SUCCESSFUL RUG PLACEMENT

So, to continue on the topic on Rugs.  Successful rug placement is really summed up in several rules:

• Dining Room: The area rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond the edge of the table so that the rug accommodates the dining chairs.

• Living Rooms:  If furniture is floating in the room or to create a seating area, the ideal rug will be big enough to go under all four legs of each large piece.

• If the rug is used as an accent, it should be small enough that none of the seating pieces sit on it.

• Bedroom: Ideally, a rug should be placed one-third of the way under the bed so the majority of the rug surrounds the bottom of the bed with at least 3 - 4 feet around all three sides. 

• Or the rug should be large enough to encase the entire bed and nightstands especially when there are two twin beds.

Hope this helps...

Peace and blessings,

Tammy

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT AREA RUG...

Purchasing an area rug is an investment. One of my clients compared it to buying a car citing several similar factors to consider when deciding what to purchase: Size, Material and Cost.

SIZE - In this case, size matters. Most rugs come in 5x8, 6x9, 8x10, 9x12 and 10x14 (give or take an inch or two). Determining where the rug will be used will dictate what size to purchase.  The function of each rug size varies from room to room. (Stay tuned for the post on successful rug placement.)

MATERIAL (or fiber content) - Choosing either a natural or synthetic fiber depends on the style of the rug and how much traffic you expect. Where the rug will be used should also dictate what type of material to select as well as the style, color, etc.  Some materials are more expensive than others and will also determine durability and where they can be used.  Although most people enjoy sunlight especially during the winter months, area rugs usually can do without it. Style, pattern, weave and texture vary within fiber categories as well.  The selections, not to mention colors, seem endless.

Here's a chart on the benefits of the most popular fibers...

Fiber Type	Composition	Uses and Benefits
Cotton	Natural	Durable Soft feel Wide range of colors Ideal for high-traffic areas
Jute	Natural	Beautiful natural coloring Suited for low-traffic areas Soft feel Should not be placed under furniture Difficult to clean
Nylon	Synthetic	Strong and resilient Ideal for high-traffic areas Stands up to heavy furniture Conceals and resists stains and soil Available in many colors
Polyester	Synthetic	Retains color clarity Easy to clean Provides a plush feel Ideal for living areas
Polypropylene  (Olefin)	Synthetic	Easy to clean Resists moisture and mildew Best for low-traffic areas Colorfast May be used outdoors
Sea Grass	Natural	Inexpensive Difficult to clean Should not be placed under furniture Natural coloring provides a rustic look Well suited to high-traffic areas
Silk	Natural	May provide highlights in wool rugs High luster Soft feel Best for low-traffic areas
Sisal	Natural	Strong Ideal for high-traffic areas Best for indoor use Coarse texture Difficult to clean
Wool	Natural	Provides a luxurious feel Soft and thick Strong, resilient and static-resistant Perfect for high-traffic areas May shed when new

COST - You should buy the best rug you can afford, even if it means living with bare floors while you save.  Usually the most expensive, a wool rug can develop a beautiful patina over time and last for years, thereby become a family heirloom. In general, use the cost of the other furniture in the room as a guideline for how much to budget for an area rug.  Set your price limit before you shop then add 10% so you can have some flexibility in that range.

Later we'll discuss proper rug placement...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ThePerfectRug.com, AreaRugsCLub.com HomeDepot.com

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2013...

Interior design trends come and go just as in fashion. However, interior trends tend to last a little longer since the average consumer doesn't revamp their space as they do their wardrobes according to designers' dictates. Although a lover of the classics, I do like to stay on trend by infusing a little current flair into my designs.

So what you can expect to see from interior designers in the upcoming year or so? Here are a few of my favs:

BRASS

Not your grandmother's brass. New or re-imagined designs are a fab contrast against the reclaimed wood finishes of the past few years...

BRIGHT PAINT COLOR

You can't be afraid of color with the return of this lively trend...

GLOSS

High gloss paint, esp. on ceilings and lacquer finishes on furniture & accessories...

NEW VS. OLD

The use of antiques refurbished with new fabrics and finishes...

EMPHASIS ON ART

The lines of design and art are blurred with the use of graphic & bold prints esp. florals and collection wall arrangements...

Here's a room that combines all those trends. Doesn't she look so HAPPY to be there...

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ElleDecor.com, HouseBeautiful.com, BHG.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

As we begin on a new journey known as 2013, my wish is the same as last year - for continued love, peace, blessings, health, happiness and prosperity - in whatever form that may be for YOU. 

Thank you to everyone for reading this blog and for supporting Bold Interior Designs. I look forward to bigger and better things in the year ahead...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: RUSH ARTS GALLERY OPENING...

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Rush Arts Gallery opening in Chelsea, curated by Danny Simmons (Russell's brother) for "I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn't Find My Way Home." Thought provoking title indeed. The exhibition features the work of Imo Nsh Imeh, Margaret Rose Vendryes and SOL'SAX.

Upon my arrival, I was pleasantly greeted by my son's art teacher, Roger Tucker who is also a private art dealer. He represents Margaret and another artist I met that evening Anthony Boone, who was on his way to Miami for his showing at Art Basel. I was enthralled by the talent that surrounded me that evening.

For those who know me best know I love Chaka Khan, so of course this is one of my favorite pieces:

Ejaham Chaka by Margaret Rose Vendryes

Other works by the featured artists:

Urging of the Spirit by Imo Nsh Imeh

Sculpture by SOL'SAX

I urge you to support the arts. Visit this exhibition that runs through January 25, 2013.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy