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Traveling with the Next Generation: How to Get the Look at Home

Isn’t it extraordinary when you walk into a hotel that’s so well designed it feels like it was created just for you?  Or when you know instinctively where you need to check-in, or where you could meet friends for a drink after work?  And then, as you walk around, you realize that other people are having the same experience, but they’re speaking Russian?

It’s really hard work to get all those details right, and for them to make sense for very different people from all over the world.  But that’s good design.

Years ago,  I read a book by Isadore Sharp, founder of the Four Seasons Hotels.  And in it he talked about some of the changes he’d pioneered over the years that little by little had created the behemoth it is today.

For example, did you know that he introduced the practice of giving each guest toiletries like shampoo and conditioner (and not just soap)?  Twenty-four hour room service (practically a necessity after those late flights)?  Or twice-daily housekeeping service?  Seems like a small thing, but isn’t it nice to come back to your room after dinner and see that the mess you left behind has all been picked up?

Little by little, each of these innovations have changed how we interact with hotels.  They’re now more than just places to sleep; the best ones deliver full-on experiences ranging from a local weekend away from home to full-on trips with the family to finding a way to connect with a new city while you’re in town for your college buddy’s wedding.

So I was really interested when I saw an article in the New York Times (“Hotels for the Next Generation“) that talked about the newest brand extensions from some of the largest hotel brands in the world: Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Were the innovations in these brands significant?  And if so, how could we adapt these ideas at home?

Here’s what I learned.  The new brands are aimed at the Millenial generation (aged between 18-34 in 2015) and at cosmopolitan travelers looking for affordable, modern spaces with a bit of personality.

Moxy (from parent Marriott) is creating spaces for younger travelers who are very connected in social media and enjoy sharing spaces for work and fun.  For these people, free wi-fi is a must, along with open areas (like those featured in our “Billion Dollar Startup” blog) that allow them to connect with other people.  There’s also a 24-hour self-service coffee bar.

Get the look: Here in Los Angeles, all the new high-end houses have this: large kitchens connected to large family rooms, with disappearing glass doors that fully open onto a huge deck.  So this way, parents can keep an eye on their kids, while guests can feel free to pitch in to help.   Need a cup of coffee?  Make yourself at home; our state-of-the art coffee machine is right there in the corner, and milk and cream are the fridge underneath.  Or help yourself to a beer; it’s all there for you.  Make it easy and fun for everyone to feel at home.

Courtesy Moxy Hotels
Courtesy Moxy Hotels
Courtesy Moxy Hotels
Courtesy Moxy Hotels

 

Aidan Gray Storage Crate

 

Dash & Albert Samson Indoor/Outdoor Rug

RabLabs Fim Bookends

AC (also from Marriott) is designed for some of the same people, but these folks are much more design-centric.  The look is very cool: modern, with warm touches of wood, extraordinary lighting, and interesting pieces of art throughout.  This is for the guy who no longer walks around in his college duds; he’s the young agent who’s got his eyes on a pair of Pradas and knows what a Tom Ford suit looks like.  For these, it’s all about clean lines: sofas in neutral colors, curated objects that are arranged just so;  high-tech the whole way.   These places are usually very clean and relaxing.

Get the look: Clean lines and neutral colors are sophisticated and calming.  Try organizing your closet so that all your clothes and shoes are color coordinated.  Swap out your bath accessories for ones in cool shades of white and gray.  Introduce a sense of calm by turning off your cell phone, dimming the lights in your dining room, setting the table, and sitting down to dinner with your family.

Courtesy AC Hotels
Courtesy AC Hotels
Courtesy AC Hotels
Courtesy AC Hotels
Christofle Aria Bagues Dorees Chinese Chopsticks

 

Kassatex Rivington Bath Accessories

Kim Seybert Anaconda Silver Coasters

From Hilton, there’s a new brand called Canopy.  As the name implies, this is all about a place that wants to take care of you.  In their introduction to the brand, they have a group of cool people drawing out their ideas for a hotel on a blackboard.  So the result is a place that works just for you.  If you’re in Denver, you might find snacks from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as a welcome treat.  In the evening, there are complimentary beer tastings, and in the morning, you can have free breakfast at the hotel or on the go.

