SHOWSTOPPING CARPETS

Most rooms can stand alone without an area rug, but with the right rug a space can go from so-so to sensational in an instant. This concept immediately brings to mind the power of a magic carpet. Its mysterious powers transports you to an enchanting place, much like the perfect rug captivates a well designed space.

Here's a design by my friend Debbie Basnett where the all popular chevron rug is a game-changer in this otherwise traditional living room. Pinch-pleated drapery panels, an aged leather club chair and tailored sectional lean toward traditional until the chevron patterned rug shakes thing up. The rug's zigzag shape relaxes the prim atmosphere and makes way for other playful accents like the fuzzy ottoman and glossy arc floor lamp.

David Scott

Susan Harris

My latest article for houzz takes a more in depth look at the mystery behind a fabulous area rug and encourages you to examine your own home to see where you can make the magic happen. No genie required!

REGIONAL STYLE: LOWCOUNTRY LUXE

Along the coastline of South Carolina and Georgia is a formidable region brimming with homes rich in history and culture. Affectionately known as the Lowcountry, residents live below sea level, but their homes rest on a reputation of splendor and style.

When I wrote this article for houzz I learned from readers' comments that this term was unfamiliar to many of them, mostly those who live outside of the South. Lowcountry interiors draw inspiration from nature and often incorporate antiques passed down over generations. Furniture and accessories crafted by local artists find a prominent spot in Lowcountry decor and makes for a home that is filled with appreciation of the Southern coast.

One of my favorite designers who does it so well is Charleston-based Interior Designer Angie Hranowsky:

Read more about Southern spaces like these in my latest article for houzz.com. Have a wonderful weekend!

HUES YOU CAN USE: GRIZZLE GRAY

While browsing the web on Saturday night I came across this Living Room in the 2011 HGTV Green Home. Oh. My. Gawd. I've been battling the gray trend, but recently gave in when I painted my guest room, and now this...

It's been a while since I've written a Hues You Can Use post [sorry about that] and figured I'd better get it together.

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray works so well in this room because of the abundance of natural light, the balance of stark white linen drapery panels, and the introduction of wood into the mix. Hello Yellow! Isn't it totally livable when paired with neutrals? Black, white and gray allow yellow to take center stage, yet blend harmoniously.

The designer, Linda Woodrum adds a bit of the unexpected with this orange side table to the room's citrus-y color palette. Its presence inserts charm and playfulness to the scheme, too.

When you are obsessed with fabrics like I am you immediately recognize patterns and often know where to find cost effective alternatives. Just the other day I told someone how I was over chevron patterns. The above selection made me eat my words.

a] Ty Pennington Impressions in Wave Gray (a comparable) $7.63/yd on sale now.
b] Premier Prints ZigZag Slub Texture Yellow/White $5.93/yd on sale now.
c] Thom Filicia's Prospect in Shadow $44.99/yd.

As you see below, the entire room isn't painted the same color. In fact, the dark paint and room-sized area rug cleverly distinguish the living room as a separate space in this open floor plan.

The same color combo was on trend last spring and doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. Will gray find a place in your home this season?

TRY THIS AT HOME: DECORATING WITH RIBBON

This weekend I pulled some of my favorite images for my Weekend Decorating feature on Houzz. The topic...decorating with grosgrain ribbon. Adding ribbon trim can be one of the easiest ways to update existing accessories in your home. You can take a piece from drab to dramatic in 30 minutes or less!Want to see other ideas for taking ribbon to the next level in design? Here are a few more images to whet your whistle.

Betsy Burnham

Cristi Holcombe


Isabella and Max Rooms

Join me over at houzz.com for more on "Adding an Accent of Ribbon" and tips on completing your project this afternoon!
Happy Decorating!

JONATHAN ADLER'S ATLANTA DEBUT

Last night, Atlanta tastemakers gathered in masses to welcome Jonathan Adler's boutique to the Westside Provisions shopping district. With him he brings his signature Happy Chic Anti-Depressant Design Aesthetic—kinda like the happy pill that never wears off.

"Mr. Clashing is Dashing" himself greeted party people with smiles and autographs of course. I purchased one of his latest books, Happy Chic Colors, full of tips and advice on mixing bold colors and how-to's on creating the same vibe in your home. Considering that this is my second time meeting him in less than a year, at this rate we'll be old friends in no time.

And now for the tour...

For those who have been scouring the Southeast for a Cameroonian Juju hat, come here to snag one off the wall.

I don't think I ever cared about a needlepoint pillow until I met Jonathan's splashy assortment. Hard to pick a favorite, isn't it?

This isn't your grandmother's pottery unless she too is under Jonathan's Happy Chic Decorating Regime.

Salt n' Pepper, please!

It's amazing how many faces you recognize at these events, but don't always know the person's name. The folks below are both old and new friends no need to ask their names nor feel like a reporter...

1st image: Cinda Boomershine (cindab bags) 2nd image: Tasha Moody (Simply Staged Atlanta) and Kristin Davis (KFD Designs)

1st image: Jonathan Adler signing a masterpieces 2nd image: Cristi Holcombe (Charm Home)

The above vignette has been voted my most favorite! The swanky linen prints are absolutely worth a second look.

If you are in the area this weekend, be sure to stop by the store and see what all the fuss is about. Thank you to Liz Lapidus PR for the invitation and the instant attitude adjustment. Love live Happy Chic!
xo