Hello and Happy New Year Mellionaire House friends!

It feels like I blinked an eye, and 2017 was over. But I got a lot accomplished last year, including starting a YouTube channel! I’m so excited to be able to share content with you in video format, and I hope that if you haven’t already, you’ll go check it out by clicking here https://youtu.be/jjtEFaI3o7U .

Moving on to 2018…I decided it was time to freshen things up a bit, and there’s nothing like a room refresh to do just that. So I teamed up with eSaleRugs to give you some ideas on how simple changes can make a big difference in your home.

Our family room is the most heavily used room in our home (outside of the kitchen, of course). So, to freshen things up a bit, I decided to update our area rug first. I ordered the 10 x 13 Luxe Trellis Shag Rug in Beige. Not only did the pattern immediately add interest to the floor, but it also gave the illusion of more width in the room, which made it feel like a much larger space. But what I love most about the new eSaleRugs rug is how soft it feels under my feet. And the twins agree! The family room floor is now their new favorite play area.  You can shop the entire collection here https://esalerugs.com/luxe-trellis-shag-rugs .

I also made some updates to my cozy corner, although I’m not done with this area yet. I removed the floating shelves, and lightened up the paint in the niche with the color SW Sail Cloth. I added a gorgeous rustic arched mirror that I found on clearance at Kirklands (product no longer available on their site). Then I repurposed the Christmas tree topper I made for you last month on YouTube by layering it on top of a boxwood wreath. A new settee (which is on back order) will complete the new look. So stay tuned on Instagram for the final images.


A neighbor recently stopped by to check out the refresh, and the first thing she asked was why I chose such a light rug when I have a dog and small children. My answer was a simple one…I don’t believe in sacrificing my style because I have children and pets.

Here’s how I avoid that pitfall:
1. Consider your furniture and how it will be used.
a. I have pets and small children, so our sofa needed to be comfortable and sturdy. I chose a chocolate leather sectional because I could achieve both of those needs and the family could enjoy it for many years. I can style it easily with light throw pillows, which are affordable to update every season. But most importantly, it is easy to clean. One good wipe down once a month with some leather cleaner and conditioner, and it’s as good as new.
2. Purchase accent pieces that fit your lifestyle.
a. When deciding on pieces like an area rug, consider where it will be placed. In a heavily trafficked foyer…a playroom…or a family room? If the space is heavily trafficked, then you’ll want to select something that is affordable, durable, stain resistant and easy to clean. Even though our family room is the most used room in the house, we are basically just sitting in the room together watching television, so it was all about the rug being comfortable in that space. I keep a bottle of Folex in stock at all times for spot cleaning, and require that the children don’t wear shoes in the area.

It’s all about making practical décor selections in your home that make sense for your family’s lifestyle. But you certainly don’t have to sacrifice your sense of style for the sake of the kids or Fido. 
Thank you so much for stopping by, and a sincere thank you to eSaleRugs for the collaboration. Next week I’ll be talking about the most asked question of December…how I organize and store all of my holiday décor.

4 Responses

  1. Love the new update. Can’t wait to see more. I agree about style and not sacrificing it for the sake of pets or kids.

  2. The new rug looks fantastic Mel. As does the new niche. Can’t wait to see it all come together. And amen, I have so many friends who feel they have to move everything (breakables especially) for the sake of their children and pets. While safety is important, their learning to appreciate things and be careful is just as important.

  3. Love the update! My favorites are the cocktail table and the niche! I love the rug, especially the fact it makes the room look wider. I need to look into a rug like that!!! Can’t wait to see the final pics on Instagram!

    Looking forward to next week’s video and post and more importantly, a blessed 2018 at my house and at the Mellionaire’s House!