To be able to choose the right rug, it helps to be familiar with the different kinds of materials and weaves.  Here we break it down for you.

The most common materials for rugs are wool, cotton, acrylic, nylon, polypropylene, and hemp.  There’s also silk and cashmere, but those are rare.

Wool is the finest and priciest.  It keeps its shape and resists dirt better than any other fiber, so it holds up better under traffic and is more easily cleaned once soiled.

Cotton is a good choice because it is natural and lightweight (great if you move furniture often).

Acrylic fibers resemble wool, but they don’t hold their shape as well over the long run.  They are less expensive than wool and they are a great alternative for those who are allergic to wool.

Nylon is one of the most popular, well-priced fibers used for carpeting today.  It wears well and holds up under lots of traffic.

Polypropylyne (olefin) and Polyethylene (PET) are stain and water resistant, so they’re frequently used to make outdoor area rugs.

Sisal, sea grass, coir, and jute all come from the fiber of the hemp plant.  They’re beloved by designers because they’re neutral and add texture without competing with anything else in the room.  If you choose one of these, clean up spills as soon as they happen.

Now that you’ve chosen your material, let’s turn over to our friends at Dash & Albert to give us a primer on the different weaves available.

COTTON RUGS

Woven cotton rugs are durable enough to stand up to the heavy traffic of a kitchen or hallway, but also soft enough for the bedroom, nursery, or family room.  They are reversible, affordable and lightweight, so they’re great if you like to rearrange furniture often.

Woven chenille rugs are made from a combination of cotton and cotton chenille for plushness and softness. Like woven cotton rugs, they’re lightweight and reversible.  Woven chenille rugs are great for low- to medium-traffic areas where you want a little more cushion underfoot, such as guest rooms, hallways, and home offices.

Hooked cotton rugs are hand hooked by skilled artisans from scrap jersey fabric or yarn, giving them a springy, looped construction that feels bouncy underfoot.

With hooked cotton rugs, the size of the hook and fabric loops is important in determining where to place your rug. Chindi large and medium hooked rugs are high-profile and very plush, so they’re well-suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and family spaces.  If you’re looking for that same cushy feel with a lower profile and a more detailed pattern, go with chindi micro-hooked and yarn hooked rugs. These are great in offices, dining rooms, and even stairs!

WOOL RUGS

Woven Wool Rugs

With a rougher hand and a dense, durable construction, woven wool rugs have a natural earthen charm and rustic texture. Woven by hand from 100 percent wool yarns, these rugs work best in low-traffic areas like guest rooms, home offices, and sitting areas.  They are lightweight and reversible.

Soumak Woven Wool Rugs

Sophisticated and unusual, soumak wool rugs are crafted by braiding the weft yarn around an additional warp, so they have a more textured surface than their wool woven counterparts, and feature a dynamic pattern with lots of visual movement. Soumak woven wool rugs are for indoor use only, and work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.

Hooked wool rugs require little maintenance and get better with age.  The size of the hook and the yarns will help determine where to use your rug. Micro-hooked wool rugs are made with smaller wool yarns in tight hooks that create a low-profile rug, so they are perfect for high-traffic areas, including hallways, entryways, stairs, kitchens and mudrooms.  Medium-hooked wool rugs, crafted from four to five plies of thick wool yarn in large hooks, feature a higher profile, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.

Tufted & Carved Wool Rugs

Full and lush, tufted and carved wool rugs are a true treat for the feet! Thick wool yarns are hand hooked in intricate designs, and then sheared to create a lush pile. The pile is then hand carved along the design, creating an area rug with a truly luxurious feel. The wool rug weave with the highest, cushiest profile, tufted and carved wool rugs are at home in living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms.

Hand-Knotted Wool Rugs

Crafted by only the most skilled artisans, hand-knotted wool rugs are timeless investment pieces. Because of their unusual weave, hand-knotted rugs can appear lighter from one angle than the other—an optical illusion that’s part of their appeal. Plush and sumptuous, these area rugs are perfect for rooms where the rug is the star: living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, and playrooms.

