weaving. If a spill does occur blot it up immediately with a dry cloth. If the stain is stubborn dampen the cloth with soda water and try again. Rubbing the stain will only expand the affected area and the stain will set. Don&rsquo;t use any harsh chemicals as this could ruin your rug.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.naturalhomerugs.com/media/wysiwyg/home-images/blog-room1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It is not recommended that you put natural fiber rugs in areas with moisture and humidity. These areas can cause the natural area rugs to expand or shrink causing damage to your rug. Therefore, the kitchen, bathroom, and basement are not good areas to place your rug. Try the living room, bedroom, or home office. If you do live in a particularly humid area, we suggest purchasing a spray protector to help the rug from absorbing moisture.</p>
<p>Wool rugs are a bit harder to clean than other natural fiber rugs. Begin by beating your wool rug outside with a rug beater. It&rsquo;s important that you beat it hard to get out all the dirt that may be embedded in the rug. Then, proceed to sweep your rug and vacuum it twice a week. If the wool rug is placed in a high traffic area it&rsquo;s recommended that the rug owner rotates the rug 180 degrees every month. If the wool rug is in a low traffic area, once a year is more than enough.</p>
<p>Steam cleaning is recommended twice a year, but only use water. If a spill occurs blot it up immediately with paper towels. Rubbing the stain can cause the wool to become matted over time. If a stain is particularly tough use a cleaning foam or Woolite. Never use oxygen based cleaners. These cleaners are extremely harsh and can damage your rug.</p>
<p>Cowhide patchwork rugs are bought for their texture and their uniqueness. No two cowhide patchwork rug is the same. Unlike the other rugs mentioned, cowhide patchwork rugs are a little harder to maintain. We don&rsquo;t recommend putting a cowhide patchwork rug in a high traffic area as it will wear the rug down quickly. We also don&rsquo;t recommend placing your rug in a sunny area as the sun can cause the color in your rug to fade.</p>
<p>Do not dry clean or machine wash your cowhide patchwork rug. Instead, brush it with a hard plastic brush. This will keep the hair soft and fluffy while removing dirt. To clean, wipe the rug with a damp cloth with mild soap. Make sure the cloth is not wet and the soap does not contain alkaline. Do not soak the rug. After you&rsquo;ve cleaned it, it is important to vacuum it or give it a good shake to get out any dirt that may still be in the rug. Spill do occur and it&rsquo;s important to blot up the spill with a sponge or paper towel immediately. If the stain is persistent we recommended using mild soap.</p>
<p>The rugs we sell are durable and are known for their longevity. When taken care of they will last you for many years. Whether you purchase a seagrass, jute, or cowhide patchwork rug, it&rsquo;s important to follow these instructions carefully to get the most out of your rug.</p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 09:21:41 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[25% Off All Sale Items!]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/campaign014/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/email-marketing/Campaign014/promo.jpg" alt="Online Promotion" /></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Custom-Cut Rugs]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/custom-cut-rugs/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Natural Home Rugs offer customers different types of rugs. From sisal to wool; mountain grass to shag, there are plenty of styles to choose from. For those who cannot find the perfect rug for their house can choose to get a custom-cut rug.</p>
<p>Custom-cut rugs are pretty common as many homeowners already have an idea of how their rug will look before they begin shopping. When they can't find their ideal rug they can turn to a rug store, such as Natural Home Rugs and purchase a customized rug to meet their needs.</p>
<p>Although we excel at making earth friendly rugs, we unfortunately cannot read your mind. Therefore,  when customizing your rug, we will need some more information. Besides rugs we can also customize stair treads and rug pads.</p>
<p>We will start by first asking you what type of rug you have envisioned. Whether you'd like it to be rectangular, round, oval, or octagon, we can make it happen. Next, select what width and length you want your custom-cut rug to be. It can be up to 12 feet in width and 30 feet in length.</p>
<p>It's recommended that you get a border on your rug to keep it intact. We have 13 different options for you to choose from. Whether you decide on Cherry Jubilee or Fossil there are many different colors to choose from.</p>
<p>Next select the type of carpet you want. With over 50 to choose from, we're sure you'll find the one you love. From sisal rugs to seagrass rugs, there is a rug for everyone. When designing your rug, you can also choose the width of the carpet border and whether or not you want a standard or mitered corner.</p>
<p>What's so great about Natural Home Rugs' custom-cut rugs is that you can view your rug before your purchase it. This way you can make sure it's the rug you have envisioned in your head. And if it's not? With so many other options, you can easily tweak the details to fit your needs.</p>
<p>When all is said and done, you can view how much your newly designed rug will cost and ultimately purchase it. Once purchased, rugs ship out in three to seven business days from our Los Angeles Warehouse. We regret at this time that we cannot ship to Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, P.O. Boxes, or to Guam.</p>
<p>Before ordering, please keep in mind we are unable to accept returns on customized items at this time. Therefore, please make sure you are satisfied with the rug before your purchase it.</p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:49:54 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Dress Up Your Kitchen ]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/kitchen-rugs/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[You want your kitchen to be a place you can work in, and ultimately feel inspired in. This is why your kitchen décor is crucial! When decorating your kitchen, pay special attention to your kitchen area rugs. Area rugs will give your kitchen character and really set the overall tone for your kitchen. Use a kitchen area rug to tie your space together, and highlight your other kitchen decorations. Another important thing to consider is the potential for a mess in your kitchen – you want your kitchen area rug to be easy to clean! 

