“I wanted rugs in earth tones with simpler patterns 
and evidence of their age,” recalls Hoyler, a healthcare products strategist. “But what I found were either old rugs that looked new, or new rugs that were designed to look old. I knew there was a niche I could fill.”

After researching merchants through a web of referrals and working with a certified appraiser to hone her knowledge, Hoyler had amassed more handmade vintage rugs than her row house could possibly accommodate. “My husband joked that it wouldn’t be considered hoarding if I called it a business,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘why not?’”

In 2019, she founded Passerine, an online boutique focusing on heirloom-quality Persian, Turkish and Middle Eastern tribal rugs. They range in price from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on size and age; most are almost 100 years old. A sampling is displayed at Sanabria & Co. The Shop on Capitol Hill.

Hoyler contends that Passerine’s curated rugs are not only a sustainable and less formal alternative to new carpets, but also convey lasting appeal. “We embrace and source old rugs that look their age—and ensure the durability needed for the next hundred years,” she says. passerinehome.com

“If you aren’t already dreaming of designing a beach house, this collection will surely make you want to.” The line of 20 rugs comes in custom sizes and shapes. Pictured, clockwise from above: Variable Abaca in Sea Glass; Anchor Abaca; Newport Abaca; and Wavy Bold Stripe in wool, a collaboration with designer Miles Redd. Available at Patterson Flynn in the Washington Design Center; Suite 340. pattersonflynn.com

Silhouetted blackbirds stand solo or in rows, sometimes upside down. It is a world in flux and a heartening one, where bright stars hover and uplifting words glide by—love, joy, be alive. It might be a metaphor for our own topsy-turvy times. In fact, Wilson has been arranging such elements in painted floorcloths for more than two decades.

“My work has always been intimate, expressing my own life experiences or my thoughts,” says the artist, who has spent most of her years in or near Chestertown, Maryland. “I have a romantic vision of the past and the lives we have led. Certain leitmotifs have carried through.”

In her personal lexicon, a simple chair becomes a comforting place to eat, work, talk to others or daydream. Common blackbirds take their cue from Maryland poet Susan Argo, who called them the punks of the bird world. “Having grown up with a punk background in my 20s,” Wilson fondly recalls, “I love that comparison.” Like the swaying grasses and gentle waters in her work, birds signal “our spiritual connection to nature,” she notes, adding, “All of these images are almost waking dreams, transitions between here and there.”

It may seem a paradox that the artist’s universe of wistful reverie inhabits humble floorcloths—utilitarian and highly durable coverings intended to be walked on. Yet that practical blend demonstrates the importance she places on handcraft in our lives. “Your grandmother’s quilt or a bowl someone carved aren’t just objects, they’re objects with meaning. Someone touched them,” explains the self-taught artist. “I’m trying to make something functional and interesting. You can’t
help but put yourself into that.”

Wilson’s intuitive style is grounded in her early years. Raised in Latin America and California, she was surrounded by art. Her father, Lex Wilson, an abstract-expressionist painter, was also a potter and photographer. Her mother, Katherine, a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, collected paintings mostly by contemporary Latin American artists.

After graduating from high school at 16, Faith Wilson was presented with two choices: go to college or get a job. “I wanted to think of a third alternative—that turned out to be weaving tapestry. I fell in love with the materials,” she remembers. Hitchhiking around Europe and in Central America, she gravitated to places where weaving was happening. When she returned to the U.S. in 1975, Wilson decided to join her sister, who was living in Chestertown. As it turned out, that sibling, Marilee Schumann, became a potter and sculptor. Both now show their art at Create Gallery in Chestertown. In recent years, Wilson also has exhibited at the Philadelphia and Smithsonian craft shows.

Along the way, the artist worked with mixed media on wall pieces. She transitioned to making floorcloths almost by chance. While married to a decorative painter, she recalls, “I learned a lot of decorative techniques and started experimenting with materials we had on hand. My first pieces were actually painted drop cloths.”

Wilson still applies those same techniques, which bring depth of color and nuanced pattern to each one-of-a-kind piece. To start, she stretches heavy canvas over plywood and covers both sides with a base coat of paint. Several layers of color mixed with translucent glazes are brushed on. Typically, five layers are built up and then partially removed with rags, folded paper or possibly the artist’s own hands. “That process is always fun and interesting,” says Wilson, who may place images on a subsurface, meant “to be barely seen, to be subconscious.”

In addition, she sometimes paints circles freehand, or stencils on moons, grasses or words. “I make all the stencils myself, so I can repeat the motifs and have a clean-edged look,” she says, observing that the words are less about their meaning than that she finds text “visually beautiful.” Her newest floorcloths introduce bold color fields that revisit her early appreciation for the paintings of post-World War II artists, especially Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns.

“Part of the satisfaction in making floorcloths,” Wilson says, is “they really can transform a space.” One recent commission proves the point. That large piece, designed for the dining room of Haitian-art collectors living in Charlottesville, references work by developing-world artists as well as her own motifs—from its central emblem, inspired by a Haitian bowl, to its checkerboard border of marching birds.

