Modern area rugs let you lend your house a special touch

Does your house needs a desperate makeover? Well, there are many things that can be done to give a complete makeover to your house and you can choose any one means to make your living area more attractive. Have you ever imagined making a small change in your room? Putting up a brand new area rug can bring about a tremendous transformation in your house. You must try this out and put up a new modern area rug in your house and see the dramatic change at first hand. Modern area rugs are not the only thing that you can put up in your room; you can also keep area rugs of different kinds to liven up the interiors of your house.

Who does not like to come back in the evening to a home that is warm and inviting? Doing up the interiors of your house in the proper way can surely make it look very bright and inviting. Covering the floor of your house with carpets, tiles or area rugs surely makes your house look very good. Choosing the correct modern area rugs for your house is important. Surely, you would not like to pick up a modern area rug for your room that looks completely alien in your house.

The best thing that you can do is check out the various online stores that specialize in selling carpet, tiles and area rugs to customers. Paucity of time is one thing that is common almost among all people, and thus the option of searching out modern area rugs on the web can be a very good source for you to find out and buy the kind of modern area rug that you have been searching for. You can select modern area rug in different color, pattern and design for the different rooms in your house. In this way, you can lend a personal touch to each room in your house.

Well if you do put up modern area rug in your house, you must also be aware of how to keep your modern area rug clean. It is very normal that the area rug will get dirty and if you have small kids at home keeping your area rug clean becomes all the more difficult. If by accident anything spills on your area rug, the golden rule is to get it cleaned immediately. Otherwise it is very much possible that the stain may stick and may not go away after some time. Always go for colors and patterns in area rugs that add on to the personality of your home.

If you have children at home, it will be ideal for you to buy a modern area rug that is darker in color. It may not always be possible on your part to keep this clean all the time and the dark color will help you in masking out some of the stains in your modern area rug. Leading carpet dealers have in their collection modern areas rugs in different colors, make, texture and design. What you need to do is find out the area rug of your choice and use it in your home.

Autor: Stephen Robins
Stephen Robins loves doing up and designing house interiors. He has been involved with advising people in finding out and using the best carpets for decorating their house and workplaces. If you want more information about Modern Area Rugs, Nourison Area Rugs, Residential Carpet, commercial flooring,Vinyl flooring, residential flooring, commercial flooring in New York visit www.citycarpet.com

Shaw Area Rugs

A colorful shaw area rug can set the tone of a room or change the dynamic of a hallway or foyer. Shaw has a rug for every style and every budget.

• Selection: From large to small, bright to neutral and everything in between, Shaw offers area rugs in every shape, size, and style.
  
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• Affordability: Thanks to Shaw's innovative technology, beautiful area rugs are more affordable than ever. Now you can change the look of a room without breaking the bank.
  
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• Creativity: Let your artistic side shine through with a fun rug from Shaw's kid's collection or a outdoor-inspired bamboo rug to add a natural element.
  
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• Ease: It's simple. Find a rug you love. Bring it home. Lay it down. Instant style makeover in one afternoon.
  
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Nautical Area Rugs

Do nautical images appeal to you most? Are you the type of person who loves to see everything that is related to the sea? Starting a new home and looking for some great textiles to improve your rooms? Hmm...What about, nautical area rugs? They can be great choices for you.

Well, nautical area rugs are extensively available these days. They are designed, manufactured and distributed throughout the world, and that hundreds of textile companies have been offering these products knowing that more and more people are looking for it.

With these worldwide distribution of nautical area rugs, it’s no wonder that these products can be found easily anywhere one earth nowadays. They even conquer the virtual world with lots of sites out there on the web featuring area rugs that present life at sea.

So now, if you are one of those thousands of consumers out there looking for nautical area rugs, it is better to go online. Yes, as said before, a number of websites are already featuring and promoting nautical area rugs these days, and it’s nice to know that most of these products are offered online at pretty affordable prices.

There are a lot of steps you need to follow, however, to obtain what specific design of nautical area rugs you’ll actually require.

To help you in your search, the below are few selection of nautical area rugs. Consider the following for one of them might be the perfect choice for you. And, if you want further information about these products, then don’t worry, here are sites from where they can be accessed and purchased. Just read on.

Ocean Shores Nautical Rug:

If simplicity is your word, then Ocean Shores can be the right nautical area rug for you. This product is actually featured at AddaRug.com, one of the well-visited sites on the web for high quality area rugs.

Well, this item is just one of the pretty nautical are rugs included in the rug collection of AddaRug.com, but of the available rugs, Ocean Shores is the most preferred. Why? It is pretty simple, with designs of two tones of sky blue accents along with sunny yellow, light sage orange, cocoa, brown, light pink, ivory and coppery rose colors.

