The Amber Lewis Ojai Rug in Our Living Room (Real Life Photos)
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This post is a real-life look at the Amber Lewis Ojai rug in our living room — how it reads in natural light, what the texture is like in person, and why it made such a difference after living with a rug that had truly seen better days.
Why We Had to Replace Our Old Rug
Our old rug used to be a deep, cool grey. Over time, years of direct sun completely changed it. It didn’t just fade — it bleached. The entire rug shifted into tan, and in some areas even pulled yellow.
The biggest issue wasn’t just the color. We couldn’t move any furniture. If we slid the sofa or chairs even slightly, the original grey would show underneath, leaving sharp outlines and obvious patches. The rug had essentially locked us into one furniture layout, whether we liked it or not.
At that point, replacing it wasn’t about refreshing the room — it was the only way to make the space feel usable again.
our old rug
Why I Chose the Amber Lewis Ojai Rug
I’ve always gravitated toward interiors that feel calm and timeless — spaces built on texture and tone rather than contrast or trend. The Amber Lewis Ojai rug fit naturally into that approach.
I’ve followed the work of Amber Lewis for years, and what I love most about her spaces is how livable they feel. The Ojai rug reflects that same idea. It isn’t meant to be the focal point — it’s meant to ground a room quietly.
What stood out to me:
soft ivory and stone tones
subtle variation that adds depth without a busy pattern
a hand-loomed look that feels relaxed and natural
It’s neutral without being flat, and warm without leaning yellow — which felt especially important after dealing with a rug that had completely changed color over time.
If you enjoy this kind of quiet, functional detail, you might also like my post on the best vintage coat hooks for a modern organic entryway — another example of how small, thoughtful pieces can make a space feel more intentional.
Old Rug vs. New Rug (In Real Life)
What surprised me most about this swap wasn’t just how the room looked — it was how it felt.
With the old rug, the uneven bleaching made the room feel heavy and visually stuck. We couldn’t shift furniture, experiment with layout, or even clean deeply without revealing harsh color outlines.
With the Ojai rug, everything immediately felt lighter and calmer. The room became flexible again. Furniture could move, the space felt more intentional, and nothing looked “locked in” anymore. We chose the 7'9" × 9'9" size, and it works beautifully in our open-concept living room without overwhelming the space.
Texture Matters: A Note on Lifestyle and Timing
One important thing to know about this rug is that the chunky weave is the feature — and it’s beautiful — but it’s not a rug I’d recommend for every stage of life.
Because of the dimensional weave, this rug is best if you don’t have:
very small kids who spend a lot of time eating, crafting, or playing hard on the floor
overly active pets that tend to dig, claw, or roughhouse on rugs
I’ve wanted this rug for years, but I intentionally waited until both my dog and my child were older. I knew the texture could get pulled or worn during those messier seasons, and I wanted to enjoy it without constantly worrying about damage.
If you’re in a high-chaos phase, this might be a “later” rug — and that’s okay.
How the Ojai Rug Works in a Modern Organic Living Room
If you’re building a modern organic living room, the rug really acts as the foundation. The Ojai works so well because it supports the space instead of dominating it.
Soft, Forgiving Neutrals
The ivory (white) and stone (grey) tones have enough variation to feel natural and lived-in, especially in rooms with lots of sunlight.
Texture Without Visual Noise
When it comes to pattern, the texture does the work. It adds depth without pulling attention away from furniture, art, or lighting. It’s interesting while still being neutral and adds depth to any room.
A Calm Base for Layering
This is the kind of rug that quietly makes everything else look better — even simple furniture feels more intentional once it’s anchored by it.
If you’re comparing rugs within the same collection or aesthetic, you may also want to read my thoughts on the Amber Lewis x Loloi Topanga rug, which has a different feel but works beautifully in similar spaces. Bonus: it can also be used outdoors.
Real Life Notes on Color and Light
If you’re searching for real life thoughts on the Amber Lewis Ojai rug, lighting plays a big role.
In bright daylight, it reads lighter and more airy. In lower light, the stone tones feel darker and more grounded. Up close, the weave adds dimension that doesn’t always show in product photos.
After living with a rug that completely shifted color from sun exposure, this one already feels easier to live with — both visually and practically.
12 Budget-Friendly Wayfair Finds for the Transitional Look for Less
Along with updating the rug, I’ve been slowly rounding up other pieces that work well with this kind of space — items that feel timeless, practical, and worth the price.
This section is a collection of 12 of my favorite Wayfair finds that pair beautifully with a neutral, textured rug like the Ojai. These are pieces I gravitate toward because they offer:
good value for the price
consistently strong reviews
neutral, versatile designs
finishes and materials that work in real homes
Rather than chasing one specific look, these are the kinds of items that quietly support a room. They help create a transitional, modern organic feel without needing a full overhaul or a big investment all at once.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this rug wasn’t about chasing a trend or making a dramatic change. It was about choosing something that felt right for our space, our light, and the stage of life we’re in now. The Amber Interiors Ojai rug brought the room back into balance — lighter, calmer, and finally flexible again. It’s the kind of foundational piece that quietly supports the rest of your home, which is exactly what I look for when decorating.
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FAQ: Amber Lewis Ojai Rug
1. Is the Amber Lewis Ojai rug good for a living room?
Yes. It works especially well in living rooms because the pattern is subtle and the texture adds warmth without overwhelming the space. It would also be great in a bedroom, home office, or guest room.
2. Does the Ojai rug look different in real life than online?
It can. Neutral rugs shift depending on lighting and surrounding colors, which is why real-life experiences are so helpful when deciding.
3. Is this rug a good choice for modern organic decor?
Absolutely. The natural tones, subtle texture, and relaxed design make it a strong foundation for modern organic and transitional interiors.
4. Is the chunky weave practical for families?
It depends on your season of life. The weave is beautiful but less forgiving with very small kids or highly active pets. I personally waited until both my dog and child were older before buying it.
5. How can you prevent rugs from fading in sunny rooms?
Rotating the rug occasionally and using window treatments during peak sun hours can help prevent uneven fading over time. For a living room with direct sun like ours, it’s unfortunately something that you can’t avoid unless you’re comfortable using strong chemical protectants on it.