Asked how she felt about covering up that charming artwork with furniture, Wilson responds without hesitation: “That’s what it’s all about. Go ahead and put your table and chairs on it.” Calling floorcloths “one of the really true American crafts,” she describes how in Colonial times in Chestertown, floorcloths were made from the canvases of leftover sails, to replace expensive rugs imported from Europe. “At the end of the day, what gives our lives and our homes meaning?” the artist ponders. “I want to make something beautiful. I want to make something original. And I want to make something useful.”

Reaching Out - Faith Wilson’s floorcloths are available at Create Gallery in Chestertown (createartcraftdesign.com) and through her website: faithwilsonart.com.

Coffee and Wine—Apply pressure with absorbent towels, turning or replacing them regularly. Spray diluted carpet shampoo and blot, repeating as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight, then vacuum.

Blood—For small amounts, dab with cold water to remove as much as possible. Use cold water in a hand sprayer, apply and repeat the blotting process. Then use a dilution of carpet shampoo and water and repeat.

Mud—Allow to dry, then vacuum. If there’s any residue, spray diluted carpet shampoo and blot, repeating as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry, then vacuum.

Food—These stains can combine oil and water. Remove excess food by using a blunt knife or spoon, then vacuum. Blot with mineral spirits to remove any oil-based stains, apply diluted carpet shampoo, blot again and repeat as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry,
then vacuum.

Pet Mess—Blot liquid with absorbent towels. Apply pressure and turn or replace the towels regularly. Mix two parts white vinegar and two parts water, spray on the carpet and blot again. Then spray with diluted carpet shampoo, blot and repeat. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry, then vacuum.

Cosmetics—It’s difficult to know where to start with cosmetics as some are oily, some water-soluble and some a combination of both. Start with white vinegar or surgical spirit; apply to a clean white towel and blot. Remove as much of the stain as you can by turning or changing the towel. If it persists, proceed with a dilution of carpet shampoo and water as above.

Oily Stains—Treat with white vinegar on a cloth, use it to blot the stain, then repeat as necessary. Be careful: Over-applying solvents such as white vinegar can wear away the backing of the carpet over time.

The process begins with containers of jeans culled from all over the world. Craftsmen cut the jeans into narrow strips which are wound onto spindles, then woven into rugs in an array of sizes on giant pit looms. One rug typically takes 10 days to complete. Poufs, cushions and stools are also on offer. trrhome.com

Carpet Magic

Consider function first. Will there be kids, pets or high traffic? Once requirements are clear, then focus on aesthetics.

—Susan Gulick, Susan Gulick Interiors

A rug should not only look good but also feel great. Wool, bamboo, silk and even chenille are typically very soft

—Paola Martinez McDonald, Olamar Interiors, LLC

Your carpet may make a great statement piece. A wall-to-wall rug cut and bound with a contrast border can be a perfect choice.

—Lori Duval, J&L Interiors

Layering is hot and can add interest as different textures and colors play off each other. Don’t be afraid to mix and match.

—Charlene Kennerknecht, Monarch Design

Wool is versatile and durable. It works in virtually any room and can add impact with color and interesting patterns.

—Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio

Area rugs come in different qualities: hand-knotted, hand-tufted and machine- made. After deciding on your budget, the pattern, color, and style will dictate a perfect solution.

—Gina Fitzsimmons, ASID, Fitzsimmons Design Associates, Inc.

Art Underfoot
Carpets that make a statement

Out of India:

The hand-woven Runic rug blends New Zealand wool and cotton.

leejofa.com

Into the woods:

The hand-knotted, wool-and-silk Maple rug celebrates nature.

dorisleslieblau.com

Going green:

The Elizabeth Blue indoor/outdoor weave is made of recycled plastic bottles.

dashandalbert.com

GONE FISHING  Philippe Nigro took inspiration from the rugged cliffs of Manarola, an Italian fishing village, in the design of his eponymously named seating collection for Ligne Roset. A polyurethane foam seat and back, complete with lumbar support and headrest, sit atop solid wood legs (pictured) or a circular steel base. Available at Ligne Roset in DC as an armchair, loveseat, sofa or ottoman. ligne-roset.com

TABLE TRENDS  Bassett Mirror Company’s occasional tables come in numerous shapes; materials that include glass, metal and wood; and finishes such as gold-leaf, platinum and rust. Top row: Camilla and Serena accent tables, Kellie Scatter Table. Middle row: Krier and Clover Scatter Tables. Bottom row: Christie Side Table, Calder and Bristol Scatter Tables. bassettmirror.com

MACHINE WASHABLE  Lorena Canals’ machine-washable rugs are made by hand in India using natural cotton and non-toxic dyes. Pictured here, the Azteca Natural rug in Vintage Blue comes in a range of sizes; a complementary collection of throws, cushions and baskets is also available. A portion of the proceeds from Lorena Canals finances schooling for more than 100 children in northern India. lorenacanals.us

WOVEN BY HAND  The Lattice rug collection was designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Nanimarquina. Handmade in Pakistan in a kilim-style flatweave, the rugs are created using handspun Afghan wool and come in four sizes and two color variations. Pictured here in a beige, turquoise and charcoal-gray colorway. nanimarquina.com

EXTRA DURABLE  Armstrong’s Vivero vinyl floor-tile collection with Diamond 10 Technology incorporates diamond particles for extra durability. The waterproof surface is available in traditional wood (pictured in Dark Chocolate finish) or natural stone looks. It withstands dents, scratches, scuffs and stains and is easy to install. armstrong.com/flooring

