CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Steal of the Day: CB2 Burst Rug

casasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:11 -0800

Perhaps it's just because I love chrysanthemums, but I simply adore the CB2 Burst Rug ($499, reduced from $599). Its design may be a bit pared down, but its cheerful and lively petals make up for it; they're nearly bursting off the rug itself. The brick orange color is also perfect for the Fall season. I'd love to mix it with some dark textured grays, and perhaps some warm greens. Of course, the color may not work in all homes, but I think we can all appreciate a great design — and a great price — when we see one.

Guess What This Is Called?

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:15:36 -0800

This rug uses a shading technique that consists of subtle variations in color. Can you tell me what it's called?

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Cameron Floral Rug

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:52 -0700

I'm not a purple person. I think I overdosed on the color at a very young age because my mother lives and breathes purple . . . purple clothing, purple golf balls, purple dining room, purple, purple, purple. But, as much as I try to steer clear of it, that doesn't mean I can't make an exception for an exceptional design. Such is the case with the Pottery Barn Cameron Floral Rug ($159 and up), a lavish, romantic rug with more of a deep eggplant hue than a glaring Mardi Gras purple. The plush wool rug's vintage French lace pattern is hand-tufted with bold shapes, making it as modern as it is traditional. Perhaps if my mother had laid this down in our dining room to coordinate with its striéd purple walls, the color might have had a chance with me.

Nice and New: West Elm Chunky Plaited Wool Rug

casasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:30 -0700

I've long been a fan of the West Elm Cable Rug, due to its plushness, muted gray or ivory color, and its modern look. But, I've heard that the shag rug has a terrible shedding problem, and I worry that it'll go out of style fast. So, I'm delighted with the new West Elm Chunky Plaited Wool Rug ($119-599), which looks equally soft, is offered in the same muted gray or ivory, and is notably modern. It's not exactly a timeless piece, but at least it's not a "trend item" like shag rugs these days. You usually see plaits on a J. Crew sweater, so I find it fun and fresh to see them on the floor. What do you think? Like it?

What Would It Take?

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:00:53 -0700

. . . for you to cover your wood floors with this JFK Rug ($2,000 starting bid on eBay)?

What Would It Take?

You'd have to pay me a lot of money to put that in my home.

I'd display it for Presidents Day!

What do you mean? I love it!

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Guess Who "Designed" These?

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:00:01 -0700

A pair of young, entrepreneurial celebrities "designed" these rugs. Can you guess who they are? Name one.

Love It or Hate It? Funny Bones Rug

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Just in time for Halloween, Flor has come out with the Funny Bones Rug ($129.99). I think it would look perfect in a hipster dude haven, but would it look right in your pad?

Love It or Hate It? Funny Bones Rug

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Chilewich Woodgrain Floormat

casasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:25 -0700

If you still haven't gotten your fill of the faux bois trend, thanks to the Chilewich Woodgrain Floormat ($69.95), you can do so without breaking the bank. The faux bois mat is made of vinyl-coated polyester, so it's durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean. And its rubber back will keep you from slipping around. The 2-x-3-foot size is the only one available, but I think it'd make a great little rug in front of your kitchen sink or stove. And while it's definitely not the most natural mat you could buy, you can sleep tight knowing that no trees were harmed in the making of this mat.

Guess Who Designed This?

casasugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:30:04 -0700

I love this British flag rug, which was designed by a recently married designer and potter. Can you name him?

Before and After: Peruvian Pet Stairs

casasugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:00:20 -0700

A celeb client of Danny Seo's had these cringe-worthy dog stairs by her bed, but her pooch couldn't part with them. So, it was unanimously decided that they needed a chic facelift. Seo hopped over to a flea market in Los Angeles, where he picked up a vintage Peruvian rug for around $30. A lot of trimming and stapling later, Seo had reupholsterd the stairs, giving them a bit of cheer and an ethnic vibe. To see the transformation,

Midday Muse: Oh '70s, How I Don't Miss Thee!