The center of this rug is a near cornflower blue which is slightly darer than the blue in the border. Just like Smooth Sailing, this product is one of the hand tufted nautical area rugs and is made from 100% mod acrylic yarn. All sides are bound with a cotton backing and it’s nice to know that this product is designed and manufactured in China.

Smooth Sailing Area Rug:

Manufactured by Global Home, this nautical area rug is noted for its soft texture. It is also said to be durable with a great look. It was hand tufted, giving it the unique texture it now possesses.

This is also the reason that this product provides a soft feel to the hand. Aside from that, Smooth Sailing presents bright vibrant colors which are now considered as one of the hottest in the marketplace. You can find more information about this product at RugsUSA.com.

So those are just two of your best options. There are other nautical area rugs available online, so if you want to find out more, then start your search as early as now.

www.area-rugs-guide.info

Choose a Wool Area Rug for Your Home

Renovating your rooms with new decor? Then you simply can't do without an area rug,and there is no better material than natural fiber, especially wool. It is durable, strong and adds an aesthetic value to your room.

The very nature of wool fiber enables it to recover well from crushing. These stretch sometimes up to 35% without rupturing and then come back to their original size. Wool is also resistant to soil and is easier to clean than synthetic fiber. The high moisture content of wool works as a natural flame resistant. Though synthetic fibers have evolved over the years, they still cannot match the quality of wool.

Important things to consider when buying a wool area rug are the size, design and grade of wool, handmade or machine-made. The size of your dining room, bedroom or study, hallway or stairs will determine the size of your rug. Next you have to decide the color and type of design you are looking for. Whether you want the color of your rug to match with your walls or are you looking for contrast. Whether you want a simple design or a more elaborate one. Wool comes in various grades. Wool may be from a dead animal or a live one, a young healthy one or an old one. Wool sheared from a live animal is called live wool. Dead wool is sheared chemically from dead animals and it contains no oils and is rough to touch.

Another important decision to make is whether you want to buy handmade wool area rugs or machine-made. Handmade rugs are not only more beautiful, but also durable, they hold their value, age beautifully and last for generations. With handmade wool rugs each strand is tied individually for greater strength and consistency.

The buying of wool rugs may be a complex issue and their uniqueness and originality is hard to judge unless you are an expert. It is advisable to take the help of an expert or deal with reputable dealers and direct importers of handmade wool rugs.

It is important to take proper care of your precious possession. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning are a strict 'NO' for your wool rug. Dry cleaning leaves a chemical in the fiber that is harmful for the longevity of your rug. Steam cleaning takes out the oil from the wool, converting live wool into dead wool. Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove dirt. Proper padding and moth-proofing are also recommended for a prolonged life.

Rory H. Hawkins writes about wool rugs and other interesting topics. Visit http://www.wool-rug-resources.info for more information.

Oriental Rugs - A Beautiful Addition to Your Home

In the dining room or in your study, on foyers or on stairs, Oriental rugs look natural wherever you place them. Geometric patterns or simple designs, bright colors or light tones, they enhance the beauty of your rooms.

Fragments of ancient rugs found in the Tarim Basin, which includes modern day northwestern India, East Turkmenistan, southern Russia, western China and Mongolia suggest that Asia was the first to produce rugs. Thus the term Oriental rugs refer to those created anywhere in Asia.

Buying an Oriental rug is quite a task, especially if you are buying it for the first time. There are various factors to be considered. To begin with the size of the room for which you are buying plays a pivotal role. For dining rooms the size of the table may be considered, while for bedrooms the area in front of the bed may to be considered. Quality of rugs depends on knots per square inch; higher number of knots will guarantee a clearer and sharper design. Quite the same manner in which you judge your digital photos by dpi. Some experts also suggest that you look out for imperfections in an Oriental rug to judge its authenticity. This may sound strange but it is said that weavers make intentional mistakes on a perfect rug, as they believe that only the Supreme Being can make something that is perfect.

Oriental rugs are more durable and environment-friendly than mass-produced machine-made rugs, as they are made of natural fibers like cotton, wool or silk that last longer and as these are handmade each strand has been tied individually for greater strength and consistency.

Weaving of Oriental rugs is a delicate and tedious process. Mainly two types of knots are used - the symmetrical Turkish knot or the asymmetrical Persian knot. The number of knots per square inch may vary from 16 to over 500. Horizontal or vertical looms are used to weave the rugs. Horizontal looms are preferred for weaving smaller rugs while the vertical ones are used for bigger ones. Depending on the quality and size of the rug it may take from only a month to several years to complete.

As Oriental rugs can be a costly affair it is important that you make sure that you are buying an original one. You may make use of experts while buying and some rug dealers also provide a certificate of authentication with their rugs.

