Vintage American glass cake stands are beautiful and collectible pieces of serve ware. Glass cake stands can be very ordinary or works of art. Plus they have a variety of uses that might not be obvious. In addition to cakes, I’ve used my cake stand for pies, pastries, cookies, fruit and cheese. During the holidays it becomes a pedestal for a striking glass ornament and garland … [Read more...]
Rugs in Work Spaces
Rugs can help create distinctive work spaces, especially in home offices. One trouble with home offices is that these modern work spaces can lack charm. Often furniture is a hodge podge mix of what's available and there's little attention paid to creating a comfortable and attractive place to do taxes, day trade or simply tend to household bills. In my mind, an attractive rug … [Read more...]
Modern Closet Sliding Doors
Glass and melamine modern closet sliding doors have panels brightened by aluminum frames. Who said closet doors have to be white? Or boring? Or even swing. This colorful group of modern closet sliding doors from Miami's Armadi Closets offer the sleek contemporary look for which Miami design is known. The SD 60 doors have graphic oversized numbers on a glossy white … [Read more...]
One Rug, Two Room Views
One rug, two room views shows how the right colors and accessories enhance a rug when it moves. Choosing a rug is a lot like putting together an outfit, which is why one rug, two room views may be instructive. Years ago I went to a color specialist who draped me in various colors to determine which hue looked best with my complexion and hair color. It’s one of those … [Read more...]
Master Bath Khotan Carpet
Large bath retreats are ideal display spots for pictorial rugs like this elegant khotan carpet. My personal criterion for choosing a bathroom to feature is one that includes a beautiful handmade rug like this unusual pictorial khotan carpet. Bathrooms are one of our primary categories here on Atticmag and in the master bath of designer Kristen Buckingham’s home, this antique … [Read more...]
Indigo Moroccan Rugs
Indigo Moroccan rugs look dramatic opposite bright whites and are less well known than red rugs from Morocco. Indigo Moroccan rugs are made with dye from the Indigo plant. These are a full bodied, color-soaked variety of royal blue that has been prized in Asia and the Middle east for hundreds of years. In a contemporary home in Italy [top], this contrast is demonstrated with a … [Read more...]
Red Lover’s Moroccan Rug
A poppy red Moroccan rug adds warmth to creamy white interiors. A Moroccan rug, in what I call a “poppy red” color, has a singular hue. It’s an earthy shade of red, not too orange and definitely not a high-gloss Chinese red. It’s a rich, warm shade that pairs naturally with rustic wood and floral motifs. It’s what I consider a calming red, one that can be used solo without … [Read more...]
Vintage Carpets, Comfy Chaises
Comfy chaises on vintage carpets are perfect companions for cozy corners in any house. There’s something special about colors in vintage carpets. I love lounging on a chaise and looking out on all the colors. A chaise long is “just-for-one” seating that practically commands you to cater in a few moments of self-indulgent relaxation. In the conservatory of this home, a wide … [Read more...]
Multi-Purpose Kilim Rugs
Kilim rugs can be used in many decorative ways -- over furniture and on other surfaces including floors. In terms of decor adaptability, the most versatile carpets have to be kilim rugs. This flat-woven textile is reversible, making it a great floor covering and pliable enough to use as upholstery. A fairly lightweight rug, especially in smaller sizes, kilims are tribal … [Read more...]
Color Block Wall Decor
Color block wall décor can help coordinate the color scheme in a room or throughout the house. Some time ago I ran across this image of a color block wall made up of scrap wood in a variety of colors. Something about its rustic nature and sense of imperfection resonated with me. The random layout has a modern vibe while the individual (salvaged?) boards painted in various … [Read more...]
Small Rugs Go Everywhere
Small rugs are adaptable for multi-room use and often add a final touch to a room's decor. On occasion I notice the stylist for the photo shoot has used the same small rugs in more than one setting. Such was the case with the rug in a home by Coburn Architecture. I instantly zeroed in on the earthy reds and mustard yellows in an antique prayer rug. I have seen prayer rugs … [Read more...]
Outdoor Floating Flower Displays
Add color to outdoor water features each season with floating flower displays. Consider water your canvas and create a formal mood for your event by displaying elaborate floating flower displays. Or keep it casual with a few simple petals tossed randomly on the water. I find floating flowers to be so beautiful and calming that I keep a birdbath filled throughout summer with … [Read more...]
Cotton Summer Rugs
Lightweight and brightly colored cotton summer rugs are a seasonal alternative to Oriental carpets. Take a look at beach house decor and you’ll likely find a variety of striped cotton summer rugs. Unfussy and cool on bare feet, they’re often the first rug of choice for cottages and seaside homes. This beach-theme Nantucket bedroom by designer John Willey sports a typical … [Read more...]
Lavender Fantasy Bath
A solid bronze tub inspired this lavender fantasy bather’s retreat. Eclectic and just a little gaudy, this lavender fantasy bath takes a Las Vegas approach to decorating. Devoid of standard furniture and fixtures, the room is reserved for indulging in the pure pleasure of relaxation and daydreaming. The tub, made from virgin copper and tin, was cast in an historic mold, then … [Read more...]