Archive for the tag 'Rug'

Plain Floors Are Out, Contemporary Rugs Are In

Michelle September 8th, 2009

If your house or apartment lacks carpeting you will know that there is nothing worse than pulling yourself out of bed in the morning and having to set your bed-warmed feet onto a cold floor. But don’t worry, rugs are back in style and you won’t have to suffer the shock of ice-cold floors anymore.

That’s right – rugs are back! For some time it was fashionable to fully expose your wooden floors (and wooden floors and other original features are still as stylish as ever) but such bland and frankly impractical styles of décor are no longer preferred by most. People are now instead choosing to make the most of their floors by augmenting them with contemporary rugs.

A contemporary rug is not only stylish but also practical too. They’re easy to clean, can be easily removed when the time comes to clean or vacuum your floors, and they can be quickly shaken or beaten outside, negating the need for vacuuming. If you are the kind of person who likes to shake things up a little and you change the layout or décor of your home regularly, rugs are the perfect way to alternate styles and color schemes without the expense of fitted carpets.

If you are a bit of a style guru then you probably already know about the concept of zoning. If not, then this is something that would be useful to learn, particularly I you have an open plan home or studio apartment. Zoning is a technique used by professional interior designers to create the illusion of different spaces within one room. One effective way to do this is by using a contemporary area rug to indicate different areas. Using several rugs in one room can have the psychological effect of dividing the larger space into separate zones with individual uses. Dining areas and sitting areas for example, or a separate area for reading or relaxing.

Of course the specific use of a room or area will help to determine what type of rug you will use. Contemporary area rugs are available in a variety of styles, including some modern interpretations of the classics. For the bedroom there can be nothing better than nice contemporary wool rugs to give you that feeling of warmth and luxuriance when you step out of bed in a morning. This type of rug is also ideal for a cozy seating area, the thick pile providing a feeling of warmth and comfort during a relaxing evening by the fire (or TV). A rug with a shorter pile would be more appropriate for a dining area or a ‘high traffic’ area such as a hallway.

There really is nothing quite like stepping barefoot from the cold of a wooden or tiled floor onto the warmth of a rug. Because of this, rugs have never been out of style for very long. Wherever there is a wooden floor, large room or open plan space, the décor will never be truly complete without a stylish contemporary rug.

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Why Karastan Rugs are Famous

Michelle September 8th, 2009

If you are looking for a stylish new rug, there are several companies you might look into. Nourison, for one, and Sisal, the leading manufacture of sisal rugs. But if it’s a well made, durable rug in a traditional style that you are searching for then your search really should start with Karastan. Karastan have by far the widest range of traditional and classical rugs and have been manufacturing them since as far back as 1928. This long history of quality design and rug manufacture has earned the company a name as one of the leading rug makers in America, and has attracted numerous celebrity clients (including Donald Trump). Because of this, Karastan rugs have become a mark of style and taste, a statement if you will.

So just what does make Karastan such a successful company and why are it’s rugs as popular as they are? Lets take a look at some of the reasons why Karastan area rugs are recognized as some of the best rugs in the world.

Tradition
Karastan have been making rugs for nearly one hundred years and are one of the oldest rug manufacturers in America. In this time they have pioneered new techniques and new designs to ensure that they always remain at the forefront of the industry. When you buy a Karastan rug you are not only buying a beautiful piece of carpeting, but also a piece of heritage.

Natural Materials
Karastan uses only natural materials in the manufacture of their rugs. In fact they are the worlds largest user of New Zealand wool, which is produced in open pasture whilst preserving the natural landscape. This wool is also the cleanest and whitest wool that can be found and makes for beautiful Karastan wool rugs.

Environmental Ethics
Karastan are an environmentally aware company and take great pains to ensure that their impact on the environment around them is minimized. This is done by using only ethically produced natural wools, by recycling, and by continuing their environmental research to find new ways to lessen their impact on the environment. They are currently involved in a huge recycling scheme, diverting used rugs away from landfill sites. They are also part of a project (along with the Environmental Protection Agency) aiming to replace the coal used in cement kilns with recycled wool from carpets and rugs.