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:00:31 -0700

I'm sure there's some modern-day equivalent of the Love Rug, which GiggleSugar recently uncovered. There must be some piece of furniture that substitutes as a furry lover, which, as the copy for this ad so eloquently states, "As you stroke, it strokes. . . . It's almost like having another lover there with the two of you." I'm sure there's probably something similar, but I'm not going out of my way to find it. Source

Midday Muse: Bathroom Rugs

casasugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:17 -0700

We've seen an influx of striking outdoor rugs this year, made from polypropylene that can be hand washed or hose cleaned in second but with the good looks of an indoor rug. That's great and everything, but I want to know when a bath mat is going to come along that's not simply white and furry. Who decided that bath mats had to be plain and oh-so-boring? I'm eager to see a rug that's not only as good looking as those we'd put in our living or dining rooms but can also dry our drippy feet after a shower. Are you out there, designers? Please answer my call. Or, am I missing something? Does what I'm looking for already exist?
Source

Crave Worthy: Martha Stewart Gate Rug

casasugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:30:53 -0700

I’ve shown you plenty of crave-worthy rugs in the past with bold patterns and colors that really command attention in a room — rugs that really wow you. But there’s something to be said for understated luxury. For example, the simple lattice design of the Martha Stewart Gate Rug ($359-$4,099) is distinguished and subtly beautiful, with a single color (salmon, blue maize, curry, or mist) and an uncomplicated repeating pattern. Its hand-knotted wool and silk material gives it a luxurious, glamorous sheen that’s hard not to love. This is the type of rug that elevates your handsome furniture pieces to heights of sophistication . . . and who can argue with that?

Ask Casa: Madeline Weinrib Rug

casasugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Hi Casa,
I have fallen deeply in love with a beautiful Madeline Weinrib rug, The Brooke Chenille in Watermelon. The Tibetan pattern, the bright pink color . . . sigh. Unfortunately, fate is cruel and we cannot be together. It's about $2,000 for the 6-x-9 size. Eek! Do you have any suggestions for similar rugs with a more Ikea-type price?
Thank you so much!!!
Hayworthgilda
To see my response and some suggestions,

Love It or Hate It? Koko Outdoor Rug

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:15:00 -0700

I seem to be harboring a mild obsession with outdoor rugs lately, but this Koko Outdoor Rug ($46) is a step above your normal fare. No faux-Persian pattern here, just one bold bird in a contrasting color from its background. Do you envision making this part of your home during this endless Summer?

Love It or Hate It? Koko Outdoor Rug

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Love It or Hate It? Russian Box Rug

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:15:47 -0700

This Russian Box Rug ($7,200) from Emma Gardner features Russian folk art-inspired patterns and an eclectic array of colors in New Zealand wool. Are you a fan of its unusual look?

Love It or Hate It? Russian Box Rug

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Nicola Cerini Rugs

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:24 -0700

It's not often that I come across a rug that's really the focal point of a room. Rugs tend to be used to bring the colors and furnishings in a space together, simply making things look more composed, and also to soften up a room with hardwood floors. So, it's refreshing (and rare) to see a design that goes above and beyond that, serving itself up as a focal point that owns the space like a bold piece of artwork would. Nicola Cerini Rugs ($899, $1499) do just that with their visually arresting designs and expertly chosen color combinations. Seed Pod (left) is inspired by assorted small seed pod shapes, but gives off a nautical look with its smart red and bluish-gray tones and star-like motifs. The Alhambra rug (right) takes its geometric patterns from the Moorish fortress of the same name. And the others, botanical or oceanic, prove that with attention to composition and color, even the smallest things can be celebrated in large format.

Midday Muse: Moroccan Lattice Rugs

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Browsing through Kelly Wearstler's portfolio, I came across this image of a living room in a Santa Monica residence that she designed. While the traditional/Hollywood Regency style of the space is certainly elegant that's not the reason the photo caught my eye. The grayish-blue, lattice-patterned rug was glaring back at me; it looked oddly familiar. To hear where I'd seen a similar piece,

Casa Quickie: Patchwork Rugs

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:45:33 -0700

I showed you once how to make a low-budget rug from two small accent rugs, if you're penny-pinching. But, you can also mix rugs with the same pattern in different sizes to create a unique visual focal point (which may or may not be inexpensive) with a patchwork look. Try combining a couple of runners with a pair of 3-x-5-foot accent rugs. Stick with rugs that don't have a border all the way around (i.e. not Persian rugs). Make sure to use rug pads, otherwise the arrangement will move around and look messy. If you have an existing carpet that you're not quite a fan of, this is a great way to draw attention away from what lies beneath. Try Ikea for some inexpensive options.
Source

Summer Style: Outdoor Rugs at Overstock.com

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:49 -0700

Overstock.com can be a wonderful shopping treasure — kind of like a low-rent ShopStyle. But, unless you have the patience to dig through its wealth of tacky inventory, it is a pain in the bottom. Since I noticed that they have a vast selection of outdoor rugs, and I told you that outdoor rugs were a must-have this month, I decided to be a good friend and weed through them for you. Overstock actually has several rugs that I'm really drawn to, like this Manchester Propylene Area Rug ($114), more so than those from traditionally more stylish retailers like West Elm. Check out the widget below to see if there's one for you.