Rory H. Hawkins writes about Oriental rugs and other interesting topics. Visit http://www.oriental-rug-shopping.info for more information.

Discount Area Rugs will ease your financial burden

Area rugs are a type of covering on the floor, which covers only a certain area and not the entire floor. The interiors of a room can be drastically changed simply by putting wonderful looking area rugs. Discount area rugs which are sold by many carpet dealers are perfect for using in your home. The entire look and feel of your home depends to a large extent on the way you house has been made up. Home is that special place where one wants to relax and enjoy after working the entire day. Area rugs are wonderful things that can be used for enhancing the look of not only your room but also of your entire house.

Discount area rugs are sold by many carpet dealers and all that you need to do for making your house look pleasant is to choose the proper area rugs. Making a wise choice about buying area rug is important. It is very well known that there will be numerous carpet dealers operating in your city, and all you need to do is find out that dealer who sells the best carpets, tiles and area rugs. To cover the floor of your house, you can make use of carpets, tiles and area rugs. It is up to you decide what will best suit your house and room. You must make sure that your commercial outlet is done properly in terms of both interiors and flooring.

It is not only your home that needs flooring, your office or commercial outlet also needs proper flooring to attract customers. It is very important that you do up the flooring of your commercial place properly as this can have certain consequences on your business prospects. If you have to do the flooring of your office, the kind for you would be to use carpets. Area rugs can be used, but only in certain places and not the entire office. Using carpet for the flooring of your office has certain advantages and the best advantage is that the sound of footsteps can be masked and one can do their work in a peaceful atmosphere.

For commercial places like hotel and restaurants, you can make use of laminated tiles for the purpose of flooring. Well, discount area rungs can also be a good option for you, but again you cannot use them in your entire hotel or restaurant. You must make a very good choice of the laminated tiles which you want to use in your commercial place. Make sure that the color is in perfect coordination with the color pattern of the wall in the restaurant. You will just have to go to a carpet dealer and he will provide you with professional who will come to your place and measure for you the exact amount of tiles required for flooring.

Also the professionals can give an exact amount which will be needed for buying carpets, tiles or area rugs. And if you get discount area rug, then you must consider yourself as really fortunate. After all it is not everyday that one gets discount area rugs to decorate their home, office or commercial outlet.

About the Author
Stephen Robins loves doing up and designing house interiors. He has been involved with advising people in finding out and using the best carpets for decorating their house and workplaces. If you want more information about Commercial flooring,Residential Carpet,Discount Area Rugs,commercial flooring in New York visit http://www.citycarpet.com

Video :: How rugs are made

The first chapter of 4 in total chapters, that will show you the complete process how rugs are made.

Video :: Tips on choosing a new area rug

Lynn asks for tips on choosing a new area rug. Kepple's Carept was the featured sponsor on the UPN show "Your House and Home.

Rugs with pedigree

You admired hip designer Nanette Lepore's peacock-patterned dresses, but they were so three years ago. Now you can resurrect the pattern for your floor.

Lepore has joined a growing list of fashion designers -- Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborne (with Nourison), Oscar de la Renta (with elson & co.), Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lulu Guinness (with The RUG Company) -- all translating their passion for fashion design to floor coverings.

Lepore recently introduced a bold-patterned area rug with her peacock design for the Doris Leslie Blau carpet gallery in New York. The gallery also in early March unveiled two nautically-inspired rugs designed by Tommy Hilfiger (one blue with white anchors, the other navy with a red chain-link pattern).

In a phone interview, Lepore said she was approached by the carpet folks and is happy she did the project, especially since she now has one of her rugs in her own living room.

"The way it transformed my living room with color and a bold pattern, it would be fun to do more of that," the designer said. In fact, she's considering designing another rug for her pool table area that the public may see in stores some day.

What do those in the world of interior design think about fashionistas stepping in?

"I believe good design is good design and a good designer is a good designer," said Thom Filicia, best known as the design expert on the television series "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy."

Filicia, who has also designed for celebrity clients including Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony through his New York firm, Thom Filicia, Inc., said the important thing in interior design is understanding people's lifestyles, something fashion designers do well.

"A good designer can transcend from the area they are focused on into other areas and do it very successfully," Filicia said.

But would he recommend consumers start buying area rugs based on what's in their wardrobes?

Filicia said he wouldn't go that far. Still, he has a new show on the Style Network called "Dress My Nest" in which he will use fashion as a springboard to help folks figure out interiors.

"I do think there's a relationship. Saying you want to match your house to your clothes is too literal but clothes do indicate your point of view, your aesthetic," he said.

"Young and hip or traditional or conservative, you can tell when you see someone," Filicia added. "And you get color from people's wardrobes."