Durability
The way in which Karastan weave their rugs has been designed to increase the durability and longevity of the product. A Karastan area rug last up to twenty years longer than other rugs.

Variety
Karastan manufacture rugs in a huge variety of designs and design styles. Their traditional rugs are best known and are stunningly beautiful. However, they also have a number of contemporary designs available too. In fact they have been a pioneer of design for decades and this is evident in the range of styles they have on offer – from classic to contemporary and everything in between. They also have a very nice line of Karastan oriental rugs, so if you are in the market for a Karastan oriental rug then be sure to check them out.

Style
Karastan is a well established name in home fashion. Their rugs are not only beautiful but carry the trademark name. Owning a Karastan rug is somewhat of a statement in itself.

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Kids Rugs – Space to Play

Michelle September 8th, 2009

Why do kids always sit on the floor? This is a question I recently found myself asking my partner after realizing that our children hardly ever sit on the sofa with the rest of the family. When playing a game they would rather sit on the floor than at the table. Even when playing a video game or otherwise sat in front of the TV they would sooner sit cross-legged on the floor than simply move a chair closer to the set. This is seemed strange to me until I cast my mind back to my own childhood and remembered that I spent most of my developing years on an old rug beside the fire. I remember that my parents bought two miniature, child-sized armchairs for my sister and I, much to the amusement of every person that ever visited our family home, but we only ever sat in them to amuse relatives and house guests and rarely of our own free will. Like most children I was much more content to spend my life in the least comfortable sitting positions I can now imagine or on all fours pushing a toy truck backwards and forwards.

I think it is because children are always so busy playing. They never need the time to just sit and rest like adults do and the open expanse of the floor provides them with the space they need to play. When I was a child it was all about toy cars and building blocks (and a set of plastic farmyard animals with which I spent hours recreating the drama and socialist oppression of George Orwell’s Animal Farm). These days there is more of a tendency towards bizarre Japanese video games but one thing never changes – children need a lot of space.

So if your children are going to spend a lot of time on the floor it only seems right that you give them a comfortable rug to play on. Their very own kid rug to call their own. But what styles of kids area rugs are out there. With the internet it’s easy to find quick pictures and prices on all types of kid rugs.

The most famous of all kids rugs, and still the most popular by far is the classic street-map rug. This design has been copied many times. I never had one myself but I always envied those who did (perhaps if I had one I would have let the bloodshed of the farmyard spill out onto the streets and called in my green plastic soldiers to restore order. Although these rugs are equally suited to children who enjoy simply playing with toy cars). Of course this rug, or any other kids rugs might not be suited to your living room, but it would make a great addition to a child’s bedroom or playroom.

The great thing about rugs is that they are easy to clean. This makes them ideal if you have children, as we all know how sticky they can be. You can also shake your kids rug outside, removing the dirt and dust that will inevitably build up on your floor, which will help to keep your children clean and healthy. Why do kids always sit on the floor? Well why would you want them to sit on your nice clean sofa when they would be happier when left to play on their own comfortable kids area rug?

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The Many Reasons to Buy a Round Rug

Michelle September 8th, 2009

What shape comes to mind when you think of rugs? Square? Rectangular? Oval? How about circular? Square and rectangular rugs are by far the most common and probably will be as most rooms are this shape (unless you live in a windmill or lighthouse). Oval rugs were once fairly popular but went out of style long ago and are now seen to be outdated and unfashionable. But have you ever encountered a round rug? Some of you may have but round rugs are actually quite rare. However, they are now becoming more popular as a bold and unconventional design statement.

Why the circular shaped rug is becoming more desirable is obvious. Today’s design strategies are all about making bold statements, often using simple geometric shapes. The boring rectangle is out and the circle is in as sharp lines make way for more interesting curves.

Retro styling also makes use of circles, in a hint towards the contemporary design styles of the 1970s and 80s. This is another way in which round area rugs have become popular.