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY  Capel, which got its start making braided rugs, is marking its 100th anniversary with two commemorative braided-rug collections. New Homestead (pictured) is an updated version of the company’s oldest braided design, constructed out of polyester, polypropylene and cotton, while Yorktowne refreshes one of its best-selling wool blends. capelrugs.com

CHIC COLLECTION  A complex jacquard construction paired with bi-color vinyl yarns distinguishes the new Mosaic and Wave collections by Chilewich; the Wave floor covering is pictured here. Both patterns are also available as placemats and table runners. chilewich.com

CALIFORNIA DREAMING  Inspired by colors found in California shorelines and sunsets, Architectural Systems’ Malibu Hardwoods flooring collection comes in four hues ranging from grayish driftwood to dark brown. The engineered-oak planks are made from sustainable hardwoods that have been wire-brushed and prefinished with hard-wax oil. archsystems.com

VINTAGE LOOK  Hudson Valley Lighting pays homage to early electric fixtures with Colebrook, a pendant that houses a long, exposed-filament bulb within an open cage. An adjustable cord is covered in black, braided cloth. Available in Aged Brass, Old Bronze or Polished Nickel through Dulles Electric in Sterling, Virginia. dulleselectric.com; hudsonvalleylighting.com

INDUSTRIAL CHIC  Troy RLM Lighting’s dual-shade Aero pendant is part of its Modern Visions collection. The industrial-style LED fixture combines glossy white with one of 20 bold or neutral finishes (tangerine is pictured here) and a white cord. Also available as a wall sconce through Annapolis Lighting. annapolislighting.com; troyrlm.com

BATTERY OPERATED  Designed by Philippe Starck for FLOS, BonJour Unplugged is the diminutive, 10.6-inch-tall, battery-powered sibling of the Bon Jour Table Lamp. A transparent or aluminum-painted base comes with a smooth or wavy acrylic shade in transparent, yellow, amber or gray. A micro-USB connector recharges the light in 30 minutes for a lighting life of six hours. Available through Apartment Zero. apartmentzero.com; usa.flos.com

SPARE SILHOUETTE  The Suspenders LED system from Sonneman combines interconnected metal bars and suspended LED components in a range of formations. The modular chandeliers, first designed by Robert Sonneman in the 1980s in spare, modern style, are now even lighter in scale. Pictured here, the 48-Inch 2-Tier Linear 5 Light Chandelier with a teardrop luminaire. sonnemanawayoflight.com

UNCOMMON SCONCE  Arteriors’ Duane Sconce is anchored by a steel backplate with a vertical spear finished in antique brass. Metal discs with an oil-rubbed bronze finish encircle frosted-glass diffusers. Available through Dominion Electric Supply Co. area locations. dominionelectric.com; arteriorshome.com

SOFT GLOW  The Grace Pendant by Studio Italia Design generates a soft glow through the laser-cut pattern in its metal shade, which is covered in a fabric-like resin material that acts as a diffuser. Designed by Andrea Tosetto, the suspension light requires incandescent bulbs; it’s also available as a flush-mount fixture or sconce. studioitaliadesign.com

2. NAUTICAL VIBE
The Trimaran Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Dash & Albert is part of a woven collection made with durable polypropylene. Designed for high-traffic areas, the rugs are scrubbable, bleachable and UV-treated. Available in gray, green, navy, brown and beige stripes, and in an array of sizes. Prices range from $41 to $550.
dashandalbert.annieselke.com.

3. SUBTLE STYLE
Restoration Hardware’s Pinstripe Outdoor Rug is woven from outdoor fabric company Perennials’ all-weather, solution-dyed acrylic. Shown here in Mocha, it has a soft texture that resembles natural yarn but resists fading, mold and mildew. Easy to clean, it comes in a range of sizes. From $155 to $2,795. restorationhardware.com

4. FLOWER POWER
Oversized wildflower prints in a lush color palette characterize the vibrant South Beach Collection of indoor/outdoor rugs by Nourison. Hand-tufted to create a plush, inviting feel, they are made of easy-maintenance polyester and come in a range of sizes, patterns and colorways. Available at Bloomingdales in prices ranging from $159 to $1,959. bloomingdales.com

PURELY PORCELAIN
Parker Wood Porcelain tiles from Porcelanosa look like wood but offer the benefits of tile in terms of function, maintenance and durability. The tiles come in different sizes, textures and finishes—including an anti-slip finish that makes them suitable for bathroom or even outdoor installations. porcelanosa-usa.com

THE WAYS OF WOOL
Part of a collection designed by Kelly Wearstler for The Rug Company, the Array Light rug is made of soft, hand-knotted Tibetan wool. Inspired by the look of mismatched stones, it’s available in natural shades that subtly showcase the design, as well as in a darker-hued version. therugcompany.com

SET IN STONE
The Maxima collection by Italo Ceramica imitates natural stone surfaces. Pictured here, the look of Rainbow Teak sandstone—which has a precise veining pattern in gray, yellow and pink—is duplicated, but with impervious porcelain tile instead of porous sandstone, which is more difficult to maintain. Available at Italo Ceramica. italoceramica.com

