Dr. Jessica Harden
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DesignNotes
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EDITOR IN CHIEF TraceyRoman
COMMUNITY EDITOR AubreyDucane
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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CandaceMattingly
Aubrey Ducane
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Discover Highpoint at Fort Mill, where location, luxury amenities and senior living intersect. Highpoint’s, proximity to historic downtown Fort Mill, vibrant arts community, outdoor recreation, and smalltown charm has singular advantage. Your “must-haves” such as chef-prepared meals, maintenance free living, abundant social activities and events, spacious, new residences make Highpoint your ideal choice. Elevated living when and where location matters.
Character
inspiring small town living
French Bulldog, Boomer
Design the Perfect to Elevate Your Entertaining OUTDOOR SPACE
Text by Helen Adams Realty
It’s time to make the most of your outdoor space — whether that’s a cozy balcony, a sprawling backyard, or a welcoming patio. Today’s outdoor living rooms are more than just a few chairs and a table. Thanks to weather-resistant materials, stylish decor, and smart design ideas, you can create an outdoor space that feels just as inviting and functional as your indoor living room. From spending a relaxing night at home or hosting a weekend get-together, a well-designed outdoor area can enhance your lifestyle and boost your home’s appeal. Here are some fresh ideas to inspire your next alfresco gathering:
PRIORITIZE COMFORT AND STYLE
Don’t settle for stiff metal furniture or plastic chairs. Modern indoor-outdoor pieces, from upholstered sofas to stylish rugs and cushions, are designed to withstand the elements while adding softness and personality. With the right combination of furnishings and accessories, your patio or deck can feel like a true extension of your home.
1112 Granville Road
Listed by Brandon Boyd & Kelly Blandford Photographed by: TourFactory
Try adding:
• Cushioned sofas or sectionals made with weatherresistant fabrics that hold up beautifully through the seasons
• Outdoor area rugs to define the space and add color, texture, or pattern
• Throw pillows and blankets in fade- and mildew-resistant materials for extra coziness
• LED lanterns, string lights, or flameless candles to create a warm, ambient glow in the evenings
• Side tables, stools, or ottomans for both function and style
The key is layering — just like you would inside — to make your outdoor space feel personal, polished, and inviting.
CREATE PRIVACY AND SHADE
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail hour or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, privacy matters. Use tall hedges, bamboo fencing, or even climbing vines on a trellis to create a natural screen. Shade sails, pergolas, or sheer outdoor curtains add style while offering protection from harsh sun. Consider retractable awnings or large umbrellas for flexibility, especially in smaller spaces.
1112 Granville Road
Listed by Brandon Boyd & Kelly Blandford Photographed by: TourFactory
MAKE IT MULTIFUNCTIONAL
Think about how you want to use your outdoor living room. Set up multiple seating zones — perhaps a sofa area for lounging, a bistro table for dining, and a fire pit corner. Add in functional pieces like storage benches, outdoor rugs to define spaces, and even a bar cart for easy entertaining. Don’t forget practical touches like ambient lighting and side tables to keep drinks or snacks within reach.
BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT
If your outdoor space is adjacent to your main living area, decorate it as an extension of your interior. Carry similar colors, materials, or design elements outside to create a seamless flow. Bi-fold or sliding glass doors can help connect the two spaces visually and physically. This approach makes even small balconies or porches feel like an extra room — perfect for lounging, working from home, or enjoying meals al fresco.
ADD ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
Want to make your outdoor space the ultimate hangout? Focus on adding a few key features that enhance how you use it.
1112 Granville Road
Listed by Brandon Boyd & Kelly Blandford Photographed by: TourFactory
• Mount a weatherproof TV for watching the big game outside with friends
• Install outdoor speakers for music while you dine or relax
• Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace as a cozy, social focal point
• Include a grill station, pizza oven, or beverage cart for easy entertaining
With a little planning and creativity, you can turn any outdoor space into a destination for entertaining, relaxing, and making memories. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, a dinner party, or just unwinding after a long day, your outdoor living room can be a stylish, functional escape right at home.
1112 Granville Road
Listed by Brandon Boyd & Kelly Blandford Photographed by: TourFactory
FIELD OF DREAMS NURTURE AND EDUCATION CENTER
Inspiring Growth and Imagination
Field of Dreams Nurture and Education Center offers highquality childcare in a nurturing and fun environment. We’ve combined the best concepts from childcare centers across North and South Carolina to create our state-of-the-art facility. Working with leading authorities in early childcare and education, we’ve integrated the latest concepts into our program and curriculum.
As you visit Field of Dreams, you will immediately see that we are not just a daycare; we are much more. We invite you to meet our passionate staff, explore our classrooms and natural playgrounds, and discuss our innovative curriculum.