So there you have it, circular rugs make a bold design statement and are becoming increasingly popular. But where in your home would you place such a rug? You might think that a rug of this shape would have limited use but the more you think about it the more opportune places will become apparent. Here are some of the more obvious uses.

Living Room
Circular rugs can be a great focal point for a living room, either in front of the fire or in the center of a seating area.

In addition, circular rugs can be used as a highlighting feature underneath certain items of furniture, chairs and lamps for example, or underneath large ornamental items. There is also an obvious advantage to those with round coffee tables.

Kitchen/Dining Area
Underneath round dining tables in kitchens and dining rooms is an ideal place for a hardwearing circular rug. An 8′ round rug or a smaller 6′ round rug would work perfectly under a dining room or kitchen table.

Bathroom
The bathroom is just as good a place for a circular rug as any where else. You could use a round bath rug as a mat to soak up water, at the foot of your sink, or simply in the center of the room.

Hallway
A round area rug might be successfully employed in a large hallway or to help break up other large spaces.

Round Rooms
Some houses (particularly older ones) may feature round rooms, often on the second or third floor. A square or rectangular rug might look out of place in this type of room.

Zoning
Rugs can be a good way to separate a large room into separate spaces. A large round rug in one corner of a room could be used to designate a reading area, a TV area or a separate dining area.

So there you have it – some of the many potential uses of circular rugs. The important thing to remember is that they add interest to a room, no matter where or how they are placed.

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Nourison Rugs for Contemporary and Classic Home Decor

Michelle September 8th, 2009

If you are thinking of redecorating your home, one of the most important things that you should consider in the new design is a rug. You might think that a new rug would be one of the last items you buy, more of a dressing, a finishing touch, than a major design feature but a good rug can define a room. There is nothing that can spoil the style of a newly decorated room more than an old rug that refuses to fit with the new look you have created.

When you are looking for a top quality rug, the first place you should look is Nourison. If you’ve never heard of Nourison rugs, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find. If you check out their website at Nourison.com you will be literally bowled over by the amazing range of stylish, hand crafted rugs available there. A Nourison rug is simply the most beautifully designed rug you can buy and the company has earned its place as one of the worlds leading rug manufacturers.

Whether your style is contemporary or classic, you will find a Nourison area rug to suit your tastes. In fact you will more than likely find several and be spoiled for choice by just how many amazing designs they have available. I’m not exaggerating. Check out their website and see for yourself.

What’s more, Nourison manufacture all of their rugs in a traditional manner, either by hand or by good old-fashioned loom weaving. This provides for a level of quality that you just don’t get with other rug manufacturers. It’s a rare delight to find so many contemporary designs being produced in such a time-honored fashion. It’s even more astounding to find beautiful classic designs manufactured the way that they would have been hundreds of years ago. And these manufacturing techniques (it deserves to be called a craft really) have been applied to rugs of all shapes and sizes, from area rugs to scatter rugs.

Classic
If it is a traditional or classical style rug you are looking for, then look no further. Nourison have an extensive range of classical designs and classical European designs, including a stunning Versailles Palace collection, and the infamous Nourison 2000 rugs collection. They are also now featuring a country range, which comprises of the kind of rugs you might mind in a traditional American farmhouse and also feature an extensive Nourison oriental rugs line.

Contemporary
If the contemporary or modern is more to your taste then you won’t be disappointed either. Nourisan have a rug to suit any modern room, including their popular tones and textures ranges. In fact, Nourisan have rugs in styles ranging right from colonial to the very latest in fashion (including designs by Calvin Klein Home and Liz Claiborne).

And the joy doesn’t stop there. The Nourison Home range includes other home design accessories made especially to fit with Nourison Area Rugs. You will find cushions and pillows to match the rug you choose, helping you to tie the design in with the rest of the room.

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The Simple Joy Of Outdoor Rugs

Michelle September 8th, 2009

Outdoor rugs? Rugs for outdoors? Surely rugs are for indoors? Or at least indoor outdoor rugs? Why would I buy an outdoor rug? Well it’s an interesting and valid question but the answers are quite obvious. Yes, rugs are typically bought for use indoors – they are used aesthetically to add interest to the décor of a room but also practically to give your feet a warm place to rest and to keep them off sometimes dusty floors. So why not use a rug for the same reasons outside of your house. A rug can add comfort to an outdoor seating area, perhaps a patio or porch. Outdoor area rugs can also give your children a clean place to play in the sunshine.

