New at Dash & Albert

I use Dash & Albert rugs quite often because most of my clients have kids and/or pets. D&A makes fantastic polypropylene indoor/outdoor rugs that are tough, good looking, and well-priced so they are a perfect fit for households that can't handle anything too precious. Their diamond pattern is one of my go-tos...

Platinum/White colorway

Because I'm such a fan, it makes me happy to see that they've been adding new designs to the indoor/outdoor set and to the rest of their product lineup. Here are some of my favorite things from the bunch:

 I adore the new indoor/outdoor Two-Tone Rope design. It looks like a great texture and has just enough pattern to add interest.

It comes in lots of colors!

Not all of Dash & Albert's rugs are indoor/outdoor. They also offer lots of great cotton rugs including this new, super cute Fair Isle style...

Fair Isle Grey/Platinum Cotton Woven Rug

 Another favorite, the Cut Stripe Grey Hand Knotted Rug. I couldn't find the material content on this one, but I like the way it looks. The subtle stripe is really versatile and so is this color combo...

Besides new rugs, Dash & Albert has also released some cool benches/ottomans

that are upholstered with the indoor/outdoor rug material. This is such a great idea and I'll definitely be keeping these in mind to use as ottomans.

Catamaran Stripe Platinum Turned Leg Rug Ottoman - $1,025

I need to go check out the samples of the Two-Tone Rope. I think it would be a good option for a project where I'm making a formal dining room more usable for a family that has a two-year-old (as those of you with toddlers know, a rug around a 2 yo's eating area essentially functions as a drop cloth). I also want to try out one of their extra grip rug pads. The worst thing about flatweaves is that their corners can easily pop up and get dog-eared, so I'm thinking this pad may mitigate that.

Summer Nights

Thank goodness fall is around the corner...I'm ready for the temperature to drop to a reasonable level in the evening. I'm fine with hot weather during the day but am not a fan of muggy nights! As it cools down, I'll be able to sit out here without sweating bullets.

As you can see, I still haven't found a rug or something for the wall. I'm considering getting a Fab Habitat rug. Not surprisingly, I am particularly fond of the Athens style. I'm a little worried about the area getting too dark/black, but luckily this rug is reversible so I could possibly use the white side.

The Istanbul style could work too since the aqua color ties in with the pillows and the tan ties in with the wall color and the flagstone.

The Venice style is cute too, however, I'm afraid it would be too matchy-matchy with the pillows.

 Any thoughts on the matter? Let me know if you have other ideas!

New at Ballard

I clicked through an email today to preview Ballard Designs' 2010 collection. Favorites...

Love the print on these drapes

Of course, more geometric fabric...and it's linen!

For an industrial touch, there's the Weston Floor Lamp

Wish there were more size options in this Athene Rug

The Geneve Indoor/Outdoor Rug is in the running to be put in my breakfast room

This one's cute too: Farrah Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Durham End Table, seems like a pretty good value at $249

Bone Mirror - such a pretty shape and color.

Lily Mirror...would look SO good against black/dark walls!

Cavaillon Chain Mirror, very interesting. Comes in three different sizes...thus the LARGE label.

What the what?

Walt Disney rugs on Burke Decor? I'm confused yet impressed. On the site, there is a convoluted explanation as to why Walt Disney is venturing into the realm of adult interiors and also some nauseating copy for each specific design. For example:

This carpet design is inspired by the terrene, worldly artwork of Mary Blair's, It's a Small World. We love how handsome it is! Walt Disney Outdoor Rug Collection outdoor hooked rugs take the magic of Disney storytelling into the outdoors. From Sleeping Beauty's beautiful forest to the intricate detail of It's a Small World, every rug is inspired by a great backstory.

Aside from that b.s., these are indoor/outdoor which I highly recommend since they are cheap and durable. I like the black best, but that's only because I'm not after green at the moment.

Hyperion

Terrene

Colonnade