The Bold and the Beautiful

Nate Berkus masters the use of the graphic rug.

Recently, a friend was telling me how much she would like to transform her living areas without spending too much money. She wanted to keep the traditional furniture she already has, but wanted her house to have a more modern edge. I immediately suggested that we add some new accessories and that she should consider buying some new rugs in bold patterns.

Graphic rugs are not for the faint of heart, but they are one component of a room that can make a very bold statement. Quite often, they can balance out the more subdued or traditional sensibility of a room. However, bold rugs can also be found in rooms that are already dressed in bold colors, patterns, and textures. Rugs are one of my favorite ways of adding loads of style to a room and are often the key in pulling all of the individual elements together.

Nate Berkus

I love the way he uses rugs in his interiors. They make a statement without overwhelming the room.


Nate Berkus


Nate Berkus


Nate Berkus


David Jimenez



David pairs colorful, graphic rugs against the bold accessories and colors in these rooms in his home in Palm Springs.


David Jimenez


Jennifer Dyer

This chic living room actually belongs to Preston Lee's partner, Jennifer Dyer and features one of my favorite rugs ever.



The Hospes Granada Hotel in Spain


The graphic rug takes the otherwise serene room to the next level.


Thom Filicia



This rug works beautifully with the rest of the room. It complements the color scheme beautifully.



The rug in this office, featured in the October 2008 issue of Living Etc. has a very romantic quality and adds life to the room.

Kelley Wearstler: The undisputed queen of bold gestures

Kelley Wearstler

Kelley Wearstler

I love the rug Ryan Brown of Brown Design and Flipping Out chose for this family room. The colors and Sputnik chandelier give the room a very Palm Springs vibe.

Ron Marvin chose a zebra print rug for his tiny, but incredibly stylish Manhattan studio apartment.

Mary McDonald

Mary's guest house is featured in the current issue of Domino and it has generated a lot of buzz.

The deep navy rugs she used seal the deal in the over the top, but oh-so-fabulous guest cottage.

Images via Nate Berkus, David Jimenez, Preston Lee, Hospes Granada, Thom Filicia, Living Etc, Kelley Wearstler, Ron Marvin, Brown Design, and Mary McDonald

Bravo for Ballard!

Paris Park Prints

I received the new Ballard Designs catalog in the mail today and was rather impressed by several of their new products. Ballard has long created great furniture and accessories that help one to achieve the look for less.

Taking a key from the quintessential New York Subway print, Ballard created this Paris Places Print.

Mirrored Heron Prints

(Just ignore the cheap-looking chandelier.)

This is the cover image for the new catalog.

I love this adorable Antiqued Birdcage Mirror.

The graphic quatrefoil design on the Balerma Rug is fantastic.

Ballard continues the quatrefoil theme with their new Trellis Mirror. It is featured in an office ensemble in the front of the catalog. That particular room looks so good (much better than this one), but I couldn't find a picture of it online.

The Atoll Mirror is fabulous! I want this for our bedroom.

It looks like they did a great job with their mercury glass Apothecary Jar Lamp.

These pillows are part of Ballard's new Limited Edition Bespoke Pillow Collection.

The Crown Filigree Pillow from the Bespoke Collection

(Though not truly bespoke, the pillows are hand-finished.)

All images via Ballard Designs

Rodney Smith Photography

Rodney Smith takes some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. His use of color, light, and playful approach make for some very memorable images. A true photographer's photographer, Smith turned down invitations to speak Columbia University, Goethe University, The University of Mexico, University of Madrid, and Harvard University after the publication of his book, The Land of Light. Instead, he opted to search for indelible images to photograph through the flea markets of Paris, on train rides across India, and in the deep south. Below, I am including my favorite photographs by Rodney Smith. Which one resonates with you the most?

Smith's new book, The End is available now.

This photograph, taken by Smith for New York Magazine is my absolute favorite.

Images via Rodney Smith

From Gossip Girl to Cover Girl

The beautiful Blake Lively, who plays Gossip Girl's Serena Van Der Wudsen graces the cover of the February issue of Vogue. Something tells me Blair would be a little jealous. Vogue went behind the scenes on the set of the show with an exclusive video interview with Blake.

What did you think of last night's episode? Do you think Serena cares too much about Blair's feelings? What did you think of the alliance between Chuck and Lily? What will happen with Dan and the new teacher?



Images via Vogue

Spain...On the Road Again

I have enjoyed watching the Spain...On the Road Again series so much. Can you imagine taking such an incredible road trip? They have been to the most beautiful places in Spain and have enjoyed the most incredible food. Live vicariously through Gwyneth, Mario, Claudia, and Mark and order the DVD set for the series. It drops today.