Get the look: How would this work at home?  Start by asking your family members what they need to be happy at home.  Then think about how you can connect more with where you live.  Can you give a chance to your neighborhood trattoria, so that when your sister comes to visit from out of town, you can take her to a place she won’t find anywhere else?  What kind of stories are there for you to pick up?  The finance guy who’s now making wood bowls out of his garage?  And he’s really good at it, so you’ve brought a few home?

Courtesy Canopy Hotels
Courtesy Canopy Hotels
Courtesy Canopy Hotels
Courtesy Canopy Hotels
Pine Cone Hill Tiki Toile Orange Bedding

 

B by Brandie Sibyl Bowl
Mario Luca Giusti Palla Fluorescent Pitcher Orange

 

Do you have any ideas to share about how hotels have influenced what you do at home?  If so, please share it in your comments.

 

Obsessed with Copper: 14 Ways to Use The Gorgeous New Metal

I’m obsessed with copper.  Sometimes, when you’re putting a room together, nickel is too bright while brass seems too shiny.   In those cases, copper strikes just the perfect balance between something that looks aged but can still bring the room alive.

Here are some amazing ways to use copper in your home:

Copper doors (courtesy Dwellings by Devore)
Copper doors (courtesy Dwellings by Devore)
Courtesy Terrain
Copper lanterns (courtesy Terrain)
Copper hoods (courtesy Society South)
Copper hoods (courtesy Society South)
Copper sinks (courtesy HGTV)
Copper tiles and sinks (courtesy HGTV)
Copper cookware (courtesy Gracious Style)
Copper cookware (courtesy Gracious Style)
Courtesy Handimania.com
Copper floors (courtesy Handimania.com)
Copper flatware (Gracious Style)
Copper flatware (courtesy Gracious Style)
Copper dinnerware (Gracious Style)
Copper dinnerware (courtesy Gracious Style)
Copper lights (courtesy trendspanarna.nu)
Copper lights (courtesy trendspanarna.nu)
copper paper holder
Copper toilet paper holder (courtesy This Old House)
Copper vanity bowls (courtesy Freutcake)
Copper vanity accents (courtesy Freutcake)
Copper bathtubs (courtesy West Country Shutters)
Copper bathtubs (courtesy West Country Shutters)
Copper Outdoor Lighting and Downspouts (courtesy Barn Light Electric)
Copper Outdoor Lighting and Downspouts (courtesy Barn Light Electric)

Inspired?  You’re welcome.

Copper Thank You cards (courtesy Cocorrina)
Copper Thank You cards (courtesy Cocorrina)

Check out more ways to use copper by following our Pinterest Copper Accents page.

How to Choose the Right Rug for Every Room in your House

When choosing a rug, always start by thinking about you’ll be doing in the room.  Typically, it comes down to three functions:

1) Entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and mud rooms: easy to clean rugs

2) Family rooms, offices, closets: casual and lightweight rugs

3) Living rooms, bedrooms: thick and plush rugs

After you’ve narrowed it down to which kind of rug you need, here are a few things to consider:

Entryways/Foyers

– In the entryway, choose a rug that hides dirt well and is large enough to cover the width of your door.

– Measure your door clearance so that the rug is not so thick that it gets in the way when you open and close your door.

– In the foyer, rugs can be used to anchor a console table, direct your sight lines forward, or add color.  For best effect, leave at least 6-12″ of bare wood exposed on all sides.

Courtesy Mrs Howard
Courtesy Mrs Howard

Living Rooms

– The best rugs visually anchor seating groups, so choose one that is large enough to fit all four legs of your furniture pieces.  If necessary, the rear legs of your sofa can be left off-rug.

– If  you want to leave some of your floors exposed, choose a rug that leaves you with 18″ – 24″ of space between the rug and the wall.

Courtesy Mrs Howard
Courtesy Mrs Howard

– If your living room is very large, pick two or three rugs and lay them side by side.  These can either be identical or complementary.

Dining Rooms

– To make sure that the rug is large enough to cover chairs when they are pulled, choose one that is at least 24″ larger than your dining table on all sides.