MODERN HISTORY
The new Timothy Corrigan custom rug collection for Patterson, Flynn & Martin showcases a warm palette of creams, lavenders, reds and blues in patterns grounded in historical reference but modernized by the designer’s own sensibility. Pictured here, Rue Lafayette in a sandstone colorway. pattersonflynnmartin.com

GREEN MYSTIQUE
Terra Legno’s chocolate-hued Mystique line of hardwood flooring showcases the distinctive grain of European white oak. FSC-certified, this wood surface is engineered using sustainable methods and is both durable and fade-resistant. terralegno.com

THE LOOK OF WOOD
The Estonia collection from Architectural Ceramics is a line of porcelain tiles that seamlessly duplicates four wood types from around the world, including Gray Ash (pictured). The series will expand to include replicas of species from other geographical locations. architecturalceramics.com 

VERY VERSATILE
Boasting a range of color combinations and sizes, this durable, stain-resistant indoor/outdoor rug by Capel is made of the synthetic fiber olefin and imported from Belgium. Pictured here in ivory and taupe; available through Classic Interiors in Ellicott City. classicinteriorsonline.com  

According to Ann Lambeth of J. Lambeth & Company, a spokesperson for the tenants, a few showrooms may open as soon as late May or early June, while most will arrive by early to mid-July. Smaller opening events will lead to a projected grand opening in October. Though most vendors will remain to-the-trade, Lambeth points out that “there will be a new focus on including consumers in the design center experience through special events and programs.”

Two new showrooms will be joining the center: Doris Leslie Blau, a high-end rug dealer; and Romo, a British fabric and wallcoverings company.

The following showrooms will open new locations in the Center on the second, third and fourth floors: AmericanEye; ARC-COM Fabrics, Inc.; Century Furniture; Cowtan & Tout;  Duralee Fabrics; Fabricut at J. Lambeth; Galleria Carpets & Rugs; Hines & Co.; Holland & Sherry; Holly Hunt; J. Lambeth & Co.; Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils; Michael-Cleary, LLC; Osborne & Little, Inc.; Pindler & Pindler, Inc.; Robert Allen; Scalamandré; Schumacher and Stark. Niermann Weeks will be represented by J. Lambeth and Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman furniture will be sold through Hines. 

THE LOOK OF WOOD
Architectural Ceramics’ Driftwood collection is a porcelain tile that combines the look of wood and the durability of porcelain. Six-by-24-inch tiles with little or no grout joints mimic wide floorboards. Driftwood is available in a range of shades; the floor here is pictured in Graywood. architecturalceramics.com

WONDERFUL WEAVE
Custom Cool Rugs are hand-woven using pashmina, natural nettle, linen, New Zealand and Himalyan wools and a variety of silks. Vibrant designs range from subtle to bold and traditional to modern. They can be woven as rugs or kilims. Pictured here, the clean-lined Hamptons Stripe Rug, which is handmade in India and Nepal. customcoolrugs.com 

PURE GEOMETRY
Large geometric patterns embody the graceful, new Mary McDonald Custom Rug Collection for Patterson, Flynn & Martin. The rugs are inspired by David Hicks designs and Directoire and Art Deco motifs. Each custom piece is available in Tibetan wool and silk. pattersonflynnmartin.com

CUTTING EDGE
The Manhattan Collection from Porcelanosa showcases sleek, ceramic mosaic tiles that can be used both indoors and out. Available in white, gray, brown and black colorways, the tiles are durable yet elegant and come in matte or shiny finishes. Pictured here, a bathroom in large-scale Manhattan Blanco tiles. porcelanosa-usa.com

JET SET
The Talya Collection of water-jet mosaics by Sara Baldwin boasts marble and stone surfaces in a subtle palette of gray, beige and ivory, in geometric and interwoven lace motifs. The collection is at home in highly trafficked and indoor-outdoor areas; available in field and bullnose tiles and trim through Marble Systems in Fairfax, Virginia. marblesystems.com 

PERFECT PARQUET
In its New Mosaics Collection, Italian floor company Parquet In embellishes oak, wenge, teak, cherry and doussie parquet floors with reflective materials such as glass and metallic ceramic mosaics. Available in the U.S. through Creative Concepts Design Center, located in Fairfax, Virginia. parquetin.com; creativeconceptsdc.com

SISAL AS ART
Decorative painting company Billet Collins turns ordinary sisal rugs into an artist’s canvas by painting them with borders, field and damask patterns and medallions. Pictured here, the Interlocking Circles Sisal. billetcollins.com

WELL-OILED
Tuscany Olive Wood, a North Carolina-based flooring company that launched in 2012, is now importing a new exotic wood from Italy: olive wood. Each floorboard comes from trees that are at least 120 years old; they’re only harvested when their production of olives and oil wanes, making them both sustainable and durable. tuscanyolivewood.com

SHAGGY RUG STORY
Belgian rug company Ligne Pure has gone hip with the deep-pile Adore Shag Rug. Hand-woven of polyester, it currently comes in white and gray—but starting in September 2013 the color palette will include platinum, silver, black and blue. With a four-month lead time, shape and size can be customized. Available in DC through Theodores. theodores.com; lignepure.com  