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Maren Rug

casasugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:26 -0700

I love the design of Persian rugs (especially one-of-a-kind pieces) but I'm not normally attracted to the red tones that are so often used in them. So, when I stumbled across the Pottery Barn Maren Rug ($149-$819), I was instantly won over by its porcelain blue and warm neutral palette, enhanced by its large floral and Persian border design. Yes, as with many Pottery Barn products, it's traditional, but there ain't nothin' wrong with that. I'd have a lot of fun mixing this rug up with some more modern pieces, like maybe an "industrial steel cabinet and a midcentury tufted sofa. Oh yeah, and did I mention that it's a steal!?

Crave Worthy: The Rug Company Durbar Hall Rug

casasugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:19 -0700

It's no wonder I felt an instant attraction to The Rug Company Durbar Hall Rug ($1,795- $25,920); the chartreuse and charcoal flocked rug is designed by Designers Guild — a favorite luxury home furnishing brand of mine. Made of 100 knot, Tibetan wool and silk, it's a high-quality rug that would probably outlive me, if I could ever afford to make the splurge. Its flowing branches and botanicals are certainly feminine enough for a bedroom, but I'd love to see it in a formal dining room with a glossy credenza and a noir chandelier, tempered by a slightly rustic wood dining table. What do you think? Do you love it, or am I all alone on this one?

Roundup: Sisal Rugs

casasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:15:19 -0700

Sisal rugs have been all over the home-design world for years now, and for good reason. They're tough, stain resistant, all natural, and affordable. They can also be easily integrated into a number of eco-chic interiors. Sisal is actually the most popular natural plant fiber, probably because of its great versatility. The fiber can be woven into a soft, loose weave that adds extra heft or cushion, mixed with other fibers, and woven into a flat weave that's great for areas like hallways or kitchens.

Sisal rugs are made from fibers from Agave sisalana, a succulent plant that's native to Central America. While 100-percent sisal rugs can be too scratchy for some people, when it's combined with wool, paper, jute, or cotton, it makes for a lovely, natural, and more soft rug.

To find out more about sisal, and to see some of my favorite choices for sisal rugs,

This Just In: Roubini Launches Fornasetti Rug Collection

casasugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:30:58 -0700

Roubini Rugs has just launched a collection of 26 rugs riffed off of the work of Milanese painter, sculptor, interior decorator, and engraver Piero Fornasetti, naturally called the Fornasetti Rug Collection. The rugs are hand knotted in fine New Zealand wool, made in standard or custom sizes, and available through Neiman Marcus or Roubini. If you're unfamiliar with Fornasetti's original works, you may recognize them from reproduced versions in the form of furniture and other home accents (baskets, vases, plates); they have a playful, flippant sense of humor, and in some cases are clearly inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. "Emisfero Orientale" ($24,620) reimagines Greek mythology of constellations in golden tones, royal blue, and vivid red. "Bacio" ($8,100) pays lip service in bold graphic design to Lina Cavalieri's face. "Ortensia" ($14,100) is a tribute to nature, displaying an over-scaled hydrangea leaf on a velvety black background.
Source Source

