Have you ever wondered why a Persian rug costs an arm and a leg? Or what the difference is between a hand tufted versus hand knotted rug?  Here is some  information that we compiled to help you make an informed decision when buying a rug.  First off, there are three general types of rug construction:

Machine Made – done entirely by a machine called a power loom that is electrically automated.  Notice how uniform the loops are and how consistent the color is in the image below.  Another way to know if it’s machine made is by looking at the fringe.  If it is sewn or serged onto the rug (also seen below) it’s been machine made.  Hand knotted rugs use the warp threads that run through the entire rug to “create” the fringe.  Machine made is the least expensive of all rug construction types.

Hand Tufted – someone uses a “gun” that inserts the pile into a cloth foundation and therefore creates a loop pile or “knot”.  The back of a hand tufted rug (shown below) is usually covered with latex to hold the yarn in place then covered with a cloth backing.  It typically doesn’t have any fringe but can be sewn on.  See how they are  made.

Hand Knotted  or hand woven– someone ties each and every knot.  To be called a hand knotted oriental rug, it must be made of natural fibers (wools, cotton, silk), be woven entirely by hand, and of Asiatic origin such as Iran, India, Russia, China, Tibet, Nepal, Morocco etc.  Notice the slight changes in color and knot size in the image below.  The bit of white you see is the weft threads.  These will typically have fringe made from the cut warp threads.  Sometimes on more contemporary designs, the fringe has been “tucked” to make it more modern in appearance.

Value: A hand knotted 8×10 rug takes over six months to complete.  The quantity of time required to create the rug, the knot size, and pattern difficulty dictate the end cost of a rug. A rug in your home could have anywhere from 90 to 350 knots per square inch!  A well made, high quality hand knotted rug using fine wools, true color-fast dyes, and the most skillful hand-weaving techniques can last over four generations.  An oriental rug can be an investment that gains value over time.  After sixty years it is considered an antique oriental rug.

Differences between Persian and Turkish:  The main difference between Persian and Turkish rugs are the types of knots they use.  The knots used also define a broader region that uses that specific knot.  For example, Turkish rugs don’t come from just Turkey.  The knot that makes up the Turkish rugs are often used in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and more Eastern countries whereas the Persian knot is common in Pakistan, China, Nepal, Afghanistan, etc.  See this map (midway down) for more detail.

Content and why it matters (wear, style, etc). Silk, wool, nylon, etc.:  Silk is what gives oriental rugs that shimmer or sheen.  It is usually used in accent colors or intricate details in a rug.  A rug with high silk content will look shiny and should be used in a space with minimal traffic because silk is less durable than its wool and nylon counterparts.  For example, if you are doing a rug in an entry I’d avoid a rug with a high silk content.  Nylon is cheaper and will wear considerably well.  That being said, wool is used in higher-end rugs because it is extremely durable and a natural product.

If you want to really educate yourself, I recommend this site.  It’s from a rug company, Nejad, in Pennsylvania and is very thorough.  It has diagrams, stain tips and everything you could possibly need.  They did a great job of putting this info together, so enjoy!

Check out this fun picture we found on the Nejad site showing one of the largest looms – over 50 meters wide!  It is hard to fathom the size and complexity of weaving a rug of this size.

There are two spaces in a home that people want to remodel most: the kitchen and the bathroom.  Unless your home is a new-build, it is highly unlikely that you love every nook and cranny of your bathroom.  For most of us in older homes, condo’s and apartments, there are a number of things in this space we would like to change, but don’t have the budget or ability to follow through on.  Before you decide to blow up your bathroom and start from scratch, take a look at some of the beautiful abodes we found and our tips to take your bathroom from ho-hum to your personal sanctuary.

Warm and cozy, the collection of unique mirrors in this bathroom are tied together through a simple coat of paint.  Try finding a few mirrors that have interesting frames at garage sales or thrift stores, spray paint the frames to match, and voila, your own wall-feature is complete.

Mirrors also help small spaces feel larger and reflect the colors of their surroundings so there is less need for artwork.  The use of reclaimed wood, likely from a wood shop table in this case, offers a touch of nostalgia.

A chandelier can completely change the feel of a space.  I love this wire one, it adds dimension and a touch of the whimsical to the already soft color palette.