As a child I spent many hours playing outside on my grandmother’s outdoor area rug. My grandparents lived on a farm with large gardens not too far from my childhood home and on a warm summers day my mother would take my brother and I out to play there. Always my grandmother would lay a rug out in front of the house, complete with an assortment of strange and wonderful toys from my father’s youth. It always seemed strange to me that she thought we would need a rug to sit on – surely that’s what grass is for, I thought. But then grass can cause stubborn stains on clothing. Of course some people are not so lucky as to have a plush lawn like my grandmother’s and may have to contend with dust and dirt on a dry day. It wasn’t until some years later that I discovered a nest of fire ants only yards away in the orchard (a very painful discovery as I remember) and realized the main reason for my grandmother’s insistence upon the rug.

Of course there are other reasons to use a rug outdoors, and it needn’t only be for the benefit of children. A rug can greatly enhance your enjoyment of sitting outside on a summers day, bringing a little bit of civilization and comfort to the great outdoors. What can be more relaxing than sitting in the sunshine with a glass of cool lemonade and your feet on a nice cozy rug?

Today, there are many rugs that are specially designed to be used both indoors and outdoors (when my grandmother’s rug was not being used outside it belonged in the kitchen, although whether it was specially designed for outdoor use I cannot say). If you are to use a rug outdoors it is highly recommended that you use a specially designed outdoor rug, any other rug might be so hardwearing and could be damaged by weather conditions. Outdoor rugs are weatherproof and resistant to mildew.

There are a surprising variety of rugs available for use outdoors, and most can function as an indoor outdoor rug. From bamboo rugs and mats to stunningly designed outdoor patio rugs and area rugs in both classic and contemporary styles. The world of indoor outdoor area rugs also includes outdoor doormats, which are available in equal variety of size, shape and design.

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Round Rugs in Contemporary Home Design

Michelle September 8th, 2009

What comes to mind when you think of rugs? Large square rugs which take up almost an entire room? Small bedside or bathroom rugs perhaps? Luxurious shag pile? Oval shaped rugs in front of the fire? Whatever comes instantly into your mind when you think of rugs, I’ll bet it’s not round rugs.

Round rugs were once incredibly rare. Oval shaped rugs have been popular in the past but these went out of style a long time ago and are now seen as being out dated and undesirable. Contemporary design favors the aesthetic of simple geometric shapes such as the circle. Because of this, circular rugs have become increasingly popular.

Circular rugs are well suited to many contemporary spaces, in the center of a seating area for example, perhaps beneath a circular coffee table or as a centerpiece for the room. The few people who have round dining tables may also consider a round rug for their dining areas.

Smaller round rugs can also add interest to under dressed areas of a room, such as an empty corner. For example, a standard lamp or tall case can fill an awkward space but these items can sometimes look as though they are missing something. Placing a small rug underneath will solve this problem and can help to break up the angular nature of a room.

Rugs are also useful for creating different areas within one larger room. Professional designers refer to this technique as ‘zoning’ and typically use square or rectangular rugs to create the illusion of separate spaces. Round area rugs do the job just as well, however, and will create a more casual look. This works equally well in large spaces, where bold design ideas will have a greater impact, and small spaces where square rugs would cause zones to overlap.

The issue of rugs in contemporary design is often considered to be a matter of taste, with various styles of rug coming in and out of style throughout the years. But the fact is that rugs offer many advantages. Aside from ‘zoning’ rugs allow you to keep the stylish effect of exposed floorboards whilst giving you a warm spot to rest your feet. They are also usually much less expensive that fitted carpets (depending on which style of rug you choose).