This Just In: Brad Pitt Drops Big Bucks at Art Basel

casasugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:41:52 -0700

Are you sick of hearing about Brad and Angelina yet? I hope not, because I've got some more "news" on the Brad Pitt front for you. According to Bloomberg, Brad Pitt was in Switzerland on Tuesday at Art Basel, an annual international contemporary art exhibition which has been pegged "the Olympics of the art world." After being chauffered there in a BMW, he snapped up two Max Lamb Bronze Poly Chairs ($25,000) and the Family Lamp by Atelier van Lieshout, made of foam and reinforced fiberglass, the Cinderella Table ($293,000) by Dutch designer Jeroen Verhoeven, made of a solid block of Carrara marble, and the Silver Sky rug ($175/sq. ft.) by Colombian designer Jorge Lizarazo, woven from aluminum thread. At the very least, Pitt's little shopping spree, (perhaps not coincidentally the day before Angelina's birthday) cost him a cool $500,000. But, we know Brad and Angelina have a new house to furnish, and Brad's interest in design and architecture is no secret, so this comes as no surprise. I've got to give it to him; he does have a good eye . . . the birch version of the Cinderella table sits in The Collection of New York's MoMA. Perhaps, Brad picked up the contemporary art as inspiration for the new building he's designing in Dubai?
Source, Source, and Source

Love It or Hate It? Twinkle Living Glamour Girl Rug

casasugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:45 -0700

This Twinkle Living Glamour Girl Rug ($167) from Wenlan Chia has a bit of a Betty Boop charm to it, don't you think?

Love It or Hate It? Twinkle Living Glamour Girl Rug

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Kids Modern Plaid Rug

casasugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I don't know why I've never checked out Pottery Barn Kids before, considering that I look at PBteen fairly regularly. But I'm not surprised to find adult-worthy designs, like this Pottery Barn Kids Modern Plaid Rug ($89-$399). I'm envisioning it in the traditional living room of a Colonial, with a crave worthy blue velvet chair and some modern Delftware. It would also fit seamlessly into this ravishing red kitchen below the farmhouse table and red Eames Eiffel chairs. Of course, I know at least one of you will say it would be cute for a little boys room . . . but how about in a child-free space? Can you see it now?

Casa Quickie: A Low-Budge Rug

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:30:49 -0700

If you're dismayed by the prices of accent rugs these days, or just looking for an inexpensive solution to pull a room together while you look for the perfect one, I have the answer to your problem-o. Stop by a cheap home furnishing store (Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, a local outlet) and pick up two or three small cotton rugs, which you can find for $2 to $10. Then, tape or stitch them together to create a larger accent rug, which would normally cost you upwards of $100.

I once took this project into my own hands with some household duct tape and two $7 rugs from a local linen outlet. No, it doesn't make for the most crave worthy rug, but it's a quick, small change that can make a room look a bit more composed.

Guess Who Designed This Rug?

casasugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:27:05 -0700

An '80s and '90s supermodel who once hosted a show on MTV designed this rug. Do you know who it is?

Steal of the Day: Bali Rug

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:37 -0700

The Bali Rug (normally $109.99, on sale for $89.99) is designed for a nursery, but don't let that deter you from utilizing it in grown up digs! I absolutely love the color palette used on this 30-inch by 40-inch rectangular cotton rug, and can imagine it fitting in well in a tropical- or safari-themed bathroom. I think it would pair nicely with this brown zebra stripe shower curtain, don't you?

Steal of the Day: Modern Dose Cowhide Zebra Rug

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:00:50 -0700

If you're still feeling the zebra trend, but have yet to pick up on it, perhaps the Modern Dose Cowhide Zebra Rug ($475, from $575) is for you. It's certainly stylish, and its stripes will add a nice graphic quality to your home. But, this rug is more of a statement than a comfort piece; if you're going for a cozy lounge look, I'd try a Flokati or a shag rug instead. Bear in mind this au courant piece is made of cowhide (though not zebra), so if animal hide is not your flavor, then may I suggest my recent hand-tufted zebra rug steal, instead. If that one's not for you either, you can get your zebra on with a kilim stool, perhaps. Oh! And Modern Dose offers free shipping on all items, beat that!

Steal of the Day: Wisteria Vine Bordered Jute Rugs

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:00:25 -0700

If you haven't noticed, sisal/jute rugs are generally quite cheap to begin with, possibly the least expensive good quality rug you'll find. But, the Wisteria Vine Bordered Jute Rug ($34-$69) is an exception even to that, not to mention totally cute. Available in lettuce, hydrangea blue, and peony pink, if pastels are your thing, one of these is bound to work for you. The damask cotton border elevates the pastel color scheme to full on girliness; so to those who are taken, I must warn you, your man may not be a fan of this. It's fit for a single gal, though, and would also give a young girl's room a cute yet composed look. What do you think? Does it pass your test?

