Unsightly Wrinkles { perfect solution }

I had a huge problem and it was driving me crazy.  I purchase a flat weave rug for our new family room.  The  style, colors, and price were perfect, but without a rug pad it was a disaster.  As soon as I had it all straight and in the right position, my dog would tear through the area and the rug would slide and wrinkle.  The rug is wool but a little thin and light so against the smooth bamboo it would slid all over.  Our dog thought it was great fun, but I didn't.

When Rug Pad USA contact me and asked if I would do a product review, of course, I jump at the chance.  If their rug pad solved my problem, I would be forever grateful.  They sent me the Premium-Lock Felt and Rubber Pad, which they said would solve my problem.  I was very happy that is was also eco-friendly - the top is recycled felt and the back is 100% natural latex rubber.

The pad arrived and I was surprised that it was thick and heavy - not like the usual rug pads.  I moved all my furniture and laid the pad.  I needed to cut it down a little - I just used a regular pair of utility scissors.  Once I rolled the rug on to the pad I could immediately feel the difference.  Not only was the pad gripping the rug, but the rug felt thicker and heavier.

The true test was having our dog run through the area, and sure enough the rug did not budge.  I'm so happy an grateful for the opportunity to review the Premium-Lock Felt and Rubber Pad from Rug Pad USA.  It has REALLY made a huge difference and I will recommend them to everyone!

Thank you Rug Pad USA!

{ doesn't he look guilty! }

{ every time I turned around this is what I would see }

{ so many wrinkles! }

{ pad is thick with latex backing }

{ the top of the pad is felt, which grips to the rug }

{ rug is staying put! }

{ it is flat, smooth. and cushy }

{ no wrinkles even after the dog runs around! }

{ problem solved }

Launching an affordable online store!!

Since I started designing fabrics and rugs, I've been dreaming of creating an affordable line, which I could offer through an online store.  Well, here it is!!  Over the last few weeks I have been designing my new online store, which currently features my new Summer patterns by the yard, flat weave wool rugs, and sample pillows.  I will be adding photography for the rugs as soon as I receive the samples.  Also I will be adding pillows, placemats, shower curtains...  Great thing is I can still offer CUSTOM colors for a small upcharge!

Let me know what you think - I would LOVE feedback and suggestions!!

Sneak Peek { zebra }

Just a quick "Sneak Peek" of a pattern, which will be in my new line of wool flat weave rugs.  This one is called Zebra.  It will be several weeks before I have actual samples, but I just had to share!  This new line will be fresh, bright, and affordable - inspired by easy beach living!

NEW Pattern Wednesday - HELP it needs a name!

I created this new pattern, but I can't think of a name!  It is FUN and has great movement.  It would be great as a fabric or a rug - small or large scale.  Can anyone think of a creative name?  Please HELP!!

Starting my Summer Collection with FREEWAY inspiration!

About a month ago we took a road trip to Florida...  I know we are crazy - 24 hours of driving with 3 kids...  Anyway, while driving through Atlanta I was struck by an interesting inspiration - it was the brick wall along the freeway.  I really love the shapes and how they lace together.  It would be great as a small modern fabric pattern or a fun rug!  It is fresh and Summery with a bit of a Moroccan flare, and a great start to my Summer Collection!

{ bricks with an 14" x 18" repeat }


{ photo of my inspiration }


{ bricks with an 18" x 18" repeat }


{ brick rug }

Inspiration Monday { zebra }

I am { excitedly, impatiently, happily } waiting for my new RUG!!

I just ordered my new "Chain" rug design!! It was so hard to decide on the design & colors, but time was running out and I needed to make a decision. The rug will debut at the Greenprint on April 20th, 2011 - I can't wait!!! Next, I need to pick colors for my new fabric patterns!!!

{ Chain rug that will debut at Greenprint }

{ Chain rug shown in another color variation }

Brainstorm Wednesday {retro HAPPY}

I'm having fun with retro HAPPY colors today! These colors are so striking together and perfect for my new pattern, which is inspired by smocking. Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch - it was very popular in the 50s, so it seems fitting to using these colors! I've heard that smocking is coming back into fashion, but how about these colors? Well, all I know is that this color combination and pattern make me HAPPY on this gloomy Winter Wednesday!

PURE Inspiration: Sand & Sky

My inspiration this week is a beautiful handmade tile from laNEVA Artisan Tile. This particular tile is from their Rift Series in colors #95(Lichen)/#68(Twilight). I call it "Sand & Sky" - it reminds me of a stormy blue sky and warm sand. Visualize the tile in a luxurious bathroom... Then add a plush, custom rug, that cordinates with the tile colors perfectly... Then add wonderful white and brushed steel fixtures and some dark wood... Ahhh I love it!

Brainstorm Wednesday...

Today I'm brainstorming some pattern & color ideas for a mid-century modern project... I love the color combination - it reminds me of pepper, mango, and curry (or maybe I'm just hungry). The dark blue-gray grounds the orange, and the patterns are fun and graphic, which is what I'm all about! What do you think?

My Flowers Up Close and Personal...

Today I took my flower patterns and ZOOMED in to create some striking rug designs! I'm always amazed at how changing scale creates new fresh designs. This is the part of my job that I truly love - it may be because I've only been creating patterns for a few years, and I'm still growing in this area. I have a passion to learn and explore new ideas and technologies - I'm a computer geek at heart, which is unusual in the interior design industry.

Enjoy these new rug designs - I really love sharing what we can do with rugs - it is such a fun way to add impact to your home. My manufacturers use high quality 100% wool and eco-frienldy dyes. They can create any pattern and match any color - just pick a paint color and we can match it (yes it is that easy!). You may think, they must be very expensive, but a hand tufted 8x10 only runs $1800 which includes shipping! This price includes a custom design, your perfect colors, and a rendering of your beautiful rug! We also do hand knotted rugs at 60, 80, and 100 knots per inch - you will not believe the prices - contact me for more info. And check out more rugs under "Rugs" in the top menu...