Here are the characteristics you should look for when choosing a kitchen area rug. A rug in your kitchen should be washable. Kids or no kids, there is no doubt there will be a spill in your kitchen at one time or another. The last thing you want is to ruin a beautiful rug with a stain that will never come off. Most kitchen area rugs are actually machine-washable, so be sure to double check that yours is! Remember to never put a kitchen area rug in the dryer – just hang it up. These rugs are fragile, and it would be awful to ruin the look of the rug by putting it through a dryer.

The next thing to keep in mind is that you want a rug that will coincide with the theme of your kitchen. A kitchen area rug is a great way to enhance the overall look of your kitchen. For example, if you have a dull –looking kitchen choose an area rug that is more vibrant, or has an intricate pattern. If your kitchen is more western looking, pick a rug that has a pattern that will accentuate this theme.  Remember that there are kitchen area rugs that will help to beautifully decorate every kitchen – so really it is just a matter of looking until you find one that will bring out your style! 

The last aspect to keep in mind is that you want the area rug in your home to be comfortable. It is likely you spend a lot of time standing up in your kitchen – now envision having a nice soft rug to stand on the whole time. Also, a comfortable rug will decrease the chance of a slip and fall accident. 

Ultimately, you want your kitchen area rug to be machine-washable, enhance the theme and décor of your kitchen, and very comfortable! Keep these three elements in mind when searching for a rug and you will not go wrong.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:46:53 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How to Redecorate and Help the Environment at the Same Time ]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/redecorate-and-help-environment/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Want to make a change and become more environmentally friendly? A great place to start is in your very own home. Accessorizing with an eco-friendly rug is a wonderful way to help the environment. Here are a few benefits and tips to consider when choosing an eco-friendly rug.  

Eco-friendly rugs are usually composed of natural fibers and other materials that are not harmful to the environment.  These fibers are extremely durable, guaranteeing your new eco-friendly accessory will last! 

Bamboo is a very popular plant fiber that is often used to make eco-friendly rugs.  Bamboo rugs can add texture and style to your living space. Bamboo is taken from the bamboo plant and then altered into yarn. This makes them a very popular eco-friendly choice!

In addition to plant fibers, environmentally friendly rugs can also be made with animal fibers. Wool is an animal fiber that is often used to make eco-friendly rugs.  Wool rugs are super soft and extremely durable as well! Not to mention, wool is very easy to clean, which is always a bonus when it comes to selecting a rug. 

Environmentally rugs are made with materials that are completely natural. Typically, environmentally friendly rugs can be found featured in online retail stores. These rugs are available in all types of unique designs, as well as solid colors. There are so many style options and benefits to accessorizing with an eco-friendly rug! Be sure to consider all of your eco-friendly options when accessorizing your home. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:36:10 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Brighten Up A Room with a Contemporary Area Rug ]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/contemporary-area-rugs/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Do you have a room that needs to be spruced up? A contemporary area rug will do just the trick! A new area rug is a simple and easy way to liven up a living space. Contemporary area rugs are typically composed of vibrant colors and bold patterns! Here are a few things to consider when you are picking out a contemporary area rug: 

The size of the room and what the room is used for are two very important elements to think about when adding a contemporary area rug to your home.

 For example, if the room you are decorating is small, do not choose a contemporary area rug with large patterns. This may actually make the room seem smaller! If you have a darker living room, pick a brighter contemporary rug to warm up the living space. If you are hoping your new area rug will really pull the room together and create a finished look, consider a contemporary rug with a border pattern.

Contemporary area rugs are very common in children’s rooms. As mentioned above, contemporary area rugs tend to be bright or pastel colored. These warmer colors can really make a children’s room feel welcoming. You can even choose a rug that is made from polypropylene – it is one of the easiest materials to clean! 

Contemporary rugs can benefit any part of your home whether that be a kitchen, patio, or bedroom. Whatever style or pattern you choose, your contemporary area rug will definitely enhance your home!
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:50:27 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Eco-Friendly Decorating - Eco-Friendly Interiors]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/eco-friendly-decorating/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Eco-friendly decorating is easier and cheaper to pull off than you might think. There are lots of little things you can do each day to create an eco-friendly interior space that is beautiful, affordable, and green.


Reusable Resources 
When decorating on a budget, utilizing resources like eBay, Craigslist, thrift stores, and garage sales are a must. But it is also a very good eco-friendly decorating habit. Anytime you buy pre-owned or used items, you not only save money, but you save energy and waste by not producing something new. The next time you are ready to buy something new, stop and ask yourself if you could find something just as good or similar that is used. Remember that a can of spray paint can do wonders for just about anything.

Eco-Friendly Materials 
If you're in the market to buy something new, you should be aware of some great eco-friendly decorating materials that many products are made from. Organic cotton and Bamboo are easy to come by these days in most stores without a hefty price tag. Bamboo is one of the best materials because it grows with few chemicals and naturally regenerates. Bamboo floors, shades, baskets, sheets, and fabrics are items you can find everywhere. If you're looking for a rug, try one made from natural materials like jute, wool, and sisal. Cork is also a great option for walls and floors. Items made from these natural materials have very comparable price tags to those made without them. Sure you can find lots of pricey "green" decorating stores and items, but it is just as easy to find affordable options mixed in with the stuff you see every day. You just have to know what natural materials you're looking for.

Eco-Friendly Lighting Fixtures 
There are few simple eco-friendly decorating tips you can use to save energy every day and lower your monthly bills. First, switch out your regular light bulbs with soft white compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's). You won't have to replace your bulbs nearly as often and the energy savings add up big time. CFL's have come a long way since they first came out. No longer do they cause a harsh, bluish tone. They have been replaced by much warmer tones with many styles to choose from as well. Shop for those that say "soft" or "warm" white to get the same glow as traditional bulbs. Yes, CFL's are a little more expensive, but the savings in electricity will make up the difference in just a matter of months. Some energy companies will even give you a credit for each CFL bulb you use. Not bad! Second, if you're in the market for a new appliance, look for those with an Energy Star Label. These appliances require about 10-50% less energy and water than regular alternatives. It won't take long to see the savings add up in your wallet.

Eco-Friendly Shower Heads 
A simple thing like replacing your shower head is a great eco-friendly decorating tip that can really add up in terms of water and money saved over time. Using a high efficiency 2.5 gallon per minute shower head will save about 30 percent fewer gallons of water every time you wash. There are also affordable models that will pause the flow of water when the temperature reaches a certain point. This translates into less hot water that you have to pay to heat up, not to mention the amount of water saved each year. A newer model like this might cost about 20-30 dollars more than a standard model, but over time the shower head will pay for itself. You can feel good knowing that you are saving a lot of water and money at the same time.

Here is another quick tip to save even more water. Place a plastic bottle filled with water into your toilet tank. This will take up space and reduce the amount of water needed to fill up the tank between flushes.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4871648]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:15:15 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Eco-Friendly Rugs - Seagrass and Sisal Rugs]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/eco-friendly-rugs-seagrass-sisal/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Seagrass is a natural fiber that is versatile and naturally stain resistant. The natural fibers resist dust and other dirt particles making it a great choice for a family suffering from allergies. It's very easy to clean and will resist most stains so it makes for a great area rug in your dinning room or living room. If seagrass is properly maintained and taking care of it will remain remarkably new and eye-catching.

Sisal rugs are naturally derived and beautifully designed to make any room in your house stand out. Although the rug fibers come from a plant in Africa, they do require routine maintenance to preserve their beauty and personality. Sisal rugs are semi-stain resistant water proof but do best when kept in a dry and arid environment. After buying your sisal rug, you probably want to know how to care for it so it stays looking new and fresh.

Both rugs are a great addition to any eco-friendly home because they are made from 100 percent of sustainable material. These rugs are affordable and are long-lasting due to their durability. Be careful when placing these types of rugs by moister as both seagrass and sisal rugs may develop mold and mildew if given too much humidity. These rugs are not intended for outdoor use. Another aspect of these natural rugs to keep in mind is curling corners. Another result of excessive moister is curled corners.