Our goal is to meet the needs of the whole child with creative, meaningful activities that stimulate curiosity and make learning enjoyable. We offer many opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s education and we believe that the learning experience begins at home and is continued in the classroom. Our facilities are equipped with video cameras in each room for secure viewing from any internet-connected device, and biometric security ensures that only authorized individuals have building access.
With locations in Indian Land and Fort Mill, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in nurturing children, utilizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), stimulating imaginations, learning through play, providing clean, well-organized, spacious facilities and ensuring safety and security. We focus on social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development while reinforcing core values like respect and pride.
Visit our website at fieldofdreamscenter.com to learn more, schedule a tour, and speak with our teachers.
Field of Dreams – Baxter 1180 Spring Maid Ave, Fort Mill, SC 29708 (803) 599-2928
Field of Dreams – Edgewater 1080 Edgewater Corporate Pkwy, Indian Land, SC 29707 (803) 710-4624
LIGHTING GUIDE
Text by Candace Mattingly
No space is complete without the perfect lighting, and with a plethora of local lighting options, you’ll find exactly the right fixture for any space and any style. Our guide to lighting options includes all the basics: sconces, chandeliers, pendants, and table lamps, as well as the more specialized, and harderto-find, linear lights, plug-in sconces, task lamps, and outdoor lighting. We researched the most in-demand designers in the industry to compile this guide and provide this information to you.
KNOW YOUR LIGHTS
Chandeliers
Suspended from the ceiling, chandeliers direct their light upward. They refract light, and a chandelier’s branches of glistening crystals, baubles, or beadwork elevate a space wherever they’re hung.
Flush Mounts
This type of fixture is mounted directly to the ceiling and has a glass or plastic shade concealing the light bulb.
Pendants
Pendant mounts are fixtures that hang from the ceiling and are suspended. These types of lighting fixtures allow light to be directed straight down from the light source.
Table Lamps
Table lamps are versatile and portable sources of light in a room. Most lamps direct light downward. The shape of the shade can also make your lighting more dramatic.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps have a freestanding design that allows them to be placed anywhere within reach of an electrical outlet. They don’t require complicated installation, mounting, or wiring.
Sconces
Surface-mounted to the wall, sconces can direct light upwards or downwards, and their covers or shades can add a stylistic touch to a room. Sconces are available as corded plug-in sconces or hardwired.
Lanterns
Lanterns add outdoor ambiance and additional lighting settings for your porch or patio. The assortment of candle lanterns, decorative metal lanterns, and votives make great path lighting for outside areas.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting installations can make sure your outer home is always well-lit. They can light up your patio space without sacrificing style.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans combine lighting and are helpful for regulating a room’s temperature in both warm and cool seasons.
LIGHTING FOR EVERY ROOM
Lighting can be the jewelry of your home, bold and sculptural, delicate and refined, or something that gleams and sparkles. There are plenty of options to perfectly illuminate your style. Browse a local retailer to discover how many ways you can give your space a whole new look with the right lighting.
Living Room
Lighting the living room is all about options. It is often the most used space in the house, this room’s lighting should reflect its architectural elements, your furniture setup, and your personal taste. Lighting in the living room can set the mood for your room and having multiple light sources allow you to change the lighting as it suits your mood. Designers recommend having 3 types of lighting if possible, overhead, wall lights, and table or floor lamps. Being able to dim all of your lighting sources allows the most flexibility.
Consider placement before making your purchase by being mindful of sight lines and your seating area. For floor and table lamps, consider access to outlets and the placement of the switches (on the cord or on the lamps).
Dining Room
There are certain rules to follow when it comes to the placement of your dining room overhead lighting. Hang pendants and chandeliers about 30 - 36 inches above the center of your dining table. A cluster of pendants should be placed between 24 - 28 inches apart at varying heights.
Over a round table, lighting experts recommend a fixture that measures between 1/2 and 3/4 the diameter of the round table.
The right dining room lighting is all about scale and proportion. The best rule of thumb is that your light fixture should be about half the width of your dining table, but a slightly oversized pendant or chandelier can work beautifully as the dining room is the perfect place for a bold move.
For long narrow tables, consider linear lighting, which is normally found above kitchen islands, bars, or pool tables, but can create a stunning and dramatic moment over a long, rectangular dining table. The key is proportion. Selecting a linear light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra-long surfaces.
Bedroom
A bedside sconce is a good solution for your bedroom. Depending on the height of your bed, a good rule of thumb for sconce placement is to measure 50 - 60 inches from the floor to the top of the fixture. Plug-in sconces are an easy way to get a designer look without hiring an electrician. Many designer favorites are pivoting and/or articulating and come with a cord cover in the same finish as the backplate.
If you prefer a bedside lamp, keep the proportion and
height of your nightstand in mind. Allot no more than a third of the stand’s surface area to the lamp’s base.
