Favorite Things Friday

1. Sitka Lantern Floor Lamp // 2. Denley Candleholder // 3. Momeni Baja Collection, Green // 4. Bird Cage Hanging Chalkboard // 5. Momeni Comfort Shag, Lime // 6. Paula Deen Home Accent Chair

 A shag will always count as a favorite thing in my book. The comfort shag by Momeni comes in several fun colors, and invites you to just sink your toes into its pile! It is an excellent choice for a bedroom space. Geometric patterns are all the rage right now and the Momeni Baja collection has several to choose from. With spring approaching, this green would brighten up a sun-room with a contemporary edge. Every home should have a comfortable spot for reading and lounging, and this Paula Deen accent chair just screams: "get comfy!" The Sitka Lantern floor lamp would light up your reading space with convenience. Floor lamps are a great space-saver and come in so many different styles these days. Stay organized with this cheerful Bird Carge hanging chalkboard, perfect for jotting down small honey-do lists and little notes. This lantern style Denley Candleholder would make a beautiful addition to a dining room centerpiece when coupled with smaller coordinating lanterns. Pull up your favorite seat to enjoy this week's pickings of favorite things. We want you to feel inspired by comfort! Which piece would you incorporate into your home?

By: Samantha Palacio

Making Changes: Karastan

When you think of Karastan, you may envision the colorful, traditional style rugs that they have been known for, for nearly 90 years. Karastan unveiled a fresh line of new designs, custom dyes, and shag style rugs at the Atlanta Market this January that we are unveiling this month in stores, and I'm here to tell you: these are not your grandma's rugs! Moroccan inspired  designs, lush family room shags... Karastan has opened up to a whole new market of rug buyers and we are thrilled for the opportunity to bring you the change.

About Karastan

Karastan takes pride in the easy clean up and longevity of wear. Have you heard of the "Wonder Rug"? In the midst of a Great Depression, Karastan introduced a 12x15 rug to the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. Here they invited 5 million people to trample this rug and they did it again 5 years later to total 13 million people gracing this tree of life pattern with muddy footprints, and many stories. The words: "If this rug could only talk," come to mind here. Look at this amazing before & after clean up depiction. If you are as intrigued as I am, read more about the story here.

Hard to believe a rug can retain such radiant luster after 80 years! I think this is a beautiful depiction of quality you can expect of this manufacturer. Karastan strives to match the quality and craftsmanship of its counterpart - the handwoven one-of-a-kind treasures we sell here every day. Down to the fringe and bright colors that mimic its counterpart, you would likely be fooled unless not a trained rug connoisseur. 

Did you know that by purchasing Karastan you are supporting domestic jobs? Karastan is a North Carolina-based company bringing local jobs and revenue back into our home state. 

Go Green

Karastan uses renewable ingredients such as wool and "renewably sourced polymers" committing themselves to the environmentalism bandwagon. The science behind the making of handwoven rugs produces a positive footprint on the environment with longevity reducing energy consumption. To break it down - much like wool hand-knotted's, these rugs can be passed down or sold off once your family has tired of the look. Their decades worth of wear insure less filling of the landfill and happy homeowners all around. 

By: Samantha Palacio

Style Alert: Vintage Modern

I embarked on this journey to vintage modern inspiration with much reading and much inspiration from various mediums such as Apartment Therapy, and even our beloved Pinterest. If you do a search for 'vintage modern' your results will display a wide range of understandings. From Hannah and Dave's vintage apartment [left], to the very new styling's of Schnadig flair back sofas and our beloved tufted backs. There are many ways to define this trend. 

A lot of homes nowadays have a mixture of vintage or older style furnishings, mixed with a few more modern trends. In other words, beloved well-worn pieces with a few newbies mixed in here and there. There is nothing wrong with this. This is what I would consider the average man's reality. If you fall into the bracket of fortunate folks who can build from the ground up and then still afford to furnish the whole house - lucky you! But for those of you who may be in the market for just the sofa, and not the entire living room group, we're here to inspire you too! Vintage modern is not a style that requires an entire room makeover, it encompasses a way of life. Are you feeling at home yet?

In the furniture world, we are seeing classic frames introduced in chic fabrics and custom color combinations to make a classic style jive within in a modern home. Have you braved the maze that is Ikea? I honestly look forward to the first of the year because I can get my hands on all the lovely catalog inspiration, eliminating my need to feel overwhelmed by so much stuff in their showroom. Ikea is notorious for its simplistic design and its sleek lines can often fit into this category. I have to commend Design Sponge whose use of Ikea products helped to create this simplistic version of vintage modern decor. A very attainable look and inexpensive upgrade if you are trying to decide how to dress up that hand-me-down kitchen table. 