Rugs are also easy to clean. Most smaller rugs can be machine washed and larger rugs are usually no harder to clean than a standard carpet. They can also be shaken or beaten outside as a quick alternative, removing the need for vacuum cleaning and keeping your home free of dust and dirt.

If you have never considered buying a round area rug before now, perhaps this article will give you something to think about. Round rugs are available in many stores and in as many sizes and styles as you could wish for, be it a round bath rug, or a round shag rug. Another popular option is round braided rugs; my grandma had a few in her house. Large or small. Contemporary, classic or retro – you are sure to find a circular rug to suit your personal taste and the décor of your home.

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Rug Cleaning Tips

Michelle September 8th, 2009

It’s the worse thing that could happen. You’ve just gone out and bought a stylish new rug, only to drop or spill a substance onto its pristine surface. What should you do? Should you throw it in the washer? Should you use a household fabric cleaner? The answer to this will depend largely on what type of rug you have, and also on what type of substance has stained your rug.

One of the great things about rugs is that they are usually relatively easy to clean. Many modern rugs can be machine washed (although you might not want to do this with expensive or more delicate rugs) providing that they are small enough to fit in the machine. Others can be easily hand washed. On a more day-to-day basis, all rugs can be shaken or beaten outside to quickly remove dust and dirt. An ordinary carpet cleaning solution or fabric cleaner can also be effective on some rugs.

Of course, some stains are more difficult to clean and require special attention. In this instance you might want to call in an expert or take your rug to a rug cleaning service. If you feel that you want to tackle that difficult stain on your own, however, here is some advice that might help you. This information was compiled by Nourison and first published on their website (nourison.com). As such this rug cleaning advice is written to be used with Nourison rugs specifically, however it should be relevant to most rugs.

Detergent or white vinegar can be used to remove the following stains: Beer, blood, chewing gum, candy and chocolate, fruit juice, gravy, ice cream, lipstick, mustard, salad dressing, shoe polish, vomit, wine and tea

Urine and excrement can also be removed this way and should be removed immediately as chemicals can damage the dyes used in some rugs. For stains caused by pet urine or feces you should contact a professional cleaner or rug cleaning service.

Fat and oil should be first dabbed clean with tissue, then ironed to evaporate the remaining oil before cleaning with cleaning fluid.

Jam can be removed with nothing more than warm water.

Ink, paint and grass stains should be removed using methylated spirits or turpentine. But remember to use this substance sparingly as it can also remove the dyes used in some rugs. In most cases it would be preferable to consult a specialist rug cleaning service before using this technique.

This advice may be generally useful for Nourison rugs and for other types of rug, but remember that different types of rug will require special attention. Because of this it is important to always check the manufacturers guidelines on the label. When in doubt, or if your rug does not have a label, you should always contact a professional rug cleaner for advice.

If you do accidentally spill something onto your new rug, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. People often make matters worse by acting rashly and hurriedly trying to remove the stain without checking the best way to do this. There is an answer to every problem and your rug can be easily restored with the right know-how.

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The Advantages Of Throw Rugs

Michelle September 8th, 2009

Is there something missing from your home? Some crucial design feature that you just can’t quite put your finger on. Perhaps an area of one room seems a little bare, lacks color or interest, or simply needs to be aesthetically enhanced. If this is something that you can relate to, then perhaps what you need is a throw rug.

Throw rugs have been a part of American home design since time immemorial. They can add a touch of interest or a splash of color, even a touch of class or a hint of taste to any room in which they are placed. They also help to keep our feet warm and our floors clean. Their incredible popularity and their long history has bred an unbelievable variety of rugs throughout the years. This variety of styles, shapes and sizes means that there is a rug for every area of every home, from bedrooms to bathrooms and dining rooms to dens, and a rug to suit every style of home décor, from classic to contemporary and tribal to traditional.

A well chosen and well placed throw rug will not only help toad interest and aesthetic appeal to your home by looking good in its own right, but it will also enhance the existing décor of a room – this means that rugs can have a double aesthetic function.

But of course rugs are about more than just aesthetics, they also have several practical functions. Let’s take a look at some of the many advantages offered by throw rugs now.