Made of 100 percent hand-dyed sheep’s wool, the rugs in the Masters Collection are available in a range of colors and sizes. Motifs range from Frank Gehry’s large, vibrant puzzle pieces to Stanley Tigerman’s bold tribal prints. The custom, limited-edition rugs are available for order directly through Arzu Studio Hope; net proceeds benefit Afghan women through fair wages and social benefits. arzustudiohope.org 

An Ancient Technique
Inspired by old-fashioned kilims, the Medina collection of wool rugs by Spanish designer Nani Marquina is handcrafted in northern Pakistan using a traditional kilim-making technique. Pictured here, black and white geometric patterns or bands of color are woven together by hand to create vivid, one-of-a-kind rugs. nanimarquina.com

Building Blocks
The unadorned elegance of industrial concrete was the inspiration behind On Square, a line of ceramic tile now available at Architectural Ceramics. On Square mimics the foot-worn look of concrete and comes in four colors—Avorio, Sabbia, Cemento and Lavagna—and multiple sizes. architecturalceramics.net

Contemporary Vibe
Pioggia is a glazed porcelain tile with a subtle, contemporary striae design. It can be installed horizontally, vertically or even as a checkerboard for a unique graphic pattern. Pioggia is available through Mosaic Tile Company in four colors and three sizes: 12 by 12 inches (pictured), 12 by 24 inches and 24 by 24 inches. mosaictileco.com

Modern Motif
The latest addition to Gan Rugs’ hand-tufted wool line is Kenia, a vivid, brightly hued collection by Spanish design team Odosdesign that was introduced in the 2012 catalog. The rugs come in two sizes and are available through Adlon in DC. gan-rugs.com; adlondesign.com

Wall to Wall
The Porshim design is part of the Wide Collection from Wilton Carpets. Made in the U.S.A. out of wool and metallic nylon thread, this collection is now being sold exclusively through Stark Carpet. Available in denim (pictured here), charcoal and opal. 
starkcarpet.com

The Beauty of Cork
Cork is a completely renewable resource harvested as bark from living trees that are unharmed in the process. Durable, sound 
absorbent, warm and resilient, cork makes the perfect flooring surface. Available in a rich collection of colors and patterns through FA Design Build/Flooring America. ecofinishes.com

Seamless Style
FLOR’s Rake Me Over carpet tiles are solid with waves of soft, twisted fiber. Its squares align seamlessly so the look is closer to 
traditional wall-to-wall carpet than the 
company’s popular carpet tiles. Visit the newly opened FLOR showroom in Georgetown for a look. flor.com

Marble Madness
Porcelanosa’s Calacata series mimics the look of marble with subtle variations in veining and an almost translucent quality. Rectified edges create a seamless finish when the tiles are laid with a tight grout joint. Low-maintenance Calacata is 
available as a ceramic wall tile or a porcelain floor tile, in gold and silver. porcelanosa-usa.com

2. Popping the Cork
Architectural Systems, Inc.’s new Vencork flooring is both fashionable and eco-friendly. This product comes in a variety of shades and combines a traditional wood overlay with a sustainable cork substrate to give your floors a sleek look. www.archsystems.com

3. Wool Wonders
Enliven your home with the rich hues and variations of a hand-made Tibetan rug by Tamarian. Made from hand-carded, hand-spun wool and organic dyes, each rug is unique. Customize your color and design options by choosing among 500 hues and patterns ranging from traditional to contemporary. www.tamarian.com

4. Broadloom Basics
Be your own master of design with the new “Inspired Luxury” program from Karastan, which allows customers to design rugs to their own specifications. Choose everything from broadloom style to binding and have your very own creation in four to six weeks. www.karastan.com

5. Quiet Time
Block out the noise with ecofinishes’ collection of cork flooring. Available in 12 different looks, the floor is soft to the touch yet durable, and muffles the sound of loud footsteps. Available at Flooring America in floating floor or tile form. www.ecofinishes.com or www.flooringamerica.com

6. Exotic Appeal
Mirage’s World Aromas Series features hardwood grown in Canada. Canadian Breza is available in Bali Coco, a shimmering brown inspired by Balinese coconut trees. Using new, environmentally safe technology, the wood’s natural pigments are enhanced, resulting in a richer shade with the allure of the tropics. www.miragefloors.com

7. Textured Tile
Designer and manufacturer Ann Sacks provides the perfect alternative to typical tile with leather flooring, made in conjunction with craftsman Cowden Bell. Tiles are hand-dyed and stamped to create little works of art, each subtly different in color and texture. www.annsacks.com

8. Floating Floor
Bamboo flooring manufacturer Teragren has introduced the newest addition to
its Synergy Line, a wide plank, floating floor. Equipped with a glueless self-locking system for stability and ease of installation, the product is available in Wheat, Chestnut, Java and Brindle and can be installed anywhere in the home, including basements and bathrooms. www.teragren.com

Art in Concrete
Waterworks recently unveiled the Promenade line of handmade, individually pressed concrete tiles. The concrete is made from a combination of natural elements such as crushed limestone, sand, water and aggregate. The decorative Fleurette tile incorporates aggregate tile with shimmering mother of pearl (using material that is actually waste from the button industry). Visit www.waterworks.com.