Sleek consoles like this one pictured in Mememolly and Mike's apartment, are characteristic of how we are seeing modern furniture paired with classic (i.e. their tufted chair) furniture. Pastel Furniture carries sleek, modern consoles identical to this one and furniture manufacturers such as Lexington, Bernhardt, Century Furniture, and Hooker are all well versed in tufted. A tribal print or well-worn traditional rug would be envisioned in a space like this. 

I'm a visual learner so to give you another perspective on vintage modern decor, I've created a sophisticated take on the style using our Annie Sofa, Pastel TV stand, and Nomad rug by Kaleen. A Bernhardt industrial chic side table gives you a place to prop a drink and some fun mixed media art by Uttermost adds 'texture' and interest as a backdrop. Surya pillows in a complimentary pattern add comfort and fur has been very popular recently. Mixing different textures is a must for some depth. Vintage modern can match, or it cannot. It's not imperative either way, and that makes it one of my most favorite styles of decorating. 

If you're still looking for your niche, I'm not done yet. We've got upcoming trends in geometrics, tips for remodeling, and new product introductions that will make you drool so keep coming back for more home decor eye-candy. 

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Favorite Things Friday

1. Auguste Verdier 27" Wall Clock // 2. Desert Gabbeh by Momeni, Paprika // 3. Becton Modern Metal table lamp by Uttermost // 4. American Heirloom by Orian in Mahal Bisque // 5. Ride Framed Art // 6. Big Rusty Distressed dog statue

This one's for the gentlemen! Add a bit of old world feel to his office space with this traditional American Heirloom rug in a neutral blend that will create a warm feeling and ground the room. Likewise, this Desert Gabbeh will add some warmth and a rustic feel while bringing the quality and benefits of hand knotted wool. The Becton Modern Metal table lamp has a masculine feel with its clean lines, and the Auguste Verdier is both functional and a statement with its 27" size. Big Rusty is the perfect companion for your fellow. Not only is he large and lovable - you don't have to clean up after him! For the daredevil in your life, this Uttermost Ride Framed art adds a classic touch any motor-head will love. Any of these stylish accessories will incorporate some masculinity into your home. Which favorite thing is your favorite?

By: Samantha Palacio

It's a Revolution

In the famous words of Stacy London: "Shut the front door!" Feast your eyes on the Evolution & Revolution collections from Kaleen. These high-quality tufted wool rugs feature modern, geometric designs in vibrant colors that will work with any sleek design.

Teal is always a favorite. 

Navies are a calming hue and pair well with orange, yellow, and reds. 

The neutral grey tone in this rug makes it a great choice for a pattern-filled space. Just remember to mix it with a smaller, complimentary print.

Check our Facebook page for updates and photos of more rugs from these trendy collections.

In stores only, these fabulous collections (and more) are on sale for just $199 in a 5x8* size!

Not close to one of our locations? Shop our ONLINE sale! Rugs priced $199 and under here and here. 

*5x8 size is approximate. Different rug manufacturers may vary to 5 x 7.6 and 5 x 7.9.

Mixed Media Craze

Mixed Media art is defined as:

A technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or painting and collage, that are combined in a single composition.

The beauty of Mixed Media art is that it is not defined to one particular style. While mixed media art may work well with contemporary or eclectic home decor, it is a category all its own. Combining many different textures together, art can be made romantic, modern, whimsical, classic, and so on. There are no color restrictions and bits of paper medium or even lace are often introduced. Mixed Media is layer, upon texture of pure Art expression. It is not for the faint or neutral of heart.  

Art, as we all know, can be created to any scale to suit the needs of a home. From large headboard-sized canvas to smaller conversation groupings like this painting [to the left] by Alisa Burke. Alisa Burke is artist, teacher, and blogger whose original mixed media paintings have inspired an industry of reproductions, DIY-ers, and writers like myself to voice self-expression through art. Mixed Media is a form of Art and home decor with a heart of its own.  

Mixed media art has even crossed over into the fashion industry, like seen in this tutorial by Ashley at Lil Blue Boo. DIY-er's alike are re-purposing and recovering to create styles all their own using mixed media techniques. If you've never 'met' Ashley, I encourage you to take a tour around LBB. You will not leave uninspired. 