Courtesy Suzanne Kasler
Courtesy Suzanne Kasler
Courtesy Honey and Fitz
Courtesy Honey and Fitz

– In a multipurpose room, delineate the dining area with its own rug.  However, if there’s already a large rug underneath, then you can leave the space bare.

Offices

– In offices, even smaller rugs will bring in a lot of style.   They’re also great at making work seem more fun.

Take a look at this study room for kids …

Courtesy Sand and Sisal
Courtesy Sand and Sisal

… and at this space for adults.  Don’t the rugs just finish up the rooms?

Courtesy Modernica
Courtesy Modernica

Stairs

– Stairs typically look best with solid or striped rugs.

– If you have heavy foot traffic, go with a darker color; otherwise, a fun rug can really brighten up the space.

– For an easy solution, start with runners (see our instructions for installing a stair runner here).

Courtesy Centsational Girl
Courtesy Centsational Girl

Bedrooms

– Choose an area rug that is at least 24″ larger than your bed on all sides.  This way, you’ll be able to step onto something soft when you wake up.

Courtesy Mrs Howard
Courtesy Mrs Howard

– If you use nightstands, be sure the rug ends at least 6-12 inches beyond the edges.

– If  you want to leave some of your floors exposed, choose a rug that leaves you with 18″ – 24″ of space between the rug and the wall.

– If you have a sitting area, you can use one smaller rug between two chairs or in front of a sofa or chaise lounge.

– Here are some easy guidelines for choosing an area rug for your bedroom:

Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
area rug size guide queen
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha
Courtesy Designwotcha

Bathrooms

– Bath rugs are essential for stepping out of the tub or shower.  Pick one that’s washable and large enough to cover the size of your glass door.

kassanilo

– If you have double sinks, matching bath rugs add softness and symmetry to the room.

– Area rugs are perfect for covering up older tile or hardwood.  It’s also great for walking around barefoot.

Closets

– Bold area rugs look fabulous in closets.

Courtesy Lauren Conrad
Courtesy Lauren Conrad

Laundry Rooms/Mud rooms/Back doors/Outdoors

– Indoor/outdoor area rugs are perfect for these high-traffic, moist environments.  You can use them to add color and texture to each area, and they are easily cleaned.

Courtesy Mrs Fancee
Courtesy Mrs Fancee

– Outdoors, rugs are perfect for delineating specific areas, like this dining space:

52290be7df205b85d06c803e9d2b75b4
Cleo Moss Indoor/Outdoor Rug

– We also love using rugs to guide guests toward special areas in the garden:

outdoor runner
Dash & Albert Phoebe Indoor/Outdoor Rug

To view all our rugs, click here.

Inside the Offices of Billion Dollar Startups

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So much attention is given to valuations of hot companies that it’s sometimes hard to remember that just a few years ago, all of these were just a fragment of someone’s imagination.  So we thought it would be fun to check in on them and see: what do you do when you’ve outgrown your digs and need to get yourself some real offices?  And what do the best modern offices share in common?  Here’s what we found out.

They definitely don’t look the way they did in the 50’s …

Courtesy Murphy Assistants
Courtesy Murphy Assistants

… or even what they looked like in the 90’s:

Courtesy NY Times
Courtesy NY Times

Today’s offices are much more open, with space for both focused work and collaborative areas.  They feel like playrooms, and they’re filled with all the best comforts from home, like sofas, rugs, pillows, and fully outfitted kitchens.

Designed by Studios Architecture and housed in the New York’s Empire State Building, Shutterstock’s loft-like offices include plenty of comfortable seating and small breakout rooms.

shutterstock
Shutterstock (courtesy Shutterstock)

If Airbnb’s San Francisco headquarters feel like home, it’s because it include replicas of popular listings in Bali, Rykjavik, and Paris.

Airbnb Headquarters
Airbnb (courtesy Architectural Digest)

Although very high-tech, Uber’s San Francisco offices feature lots of natural materials, soft rugs, and comfortable communal seating.

Uber
Uber (courtesy Architectural Digest)

Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company is a powerhouse manufacturer of non-toxic products, but their headquarters are anything but industrial.  They are full of natural light, playfulness (notice the wall of positive mantras in the background), and ready for any babies who visit.