Filicia will also soon launch a series of seminars in U.S. cities as spokesperson for Karastan carpets. His big advice: Designing from the floor up is a good start.

"When they (his clients) don't know where to begin I tell them to start from the rug, in terms of colors and what sets the tone whether classical or modern, or whatever."

And yes, he foresees having his own rug line (in addition to furniture and bedding), but not for a year or two.

Designer Lepore said what was appealing to her about designing rugs was that rug patterns have a longer shelf life.

"People don't change their homes as much as they change their closets," she said.

As for the trend of fashion designers stepping into rug design, she said, it brings "a fresh eye" and new brands that will create more interest.

Julie Rosenblum, brand manager for Nourison, the manufacturer of the Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborn carpets, agreed.

"In this day and age people associate certain looks and concepts with fashion designers," Rosenblum said. "It's reaffirming to the consumer that the product has a point of view and they understand that point of few."

Rosenblum said she suspects more fashion designers will introduce area rugs, and that's a good thing. "It brings rugs to the forefront. They (the consumer) may not know who the manufacturer is. What they know is there's a line by that designer. It takes the business to a whole new level."

www.dailyrecord.com

Rugs to Reinvigorate the Floor

Like anything else you buy for your house, an area rug is one part functional, one part decorative. Some people buy rugs to protect the floors underneath; others buy them to cover up what’s there. Some buy them to keep their feet warm on winter mornings and, yes, some of us buy them to aid our ailing pups.

Whatever the reason you’re considering adding rugs to your decorating dream list, says Celia Tejada, senior vice president of product design for San Francisco-based Pottery Barn, you ought to carefully consider your purchase, because the right rug can make a room.

“You want the rug to be the heart of the room in which the furniture plays around it,” she says.

In recent years, rugs at Pottery Barn, Target and other furniture retailers have become increasingly popular. More homes these days have wood or tile floors, rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, and new fabrics and manufacturing methods have lowered the prices. People are using rugs to bring in color and pattern into a room, because they can take it up and move it within the house. Regardless of your budget or personal taste, design experts say certain rules of the rug apply.

Not All Rugs are Created Equal

Tejada says some rugs, such as Persians, are like a couch, a household item that you’ll have for years, if not generations. Other rugs, like shaped novelty bathmats, are more like a vase of flowers that you change from season to season. Know why you want a rug and how much you want to spend before you go shopping. Once there, in-store decorators can help you by showing you the rugs to fit your needs.

Know Your Fabrics

Looking through a rack of rugs can be confusing; there are as many different materials as are likely to be hanging in your own closet. But just as you don’t pull out your boiled-wool jacket in the middle of June, floor-covering fabrics vary because they have different purposes.

Sisal, seagrass and coir are all natural fibers woven from plants. The rug buyers at Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based HomeLife say sisal in particular is popular now because it is durable and neutral in color. But even when woven, sisal has a rough texture, meaning it may not feel right on bare feet, and Tejada cautions “people with pets and kids do not want to have a heart attack every time something spills on a light-colored rug.” Dhurrie rugs are flat weaves made from either wool or cotton. Kilim rugs are similar to dhurrie rugs, but they often have more elaborate patterns and sometimes are reversible. Looped rugs, as the name suggests, have cotton loops from back to front and back again. These look great, but if your dog’s paw or kid’s toy truck gets stuck in one, you’ll have a permanent pull. Cotton rugs are generally softer than those from wool or plant fibers, but they show wear over time and stain easily.

Size Matters

More homeowners who have wall-to-wall carpeting use area rugs as a way to add color to a room. In general, leave at least a 2-foot border between the wall and the rug so visitors can see the differences between texture and color of the floor coverings. In large rooms, use two area rugs. Placed correctly, one can create a conversation area while the other works as an entranceway. In those cases, the two rugs don’t have to match exactly, but they should have coordinating colors and styles, she says.

Just a Dose of Whimsy

Tejada likes to use inexpensive shaped rugs, such as flowers, fruits, leaves and moons, to brighten children’s rooms, bathrooms and tie in to the seasons. Whimsical patterns, she says, can give personality to a room: “You can put something like that at the foot of the bed and it really lets you bring a sense of humor into the room,” she says.

www.courierpress.com

Choosing a carpet comes down to color and material

Carpet: The difference in what makes a house a home.

Fashionably speaking, people don't have to follow trends to dress up their homes.

When it comes to carpet, Steve Brociner, owner of Carpet Mill in East Hanover, takes the rugged individualist approach.

"Each family is different depending on size and traffic," he said. "And everyone has different taste. A couple starting out in an apartment will have different needs than a family with kids or pets."

In carpet-speak, that translates to color and material.

"Some people like nylon because it resists dirt," he said. "Others like wool because it cleans very well. But again it's about individual preference."