Companies like Uttermost have created prints that make mixed media art far more affordable than original, large-scale pieces. You can mix and match paintings of this style for an eclectic look. Depending on the size of the canvas, they are great conversation pictures for a gallery wall. 

'Hearts of the City' handpainted by Uttermost

Picture this: a functional sitting space inspired by Mixed Media. Here, we are pairing Rug & Home vendors, such as Caracole, around a Mixed Media art original of the city. 

Feeling inspired? Pick up a brush. The best thing of all about Mixed Media art?

It is about expression, not perfection.

Definition source: The Free Dictionary

Written by: Samantha Palacio

Making your House a Home

Have you fallen into a rut? A decorating rut that is... It happens. Life happens. If you're overwhelmed by clutter at home, chances are you feel disorganized in other areas of your life as well. In our post on feng shui techniques for the home, we touched on the idea that your home should be a reflection of who you are. Today I want to share with you some more detailed ideas and quick tips that can turn your house into a home.

Change your color scheme. Select one color to be the focus in each room and then use highlights and accents in a similar hue to add contrast. Generally, you would think that too much color can be distracting, though if you fall into the rising category of people who love an eclectic style, it may be for you. Pick complimentary colors, add your accents in smaller interchangeable decor pieces and don't be afraid. We've seen a large trend in painted closets and pantry spaces. Paint the bookcase or media center the same color as the wall behind it — it will blend in and seem to disappear. 

One. Step. at. a. Time. Don’t feel like you have to remodel or redecorate the entire house to make it your own. If money or time is a constraint, concentrate on one room at a time. One piece of Artwork or even some framed photos can make a dramatic difference. Start small, and build upon that for inspiration.

Bye, Bye clutter. Chances are that if you're surrounded by physical clutter, you're mentally cluttered as well. You might find that you'll feel more in control of your thoughts and your time will be managed better if you can conquer the chaos that's occurring in home. Consider your morning routine. What type of tone are you setting for the day ahead? If you can't find everything you need to get out the door within a couple of minutes, you're likely leaving the house feeling flustered and rushed. Likewise, make sure you've created traffic patterns for easy flow from room to room. Take a breather, and read this article on how to get a Fresh Perspective in Just 10 minutes by Apartment Therapy. 

Getting rid of things we no longer use helps us find what we have. It also strengthens us emotionally. Releasing old possessions helps us release the past. Old griefs, guilts, grudges, and regrets disappear, enabling us to live more fully in the present.

- -from The Tao of Inner Peace

Balance, folks. Balancing light is a necessary concept, but balancing color is also important. If you’ve painted your walls a dark color, use touches of white to brighten the room. Lampshades, artwork, and throw pillows are all good options. 

Adjust the light. Good lighting doesn’t mean bright lighting. Balance light and dark to focus light where it should to be. Light fixtures are easy and inexpensive to change but can make a dramatic difference. A tall floor mirror adds height and captures light from around the room. 

Work with what you have. Instead of tearing down kitchen cabinets, change the facings and add new hardware. It's amazing what new knobs and pulls can do. Change the countertop or paint your existing one. Add an island if space allows and consider one that contrasts existing cabinetry for visual interest. We love the pop of color in the kitchen pictured above. Properly arranged accessories can also also make a room more visually appealing. Read Mandi's tips on staging shelves here. 

Not ready to buy? Repaint or re-stain your existing furniture. Add one new piece, like a coffee table or end tables. Little changes can make a big difference. Lucite is popular right now. The clear acrylic allows your space to feel larger, but the function of a lucite coffee table may be a necessary addition for storage.

Windows get the treatment. What's not to love about curtains?! They add color and texture, control sunlight, add height, and so on. If there’s not enough light, consider sheers to let in more sunshine. If there’s too much light, use darker, lined panels. Blinds have also come a long way in materials and design.

The bees knees. Imagine a place, a space, or a location that inspires you. Adjust the décor of your rooms to evoke the feeling that you get from being there. It can be in the artwork, in the furniture, in the accents… whatever it takes, do it, so you’ll feel like you’re living in paradise.

Invest… In the flooring. Add a new rug. Paint the floor. Change the flooring in a central room, and it can affect your whole house.

Still not sure where to start? Stay tuned for some upcoming posts that will inspire you to find your style. Take a look at Lauren Conrad's article on decorating for couples to find a niche for you and your spouse. Follow us on Pinterest for continuous shared tips & tricks. And as always, feel free to contact us if you have design specific questions. 

Written by: Samantha Palacio