Use seagrass and sisal rugs to create the perfect earth-friendly home environment. These rugs go great with virtually any wall color and may be used as the center-piece of a room or easily blend in with neutral colors. To draw attention to your seagrass rug or sisal rug, use bold, dramatic wall colors. This will provide the eye to catch the natural tones of the rug. If you want it to blend in, simply paint the room with a shade of brown.

Use living green plants to bring the outdoors, inside. Plants complement seagrass and sisal rugs very well. Place a small water fountain in the room to drive home an outdoors experience. You can turn any living space into a relaxing getaway with a few plants, sounds and the natural essence of seagrass rugs and sisal rugs.

Remember to always clean your rugs to maintain them. If kept well, these rugs can last a long time. They tend to be durable. Keep pets and shoes away from these carpets to get the most out of them. These rugs are not stain resistant, so you may want to place them in a lower-traffic area of you home.

These rugs also make a great home-warming gift. When someone is getting ready to move into a new house, there are so many items they need to purchase. If the person you're buying for is someone who is eco-friendly and looking for natural products to decorate their home, a seagrass or sisal area rug may be the perfect gift.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4230182]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Aug 2012 19:43:20 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Sustainable Home Decorating With Natural Fiber Rugs]]></title><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8" />
      <link>http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/blog/sustainable-home-decorating/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[If your house was built before the eco-friendly design craze, you may be asking yourself how you can contribute to the "green movement" without the energy-efficient architecture or the 100% organic building materials. There are in fact many ways for homeowners with older residences to develop environmentally sound practices within their households. Improving your sustainability does not have to be expensive or time-consuming either; there are many quick and inexpensive fixes that make major differences.

Simple changes, such as switching from regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, are not only more sustainable environmentally, but also economically. Similarly, ensuring that you fix any major drafts in doors and windows will save energy as well as money off your bills.

Whether you have an older house that needs constant attention or your home only requires the occasional repair, careful thought should be dedicated to any renovation projects-big or small. Before beginning the work, plan out every detail involved in the design aspects as well as materials in order to avoid running into glitches that could potentially waste time, energy and supplies.

Consult online resources to determine which products have the least amount of environmental repercussions. If you are contracting out any work, evaluate the builder's familiarity with sustainable design and construction. For do-it-yourself projects, be sure not to overestimate your expertise because having to completely restart work is wasteful as well.

Decorating and interior design are also important factors in improving household sustainability. Because "organic" and "green" have become such trendy modifiers, make sure you are not tricked by misleading marketing. Just because a product's packaging is green in color does not make it green in concept. When it comes to decorating in a sustainable fashion, the options are endless. Today you can find organic or environmentally friendly alternatives to nearly every household item.

Investing in sustainable home decor can be a weighty decision since most furniture, lighting and accessories tend to have long lifetimes. If you are not ready to purchase a large item such as a couch or dining room table, accessories such as natural fiber area rugs may be a good first step towards sustainability. Just like any remodeling work, research is equally important when making interior decorating decisions.

Natural fiber rugs can be found very easily in retail outlets and on online stores. The name suggests an earthy, simple design; however, there are also very high-quality refined styles. Living interiors with any composition can be enhanced by the addition of a natural fiber rug.

Rugs vary in material and include sisal area rugs, wool area rugs, seagrass area rugs and jute area rugs. Weaves range in smoothness with some accentuating the fiber texture while others tend to hide it. Area rugs made of refined piled jute have a softer feel and a more sophisticated, contemporary style. The seagrass rugs found in the Botanical Blends collection by Fibreworks emphasize the beautiful natural materials. With style names like "Garden Grove," "Spring Twine," and "Summer Lace," you can imagine these accessories perfectly in a sunroom, screened-in porch or patio.

A potpourri look can be found in rugs with a blend of different natural fibers. This option portrays a traditional country feel that would warm up the flooring of a kitchen or family room. While neutrals and subtle tones are the norm for natural fiber rugs, you can also find varieties in vibrant colors to match any room accents.

Whether you are just beginning to "green-up" your living space, or you are well on your way, consider natural fiber rugs when making new home decorating decisions.

Rachel Messina is a decorating enthusiast, a writer and Internet marketing specialist with Mountain Media, an eCommerce solutions firm that works with clients such as Georgia Mills Direct, an online source for natural fiber rugs including seagrass area rugs and sisal area rugs.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2614465]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:40:14 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