If your preference is to follow trends, then carpet diem this: In with color; out with solids. In with patterns; out with plush.

"People are going for more patterns such as floral or trellis," said Peter Kaufman, owner of Abbey Carpet Center in Succasunna. "They're moving away from the more plain or solids and going for more colors."

Berber, or looped carpet made from wool, nylon or olefin, has created a customer buzz, Brociner said.

"It has a utilitarian look," he said.

Rolling out the red, berber or trellis carpet isn't for everyone though.

Joy Nan Rodia, president of the Design Studio of Spaces in Morris Plains, has answered many calls for area rugs.

"The benefits of rugs over carpets is that there's no installation costs and they can be easily cleaned," she said. "They add warmth to a space and provide sound-proofing for hardwood floors."

Area rugs can tie elements of a room together or serve as the main focal point, she said.

"For example, if you have a large family room with a fire place and separate seating area you can use two rugs," she said. "You just have to color coordinate with the furniture and walls and make sure that the rugs are similar in design and color to themselves."

If you wouldn't wear plaids and polka dots, the same dress code rules apply to your floors.

www.dailyrecord.com

Price Reduction on Traditional Oriental and Persian Wool Rugs

Known for their excellent selection of affordable, high quality natural floor covering products, Natural Area Rugs.com has recently implemented a price reduction on all their Traditional Oriental and Persian Wool Rugs. Effective February of 2007, Natural Area Rugs will be offering a 25 percent discount on these popular natural fiber rugs.

At $4 per square foot, Natural Area Rugs' Oriental styles are priced significantly lower than their competitors who sell the same items for at least $15 per square foot. Offered in standard sizes ranging from 3x5 to 9x12, Traditional Oriental and Persian Wool Rugs are constructed from high quality tufted wool and backed with cotton. Available in elegant colors and patterns, traditional rugs can easily blend with virtually any type of furniture or room design, whether classic or modern.

Customer satisfaction was on top of our list when we started this business, and nothing has changed since. What better way to thank our customers than to make their favorite product even more affordable. We've reduced prices for the New Arrivals in our 2007 Collection, consisting of high quality Persian and Oriental Rugs

Tufted Oriental and Persian Wool Rugs are the perfect fusion of beauty and durability. Their thick dense pile offers maximum comfort and unmatched style. Resilient and easy to maintain, Natural Area Rugs' Tufted Traditional Wool Rugs are favorites of homeowners and designers nationwide. Like all natural fiber rugs, these area rugs are anti-static, environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.

"This is our way of extending our gratitude to our clients who have motivated us to become who we are today," explains Mike Dennis of Natural Area Rugs. "Customer satisfaction was on top of our list when we started this business, and nothing has changed since. What better way to thank our customers than to make their favorite product even more affordable. We've reduced prices for the New Arrivals in our 2007 Collection, consisting of high quality Persian and Oriental Rugs"

Maintaining their drive to give the best customer service, Natural Area Rugs offers a 110 percent price guarantee. If a customer should find a competitor's rug of equal quality at a lower price, Natural Area Rugs will not only match that price but decrease it by an additional 10 percent.

On top of this generous discount, Natural Area Rugs continues to offer free shipping on their entire natural fiber rug collection.

For more information on natural fiber rugs such as sisal, seagrass, mountain grass, wool, and bamboo, please feel free to visit http://www.naturalarearugs.com

Designers focus their stylish ideas on rugs

You admired hip designer Nanette Lepore’s peacock-patterned dresses, but they were so three years ago. Now you can resurrect the pattern for your floor.

Lepore has joined a growing list of fashion designers — Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborne (with Nourison), Oscar de la Renta (with elson & co.), Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lulu Guinness (with The RUG Company) — all translating their passion for fashion design to floor coverings.

Lepore recently introduced a bold-patterned area rug with her peacock design for the Doris Leslie Blau carpet gallery in New York. The gallery also in early March unveiled two nautically-inspired rugs designed by Tommy Hilfiger (one blue with white anchors, the other navy with a red chain-link pattern).

In a phone interview, Lepore said she was approached by the carpet folks and is happy she did the project, especially since she now has one of her rugs in her own living room.

“The way it transformed my living room with color and a bold pattern, it would be fun to do more of that,” the designer said. In fact, she’s considering designing another rug for her pool table area that the public may see in stores some day.

What do those in the world of interior design think about fashionistas stepping in?

“I believe good design is good design and a good designer is a good designer,” said Thom Filicia, best known as the design expert on the television series “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.”

Filicia, who has also designed for celebrity clients including Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony through his New York firm, Thom Filicia, Inc., said the important thing in interior design is understanding people’s lifestyles, something fashion designers do well.