Are you a bookworm?  Then bring some of that love for literature into your bathroom.  These backlit shelves give a very simple room color and personality.  Accessorize the shelves with a few objects that pull out the brightest color in the space.

This look is clean and fresh.  The vintage wall-mounted mirror offers some open storage, as the pedestal sink and subway tile create a balance between matte and glossy finishes.

Love the use of an antique armoire and bold colored claw foot tub.  To get a little extra spice, try adding a cool printed paper, wallpaper, or fabric as the insert panel in your storage unit.  The one shown was likely a china cabinet with glass panels.  Try painting the outside of your old claw-foot tub.  Both are easy weekend DIY projects that could transform you bath quickly.

Yay storage!!  To the women reading this, show off your shoes and handbags!  They are works of art in their own right.  This will give you a place to store them and admire them.  I also love how this bathroom makes use of the vertical space, and who doesn’t love a charming ladder.

A very easy way to change the feel of your bathroom is with a fun new shower curtain and a floor length mirror.  The chunky frame on this mirror is the perfect opposition to the ethereal shower curtain and playful tub.

This was too clever not to show.  What a great way to reuse an old bike and give a pedestal sink a little bit of storage for hand towels or other necessities in the bike’s basket. It feels funky and retro.

A great use of color and asymmetry.  This is a great idea for a small space.  You get a full length mirror, sink with vanity mirror, little bit of counter space, and 2 drawers all in one wall-mounted piece (gotta love the one leg!).

 An organic or sleek ledge is a beautiful, easy accent to add to a bathroom.  Put it on the longest wall to help elongate the space.

Storage is key in most bathrooms.  Pick a wall and turn it into a sort of apothecary cabinet.  Keep colors the same and hide unruly items like hair dryers, etc in boxes or baskets.

Ladders can be an great addition to any bath.  Simple and easy management for towels or magazines.

If you have very little space, one of the best things you could do is add a recessed Robern cabinet.  They come in many configurations and depths.  I used to have one with interior electrical outlets in our old home.  This is brilliant because it can hide razors and toothbrushes while charging so they don’t clutter the bathroom counter.  They also have a mirror defogger which is great when you are in a hurry and can’t see your mirror.

January is the month of resolutions and slogans like “A new year, a new you”.  Slogans that we tend to forget about by the time month two of the New Year actually rolls around.  In the past, my personal resolutions have been a lofty statement filled with vague ideas and good intentions, but no direction on how to get there.  So this year I decided to try making my resolutions on a smaller, more intimate scale.  For example, instead of saying that I am going to get organized, I focused on what I could do in my life to make that happen, and for me that meant finding simplicity – in my home, at work, and in my relationships. To me, simplicity means decluttering your life of the things that hold no personal value to you, get in the way of what really matters, and stop you from expressing who you genuinely are.  Try taking a fifteen minute inventory of all aspects of your life and what is most important to you in those areas.  Now come up with five improvements that if made would create positive, progressive changes in your life.

This week we are focusing on the home office space.  To be happy and productive at your desk, the environment it sits in needs to reflect who you are and how you like to work.  The goal is to strike a balance between form, function, comfort, and style.  You will notice how different all of these office spaces are – some feature very clean lines and little color, while others are highly stimulating with bold patterns and a plethora of eye candy.  Focus on what speaks to you and gets your creative juices flowing!

Tip 1: Have ample lighting and preferably some natural light in your work space.

Tip 2: Organize and declutter!  Find a system for storing your stuff that works for you – it can be baskets, bins, drawers, jars, shelves, etc.  Get creative, it should be a reflection of how you function.

Tip 3: Make use of the space you have.  An office doesn’t require a room to itself.  It can be integrated seamlessly into your home, creatively disguised behind a curtain, or tucked neatly into the confines of a closet.

Cheers!

-Collette

Ski season is here!  All of the resorts in Colorado are open and thousands of people from around the world hit the slopes here every weekend.  Whether your design style is modern or traditional, adding a touch of ski-lodge inspired love to your home just might be the ticket to create a cozy atmosphere for the cold months ahead.  Here are some of our favorite ideas that you can pull from to make your own apres-ski environment.  So grab a cup of hot cocoa and get to work!!

The Cabin in Perth by Dark Horse Productions.  A warm, neutral palette combined with rustic and soft textures makes you want to kick off your ski boots and curl up in front of the fire.

We love the white floors combined with the dark walls and light natural wood furniture – they strike a beautiful balance with one another.

