I often get asked "What are the rules in selecting the size of rug to use in a room?" It can prove to be hard deciding what size rug is best for a space as there are so many "rules" and just as many opposing opinions.
One... more »
Whether we're talking about sisal, jute or seagrass, a natural-fiber rug is a wonderful addition to just about any room, from modern to traditional. They're often affordable, eco-friendly and the element that ties a room together. I love the natural and... more »
When designing outdoor entertaining areas, many of us omit the one element we use indoors to tie our spaces together: area rugs. Just as you would in your indoor space, add color, define seating areas and warm up your outdoor living room simply by throwing... more »
Do you have a dingy rug sitting somewhere in your house? Instead of tossing it or hiding it in a back room, you might try giving it a new look with the help of painter's tape and paint. Designers Jenna Burger... more »
I grew up in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and didn't know the beauty of a hardwood floor until my late 20s. Moving into a newly built condo in the heart of downtown, I was faced with what seemed like acres of gleaming wood floor. I loved the... more »
Use pattern and color to spice up your floors, and you will never look back. From tile and wood to area rugs galore, there are a host of choices for spicing up the floor. Don't settle for boring surfaces underfoot. Get inspired to make a statement on... more »
While my current home is a staircaseless bungalow, I dream of one day owning an abode with a grand stairway decked out with a funky striped runner. I like to think of staircases as large-scale pieces of furniture in need of upholstering. And what better... more »
What's under your dining table is just as important as what's on top. Dining room flooring can be tricky — it needs to be practical, but in a room that usually has fewer accessories and spots for personality, the flooring is one of the few major elements... more »
Early in my writing career, I interviewed a designer who had used variations of the same color in her home for 20 years. When I asked if she'd ever thought about getting rid of everything and starting the palette over from scratch, she gave me a long... more »
I love shopping for rugs. I am always on the lookout for beautiful pieces, whether at a furniture store or a flea market. I love the idea of extending art beyond the walls and to the floors, a space that is so often overlooked. Here are a few of my... more »
Here I go again, trying to get you to take a walk on the wild side. Sorry, but I'm just not going to give up and let you off easy. Color is good for you. Pattern is good for you. Mixing things up is good for you.
So, for the sake of your health... more »
Whether your outdoor dining set needs sprucing up or your front entryway requires a durable footbed, these stylish indoor/outdoor rugs represent the best of the Web. It used to be impossible to find a great indoor/outdoor rug (and still is in many ways),... more »
There's a reason you see lots of men wearing striped shirts and pin-striped suits: Stripes are a classic pattern. And they're not just sartorially chic; striped patterns are a great choice for the home as well. They are a particularly nice... more »
Kilim. The word, pronounced "ki-LEEM," conjures visions of exotic countries and tribal customs, and that's pretty close to the truth. These handwoven rugs, with their intricate designs and characteristic flat weave, were born thousands of... more »
About four years ago I walked into a small design shop in San Francisco and was positively bowled over by a pink rug with silver medallions. It seemed to magically encompass everything I loved about design, including a few paradoxes. It was simultaneously... more »