“A good designer can transcend from the area they are focused on into other areas and do it very successfully,” Filicia said.

But would he recommend consumers start buying area rugs based on what’s in their wardrobes?

Filicia said he wouldn’t go that far. Still, he has a new show on the Style Network called “Dress My Nest” in which he will use fashion as a springboard to help folks figure out interiors.

“I do think there’s a relationship. Saying you want to match your house to your clothes is too literal but clothes do indicate your point of view, your aesthetic,” he said.

“Young and hip or traditional or conservative, you can tell when you see someone,” Filicia added. “And you get color from people’s wardrobes.”

Filicia will also soon launch a series of seminars in U.S. cities as spokesperson for Karastan carpets. His big advice: Designing from the floor up is a good start.

“When they (his clients) don’t know where to begin I tell them to start from the rug, in terms of colors and what sets the tone whether classical or modern, or whatever.”

And yes, he foresees having his own rug line (in addition to furniture and bedding), but not for a year or too.

Designer Lepore said what was appealing to her about designing rugs was that rug patterns have a longer shelf life.

“People don’t change their homes as much as they change their closets,” she said.

As for the trend of fashion designers stepping into rug design, she said, it brings “a fresh eye” and new brands that will create more interest.

Julie Rosenblum, brand manager for Nourison, the manufacturer of the Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborn carpets, agreed.

“In this day and age people associate certain looks and concepts with fashion designers,” Rosenblum said. “It’s reaffirming to the consumer that the product has a point of view and they understand that point of few.”

Rosenblum said she suspects more fashion designers will introduce area rugs, and that’s a good thing. “It brings rugs to the forefront. They (the consumer) may not know who the manufacturer is. What they know is there’s a line by that designer. It takes the business to a whole new level.”

www.smdailyjournal.com

Area rugs get chic

You admired hip designer Nanette Lepore's peacock-patterned dresses, but they were so three years ago. Now you can resurrect the pattern for your floor.

Lepore has joined a growing list of fashion designers - Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborne (with Nourison), Oscar de la Renta (with elson & co.), Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lulu Guinness (with The RUG Company) - all translating their passion for fashion design to floor coverings.

What do those in the world of interior design think about fashionistas stepping in?

"I believe good design is good design and a good designer is a good designer," said Thom Filicia, best known as the design expert on the television series "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy."

Filicia, who has also designed for celebrity clients including Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony through his New York firm, Thom Filicia, Inc., said the important thing in interior design is understanding people's lifestyles, something fashion designers do well.

"A good designer can transcend from the area they are focused on into other areas and do it very successfully," Filicia said.

But would he recommend consumers start buying area rugs based on what's in their wardrobes?

Filicia said he wouldn't go that far. "I do think there's a relationship. Saying you want to match your house to your clothes is too literal but clothes do indicate your point of view, your aesthetic," he said.

Fran Golden
www.lsj.com

Designer offers decorating tips

Michael Habachy remembers his parents' reaction the first time they visited his one level, industrial style flat at Hastings Seed Lofts on Marietta Street.

"My parents were like, what in the hell are you doing," Habachy recalls, laughing. "It looked like a concrete attic."

But the imposing concrete columns, aged brick walls, exposed ducts and large open living space were the very features he found attractive when he purchased the loft a couple of years ago.

Decorating it was liberating for Habachy, an interior designer who specializes in upscale residential and commercial properties, because it gave him a canvas to use sleek, contemporary furnishings in a gritty, architectural setting.


"I wanted to blend the historical character of an old industrial building with modern design," he says. "I try to keep things really minimal and simple."

Here are some things to consider, he recommends, when decorating a loft:

SCALE

"Scale can be the height of the space as well as the amount of space you have between chairs and sofas," he says. For example, "in lofts, you can get away with a chunkier table that fills the area."

FURNITURE

Choose pieces that accentuate the height of the room and that look good from all angles, so they can float in a room instead of being placed against a wall.

"It's nice to have some furniture that looks architectural," Habachy says, "then make a couple of pieces the brat pieces — the ones that are going to get a lot attention."

FRAMED ART AND OBJECTS

Consider using large sculptures as focal points, and hanging oversized framed pieces to make an impact. Or, cluster smaller pieces together to make one large focal point.

"I personally like large accent pieces more than knick-knacky pieces," he says. "The funny thing is, I grew up around a lot of knick-knacks. It drove me nuts."

DIVIDING LINES

Many lofts, particularly authentic ones built in old warehouses, don't have interior walls. But you can create a visual separation with screens or architectural partitions made out of wood and translucent materials.

"If you can partition off the bedroom it would be to your advantage, especially if there's more than one person who shares the space," Habachy advises. Rugs are another way to define or frame an area.

