How to Live a Beautiful Life: Let's build a room around a rug

How to Live a Beautiful Life: Let's build a room around a rug: There are many ways to design a room. Sometimes I will start with a great piece of art. Sometimes we will be working around a collection ...

Let's build a room around a rug

There are many ways to design a room.  Sometimes I will start with a great piece of art.  Sometimes we will be working around a collection of antiques that my client has acquired over the years.   Sometimes, all we will have in mind is a color scheme.      Today, I want to talk about starting with the rug.  Whether you are creating a comtempory or traditional space, there are many reasons to use an area rug.

In an open space concept, it will accentuate the different areas of use.  It can join together a seating area or define a dining space.

 The rug that is shown with the solid color is wonderful when a bit of texture is needed, and can tie the space with another that is seen from that space.
You can use it with patterned fabrics on the upholstery or window treatments.  It could be used with corals, browns and orange tones, or with cooler colors like the greens and blues.

The two patterned rugs shown are soft in their patterns and may be used with transitional rooms, meaning a mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings.  Because of  the pattern, they could be used as a focal point as in a foyer, or in a conversation area. 

So, the next time you are wondering 'where do I start', consider a rug!

What is your idea of beauty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

"Beauty is how you live,  is in the mind and not in the mirror"

We are surrounded by beauty everyday in so many forms.   The sunrise,  the smile in your heart when you see your loved one for the first time that day.  The unconditional love we receive from our pets that shows in a wagging tail.

So tell me why we are so obsessed in our society with being thin, not having any wrinkles or blemishes.  Why do we spend so much time on our hair (guilty as charged)

Here's a list of all the things I find beautiful:

• the poetry of Maya Angelou
• all the great photographers who mark our histories with their cameras
• people holding hands
• nature, in it's many forms
• A mother's love, whether human or not
• fine fabrics, their weave, texture, color
• good architecture, that works with the landscape and surroundings
• furniture, with fine wood, detail, finish and proportions
• friendship, and the sharing that comes with it, in good times & bad

I am sure if you put it in the front of your mind, you will find beauty all around you.
It doesn't come with an age, or a price tag. 
It is a matter of your perspective about your surroundings and opening yourself up.