New PATTERN Needs a Name??

I created this new pattern and now I need help thinking of a name! What can you come up with??

One pattern, infinite possibilities...

When I create a new pattern, I play with scale and proportion. I love the endless possibilities - this is one reason I enjoy designing patterns! Below are 3 rug designs using my Marathon Candy Bar inspired pattern. Of course there are so many more ways to use this pattern, plus infinite color combinations. These are only rug examples, but I imagine the pattern on bedding, drapery, pillows, or even a stripe down the middle of a chair. The pattern can be bold and contemporary or light and beachy, it is all in the scale and color combinations. What can you imagine?

Color Scheme of the Week...

I'm really into color, that is one reason I started creating custom printed fabrics and rugs. I've been attracted lately to the blue, gold, and graphite combination, so I made a color concept board for it! I love how the blue and gold play off each other. I'm a big fan of natural organic cotton so in reality, I would also add the natural cream to the pallet to lighten and freshen it up. Color is endless with infinite possibilities... and isn't that exciting!!

Quick look into my design process...

I've spent much of the day working on a new design - I'm calling it "Spiral". I wanted to share a little bit about my design process with my readers. For this particular design, I was just doodling on a scrap of paper... Sometimes I start with a photo or draw directly in my drawing program, but this time it was a doodle. I though the shapes had potential so I took a photo and imported it into my software. Not so pretty right?!

After some manipulation to create an organized pattern and repeat, I came up with the final pattern which will be printed on organic fabric.

I experimented with the color and drop the pattern on a drawing of a piece of furniture to determine scale. Like the fuschia?

I had more fun by manipulating the pattern to create a new "Spiral" rug design. I really like the organic shape of the spirals once they were stretch out.

I love creating patterns. The possibilities are infinite - patterns, colors, scale, style.... Anything you can imagine!

Slate Scheme Concept Board

Everything on this concept board is from my PURE Inspired Design's Slate Scheme! The Slate Scheme includes Slates, Camel, and Espresso. I love the contrast of these colors, so calming and sophisticated! And what I love even more is that everything is Eco-Friendly!!

1. The Pattern Draperies are in the Petal Ring - the fabric background is dark slate with camel petals outlined in espresso. It is graphic and dramatic, creating a lot of movement.

2. The paint color is Benjamin Moore's Kentucky Haze AC-16.

3. The sofa is in our textured camel fabric - the fabric creates a lot of depth. The 18 x 18 Solid Pillow is in soft velour dark slate and the 18 x 14 Pattern Pillow is in Petal Drop.

4. The Patterned Chair is in Bud Vine which is fun and adds some playfulness to the room and the 18 x 14 Solid Pillow is in soft velour espresso.

5. The Rug is in Twist, which has an espresso background with slate and camel Twist. Area rug tip: Make sure the front legs of your furniture can sit on the rug!

6. The eco-Leather ottoman is in Slate Eco-Leather.

I love the combination of all these colors and patterns. Let me know if you have any comments or questions - I would love to hear from you! I can even make a Concept Board for you own room!

Paprika Concept Board

Everything on this concept board is from PURE Inspired Design's Paprika Scheme! I love the contrast and warm colors, which are just in time for Fall!



1. The Pattern Draperies are in the Twin Flower - the fabric background is natural with paprika flower pattern. It is light and airy against the khaki walls.

2. The paint color is Benjamin Moore's Yorkshire Tan HC-23.

3. I love the look of a dark easy to keep clean sofa. This Eco-Leather Sofa is in Walnut Eco-Leather. The 18 x 18 Pattern Pillow is in Petal Ring and the 18 x 14 Pattern Pillow is in Fern.

4. The Basic Solid Chair is in Basic Natural Organic Canvas and the 18 x 14 Pattern Pillow is in Bud Vine.

5. The Rug is in Dahlia, which has a Khaki background with Walnut and Paprika flowers. Area rug tip: Make sure the front legs of your furniture can sit on the rug!

6. The eco-Leather cube ottomans are in Paprika Eco-Leather.

I love the combination of all these colors and patterns. Let me know if you have any comments or questions - I would love to hear from you!

Sea Glass Concept Board

I've decided to start creating concept boards using the color schemes, which I have created for my eco-friendly furnishings line. It is fun to create these boards and prove that my concept works. I will be creating these board on a regular basis. Below each concept board I will display the sources for each item. In the future, other products from other great lines will be included, virtually creating an entire room design plan! If anyone wants me to create a concept board using their existing pieces mixed with my products just let me know - I would love to help design your space this way! Enjoy and send any questions my way!



Everything on this board is in the Sea Glass Scheme

1. The Pattern Draperies in the Big Flower - the fabric background is natural and really looks fresh against the light blue wall.

2. The paint color is Benjamin Moore's Wythe Blue HC-143.

3. I prefer the biggest piece of upholstered furniture to be solid fabric. The Solid Sofa is in our Soft Green velour solid upgraded fabric. The 18 x 18 Solid Pillow is in our Soft Blue matte textured solid fabric and the 18 x 14 Pattern Pillow is in our Wheat.

4. The Pattern Chair is in our fun Dahlia pattern and the 18 x 14 Solid Pillow is in Walnut velour solid fabric.

5. The Rug is our Bud Strand pattern in the Walnut background and Soft Green pattern. Area rug tip: Make sure the front legs of your furniture can sit on the rug!

6. The eco-Leather ottoman is rectangular and in our Walnut Eco-Leather.

I love the combination of all these colors and patterns. Let me know if you have any comments or questions - I would love to hear from you!