Kitchen
Good lighting in the kitchen is essential. The kitchen functions as the command center of most homes and functional lighting is a must, but making it pretty is even better. There are three main components to lighting a kitchen: ambient, task, and accent lighting. A combination of recessed or track lighting, flush mounts (ambient), under cabinet or directional sconces (task), and pendants, linear lights or decorative sconces (accent), all on their own switches, allow you to turn it all on when preparing food or cleaning, but also allow the ability to create a warm glow and lower lights for family meals or that afterdinner glass of wine when the day is done.
Kitchen islands tend to be both workspaces and gathering places. A pretty pendant above a squarish island, or a bold linear light over a long kitchen island create design magic.
For Kitchen Islands, we recommend selecting a light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Or, you may consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra-long surfaces.
Bathroom
There’s a critical difference between good bathroom lighting and great bathroom lighting. Great bathroom lighting has some sort of overhead brilliance above or near the mirror. It’s acceptable to have somewhat harsher, higher-wattage bulbs. A sconce (or two) near your vanity, hung 5 - 6 feet above the floor, is a useful fixture. For vanity lights above the mirror, the ideal light will measure at least 3/4 the width of the mirror but not extend over its edges. For larger mirrors, consider mounting a pair of evenly-spaced linear sconces.
Lighted Mirrors are also excellent choices when space is tight. Be sure the fixture you select is approved for damp or wet environments, depending on where you will be installing it.
RULES FOR EVERY ROOM
The best-lit rooms have two to three different sources of light shining at different heights. While the perfect wattage for every room and fixture depends on your space and your taste, dimmers and lighting on multiple levels (ceiling lights, wall lights, and floor or table lamps) allow you to set the mood. To ensure your lighting retains its aesthetic, opt for a decorative bulb anytime one is visible – designers recommend a halogen lamp in a traditional, clear glass bulb if your fixture is meant to throw light and shadow, and mirrored or oversized bulbs can make an
Photo of Dolcetti Chandelier by Corbett Lighting $14,774.00.
Photos (clockwise left to right) Bank Pendant by Audo Copenhagen $635.00, Nottaway Wall Sconce by Currey & Company $589.60, Admiral Pendant by Currey & Company $1,056.00, and Willow Table Lamp by Currey & Company $1,064.80.
exposed bulb feel like a design choice. Most fixtures come with specific recommendations and limits for lamping, so be sure to follow them to make sure you don’t damage your shades or wiring.
Several Common Mistakes Include:
✴Using an incandescent bulb where a LED is specified. This can cause both paper and fabric shades to burn and stain, as will delicate natural stone shades like alabaster.
✴Using a nondimmable bulb with either a wall or cord dimmer.
✴Using a wattage that is too high for the fixture.
Tip: Halogen lamps with a clear glass bulb are excellent at mimicking the light of an incandescent and also throw dramatic lights and shadow. There are also LED options that mimic the artful filaments and unusual tints of vintage Edison bulbs.
Entryway Lighting Fixture
Designers recommend at least 4 feet minimum away from each wall and 7 feet minimum from the bottom of the lighting fixture to the floor.
Above A Kitchen Island
Designers recommend installing ceiling fixtures 30 - 36 inches from the surface of your kitchen island. When installing multiple fixtures, the widest part of the fixtures should be spaced a minimum of 30 inches apart for optimal airflow, light spread, and visibility.
Above A Dining Table
When hanging pendant lights or chandeliers over a dining table, it’s common to position them so that the bottom of the pendant is approximately 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the table. This height allows for sufficient task lighting while preventing the pendant from obstructing the view or interfering with activities. The width of your fixture should be at least 6 inches narrower than the width of your table.
Above A Round Table
Choose a fixture with a width measuring between ½ and ¾ the diameter of the round table. As with other surfaces, designers recommend leaving approximately 30 - 36 inches between the bottom of your fixture and the top of your table.
Candace Mattingly studied English literature and interpersonal communications at UNC. She is a freelance writer and lives with her husband, twin boys, and their dog in Charlotte.
inspiring small town communities
Backyard
FEATURED AGENTS
WOMAN FOUNDED. FAMILY OWNED.
LOCALLY OPERATED. SINCE 1975.
YEARS 1975
helenadamsrealty.com | @helenadamsrealty
HOLLY ACHENBERG MELISSA BROWNMARIE DEMARTINO
WHITNEY BRIDGES GAMBLE PATTERSON GROUP
MARCIA FOLNSBEE
modern provincial with garden whimsy
MMixing Styles
ixing design styles can create an interesting and visually appealing space that is uniquely yours. But first, you must identify the design styles you want to mix. Start with the decor you are drawn to, whether it's modern, traditional, rustic, contemporary, or eclectic. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your space.