The Honest Company
The Honest Company (courtesy Lonny)

Hulu’s architects, Gensler, spent months researching how the Hulu team works, and they concluded that the average team member spends their day doing 50% focused work, 35% collaboration, 6% play, 5% learning.  So for the company’s Santa Monica headquarters, they designed an open space that allows for lots of collaboration (previously known as playing videogames).

Hulu (courtesy Gensler)
Hulu (courtesy Gensler)

Finally, we have Tory Burch’s offices in Manhattan.  Like her stores and her homes, designer Daniel Romualdez has created a superchic set of rooms oozing with Tory’s style and reminiscent of home.

Tory Burch (courtesy Architectural Digest)
Tory Burch (courtesy Architectural Digest)

Our takeaway from all these offices?  They no longer look like work!

So whether you work alone or in a huge company, just focus on making your office is as inviting and comfortable as you can.  Start by asking yourself the following questions:

– Does it inspire me?  If you’re working on designing a collection of jewelry, could you display pictures of gorgeous movie stars to get the conversation started?

– How can I make the space more personal?  If you love flowers or just feel happier when you see pictures of your last vacation, bring them in.

– Is my chair comfortable?  Could I make it better with a throw or a pillow?  Would I like it better if it were turquoise like Tory’s?

– Is my desk organized?  Could I use a pencil cup, or a tray?

– Could I add a lightly scented candle?

– Do I have separate zones for focused work and meetings with colleagues?

– Do I have comfortable seating for guests who visit?

– Can I easily tilt my computer screen to share something I found online?

– Could I bring the outdoors in?  Can I add plants or sit near a window with a view to the outside?

– Is the lighting right?  If it’s too harsh, can I install dimmers?  If it’s too soft, can I bring in a favorite lamp?

– Does it feel inviting?  Does it have my favorite colors?  Could I add a rug underfoot so it’s plush when I work?

A successful office is one that is seamless, so you never feel like you’re “at work;” you’re simply working on a project that you love.  So shouldn’t it be the best you can make it?

 

 

From the Experts: Design Ideas from Bon Appetit’s New Test Kitchen

Although most of my recipe gathering happens online these days, there’s no doubt that kitchen design is something that’s best left for the experts: they are the ones who are cooking heavily day in and day out, so they know how to put a good kitchen together.  So when I heard that Bon Appetit had completed its move to 1 World Trade Center in New York, I was dying to look at their new test kitchen.  It is gorgeous!

Designed by Gensler, this kitchen is 2,126 sq ft and features four islands, eight Wolf gas ranges, four Elkay faucets, two Traulsen refrigerators, two Traulsen freezers, and an Imperial Brown walk-in for fresh food.  And for drinks, there’s a Kold-Draft icemaker that can produce beautiful 1- and 1 ¼-inch cubes.

bonappetit-diningtable
Courtesy Architectural Digest

On one side of the test kitchen, there’s a 515-foot tasting room.  At 3 pm each day, senior staff members meet here to test dishes at the walnut dining table.  Note how modern and organic everything feels.

Table settings are kept simple with white dinnerware, modern flatware, and low-maintenance succulent arrangements.

bonappetit-tablesetting
Courtesy Architectural Digest

The built-in bar is at one end of the kitchen; perfectly tucked in between rows of glasses, cocktail equipment, and recipe books.  Here, all the cabinets have solid doors to keep the look clean and minimalist.

bonappetit-bar
Courtesy Architectural Digest

Open walnut shelves are a great way to keep frequently-used pieces handy, and they add interest to empty walls.

Waterfall Calacatta marble countertops, mixed with natural wood accents and steel stools, are a clean counterpoint to the dark graphite cabinets.

bonappetit-shelves
Courtesy Architectural Digest

Plenty of natural light; perfect for testing and photographing food.  Notice the glass pendants; imagine these little sculptures all light up at night.

bonappetit-window
Courtesy NY Times

Do you like this kitchen?  Create this look at home with the handcrafted collections from JarsJuliska, Simon Pearce, Mauviel, and Michael Aram.  And of course, from the chef who is an inspiration to so many, Thomas Keller’s Hommage and Checks dinnerware lines.