Kilim woven wool rugs feature weft-created, geometric patterns; knotting creates an open weave that gives more definition and dimension to the pattern, while interweaving creates a softer pattern with intermingled colors. Durable, bold, and low-profile, these showstopping kilim rugs are natural for any room that could use some pattern, including bedrooms, dining rooms, and family spaces.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUGS

Woven Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

Made of nearly indestructible, UV-treated polypropylene, indoor/outdoor rugs are terrific for high-traffic areas: kids’ rooms, sunrooms, decks, and porches; and any floor that gets wet—like the bathroom, the kitchen, or the basement. And of course, indoor/outdoor rugs are ideal for homes with pets.

Small indoor/outdoor rugs are great for shoes, play mats, cargo-area covers in the car, and even  food bowl mats for pets.

There are three types of woven indoor/outdoor rugs: flat weave, diamond, and dhurrie.

Classic flat weave indoor/outdoor rugs are hand-woven, with extruded poly yarns making up the warp and weft. The technique results in an array of patterns and happy stripes that make fun additions to frequent-cleanup areas like playrooms and crafting spaces.

Diamond woven indoor/outdoor rugs are very similar to their flat-weave companions, except that they’re hand-woven on a jacquard loom, with the weft skipping specific warps to create their distinct diamond pattern. The eye-catching geometric is a star performer in areas where you want visual interest but still need durability, such as the entryway, the hallway, or the man cave. Bonus: geometric patterns can help camouflage everyday dirt, so if you haven’t quite gotten around to vacuuming, they’ll still look handsome for a few more days.

 With a tighter, smaller weave, dhurrie woven indoor/outdoor rugs have the lowest profile of all the woven indoor/outdoors. In a variety of preppy stripes and chevron patterns, their ultralight weight make them ideal for spaces where you may want a durable floor covering with minimal height, such as the basement or the stairs.

Woven Rope Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

The thickest of the indoor/outdoor weaves, woven rope indoor/outdoor rugs are the superheroes of high-traffic areas, fighting mud, food, and crimes of spillage at every corner. Poly yarns are knit into sturdy rope that is then hand constructed into a high-profile rug that’s lightweight and flexible, so rolling it up and transporting it is no problem. Their sturdiness and braided texture make rope indoor/outdoor rugs ideal for entryways or mudrooms. Or place one outside your front door as a welcoming doormat. Colorful rope rugs can also brighten up outdoor spaces, such as the patio, deck, porch, gazebo, garage, and even the boat, without having to worry about weather or sun damage.

 

PET (Polyethylene) Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

With their soft, pliable texture that is often mistaken for wool, PET indoor/outdoor rugs are just right for high-traffic areas that require a more sophisticated look. Made of recycled polyester, these area rugs are durable, washable, eco-friendly décor pieces that come in a variety of beautiful patterns and versatile hues. They’re lovely additions to the porch or patio (no need to worry about the sun, they’re UV-treated for fade resistance!), but also blend right in to more formal spaces like the living room, dining room, or bedroom.

Visit us to see our entire selection of solid, striped, geometric, patterned and indoor/outdoor rugs.  Also, don’t forget to pick up a rug pad.

In the glamorous world of Fox’s new hit show, Empire, work is as decadent as play. If you love this opulent style, take a look at some of our favorite picks to transform your work space into queen’s quarters, just like Cookie’s!

For more ways to make your office over the top, click here!

Combining class with sass has always been key to Jennifer Lopez’s signature style. From her glossy videos to her glittering dresses, J.Lo exudes the glamorous life of a true A-lister.

It comes as no surprise that such a star should have a dazzling home to match. With the purchase of a $22 Million New York penthouse, Jennifer Lopez is taking a touch of Tinseltown back to the East Coast.

The singer/actress recently listed her Los Angeles mansion in Hidden Hills for $17 Million, after buying it with ex-husband Marc Anthony for less than half this price ($8.2 Million!) in 2010.