Open storage for firewood is a great way to include a natural element if you don’t have a feature such as exposed log beams in your home as this cabin does.

2.  Fireside Lodge in Wilson, WY (pic directly above)…you can rent it with a Groupon deal.  The metal chairs and storage are also in perfect contrast to the plush couches.

Aerin Lauder’s ski lodge in Aspen via Vogue.  See all pics here.  Sleek, clean lines and an abundance of natural light make this space feel fresh and airy.

Great bedroom by Sophie Donelson.  It is simultaneously quaint and chic.  The old school duvet cover accessorized by a bold stripe blanket and matching gold and brown pillows make you want crawl in bed and read a book.  The antlers and vintage backpacks make a statement on the wood paneled walls as the antique bench helps frame the bed.

Aspen Social Club.  Antlers make for a unique ceiling element that create depth and play with the light quality.  The gauzy curtains soften the effect of the shiny table tops.

To recap: Accessorize your home with antlers (real or fake) or add a cool animal bust.  West Elm has a papier-mache stag that is worth taking a peek at. Use old ski posters and antique wood skis as wall decor.  Find an interesting way to stack wood indoors to give a space a natural, rustic feel. Lastly, incorporate cozy textures through pillows, throws, and rugs – a flokati rug or a hide (faux or real) feel great on bare feet.

So come on in and curl up by the fire!  There is something so cozy and comforting about the flickering flames of a fireplace on a chilly evening.  Adding a fireplace to a room can completely change the feel of your living space.  It adds a warmth both visually and physically that neither lights nor candles can compare to.  Like the kitchen island, it becomes a place that friends and family gather around.  They are a beautiful addition to a living room, bed room, or den/office/library.  Here are some of our favorites in honor of this age old invention…

A traditional fireplace that exudes classic elegance with a soft monochromatic palette.

Love the combination of wood and metal.  The sleek modern design is beautifully contrasted by the rustic storage of firewood.

The above two fireplaces are by Focus.  They are more industrial and far less traditional, but present some interesting ideas on how to incorporate a fireplace into a small space.

An antique fireplace by Mary Jeanne Kneen makes a stunning statement when paired with this painting.

Natural and modern, the rich wood finish and asymmetrical shelf provide visual interest to a soft background color.

I have an obsession with this style of fireplace.  They are typically found in old homes or brownstones in the NYC area.  I dream of one of these some day because the way the fire lights the patterns on the metal face is something that can’t be reproduced.

For the Home

1.  Add some great pillows to refresh your rooms.   This Hermes accent pillow offers a pop of color and a touch of class, available in multiple colors.

Or this beautiful digitally printed pillow from ABC Home.

2.  Light up a personal photograph with this freestanding picture light from Visual Comfort.

3.   Add a cloche to a window sill or side table for year around green.  This one is from Arteriors.

4.  Add a dash of color and an abundance of warmth with a beautiful throw like this one from Designers Guild.

Or this one from Missoni.

For the Ladies

1.  Express your love on custom notecards from a printer that can do letterpress.

2.  Beat the chilly air with an infinity scarf.  Many styles exist so check out Etsy for your favorite.  The one below is from deroucheau.

3.  An exquisite piece of jewelry offers the perfect amount of holiday sparkle.  I love the modern elegance of David Yurman pieces found at davidyurman.com

The Merrakesh Necklace below from Stella&Dot offers holiday glitter at a delightful price.

4.  The accessory on every woman’s arm, a hand bag.  Here are a few beauties that I couldn’t resist.

A daytime purse that can hold everything you need, from a brand that is renowned for its quality.  Find it in stores or online at Coach.

Shiny and bright, this raspberry patent leather Kate Spade bag is a steal.

Or this great evening clutch from Sondra Roberts; find at Nordstrom.

5.  Who said that plaid was just for the boys?  This Burberry jacket is a chic version of an age old classic.

For the Men

1.  Whisky Rocks to keep the spirts cold without dilution.  The natural soapstone is reusable after a quick rinse and a little freezer time.

2.  Lululemon Vent Tech Shirt for all manly activities…keep ’em dry and smell free.  An added bonus is the fun little note on the hem.

3.  A Paradigm gift certificate to spruce up the bachelor pad.

4.  Liquid Image HD Snow Goggles let you record your action on the slopes with the push of a button.  Those silly cameras head cams are a thing of the past.