Barn Wood Reborn
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors salvages antique siding from historic barns. Typically a mix of pine and hemlock, its antique barn siding is carefully removed and then graded for color and structural durability. Each wood plank is milled to bring out a rich, rustic patina. Planks are available from five to 12 inches wide. Visit www.wideplankflooring.com.

Carpet Whimsy
California-based Alicia D. Keshishian, a former art director and illustrator, now fashions custom rugs that are handmade in Nepal. Keshishian’s grandfather was an Oriental rug authority; she grew up surrounded by the vibrant patterns. Keshishian’s whimsical designs, such as Onnie, are made with the finest Tibetan wool and often incorporate silk as a lustrous accent. She also participates in RugMark, an international non-profit dedicated to ending illegal child labor. Visit www.adkcarpets.com.

Walk on Glass
Glass tiles have become commonplace in bathrooms, so why not use them on floors throughout the home? Nathan Allan Glass Studios Inc. of British Columbia creates glass flooring in tiles as small as 12 inches square and in sheets as large as seven by 12 feet. A safety finish provides subtle texture on the surface. Tiles come in six iridescent colors including FL Green Mist, FL Bordeaux, and FL Marine Blue. Visit www.nathanallan.com.

Geometric Motif
Furniture and accessories company Cobble Court Home has launched its first rug collection, designed by Rob Rizzo in collaboration with emma gardner design. The collection includes hilst, which puts a fresh spin on a classic geometric motif. All rugs are hand-tufted of Tibetan wool and are RugMark certified. Visit www.cobblecourt.com.

Pop Art for Floors
emma gardner design reinterprets classic motifs using new “pop art” color combinations in a line of bold, brightly colored rugs. They are hand-knotted of Chinese silk and Tibetan wool and come in standard and custom sizes. Spray is pictured in chocolate/blue; it’s also available in eggplant/pepper. All rugs are RugMark certified. Visit www.emmagardnerdesign.com.

Renewable Resource
Ann Sacks recently unveiled Mesquite Knot floor tiles, crafted entirely from Texas mesquite wood, a durable and renewable resource. By cutting the wood on its radius, the manufacturer achieves a random pattern that reveals the tree’s rings and natural irregularities. Visit the Web site www.annsacks.com.

Black & White
Part of Karastan’s Sierra Mar Collection, Kismet offers a new take on typical black-and-white. The rug features a sensuous, winding scrollwork motif in pure black vividly set against a rich ivory background. The rugs are woven with pure New Zealand worsted wool. Visit www.karastan. com.

Exotic Import
More than 30 natural stone products from around the world recently made their debut at Charles Luck Stone Center in Sterling, Virginia. Among the many that are exclusive to Charles Luck is Arcadia tile from Italy. The linear marble-and-travertine mix is available in multiple color palettes. Visit www.charlesluck.com

Waterworks recently unveiled the Promenade line of
handmade, individually pressed concrete tiles.

California-based Alicia D. Keshishian, a former art director
and illustrator, now fashions custom rugs that are handmade
in Nepal.

Cobble Court Home

Spray by Emma Gardner designs.

Ann Sacks recently unveiled Mesquite Knot floor tiles.

Karastan’s Sierra Mar Collection, Kismet design.

Arcadia tile, exclusive to Charles Luck.

Charles Luck Stone Center

A New Age in Stone

No mineral is left unturned at Charles Luck Stone Center

There’s nothing else quite like the Charles Luck Stone Center. The emporium, which recently debuted in the company’s Sterling, Virginia, location, is part museum, part design center, part stone mill and part workshop. A team of experts has traveled the globe to bring home not only hundreds of varieties of stone, but also age-old techniques and designs that have been painstakingly re-created in the Center’s various buildings and gardens—from an inglenook mosaic inspired by a design in Verona, Italy, to a cut-stone floor based on a Turkish rug motif. Luck’s team consulted with Prada and Ritz-Carlton to mastermind this new concept that not only celebrates stone and its rich history, but also aims to entertain, educate and inspire its clientele—both consumers and members of the design and building trades.

The Sterling location is the second Charles Luck Stone Center to open in 2007 after a Richmond location was unveiled in September. Over the next three years, its parent company, Richmond-based Luck Stone Corp., plans to introduce the concept at existing locations in Columbia, Maryland; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charles Luck Stone Center is located at 1700 South Sterling Boulevard in Sterling, Virginia; (703) 674-2240. For more information, visit www.charlesluck.com.
—Sharon Jaffe Dan

Back from China
Cross MacKenzie Ceramic Arts presents the work of Gary Erickson, just back from his third trip to China. The artist’s new series of porcelains, called “The Sacred Way,” is named after the carved stone figures leading to the Ming tombs outside Beijing. Erickson’s tiles (pictured) are awash in watery glazes. On view from January 18 through March 12 at Cross MacKenzie Ceramic Arts, 1054 31st Street, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 333-7970; www.crossmackenzie.com.

Vastu’s New Interior Design Center
Vastu, a custom furniture and design studio at 1829 14th Street, NW, has opened a new 660-square-foot interior design center on the lower level of its showroom. Interior design clients can search through hundreds of upholstery, casegood and accessory options in this new space and find inspiration in the many textile and paint

samples on display. Design services are provided gratis to Vastu customers and home visits can be arranged for a nominal fee. For more information, call (202) 234-8344 or visit www.vastudc.com.