Making a move this big may come as a shock, as these homes appear so dramatically different. But Jennifer’s a woman who knows what she wants. Take a look at how she is translating her style from a spacious West Coast mansion to a sophisticated East Coast apartment.

Keeping her color scheme light and bright, Jennifer took the soft, airy feel of her previous living room…

And upgraded to hardwood floors, tufted furniture, and a glowing skylight. Swapping the floral artwork from her LA home for an abstract painting, Jennifer’s new abode incorporates a more active engagement with nature through live house plants.

Staying true to her four-post beds and long, luxurious curtains…

The bedrooms are updated with more natural finishes. Keeping colors neutral, both homes achieve a rich, layered look through varying textures, materials and shapes.

While she still loves the recessed lighting, stainless steel accents and open floor plan seen in her last kitchen…

Her New York kitchen boasts an even more open-air feel with higher ceilings, sleek seating, and a longer, more functional island.

One of the most dramatic differences between the two homes lies in the master bathroom. Jennifer loves the free-standing tub and plush sheepskin rug that give the room a luxurious and indulgent feel…

But has swapped out the dark paint and room divider for the squeaky -clean look of all white. The floor-to-ceiling glass shower walls visually open the space, while the huge doors and windows fill the room with natural light, lending that California feel.

While Jennifer is saying sayonara to an enormous, resort-like pool…

She is keeping in touch with the great outdoors with a rooftop garden, golf and croquet course, and some spectacular city views.

Love J.Lo’s new digs? Or do you prefer her sunny spot in California?

Tell us in the comments section!

Small spaces should be jewel boxes.  From New York, London, and Paris, we’d like to share with you some amazing small spaces, and the secrets for what made them so great.

1.  Tear down the walls.  There’s no room to hide, so open up!

2.  Order, order, order!  A small space must always be neat and organized.

3.  Open the shelves and hang the cookware.  This creates more space and makes you look like a real chef.

4.  Every object must be intriguing.  Because your space is a capsule of your life and your dreams.

5.  Treat your fixtures like works of art, and show them off.

6.  Farm.

7.  And the oldest trick in the book: Use a big mirror! It’ll create more light and space:

Small space decorating means making the most of everything.  Embrace what you’re given.  Make every piece, every inch, every moment a work of art.  There’s no place to hide, no room for second best, no time for excuses.

Just like life itself.

We recently finished building a home, and the most fun (and difficult) part of the whole process was in designing the closets.  We had a long list of requirements: separate his and hers closets, plugs for our phones, iPads, and laptops, windows for natural lighting, seating, jewelry drawers, watch cases, open display for pretty shoes, hidden display for running shoes, the list goes on and on.

Anyway, if you’ve been dreaming about a new closet, you’re not alone.  Closets are now the most important rooms in high-end homes, since many of us can’t cook, but who doesn’t love shoes?  So we went straight to the top and here’s what we learned:

1)  Turn your closet into a sitting room by adding plush seating and a fabulous crystal chandelier.

2) Add pull-out telescoping bars or valet hooks so you can easily preview your outfits.

3) Build your closets to the ceiling; store out-of-season items and suitcases high up.

4) Floor-to-length mirrors are key: the more, the better.

5) Properly lit and displayed, everything can look like an art gallery.  And while you’re at it, an espresso machine wouldn’t hurt.

6) Organize everything by type, and then by color.  And all those shoe boxes you’ve been saving?  Get rid of them … they are taking up too much space.

7) Add clear shelves so you can see all your accessories at a glance: sunglasses, jewelry, watches.

8) Good lighting is key: LED hanging rods and backlit displays for a modern feel …

… or picture lights for a classic look.  And while you’re staring at Nate’s closet below, do you see how inviting that yellow ottoman looks?

9) Layer in your favorite accessories: these could be fashion books, pictures of your family, or vintage hats.  And how cool is the helmet in this closet?

