Kitchen Rugs came into decorative focus after our cocinas exploded into the rest of the house. With open kitchens in the sight lines, kitchen rugs went from purely functional (read often ugly) to consciously stylish. Today, with so many colors, materials and patterns available kitchen rugs often stand alone as accent pieces or coordinate with window treatments, backsplashes … [Read more...]
Modern Designer Rugs
Oversized graphic pattern in modern designer rugs is guaranteed to enliven any space. British fashion designer Giles Deacon is known for his witty, yet glamorous, runway wearables. Equally playful are his modern designer rugs for The Rug Company. Deacon's theme is offbeat but this U.K. retailer is known for unusual and highly creative rug collections. Deacon chose metal for … [Read more...]
Citrus Color Twists
Breathe life into an old space with the punch of citrus color accessories. Decorating inspiration can come from a variety of sources; a favorite painting, a souvenir purchased on vacation or a well-worn quilt. But I never expected to find inspiration for a design post in a bag of M&Ms. Yet that's just what happened. The complementary candy colors of saturated orange and … [Read more...]
Bird Motif Decor
The pattern referred to as Robin, Hummingbird and Aviary is a contemporary bird motif hit NYC designer Thomas Paul is well on his way to meeting his ultimate goal -- having products that cover every aspect of the house grace his patterns. His popular bird motif designs adorns the objects featured here, and more. How fun it would be to sit around a table in the chairs above, … [Read more...]
Eco-Friendly Geometric Rugs
Machine washable geometric rugs from Sweden -- for active households If you are in the market for geometric rugs or runners, pay attention. Plastic foil and polyester are woven into organic floor coverings by Brita Sweden. They are perfect for high traffic areas, food spaces, wet places and anyplace children roam and they wear extremely well. Built to last and virtually … [Read more...]
Contemporary Handwoven Rugs
Traditional weaving techniques are interpreted in modern handwoven rugs. I was first introduced to handwoven rugs three decades ago when my parents were living near the Pennsylvania Amish country. Mr Shops and I purchased several rag rugs for our first home. Three children and numerous pets later, they were still going strong. With our first grandchild on the way, I was … [Read more...]
Arranging Sofas on Rugs
Some useful basic guidelines when placing sofas on rugs along with other furniture. Selecting area rugs for living rooms where furniture layouts include sofas on rugs room with a is not as straightforward as finding the right size rug for under a dining room table or under a bed. There are more variables involved in determining the carpet size that works best for the seating … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Striped Area Rugs
How to find the popular striped area rugs you see in these room décor photos. A recent post on hallway area rugs prompted a response from a reader who inquired where to locate the contemporary rug featured in the first photo of the article. It was a terrific question because it got me thinking how many times I have viewed designer and magazine photos that left me wondering … [Read more...]
Upcycled Rugs
A variety of remnants are given a new life as recycled rugs of various types. Recycled rugs answer the question of what happens to the scraps of fabric leftover from garment making. My first introduction to upcycling fabric waste came when I started selling rug pads made in part from clothing remnants. Each time I receive an order, the rug pads looked a bit different depending … [Read more...]
White House-Worthy Kids’ Rooms
Note to Michael S. Smith: Here are ideas for kid's rooms -- Malia and Sasha Obama's private spaces. America’s first daughters, 10-year old Malia and 7-year old Sasha Obama are getting age appropriate kids' rooms in the White House. The sisters have become overnight 'tween sensations since their dad’s inauguration. After all, who could resist such endless adorableness. So … [Read more...]