5.  A personal beer holster keeps you hands free whether on a hike or in the backyard for a barbecue. Available at redenvelope.com

For the Foodie

1.  Custom Knife from either Cut Brooklyn or Middleton Knives Handmade in the USA and they are stunning…order in advance as they take time to craft.

2.  Le Cruset in a fabulous color (cassis)  like this one below.  Available at muliple locations.

3.  Cooking classes to hone or learn a new skill.  Try Escoffier in Boulder or French Culinary Institute in NYC.

For the Kids

1.  Makerbot – Let the kids design their own toy and then watch their creation come to life with this 3-D printer.  You’ll be as impressed as they are…and you can make things to use as well (note the spatula on the website).

2.   Paint a wall with chalkboard paint or white marker paint so they can paint on the walls without getting into trouble.

3.  A Downhill Toboggan…because snow is a coming and memories last a lifetime, just ask my brother.

4.  Start a tradition of buying them a themed ornament each year depicting what they are interested in at that time.  Let them open it before Christmas so they can hang it on the tree.  This is a tradition started by my Colorado “Grandparents” and I looked forward to it every year as a child.  An added bonus is they will have a tree full of ornaments once they start their own families.

For the Bookworm

1.  Interesting or beautiful books for their coffee table.

2.  The Kindle Fire – because it’s now in color and there is nothing better than being able to turn a page with one hand!

For the Oenophile

1.  Corkcicle – a reusable, nontoxic gel that freezes in a BPA free plastic icecicle shape to keep your wine cold without the large, messy bucket of ice.

2.  A classic waiter’s corkscrew from Chateau Laguiole.   Most connoisseurs prefer less gadgety items when it comes to serving a nice bottle of wine.  Featured is the oak barrel handle but for those inclined, they offer bone designs as well.

3.  Wine Bottle Tags for organizing their cellar.  Available at multiple sources.

For the Pet Lover

1.  This has to be the most stylish modern pet bed I’ve seen.  It’s from Vurv and it’s handmade in Canada.  They have other great products as well.

2.  A trendy feeding bowl for your pooch from These Creatures.

Have you ever wanted to spruce up your gift wrapping skills for the holidays?  Now is your chance!  Here is a colorful selection of ideas to help you dress your gifts appropriately for any occasion.

Tip 1: Accessorize your package!

Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be complicated. The simplest wrapping paper can be embellished with a variety of easy to make or inexpensive to buy personal touches.

Yarn pompoms add a cozy touch to the kraft wrapping paper. Buy yarn that matches the colors of your holiday decorations.

Watch the first 3 minutes of this video and you will be a pompom expert! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ZZUlpB4Z8

Love these ideas!  Head to your local craft store and find some ribbon, jewels, felt, and doilies – or whatever little treasures catch your eye! Start with the ribbon, it will allow you to attach your fun finds to the gift more easily.  Next, customize the package with your personal creation.  Think of it like a small work of art made with love for the receiver of this pretty package.

You can’t go wrong with a little bit of sparkle.  Purchase some glitter paper or apply spray glue to an old ornament and sprinkle with glitter.  The results are classy and tasteful.

Tip 2: Re-use

Wondering what to do with the old newspaper, phonebook, map, or collection of kids artwork?  Try one of these ideas.

Recycle your newspaper in a more meaningful way.  News print offers a visually interesting way to wrap a package.

Pull out the ancient ball of twine and package of construction paper and get to work!  The twine looks rustic and the shapes cut from construction paper offer a homemade touch.

Invest in a few interesting stamps and ink pads.  Apply to an ordinary paper bag, fabric or  plain wrapping paper an the result is extraordinary.

Phonebooks may be a thing of the past but that doesn’t mean they belong in the trash.  The colorful ads can make a great bow.  Try this simple origami pinwheel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnNaCC5Hu9I&feature=fvsr

Remember those old jam jars that your grandma had? Well they make the perfect stocking stuffer for loved ones!  Fill with candy, golf balls, hair accessories, gift cards, and small toys.  Top with a bow and your work is done.

Your child’s artwork can be a special way to wrap gifts for close family and friends.  Go through the stack that has found its way into a forgotten cupboard and put it to good use this holiday season.

Tip 3: Add a bold pattern

Pick a theme for your gift wrapping this year. It can be a color, pattern, or texture.