Eco Ideas: Play Green
Children’s bedding, furniture and toys that are fun and healthy

Eco-conscious living should be a family affair, and it can be with the growing number of manufacturers making children’s furniture and accessories that fit the green scene. From playroom to bedroom, here are ideas that bring green living home to the family:

• Green textile manufacturer Q Collection has launched Q Collection Junior, a line of green furniture, bedding and toys. The stylishly modern Solare crib is certified to meet Greenguard’s Children & Schools’ standard of indoor air quality. The crib is crafted from FSC-certified, locally sourced wood and finished with water-based and non-toxic materials. Visit www.qcollectionjunior.com.

• These clever Sub Adventure sheets from kukunest bring a funky modern ocean to the bedroom. The 200-thread count, 100-percent cotton percale sheets are Oeko-Tex certified, a European standard that ensures that textiles and clothing meet strict eco-criteria from manufacture through shipping. Visit www.kukunest.com for these and other modern, whimsical designs for kids.

• “Think Local” is always a good mantra, even if local isn’t just next door. Buying
American-made toys from long-established companies is a great way to track the safety of what your kids play with. Maple Landmark in Vermont uses only local wood and carefully recycles all waste. The company has been making a wide range of classic toys, such as the ever-popular MY Train Collection, for nearly 30 years. Visit www.maplelandmark.net.
—Heather C. Jackson

On the Bookshelf

Must reads for design devotees

AXEL VERVOORDT: Timeless Interiors features the work of the Belgian interior designer and collector best known for his unique exhibitions at international antiques fairs. Author Armelle Baron provides the background for 23 of Vervoordt’s U.S. and European residential projects. Flammarion through Rizzoli International, New York, NY, 2007; $75.

Table Flowers: Innovative Floral Designs for Entertaining by London-based floral artist Paula Pryke shows how to create centerpieces that have the “wow” factor. Known for her bold color choices, Pryke also coordinates the arrangements with tableware, linens and glassware for holidays, weddings and everyday décor. Rizzoli International, New York, NY, 2007; $45.

Lesley Riva and Benjamin Moore Paints team up to help homeowners freshen up their interiors in Paint Style: The New Approach to Decorative Paint Finishes. More than 50 projects illustrate how to eliminate drab walls using glazing, stenciling, stamping, faux finishes and creative color choices. Firefly Books, Ontario, Canada, 2008; $26.95.

Gary Erikson's Chinese-inspired tiles

Design principals Cris and Paul Briger show how to mix modern and classic style in BRIGER + BRIGER: Comfortable & Joyous Homes. The Brigers tackle houses in the city, country and lakeside and spare no detail—outdoor spaces, guest cottages and children’s rooms included. Rizzoli International, New York, NY, 2007; $60.
—Amanda Jones

Spring Spruce Up

A fundraiser offers consumers one-on-one consultations with interior designers

If you need advice choosing paint colors, finding the right window treatment or solving other design dilemmas, there is professional help at hand. The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Washington Metro Chapter Spring Spruce Up kicks off its 2008 season on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd, when consumers can sign up online for one- or two-hour sessions with an interior designer. Now in its 11th year, this annual fundraiser enables homeowners to get professional design advice for a special promotion rate of $100 per hour. ASID members volunteer their time, with proceeds benefiting the chapter’s educational programs.

“Spring Spruce Up is a win-win opportunity for clients, designers and the Washington Metro Chapter of ASID,” said Spruce Up Co-Chair Nancye Lewis-Overstreet, Allied Member ASID. “For a minimal investment, clients can learn firsthand some of the many advantages that come from working with an interior designer. The volunteer designer is provided the opportunity to meet potential clients while the Washington Metro Chapter raises necessary funds to support future educational programming for its members. Everyone derives something positive from this program.”

To sign up for a Spring Spruce Up session, visit the American Society of Interior Designers Web site on February 3: www.asiddcmetro.org. Applications will be accepted until available slots are filled. For more information, call (202) 488-4100.

MYTrain Collection by Maple Landmark

Solare Crib by Q Collection Junior

kukunest's Sub Adventure

Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors

Paula Pryke's Table Flowers

Paint Style

Briger + Briger: Comfortable & Joyous Homes

Choosing a Hardwood Floor
Washington, DC, interior designer Stan Kelly discusses how to make the right choice

H&D: At what stage of a project should a homeowner consider flooring choices?
Kelly: Flooring selection should be the first stage of any project or design process. When creating spaces, interior designers work from the ground up by selecting
finishes and colors to complement the floor. It makes good sense—the entire room design rests on the floor, both literally and figuratively.

H&D: How does flooring affect the overall look of a room?
Kelly: Flooring is one of the most important parts of the design process, as well as a substantial part of the overall architecture of any space. Flooring sets the tone for an entire room—it can be formal or casual, traditional or modern. It’s not just something to be walked on; it should also be appreciated.

H&D: What colors should consumers consider when choosing a floor?
Kelly: The interaction of color and architecture is the very foundation of interior design. Personally, I love the serene tone of white distressed floors. Black flooring can be striking in the right setting and can really bring a sense of scale to a room. I do not recommend orange or red floors to my clients, because those colors seem to limit the overall design.