10) Keep a pair of laundry baskets handy: one for dark clothes, one for light.  And if you have room, also keep a bag for items to be donated or repaired.

11) Borrow a tip from the pros: keep a locked safe for jewels, cash, and important documents.  You can hide this behind a mirror.

12) Place gowns and special clothes behind glass doors.

13) Add a vase of fresh flowers, fragrance, and a tray for keys, wallet, and phones.

14) Replace all your old hangers with slim, velvet-colored hangers.  You’ll fit more items, and they’ll all hang at the same height.  And while you’re at it, remove all dry cleaning bags.

15) Edit, edit, edit.  If you haven’t worn it in five years, donate it.  If you haven’t worn it in one year, try it on to make sure it fits.  Trust us: you need to clear space so you can go shopping again!

What do you think Jay Z and Beyonce’s house would look like?  Lots of bling and attitude?

Although they were outbid on a home by Minecraft founder Markus Persson (check out his $70 million bachelor pad here) back in December, Beyonce and Jay Z are back in L.A.  Located in ultra-exclusive Holmby Hills, the house – which they rented last summer – has 16,000 sq ft, seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and a gorgeous infinity pool.

We love how it’s both private and filled with light, starting with the front door, which is accessed by a sunken entryway.

The double-height family room is calming, soothing, and surrounded by massive panes of glass and mature landscaping.

Inside, there are lots of huge walls ready for art …

… while the bedrooms echo the outdoor with wood paneled accents.

Outside, expansive terraces are perfect for entertaining outdoors …

… while the side opens on to an enormous infinity pool:

Lots of parking for Bey and Jay’s cars …

… and not another house in sight (just steps leading down to a sunken tennis court).  A tasteful, modern house; perfect while they hunt for their next digs.

Is this what you expected?  Tell us in your comments below.

And want to keep more stories coming?  Then follow our blog.

Ready to welcome the new season? Here are our 5 favorite spring essentials to freshen your home in the blink of an eye.

1. Layer vases of fresh blooms on your dining table, countertop or bedside table.

3.  Pop some pastels into your bathroom.

4. Bring new life to your entryway or coffee table with your favorite Spring creature!

5. Go barefoot on a spunky new rug.

Love what you see? Take a look at all 16 of our best Spring Essentials here!

We found a house last year whose architectural style was officially listed in the MLS as “Teardown.”  The selling agent insisted on showing us the house personally so that we “knew what we were getting into.”

We loved the neighborhood, so we bought it anyway.  Since we weren’t ready to do any major work on the house, we limited ourselves to cleaning and decorating, and we were surprised by how far that took us.

The entryway and staircase area was quite dark, so we used lamps and mirrors to brighten up the dark spots:

To the left of the entryway, we had an oversized living room.  Here, we removed all the curtains, painted the window and door trims blue, and set up different seating areas to make it warm and inviting:

In the dining room, two hutches from our previous house gave us much needed storage.  They also lent stronger architectural lines to the room.

Here’s what we learned:

– Clean everything.  Trim the trees, wash the house, and remove old carpet, wallpaper and curtains.

– Remove all unnecessary doors and shelves.  Chances are, you won’t miss them, and the spaces will feel larger and more open.

– Paint every wall, including the insides of your closets. If you’re moving into an older home with a lot of existing detailing, it’s fine to paint it all the same color.   In our case, this also helped unify a recent addition with the original structure.

– Use rugs to bring in warmth and color.  They are also great for outdoor areas.

– Create intimate spaces with comfortable seating nooks.  Finish these up with pillows and throws.

– Add table lamps and floor lamps.  Older homes usually don’t have great overhead lighting; lamps will bring in soft light and add height to every room.

– Flowers (whether in a vase or on the wall) will brighten up any space.

– Use mirrors everywhere (entryway, staircase landing, living room, dining room, hallway) to bring in more natural light.

– Bring in soft scents.  Layer in your favorite candles and diffusers.