These stripes can give your gifts a glimpse of old school glamour.

The polka dots combine nicely with the laser cut applique.

Try making your own reusable gift boxes this year.  Purchase a few sheets of scrap book paper that have great patterns. Cut them to the size of your box top and glue them on.  Pick a matching or contrasting ribbon, measure to size, and attach using spray glue.  Choose an accessory of your choice to top the box.  Attach by making a small slit the width of a toothpick in the ribbon.  Slide the “ornament” into the slot and voila!

Happy Wrapping!

Paradigm, in collaboration with Nest Architecture and BOA Construction, won a 2011 CARE award from the HBA of Denver for “Whole House Remodel” in the category of $500,000 – 1 Million.  This is the second award received for our Belcaro residence.  Click here to see more pictures of the winning project.

Special thanks to the homeowners for allowing us to work on their home and a shout out to the great team at Nest and BOA because we all know that a successful project is a team effort.

SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH ROSEMARY-HONEY VINAIGRETTE (SERVES ABOUT 6)

What you need:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4-1/2 cups peeled,cubed yams or sweet potatoes
• generous tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with a rim with foil.  Mist it with cooking spray.

Peel and chop yams into 2 inch cubes. Toss the potatoes with one tablespoon olive oil.  Spread on prepared pan.  Bake until tender, about 35 minutes.

Whisk remaining oil, honey, vinegar, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper.  Pour over hot potatoes.  Serve warm or at room temp.

SPICY JALAPENO CRANBERRY SAUCE

Make this a day ahead!  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Allow to come to room temp before serving.

This is great with roast turkey or ham.  I usually double or triple the recipe if your guests are adventuresome eaters!

What you need:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (this is spicy – don’t touch your face or eyes!)
• 1 green onion (white and green portion) minced

Directions:

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Stir in cranberries.

Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes or until cranberries are softened, many will split and juice is thickened.  Remove from heat.

Stir in the jalapeno pepper and onion.  Cool to room temperature and serve.

Brussel Sprouts (serves

A great recipe to convert anyone who thinks brussel sprouts are not tasty.   

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 lb. thick-cut bacon, cut in 1/4-inch lardons
• 36 Brussels sprouts, trimmed, with outer 2 leaves removed, and halved
• 2 tsp. sea salt
• 12 chestnuts (roasted and peeled, broken into chunks)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 sprigs thyme
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup New York grade-B maple syrup
• 1/2 lemon

Directions:

In a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet, render the lardons over medium heat until they are a rich brown. With a slotted spoon, remove the lardons to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Toss the sprouts in the pan, season with sea salt, and cook in the bacon fat over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the chestnuts, and continue cooking for 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic and thyme, and cook for another 3 minutes. Pour in the cream, and reduce by half. Season to taste. Add the bacon, pour in the maple syrup, and give a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook, stirring, for another couple of minutes, and serve.

Mighty Duck (serves 2-4)

If you are tired of turkey this is a wonderful alternative.  My only word of caution is that it only feeds 2-4 depending on the duck size so you may have to do more than one.  This recipe is definitely not your standard way of cooking a duck but it turns out super juicy!  From Alton Brown.

Ingredients:

Brine:

Directions:

Bourbon Pecan Pie

A great twist on a pecan pie from Paula Deen.  Bourbon gives the pie more flavor depth. 

Ingredients:

Directions:

Thanksgiving originated as a celebration of the harvest for early settlers in the United States. Today, we carry on the tradition by gathering family and friends around our table for a bountiful meal. As a little girl my mom used to let my sister and I “design” the table centerpiece. With a table that seated sixteen as our canvas we had plenty of room to let our imaginations run wild! Gather your family and have some fun creating a table that is worthy of such a special meal.

1. Go natural! Re-use mini pumpkins and ears of corn, gather colorful fall leaves, or wrap bundles of wheat in thick ribbon.

2. Incorporate rich earth tones and natural cream colors – combine varying textures to provide depth and interest.

The wood, brown string, and cream candles create a beautiful color and textural contrast.

The colored glass votive candles and sheer ribbon are simple and elegant when used with this white/gold china.

A great table runner with an interesting print paired with a bold napkin and antique style silverware.

Sleek and sophisticated. Clean table lines and a white vase allow for the pheasant feathers to really pop.

Pillar candles warm up this monochromatic palette.