 

Understanding Area Rugs: Materials and Construction

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To be able to choose the right rug, it helps to be familiar with the different kinds of materials and weaves.  Here we break it down for you.

The most common materials for rugs are wool, cotton, acrylic, nylon, polypropylene, and hemp.  There’s also silk and cashmere, but those are rare.

Wool is the finest and priciest.  It keeps its shape and resists dirt better than any other fiber, so it holds up better under traffic and is more easily cleaned once soiled.

Cotton is a good choice because it is natural and lightweight (great if you move furniture often).

Acrylic fibers resemble wool, but they don’t hold their shape as well over the long run.  They are less expensive than wool and they are a great alternative for those who are allergic to wool.

Nylon is one of the most popular, well-priced fibers used for carpeting today.  It wears well and holds up under lots of traffic.

Polypropylyne (olefin) and Polyethylene (PET) are stain and water resistant, so they’re frequently used to make outdoor area rugs.

Sisal, sea grass, coir, and jute all come from the fiber of the hemp plant.  They’re beloved by designers because they’re neutral and add texture without competing with anything else in the room.  If you choose one of these, clean up spills as soon as they happen.

Now that you’ve chosen your material, let’s turn over to our friends at Dash & Albert to give us a primer on the different weaves available.

COTTON RUGS

Woven cotton rugs are durable enough to stand up to the heavy traffic of a kitchen or hallway, but also soft enough for the bedroom, nursery, or family room.  They are reversible, affordable and lightweight, so they’re great if you like to rearrange furniture often.

14FairIsleRedIvory
Fair Isle Red/Ivory Woven Cotton Rug

Woven chenille rugs are made from a combination of cotton and cotton chenille for plushness and softness. Like woven cotton rugs, they’re lightweight and reversible.  Woven chenille rugs are great for low- to medium-traffic areas where you want a little more cushion underfoot, such as guest rooms, hallways, and home offices.

Ikat Blue Woven Chenille Rug
Ikat Blue Woven Chenille Rug

Hooked cotton rugs are hand hooked by skilled artisans from scrap jersey fabric or yarn, giving them a springy, looped construction that feels bouncy underfoot.

KaledoGreen13
Kaledo Green Hooked Cotton Rug

With hooked cotton rugs, the size of the hook and fabric loops is important in determining where to place your rug. Chindi large and medium hooked rugs are high-profile and very plush, so they’re well-suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and family spaces.  If you’re looking for that same cushy feel with a lower profile and a more detailed pattern, go with chindi micro-hooked and yarn hooked rugs. These are great in offices, dining rooms, and even stairs!

WOOL RUGS

Woven Wool Rugs

With a rougher hand and a dense, durable construction, woven wool rugs have a natural earthen charm and rustic texture. Woven by hand from 100 percent wool yarns, these rugs work best in low-traffic areas like guest rooms, home offices, and sitting areas.  They are lightweight and reversible.

LenoxCharcoal13
Lenox Charcoal Wool Woven Rug

Soumak Woven Wool Rugs

Sophisticated and unusual, soumak wool rugs are crafted by braiding the weft yarn around an additional warp, so they have a more textured surface than their wool woven counterparts, and feature a dynamic pattern with lots of visual movement. Soumak woven wool rugs are for indoor use only, and work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.

14JoyaSoumak
Joya Soumak Wool Ven Rug

Hooked wool rugs require little maintenance and get better with age.  The size of the hook and the yarns will help determine where to use your rug. Micro-hooked wool rugs are made with smaller wool yarns in tight hooks that create a low-profile rug, so they are perfect for high-traffic areas, including hallways, entryways, stairs, kitchens and mudrooms.  Medium-hooked wool rugs, crafted from four to five plies of thick wool yarn in large hooks, feature a higher profile, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.

14Skylar
Skylar Hooked Wool Rug

Tufted & Carved Wool Rugs

Full and lush, tufted and carved wool rugs are a true treat for the feet! Thick wool yarns are hand hooked in intricate designs, and then sheared to create a lush pile. The pile is then hand carved along the design, creating an area rug with a truly luxurious feel. The wool rug weave with the highest, cushiest profile, tufted and carved wool rugs are at home in living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms.

