Daring Rugs: Style Right Out of the Magazines

I can only pat myself on the back when something I choose for the house ends up in the magazines. I saw this Moroccan Diamond rug online and knew that it would add a colorful/Pacific Northwest/Native American touch to our cream foyer with dark wood floors. 

In my mind, it's perfect and I would recommend it to anyone drawn to it. I felt in sync with the HGTV magazine editors for they have featured a similar diamond print rug in two price points in their Hi/Low List in the October issue.

When the rug arrived, I sprayed it with Scotch Guard fabric and upholstery protector so that I can have a leg up on stain fighting. Dan says it's mean to make people enter the house on an off white rug, but I'm not afraid. I love how this looks and I'll deal with the consequences later. And yes, this is the Pacific NorthWET, I will put down a cotton throw rug to absorb damp feet when the rainy season begins.

Books As Art: When Covers Add Color

My new decorating success: I've filled the baker's rack in my foyer with my favorite coffee table books.  My favorite part? My collection is easily accessible! I can walk right up and browse my own little library.  They are easier to lend to friends when they are right here too - I can pull one off the shelf and hand it over with hearty recommendation for a particular recipe or chapter on design.

I also love that the books themselves add color and dimension to the entryway.  The cookbooks can be inspiration for dinner and visual art for the hall all at the same time.  For the last year or so, I have displayed my collection of antique dishes (called Chelsea or Grandmother's China) on this rack.  It is delicate and pretty to showcase china this way, but I have to say that right now I am appreciating the heft of books.

Do you have an area of the house that you could breathe new life into with a display books of your own? Give it a try and let me know what you think.