GALLEY KITCHENS

Keep them clutter free. When possible, stash small appliances and other counter clutter.

"One thing I like to do in a kitchen that makes it more minimal and sleek is reposition the outlets," he says. "I put them under the cabinets in power strips, so no one can see them. That way, you can get a beautiful backsplash."

WINDOWS

Like many loft dwellers, Habachy likes naked windows that let in plenty of light without compromising his privacy. For clients who prefer window treatments, he suggests architectural ripple fold drapes hung ceiling to floor.

FLOORING

Nothing warms a loft like heavily textured rugs, such as thick shag or fur. Although wall-to-wall carpet is an option, think twice before covering the floors completely. Hardwoods or concrete add to the character of the home.

PAINT

When choosing colors, include ducts in the mix. Habachy painted his a soft taupe to tone down the glaring metal. "It doesn't look so loud and harsh," he explains.

Persian carpets exhibition opens

The Persian carpets exhibition began at InterContinental Hotel on Monday with over 2,000 varieties on display.

This eight-day exhibition, organised by Persian Carpets LLC, showcases many types of carpets from many countries.

Oriental rugs and carpets are an important part of many homes’ décor and it is supposed to be a life-long investment, says Khalid Gul Aga, director of Persian Carpets LLC.

Persian carpets are also known as Oriental rugs and has become universally accepted as referring to all hand knotted or hand-woven carpets from the ‘East’ in the regions of Iran and Central Asia.

The most famous of them are from Iran while the rest of them are sourced from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Caucaus, Kashmir, Turkmenistan and parts of Central Asia. The biennial exhibition being held for the past 11 years has some carpets which are more than 100 years old. Most of them are silk on silk or wool and sink with prices ranging between RO80 and RO8,000.

Khalid says that Qum carpets are the most exquisite of all and are in high demand as these rugs are woven out of pure silk.

Buying these carpets is not as easy as it seems and you may require assistance to purchase these carpets.

There are new, old and antique rugs some having simple and elegant looks related to the down to earth tribal and nomads with strong character, while others are more refined and artistic with a high degree of knottage.

Some of the tribal carpets go by the names of Bakhtiar, Senneh, Qashgai, Bijar, Yallameh, Caucasian etc while the city carpets are mostly (80 per cent) named after Iranian cities and these are Tabriz, Naeen, Qum, Isfahan (popular), Hereke, etc. Besides the carpets, handcrafted gift items, shawls, wall hangings, kilim (flat woven carpets) are also on display at the exhibition.

According to Khalid, the prices of these rugs are below the real value as each rug may take up to one-and-a-half years to produce.

All the rugs are hand made in cottage industries spread across many countries.

Khalid says that he personally visits most of these countries to source out the rugs. Persian Carpets showroom is located on the first floor of Al Wadi Commercial Centre in Qurum.

Understanding The Different Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpeting can be a major purchase for your home. You want it to have a long life, look good, and be comfortable to walk on. Before you choose your carpet, it is important to understand the different types of carpet fibers that are available and their advantages and disadvantages.

The type of fiber used to make a carpet determines its visual appearance, overall durability, feel, resistance to stains - and the cost.

Synthetic materials are the most popular of the fibers used in today’s carpets accounting for about 97% of all fiber used. Synthetic materials are adaptable into a variety of styles and applications. They are generally easier to maintain than natural fibers.

Common materials used for carpet fibers are:

• Nylon

Extremely durable, stain and mildew resistant and static free, Nylon is an excellent choice for all levels of traffic and applications. It maintains its fiber height allowing it to withstand the weight of heavy furniture and people. Nylon is dyed during the production of the fiber thereby avoiding any color run after it is produced

Nylon accounts for approximately 90% of all residential carpeting. Expect square yard prices from $10 for Cut Piles increasing to $30 for Multi-Level Loops.


• Olefin (polypropylene)

Controlling the commercial market with an 80% share, Olefin is the least expensive of the man made fibers. A very strong fiber, Olefin is resistant to moisture and mildew and is easy to clean and maintain. It is an indoor and outdoor fiber and is the common fiber used for artificial turf.


• Polyester

Less expensive than nylon or wool, Polyester fiber creates a very attractive carpet.

Commonly used in soft loop or Berber loop carpets, Polyester is a fiber that is used to make a luxury product. Crush resistant, available in a vast array of dynamic colors and its resistance to fading provides Polyester fibers with a lot of advantages. Polyester fibers are easy to clean and are resistant to water based stains.


• Acrylic

Acrylic is the closest synthetic fiber to wool. Because of its wool like attributes, it is used extensively in Velvet and Plush Level Loop carpets. Acrylic fibers offer the appearance and feel of wool at a much lower cost and has the advantage over wool of being moisture and mildew resistant. The Acrylic fiber resists crushing, stains and will not fade from sunlight.