14EssexIndigo
Essex Indigo Tufted/Carved Wool Rug

Hand-Knotted Wool Rugs

Crafted by only the most skilled artisans, hand-knotted wool rugs are timeless investment pieces. Because of their unusual weave, hand-knotted rugs can appear lighter from one angle than the other—an optical illusion that’s part of their appeal. Plush and sumptuous, these area rugs are perfect for rooms where the rug is the star: living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, and playrooms.

Massena Indigo Hand-Knotted Rug
Massena Indigo Hand-Knotted Rug

Kilim woven wool rugs feature weft-created, geometric patterns; knotting creates an open weave that gives more definition and dimension to the pattern, while interweaving creates a softer pattern with intermingled colors. Durable, bold, and low-profile, these showstopping kilim rugs are natural for any room that could use some pattern, including bedrooms, dining rooms, and family spaces.

14CanyonKilim
Canyon Kilim Wool Woven Rug

INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUGS

Woven Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

Made of nearly indestructible, UV-treated polypropylene, indoor/outdoor rugs are terrific for high-traffic areas: kids’ rooms, sunrooms, decks, and porches; and any floor that gets wet—like the bathroom, the kitchen, or the basement. And of course, indoor/outdoor rugs are ideal for homes with pets.

Small indoor/outdoor rugs are great for shoes, play mats, cargo-area covers in the car, and even  food bowl mats for pets.

There are three types of woven indoor/outdoor rugs: flat weave, diamond, and dhurrie.

Classic flat weave indoor/outdoor rugs are hand-woven, with extruded poly yarns making up the warp and weft. The technique results in an array of patterns and happy stripes that make fun additions to frequent-cleanup areas like playrooms and crafting spaces.

puppies089
Lighthouse Denim Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Diamond woven indoor/outdoor rugs are very similar to their flat-weave companions, except that they’re hand-woven on a jacquard loom, with the weft skipping specific warps to create their distinct diamond pattern. The eye-catching geometric is a star performer in areas where you want visual interest but still need durability, such as the entryway, the hallway, or the man cave. Bonus: geometric patterns can help camouflage everyday dirt, so if you haven’t quite gotten around to vacuuming, they’ll still look handsome for a few more days.

DiamondLightBlue13
Diamond Light Blue Indoor/Outdoor Rug
 With a tighter, smaller weave, dhurrie woven indoor/outdoor rugs have the lowest profile of all the woven indoor/outdoors. In a variety of preppy stripes and chevron patterns, their ultralight weight make them ideal for spaces where you may want a durable floor covering with minimal height, such as the basement or the stairs.
ChevronDenim13
Chevron Denim Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Woven Rope Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

The thickest of the indoor/outdoor weaves, woven rope indoor/outdoor rugs are the superheroes of high-traffic areas, fighting mud, food, and crimes of spillage at every corner. Poly yarns are knit into sturdy rope that is then hand constructed into a high-profile rug that’s lightweight and flexible, so rolling it up and transporting it is no problem. Their sturdiness and braided texture make rope indoor/outdoor rugs ideal for entryways or mudrooms. Or place one outside your front door as a welcoming doormat. Colorful rope rugs can also brighten up outdoor spaces, such as the patio, deck, porch, gazebogarage, and even the boat, without having to worry about weather or sun damage.
RopeWheat12
Rope What Woven Indoor/Outdoor Rug
 

PET (Polyethylene) Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

With their soft, pliable texture that is often mistaken for wool, PET indoor/outdoor rugs are just right for high-traffic areas that require a more sophisticated look. Made of recycled polyester, these area rugs are durable, washable, eco-friendly décor pieces that come in a variety of beautiful patterns and versatile hues. They’re lovely additions to the porch or patio (no need to worry about the sun, they’re UV-treated for fade resistance!), but also blend right in to more formal spaces like the living room, dining room, or bedroom.

Max PET Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Max PET Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Visit us to see our entire selection of solid, striped, geometric, patterned and indoor/outdoor rugs.  Also, don’t forget to pick up a rug pad.