– Add new plants to your entryway.

If you have any other tips to share, we’d love to hear them!

So you’ve been dating for a while, and you’d like to show her your place.  Great idea, but there’s more to preparing your home than just throwing everything in the dishwasher. Read on for the 10 key points that can make or break her visit.

1. Curb appeal. Initial impressions mean a lot. Still have those Christmas lights up from last year? Swap them out for a clean, new welcome mat. If the mailbox is overflowing with junk mail, go through it now.

2. Clean up! This might sound obvious, but you need to get it done. Start by removing clutter from all surfaces (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room). Once these are clear, wipe everything down and only put back essentials like your coffee maker or remote control.  Also, don’t forget to vacuum your floors, wash all your linens (sheets and towels), and make your bed.

3. What’s in your fridge? Yup, she’s going to look. If you only have beer and hot sauce in your fridge, at least wipe down the shelves so they’re nice and clean. Toss out all leftovers and anything past its expiration date. A good rule to live by: if you have to smell it to remember what it is, it’s too old. Extra Credit: Surprise her with a bottle of bubbly for a romantic nightcap!

4. Bathroom necessities. Your bathroom should be spotless. Always (and we mean always) close your toilet, have lots of toilet paper available, refill the hand soap, and place towels next to the sink. Extra Credit: Clean up your medicine cabinet. In case she takes a peek, this is not the place to hide anything you took off the countertop in step 2.

5. The TV. If you have dusty equipment or a maze of wires surrounding your screen, tidy them up. Video games and movies are fun for certain occasions, but don’t really scream romance, so store these in a drawer or basket. Extra Credit: Go through your DVR. Are you really ready to explain to her that you secretly love watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta?

6. What’s on your bookshelf? Books can be an excellent conversation starter, so start that conversation off right. If you have a passion for poetry or an extensive library of Russian literature, this is the perfect way to show her. But be careful: don’t put lofty books there just to impress her. If she asks about the influence of neo-realism on 20th Century Italian film, you’d better have an answer!

7. The dog. Find out beforehand if she is comfortable around pets. A well-mannered dog is the sign of a devoted trainer, so be sure your best friend’s on his best behavior. If she’s afraid of animals or just a bit shy, be respectful of her boundaries and keep your pooch behind closed doors.

8. Take out the trash! Empty out all trash cans in the house and check surfaces for old receipts, empty beer bottles, ashtrays, or anything else that should say sayonara. Extra Credit: Light some candles or pick a handful fresh flowers to clear the air. These subtle details will not go unnoticed!

9. The Ex. There should be absolutely zero evidence of any other woman ever entering your home. Exceptions are your family, your housekeeper, and me, in spirit (see all other steps).

10. Show your personality. Your home is a reflection of you, so keeping it tidy will allow your favorite pieces to shine. If you play a musical instrument, love to surf or have a knack for painting, showcase your interests and talents through your home. Extra Credit: Invite her further into your world by playing her a romantic tune or cooking a sweet treat. Whether you have a passion for wine, sports or astronomy, show her how much you care through an outlet where you thrive.

2015 welcomes in the Year of the Sheep!

What does it mean?  If you or a loved one were born under any of these dates, the Chinese believe that people born under this Zodiac sign are tender, polite, clever, and kind-hearted:

Feb 1, 1919 – Feb 19, 1920

Feb 17, 1931 – Feb 5, 1932

Feb 5, 1943 – Jan 24, 1944

Jan 24, 1955 – Feb 11, 1956

Feb 9, 1967 – Jan 29, 1968

Jan 28, 1979 – Feb 15, 1980

Feb 15, 1991 – Feb 3, 1992

Feb 1, 2003 – Jan 21, 2004

Feb 19, 2015 – Feb 7, 2016

While Chinese New Year doesn’t start until February 19th this year, here are some of our favorite finds to remind us of this peaceful, nurturing animal throughout the year:

Happy New Year from all of us at Gracious Style!