Steal of the Day: Anthropologie Mandarin Leaf Rug

casasugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:00:56 -0700

One of the many reasons I love Anthropologie is because eventually everything goes on sale. Take this Mandarin Leaf Rug ($99- $199), which is now a good 25 percent off. The punches of subdued green, gold, and red in its crewelwork poppies will liven and warm up any 3-x-5- or 4-x-6-foot space in your home in need of a little extra something. I'm thinking it would add a nice folksy touch to a modern kitchen with red lacquer Ikea cabinets or an office with some slick white furniture. What do you think?

Sale Alert: The Company Store Home Décor and More Sale

casasugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:06 -0700

The Company Store, a great resource for basic home décor items, is currently offering significant discounts on window, furniture, rug, accessory, organic bed and bath, and custom items. Whether you're in the market for a mod Flokati, a classic sisal, a simple side table, a fresh set of organic towels, or a custom storage bench, they're bound to have something for you. Or, feel free to snatch up all of the above, just make sure you save something for me. Here are a few things I wouldn't mind calling my own.

Source

Nice and New: Indian Flower Rug

casasugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:22 -0700

West Elm rugs tend to do a fabulous job of stubbornly sticking in the back of my mind, filed under "I want! I want!" The West Elm Indian Flower Rug ($109-$759) is no exception. I love the relaxed look of the intricate flower detailing on this rug. The versatile ivory/putty color combination would work quite well in many homes, too. If you've got light furnishings, it'll keep things calm and subdued, and contrarily, it can tone down a room full of colorful accents. The perfect pick for an Indian summer. Now, I'll just add it to my mental wish list. I may soon have to start pinning rugs up on the walls, if additional floor space doesn't miraculously materialize in my home.

Steal of the Day: Hand-Tufted Zebra Rug

casasugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:54 -0700

Oh, Overstock, sometimes you tempt me with items I wouldn't normally order for my rather laid-back, nonanimal-hide-decorated home. For instance, it seems a shame to pass up this Zebra Stripe Rug (on sale for $239.99, originally $749). At an expansive 5-x-8 feet, this hand-tufted wool rug will add a safari flair to your home. If you need some inspiration on how to make it fit, Desire to Inspire has rounded up some lovely photos. So pretty! Darn it though — I'm afraid there's no floorspace for it in my house; how about in yours?

Steal of the Day: The Company Store Elia Rug

casasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:00:05 -0700

If my recent roundup has you itching for some flocking, I'm here to ease your pain. The Company Store Elia Rug ($69-$382) has the look of rich damask flocking, without the heavy price tag. You can get yours in blue, chocolate, green, or natural, but I'd suggest steering clear of the cotton-candy blue, so you don't overdo it. I think the open, spacious feel of this rug gives it a contemporary look that offsets the Baroque roots of the design quite well. How would you build a room around this rug?

Casa Verde: A Mat Made of Belts

casasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:15:54 -0700

In the last couple years, we've seen belts cinching their way up our waists. But did you ever think you'd find them covering your floor? That is, aside from in your floordrobe? The Branch Home Vintage Belt Floor Mat ($68 has rescued vintage leather belts destined for landfills by mounting them together to become a cushy mat for the floor of your home. The combination of rich, aged tones and textures of each belt comes together to resemble quite aptly the patina acquired by your hardwood floors — albeit you've probably never wrapped your floors around your waist. This sort of inventive design, which reconstitutes recycled parts for a new purpose is becoming more and more common these days. Have you seen designs with similar origins?

Less or More: Offset Striped Rugs

casasugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:00:05 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these offset striped rugs, and then see if you can answer my questions about them.

Steal of the Day: CB2 Morocco Rug

casasugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:18 -0700

It's pretty much a given that I'd be craving this CB2 rug (on sale for $249-$429), given its Moroccan pattern. It also looks similar to these rugs, which I've been coveting for a while as well. This CB2 rug really pops with its graphic black and white patterning, and is made of hand-tufted bikaner wool. It would look great in a neutral bedroom or stark white living room, and it certainly would matchy-match a Boston terrier named North.

Less or More: Faux Bois Rugs

casasugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:30:37 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these faux bois rugs, and then see if you can answer my questions about them.

Guess Who Designed This Rug?

casasugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:15:47 -0700

A fashion designer best known for her hallmark wrap dress designed this rug. Do you know who it is?