Acrylic fibers are not suitable for high traffic areas, such as hallways, family rooms, and stairs as they are a high wear product. Hence, they provide a perfect carpet in master and guest bedrooms.


• Wool

When it comes to luxury and performance, no other fiber compares to Wool. Wool carpets maintain their height; they are ultra soft with a feel that is incomparable.

Wool fibers are easily died or you can choose natural colors of off white to black, and they repel water. They are very easy to clean and have an exceptionally long life. Wool fibers are usually used in cut pile and textured carpets.

Wool is one of the most expensive of the natural fibers and much more than synthetic fiber carpets. Wool carpets are also less resistant to moisture than synthetic fiber carpets.


• Blends

The aforementioned four fiber types are often combined in a many variations to produce carpets that take the best qualities of each fiber type to produce a group of exceptional finished products.

For the luxurious look and comfort of wool with the durability of nylon, consider a Wool/Nylon blend.

Other common blends include Acrylic/Olefin and Nylon/Olefin. Although less expensive these blends are usually subject to staining.


• PET

If a “green” environment is part of your criteria then you may want to consider the purchase of a carpet made of PET fibers.

Recycled plastics, primarily soda containers, are the basis for polyethylene terephthalate or as it is more commonly known in the industry PET. Fibers made from PET are not as plush or soft to the feel as other synthetic fibers but they are very durable, water and static resistant and offers extremely good value.

Your Savings on Karastan rugs and carpet

Since their introduction in 1928, Karastan area rugs have always been in fashion, harmonizing perfectly with a variety of furniture styles from traditional to country to contemporary. Karastan oriental design rugs are translated from authentic hand made originals, including 17th and18th century treasures from the archives of Colonial Williamsburg. The authentic shading in these rugs is achieved by their design experts use of virtually an unlimited number of colors. Every Karastan Axminister rug is produced with a soft back. The yarns are woven through the back as in fine Orientals. Karastan rugs undergo a special process of lustre washing and finishing to simulate the highlights and patina of priceless antique Orientals. Fine Karastan wool rugs are made to endure... having demonstrated lasting performance for over half a century. Karastan is well known as one of the finest rugs in the world. Every Karastan is made of the finest natural or manmade materials available. Every Karastan design is created by a designer who is both artist and craftsman. Every Karastan rug will be touched literally yard by yard, inch by inch by dozens of craftsmen looking for a loose stitch, a stray thread, a needle in a haystack. The care put into creating each Karastan is legendary. That care will show up for many years of beautiful performance.

Initially, limited to the production of plain velvet and twist styles, Kara-loc eventually produced an explosion of fashion innovations, including multi-colored designs, along with cut-and-loop effects at least 15 years ahead of the rest of the industry. Karastan's innovative method made possible the production of high-styled, quality carpets at prices affordable to average consumers. Karastan carpets create beauty in your home with saxony plush, textured, frieze, and other exciting constructions. The story of these Karastan carpets isn't just about how they perform. It's about how they look. To bring out the natural beauty of these carpets, Karastan chose the most fashionable colors from Paris, New York, and Milan.

Karastan first started producing broadloom carpets in the 1930's. Not only did Karastan play a big part in introducing American households to the very concept of walking in comfort, Karastan provided the impetus for mass appeal by introducing yet another innovation in 1948: Karastan's Kara-Loc® method of weaving. Nothing maintains its beauty like a wool carpet, and no one makes them like Karastan.

Constructed on patented Kara-loc looms, these wools have a smooth surface and superior fit. Wools of New Zealand - Those with a sense of style - and a sense of value - choose wool carpets and rugs. Why? Because wool simply looks beautiful, longer. Natural wool ages gracefully, continually renewing itself and developing a rich patina as years pass. While synthetic fibers will become scratched, scarred and dull over time, wool carpets and rugs remain vibrant to the eye and supple to the touch. Your style demands high design and high performance; natural wool delivers, year after year after year. Do you know the real story about real wool carpets and rugs? And because Karastan looms provide unparalleled design flexibility and their designers are the best in the business, Karastan wool colors and patterns are extraordinary. Woven of 100% pure New Zealand wool, these broadloom carpets come in natural shades that compliment every decor. From front to back, there is nothing like Karastan fine carpet. with a welcome inviting atmosphere for friends and relatives; perhaps a showplace of your success or newly acquired touch for interior design. We bring your dream so close to reality you can touch it, taste it, see it. That's why with a little help from us, you can make your home beautiful. looking for the finest in floor covering fashions - whether your dream is for carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, ceramic or area rugs, you're looking for Cogdill, as timeless as your dreams with a wealth of ideas to help you create your reality.