The World’s Best Closets (And How to Create Them)

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We recently finished building a home, and the most fun (and difficult) part of the whole process was in designing the closets.  We had a long list of requirements: separate his and hers closets, plugs for our phones, iPads, and laptops, windows for natural lighting, seating, jewelry drawers, watch cases, open display for pretty shoes, hidden display for running shoes, the list goes on and on.

Anyway, if you’ve been dreaming about a new closet, you’re not alone.  Closets are now the most important rooms in high-end homes, since many of us can’t cook, but who doesn’t love shoes?  So we went straight to the top and here’s what we learned:

1)  Turn your closet into a sitting room by adding plush seating and a fabulous crystal chandelier.

2) Add pull-out telescoping bars or valet hooks so you can easily preview your outfits.

mariah-carey-closet
Mariah Carey (courtesy Architectural Digest)

3) Build your closets to the ceiling; store out-of-season items and suitcases high up.

4) Floor-to-length mirrors are key: the more, the better.

Ralph Lauren (courtesy Architectural Digest)
Ralph Lauren (courtesy Architectural Digest)

5) Properly lit and displayed, everything can look like an art gallery.  And while you’re at it, an espresso machine wouldn’t hurt.

Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia (courtesy Architectural Digest)
Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia (courtesy Architectural Digest)

6) Organize everything by type, and then by color.  And all those shoe boxes you’ve been saving?  Get rid of them … they are taking up too much space.

Lisa Adams (courtesy Forbes)
Lisa Adams Closet Design (courtesy Forbes)

7) Add clear shelves so you can see all your accessories at a glance: sunglasses, jewelry, watches.

Lisa Adams Closet Design (courtesy L.A. Closet Design)
Lisa Adams Closet Design (courtesy L.A. Closet Design)

8) Good lighting is key: LED hanging rods and backlit displays for a modern feel …

L.A. Closet Design (courtesy Forbes)
Lisa Adams Closet Design (courtesy Forbes)

… or picture lights for a classic look.  And while you’re staring at Nate’s closet below, do you see how inviting that yellow ottoman looks?

Nate Berkus (courtesy Architectural Digest)
Nate Berkus (courtesy Architectural Digest)

9) Layer in your favorite accessories: these could be fashion books, pictures of your family, or vintage hats.  And how cool is the helmet in this closet?

Lisa Adams (courtesy Forbes)
Lisa Adams Closet Design (courtesy Forbes)

10) Keep a pair of laundry baskets handy: one for dark clothes, one for light.  And if you have room, also keep a bag for items to be donated or repaired.

11) Borrow a tip from the pros: keep a locked safe for jewels, cash, and important documents.  You can hide this behind a mirror.

12) Place gowns and special clothes behind glass doors.

13) Add a vase of fresh flowers, fragrance, and a tray for keys, wallet, and phones.

Yolanda Foster
Yolanda Foster (courtesy Bravo)

14) Replace all your old hangers with slim, velvet-colored hangers.  You’ll fit more items, and they’ll all hang at the same height.  And while you’re at it, remove all dry cleaning bags.

15) Edit, edit, edit.  If you haven’t worn it in five years, donate it.  If you haven’t worn it in one year, try it on to make sure it fits.  Trust us: you need to clear space so you can go shopping again!

Colin Cowie’s 5 Favorite Napkin Folds

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We love Colin Cowie’s and Carolyne Roehm’s over-the-top gorgeous parties, which are all about layering flowers, color, and heights.  But you’d be surprised to know: they both keep their napkin folds surprisingly simple.

 

Courtesy Colin Cowie
Courtesy Colin Cowie

1) Roll the napkin and thread it through a napkin ring.

Courtesy Colin Cowie
Courtesy Colin Cowie

 

2) Fold the napkin with a point at the bottom.

Courtesy Carolyne Roehm
Courtesy Carolyne Roehm

3) Fold the napkin into a rectangle.

Courtesy Colin Cowie
Courtesy Colin Cowie

4) Fold the napkin into a rectangle, but leave a fold out so you can tuck in a gift or a menu.

Courtesy Colin Cowie
Courtesy Colin Cowie

5) Pull the middle of a napkin through a napkin ring.