Easy to Clean
One of the best things about rugs is that they are easy to clean, they can be vacuumed and washed just like a larger carpet. Some can even be machine washed. The advantage of throw rugs here is that they are usually much smaller than area rugs and so can be easily taken outside and shaken or beaten. This will remove excess dust and dirt.

In the Bathroom
Rugs can be used in the bathroom, by the side of the bath, shower or underneath a sink. This will help to collect any water that you might spill, absorbing it rather than allowing it to damage your floors. Kitchen throw rugs can also be used near the sink to catch any stray drips from washing dishes or the like. Nearly all bathroom and kitchen rugs are washable throw rugs because of their size and rubberized backing.

High Traffic Areas
Some areas of our home are used more than others, in particular hallways and corridors that provide access to other rooms. These are known as ‘high traffic’ areas. Carpeting in these areas can quickly become worn from overuse. It often makes sense to cover high traffic areas with rugs so as to extend the life o your carpet.

Protecting your Carpets and Floors
In addition to protecting your carpets from wear and tear, employing a rug will have the effect of protecting your floor from accidental spills and stains.

Say Goodbye to Cold Feet
The main reason for the incredible popularity of rugs is their propensity to keep our feet warm. Whether a rug is by your sofa, in front of your fireplace, on a cold kitchen floor or by the side of your bed, it will add an extra dimension of comfort and warmth. There is nothing worse than climbing out of bed on a morning and having cold feet!

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Why You Want A Sisal Rug

Michelle September 8th, 2009

If you are in the market for a new rug you will know that finding the rug for you is not a simple task. There are so many different types of rug to choose from it can be difficult to know where to begin.

If, however, you are looking for a practical, durable but stylish rug (and durability is often regarded as a key feature by those buying rugs) then a sisal rug could be exactly what you need. This type of rug is famous for it’s fantastic durability and has been used for hundreds of years, making it a design classic.

So just what is sisal exactly?

Sisal is a fiber extracted from the sisal plant, native to Central America. It’s fibers are among the strongest plant fibers can be found in the natural world and have been used for centuries in the manufacture of ropes, twine, cloth, carpets and, of course, Sisal rugs. The plant is cultivated largely in Brazil but also in parts of Africa.

Whilst in Brazil the industry has been criticized for having a negative effect on the environment, clearing rainforest areas in order to produce more sisal, in Tanzania there are plans to use the waste products of the cultivation process as bio fuel, offsetting the environmental impact of the industry. In addition, no artificial fertilizers are needed in the production of sisal. Very few chemical herbicides are used and most of the weeding on sisal plantations is done by hand, providing work in rural communities and aiding the economy of the poor countries in which the crop is grown.

As a natural fiber, sisal has become increasingly popular in recent years (coupled with it’s strength and durability as a fabric) as people search for more ways to bring natural materials into their homes. The natural colourings akin to sisal have also made sisal area rugs, carpets and even wall hangings the home fashion item of the century.

The other uses of sisal are numerous, including clothing and footwear, but sisal rope remains the second largest use of the fiber after rugs and carpeting. Sisal rope is widely used in industry and in ships’ rigging, which goes a long way to proving just how strong the fiber really is.

Sisal in Home Design

If you are looking for a durable, hardwearing rug, sisal is the material for you. Sisal rugs are stylish and practical and are appropriate for any area of the home, particularly in ‘high traffic’ areas where conventional rugs and carpets would quickly wear down, and they come in many shapes, with a round Sisal rug paired with a glass coffee table being a popular motif.

Sisal has been used in rug making for centuries and the manufacturing techniques have barely changed in all of that time, making these rugs a traditional item of home design. However, sisal rugs have made a huge comeback in recent years and have been reinvented as a contemporary home product, and a Sisal area rug is the perfect way to greenify your home. The natural colors and textures of these rugs are now more popular than ever with people seeing them not only as practical items but also as items of well-crafted and natural beauty.

Well crafted sisal rugs can be bought at any decent rug store or rug manufacturer in America, Europe or the U.K. and can easily be found at a discount by looking around online.

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