H&D: What are some common mistakes to avoid when selecting hardwood flooring?
Kelly: There are so many flooring options to choose from today. Homeowners should make an effort to educate themselves by asking for professional help when exploring options. Floors will most likely stay with the house for a lifetime, so it’s a big decision. Take your time and really consider how flooring choices will play into the design scheme. Choose a high-quality, versatile floor that you’ll be able to appreciate for many, many years. It all comes down to installation—using the very best installer is a very important part of the process, and not something to be skimped on.

The Carpet Conundrum

Joe Kruper, sales director of Abbey Carpet in Woodbridge, Virginia, offers advice on choosing the right carpet

H&D: At what stage should a homeowner consider carpet choices?
Kruper: Carpet should be considered soon after selecting the fabrics, pillows, and furniture being used in an area. Be careful if time is a concern. Carpet is not always readily available and should be selected at least three weeks prior to  the day needed for install.

H&D: How does carpet affect the overall look of a room?
Kruper: Carpet can really determine the mood of a room. You can go formal (low, tight-cut floral, a velvet plush, etc.), relaxed (flecked berber, textured Saxony), colorful or neutral. Each style adds a different feel and look to a room, depending on what the homeowner is trying to achieve.

H&D: What are the best carpet choices for families with children and pets?
Kruper: Families in an active household would do best with a frieze (twist), or low-cut pile pattern with a little darker color. Either of these styles when purchased in a nylon fiber-type would perform well both in durability and cleanability. Just remember carpet is a fiber and all fibers will show traffic and can stain, depending on the chemical make-up of the stain.

H&D: What are the best carpet choices for people with allergies?
Kruper: People are usually not allergic to the fibers. The dust and excess fiber that comes off carpet is what affects them the most. People with allergies would do best to stay away from thick, stapled, cut-pile products. They would do better with either continuous filament plushes or berbers (olefin or nylon).

H&D: What are manufacturers doing to make their products “green?”
Kruper: Manufacturers are building plants that will enable them to break carpet waste down into pellets, melt the pellets and re-use them in new carpet. This will drastically help landfills and the environment. All manufacturers will have labels on the products that can be recycled.

H&D: What are some common mistakes to avoid when selecting carpet?
Kruper: When selecting carpet, a client should first find a salesperson who they trust at a reputable dealer. They then should discuss their needs with the salesperson (adding color, durability, etc.). A common mistake made when selecting carpet for a high-traffic area is using a product that is too light. Do not be afraid to go a little darker. This will help hide any stains caused from a spill or normal traffic. Also, be careful with loop piles when pets are involved.

H&D: What are some of the new trends in carpet?
Kruper: Darker colors and softer fibers are among the new trends hitting the market. Stainmaster (Tactesse) and Anso (Caress) are two fiber companies leading the way, with nylon fibers that feel like cotton, without giving up durability or stain protection. Patterned carpets are also starting to make a comeback in the Interior designer Stan Kelly prefers white-washed wood floors for a relaxed, clean look. He created his own white-washed flooring line, recently used in this office design. Photo by Kevin Allen.industry. Karastan, Staunton, Tuftex and Fabrica are among the manufacturers producing beautiful florals, pin-dots, trellises and diamond-patterned styles. Wool products are still a popular selection for those looking for unmatched durability at a higher price point.

Floor Art

Springfield, Virginia, designer Shanon Munn, ASID, of Ambi Design Studio dishes on decorating with patterned area rugs

H&D: What does a decorative area rug bring to a room’s design?
Munn: The rug plays a huge role in the room’s design.  It is the foundation of the space and often sets the tone of the room.  In many cases it is the most expensive item in the space, but done correctly it can be a timeless investment as it can be taken from space to space and home to home.

H&D: How do homeowners know when they have too much pattern in their rug to go with other items in the room (fabrics and art)?
Munn: If you love it, there can never be too much pattern in a rug.  Combining patterns deals with scale.  If there is a large pattern on the rug, smaller patterns might look good on top of it, while a small pattern on your rug may allow for large patterns.  Often, patterns that are the same size don’t look very good layered on top of each other.

Art is an investment, and homeowners need to buy what they like.  Also, since your art is probably not sitting right on the rug or furniture, it is not as important to worry about the scale of the designs.  Rather, it is more important to worry about a painting’s overall scale to the wall it is on and that the colors are compatible.

H&D: If homeowners are interested in incorporating a rug in their home, at what stage in the design process should they make a selection?
Munn: I try to first determine the look of the space using concept or inspiration photos with a client.  During this process, a decision is usually made as to whether the room will use a patterned rug or perhaps a simpler bound area rug.  Next, I start with the design element that has the least amount of choices.  For example, if the client would like a patterned rug I start there, then look for fabrics, then finish with wall colors.

However, if the client wants the room to have more pattern on the furniture and a solid rug base, then I start with the fabrics, go to the rug and finish up with wall colors.

Marc Phillips recently introduced the Metro Collection of
Tibetan rugs with geometric motifs.

Luxurious and environmentally-friendly rug from Odegard;
Lily pattern in titanium.

Shaw's Inspired Spaces collection is made with Anso nylon,
which contains recycled content and has the ability to be recycled.

A patterned carpet by Karastan, in Marie Louise, a classic
trellis design.