Recipe For Clean: Make a Rug Deodorizer

casasugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:15:40 -0700

No matter how you deodorize your home, it's good to have a few more tricks up your sleeve when it comes to getting your digs so fresh and so clean. If you've assembled your home cleaning kit you'll have most of the ingredients for this Recipe For Clean. Use it to get your rugs and carpets smelling Spring clean.

Supplies

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
favorite herbal scent or essential oils

To find out the steps for this DIY, just

Nice and New: Kelly Wearstler Rugs For the Rug Company

casasugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:30:21 -0700

According to LA Times, Kelly Wearstler is the first American interior designer to create a collection for the London-based The Rug Company. There are currently eight of her designs on the company's website. The ethereal, organic feel of these designs is a clear departure from the Hollywood Regency style that she's known for. But, she says, "That's so last Tuesday," anyhoo. They range from $80 to $130 per square foot — pretty pricey, but that's to be expected from the glamazon. She'll also be launching collections with Groundworks at Lee Jofa and Cole & Son. This one has her finger in every pie, doesn't she?

Source and Source

Roundup: Farm Fresh Rugs

casasugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:27:37 -0700

Since I'm überpsyched for all the colors of Spring, I figured I'd get the leaves turning with some fresh green rugs. Grow one in your living room, kitchen, or dining room — well, any room in the house! Be sure to throw in some pink and green accent pillows and perhaps some verdant vases. Green plays well with most everyone on the color wheel, so you're bound to find something that fits your palette. Here's some green to hold you over until the grass really starts to grow:
Source

Ask Casa: Mansour Rug Knock Offs

casasugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:45:26 -0800

Dear Casa,

I'm looking for a close knockoff of a Mansour Modern rug called "Su" in a light grey. The original in a 6-x-9-ft. (the size I need) costs roughly $6,000 — and I need to stay under $2,000. Any suggestions? I think this rug may have been featured in a recent spread in Elle Decor (or at least the sales person mentioned that when I called about it).

Thanks!
Glitterbug

To see my answer, just

Love It or Hate It? Avalisa Deer Rug

casasugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:30:59 -0800

Oh deer — what's not to love about this Avalisa rug ($1,360 for 10-ft.-x-12-ft. size)? Made from hand-tufted New Zealand wool, it's bound to look good in a quirky design scheme or a very lucky child's playroom.

Love It or Hate It? Avalisa Deer Rug

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Steal of the Day: The Company Store Honeycomb Rug

casasugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:00:13 -0800

I may be biased because I grew up with a beekeeper father who wore a full-body bee suit and churned out bear-shaped jars of honey, but I'm sweet on the hexagonal pattern of honeycomb. If you had chicken-coop wire window and picked up this Company Store Honeycomb Rug ($58.99 - $256.99), I might just have to sting you out of jealousy. I'd caution against purchasing the 8-x-10 size though, the bold pattern and colors might overpower your room, giving you a buzzing headache.

Would You Dress Your Floors in Monogrammed Rugs?

casasugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:58 -0800

This George Monogram ($30 to $35/sq. ft.) by Diane Elson Bankoff is part of Elson & Co.'s children's collection, and I assume it's meant for a nursery. I'm not going to lie: It's certainly a good-looking rug. But personally, I feel that monograms are best left on the doormats, flasks, or preppy L.L. Bean tote bags of the world. Covering your floor in a fun pattern, or a classic Kilim, says more about who you are than a trio of initials ever will. But I suppose a monogrammed rug is one step up from a dull sisal. Tell me what you think: Would you or wouldn't you?

Would You Dress Your Floors in Monogrammed Rugs?

Yeah! They're classy and personal. Why not?

No. I'd rather liven things up with a rug that's less stiff.

Maybe. It depends on where it would go.

Who cares!?

Steal of the Day: Susan Sargent Suzani Blue Tufted Rug

casasugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:25 -0800

The Susan Sargent Suzani Blue Tufted Rug ($355 reduced from $710) is a major steal at 50 percent off. No, it's still not the least expensive rug you'll find, but it's unique and high quality, made of 100 percent hand-tufted wool with a canvas back. And despite its exotic and trendy Suzani pattern, it still manages to look shabby chic and even a bit Scandinavian. But I suppose that's to be expected from Susan Sargent, who runs her folky design company from a small, snowy town in southern Vermont, and earned her textile degree in Sweden.