FLOR’s “Reoriented” Enters The Over-Dyed Carpet Trend

I’m so glad I held onto my grandmother’s threadbare, sun-bleached dining room carpet. Thanks to the over-dyed rug rage, it’s looking soooo HOT!

Which brings me to FLOR, our favorite carpet square company. They’ve entered the competition with Reoriented. It looks really good, doesn’t it? Read More…

Color Reformed Carpets and Over-dyed Rugs: A Major Trend

Have you seen the latest craze in rugs since shag carpet? Over-dyed carpets have taken off like a rocket since I saw them at the Salone in Milan last April. Moroso’s “Carpet Reloaded” styles had lovely colors that set the high mark for this trend. Take a look at these images, top and below. Moroso rocks, don’t they?

Who first came up with this idea? Ask around and you’ll get several answers, but everyone agrees the trend really took off in France. Here’s how they’re made. Read More…

Important Interior Design Trends from the Salone del Mobile: New Colors Rule the Day

The Salone del Mobile celebrated its 50th birthday this year. Furniture companies, and the designers who work for them, stepped up to the plate with terrific new designs that pay full attention to the economy and current lifestyle changes. This was by far the best show I’ve seen in the years I’ve attended. Let’s take peek at what’s coming your way.

The typical straight lines and black and white colors that we think of when it comes to contemporary furniture are still on hand, but say hello to soft pastels and vibrant colors. They were everywhere and not just in lighting and accessories. Color is a major trend in furnishings.

Patricia Urqioula’s Klara Collection for Moroso. This was one of my favorites. I love the soft pink and the knit pattern.

More pastel colors, a soft blue, were a hit with me. I love that toile in the background. The juxtaposition with the contemporary against the classic is terrific.

Read More…

Salone del Mobile 2011: The Best Designs for Earth Day

Today is Earth Day. I’m beginning my Salone report today because eco-friendly designs were one of the major trends at this year’s show in Milan. Here are a few of my Earth Day favorites.

Emeco has created one of my top favorites – forgetting the eco-friendly element. Each of their new 111 Navy Chairs, is made from 111 plastic bottles, 65% recycled PET plastic and 35% glass fiber and pigment. This year, the chair has diverted 3.5 million bottles out of landfills. 111Navy is made in the United States, beginning in Tennessee and molded in North Carolina. Love it!

I’ve always loved the soft, buttery woods from 1920R. A few years ago, they had a small, lonely space. This year, their space was huge and business was booming. Their Briccole di Venezia collection was the star of their show. Made from Briccole, the posts standing in the lagoon from time immemorial. The old posts are replaced every year and 1920R is using those to create some beautiful tables and chairs.  Venice is my favorite. See the rest on their site.

My other fave is their Aukland table made from Kauri trees that have been buried, due to earth quakes, under the earth for centuries. The wood has been preserved, not fossilized. Super cool. You can see a number of their Kauri designs here. Read More…

Can “The Perfect Rug” Hope To Replace Your Local Carpet Shop?