Courtesy Colin Cowie
Courtesy Colin Cowie

Inspired?  We’d love to see pictures of your tables.  And if you’ve got a party coming up, click here to see our  napkins and napkin rings.

 

 

 

 

 

Get Your Act Together: 10 Things To Do Before You Bring Her Home

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So you’ve been dating for a while, and you’d like to show her your place.  Great idea, but there’s more to preparing your home than just throwing everything in the dishwasher. Read on for the 10 key points that can make or break her visit.

Image courtesy weddingideas.rocks

1. Curb appeal. Initial impressions mean a lot. Still have those Christmas lights up from last year? Swap them out for a clean, new welcome mat. If the mailbox is overflowing with junk mail, go through it now.

contemporary-exterior
Image via Houzz

2. Clean up! This might sound obvious, but you need to get it done. Start by removing clutter from all surfaces (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room). Once these are clear, wipe everything down and only put back essentials like your coffee maker or remote control.  Also, don’t forget to vacuum your floors, wash all your linens (sheets and towels), and make your bed.

bachelor-townhouse
Image via Adelto

3. What’s in your fridge? Yup, she’s going to look. If you only have beer and hot sauce in your fridge, at least wipe down the shelves so they’re nice and clean. Toss out all leftovers and anything past its expiration date. A good rule to live by: if you have to smell it to remember what it is, it’s too old. Extra Credit: Surprise her with a bottle of bubbly for a romantic nightcap!

Image courtesy cuteandcompany.com

4. Bathroom necessities. Your bathroom should be spotless. Always (and we mean always) close your toilet, have lots of toilet paper available, refill the hand soap, and place towels next to the sink. Extra Credit: Clean up your medicine cabinet. In case she takes a peek, this is not the place to hide anything you took off the countertop in step 2.

Image courtesy refinedguy.com

5. The TV. If you have dusty equipment or a maze of wires surrounding your screen, tidy them up. Video games and movies are fun for certain occasions, but don’t really scream romance, so store these in a drawer or basket. Extra Credit: Go through your DVR. Are you really ready to explain to her that you secretly love watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

Image courtesy furnituremind.co.uk

6. What’s on your bookshelf? Books can be an excellent conversation starter, so start that conversation off right. If you have a passion for poetry or an extensive library of Russian literature, this is the perfect way to show her. But be careful: don’t put lofty books there just to impress her. If she asks about the influence of neo-realism on 20th Century Italian film, you’d better have an answer!

Image courtesy nobswall.com

7. The dog. Find out beforehand if she is comfortable around pets. A well-mannered dog is the sign of a devoted trainer, so be sure your best friend’s on his best behavior. If she’s afraid of animals or just a bit shy, be respectful of her boundaries and keep your pooch behind closed doors.

Dash & Albert Ladder Stripe Jute Woven Rug

8. Take out the trash! Empty out all trash cans in the house and check surfaces for old receipts, empty beer bottles, ashtrays, or anything else that should say sayonara. Extra Credit: Light some candles or pick a handful fresh flowers to clear the air. These subtle details will not go unnoticed!

Image courtesy cleaneatingonline.com

9. The Ex. There should be absolutely zero evidence of any other woman ever entering your home. Exceptions are your family, your housekeeper, and me, in spirit (see all other steps).

Image courtesy pixgood.com

10. Show your personality. Your home is a reflection of you, so keeping it tidy will allow your favorite pieces to shine. If you play a musical instrument, love to surf or have a knack for painting, showcase your interests and talents through your home. Extra Credit: Invite her further into your world by playing her a romantic tune or cooking a sweet treat. Whether you have a passion for wine, sports or astronomy, show her how much you care through an outlet where you thrive.

Image courtesy Pinterest

 

Keep it Clean: How to Clean Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

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We love indoor/outdoor rugs because they won’t fade and they really add warmth underfoot.

But did you know they’re also super easy to clean?  We’re really grateful for this video our friends at Dash & Albert prepared to show us how to clean our indoor/outdoor rugs.  It will just take minutes and make your house feel fresh all over.

How to Clean Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
Keep it Clean: How to Clean Indoor/Outdoor Rugs (video)

Don’t have your own?  Click here to view our selection of indoor/outdoor rugs.

 

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