CHOOSE A DOMINANT STYLE
Select one design style as your dominant style and use it as a foundation. This will help create cohesion and prevent the space from feeling too chaotic.
DEFINE A COLOR PALETTE
Choose a cohesive color palette that works well with both design styles. This will help unify the different elements and create a harmonious look.
START WITH THE BIG STUFF
With the larger furniture pieces and architectural elements in the space, such as sofas, tables, and built-in features,
Text by Aubrey Ducane
make sure these elements have a cohesive look that reflects your chosen design styles.
LAYER IN SMALLER ELEMENTS
Add smaller décor elements, such as rugs, lighting fixtures, and accessories that incorporate both design styles. Look for pieces that have elements from each style or mix styles within individual pieces.
CREATE BALANCE
Balance is key when mixing design styles. Aim for a harmonious mix of elements from each style, rather than overwhelming the space with one design. Consider each piece's scale, placement, and proportion to achieve a visually balanced look.
EXPERIMENT AND EDIT
Don't be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as you go. Play around with different combinations of styles and
20” Wall Clock by Westclock $29.99
Blue Suzanie Pillow by Liora Manne $29.99
Small Pottery Bowl $9.99
Engraved Antique Brass and Linen lamp by Creative Co-Op $124.99
Green Marble Soap Dispenser $69.99
Simple Spaces Fab Floral Navy Rug by Jellybean $49.99
country cottage meets french metro
elegant maison with a touch of tribal
Natural Wood and Linen Lamp by Napa Home & Garden $199.99
7.5” Patterned Dish $14.99
Handcrafted Cane Round Tray by Tozai Home $169.99
Aiden Jute Rug by Entryways $59.99
White Soap Dispenser $19.99
18” Gold Tribal Stripe Pillow by Liora Manne $34.99
elements until you achieve the desired look.
Edit and remove any pieces that feel out of place or disrupt the overall harmony of the space. Remember, this is an exercise in contrast.
By utilizing contrast in various forms, such as combining light and dark colors, mixing different furniture styles, or juxtaposing different textures, the contrast of the two styles creates visual tension and adds excitement to your space.
Go forth and create a cohesive yet visually interesting space that reflects your personal style. Have fun and trust your instincts as you mix styles.
Aubrey Ducane is the Community Editor here at The Mill Magazine and she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising and Branding from Savannah College of Art and Design. She prefers to shop at local boutiques and dine at small family-owned restaurants as often as possible.
Designer Jean Stoffer’s laundry room (above) features a classic enameled cast iron Farmstead sink with integrated accessories and a Tournant semi-professional faucet while in her bath (right), a console table sink and brushed bronze finishes exude vintage charm. kohler.com
From placement to scale, we took the guesswork out of styling your walls.
A SINGLE PIECE
Hang at eye level, keeping the midpoint approximately 60" above the floor. When hanging above a piece of furniture, keep 4–6" of space below the bottom of the frame.
MULTIPLE PIECES
Treat multiple pieces as one collective unit. Arrange at eye level, roughly 60" from the center of the grouping to the floor, leaving 2–5" of space between each piece.
LEDGES AND SHELVES
Keep the display at eye level, roughly 60" from the center of the grouping to the floor. Start with one piece as the focal point and position it slightly off-center, then layer additional pieces of various sizes and spacing between them.
GUIDE TO Hanging Artwork
GALLERY WALL
Arrange the center of the grouping at eye level, roughly 60" from the floor. Hang additional frames with 2–5" of space between each piece.
DESIGN TIPS
[Start at eye level]
Hang artwork at the same height as your eyes when standing, or roughly 60” from the center of the frame to the floor.
[Space planning]
When hanging multiple pieces, avoid arranging frames too closely by spacing pieces a couple of inches apart.
[Scale is key]
Artwork should span 2/3 the width of the furniture that sits below it. Consider multiple pieces as one collective unit.
Text by Elle Christensen
Texture
inspiring small town culture
Dr. Neha Taori, DDS
Wallpaper Guide
Text by Mia Perkins
CHOOSING WALLPAPER
From the living room to the nursery, wallpaper is a great way to introduce color and texture to your home. You’ll find over 10,000 patterns of modern wallpaper by the best designers and brands with a quick internet search…plenty for you to make an eye-catching statement in your space. Find what you are looking for by searching wallpaper collections organized by pattern, style, color, and designer. Our guide will help you get started with wallpaper collections that feature everything from bold colors to graphic prints and organic patterns.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Vinyl
Vinyl wallpaper consists of a plastic coating on the top, and it’s backed with a paper
layer and is incredibly durable. It's perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, anywhere you need a little extra durability and protection from moisture.
3D
3D wallpapers give the illusion of added depth and feature pattern and texture designs such as wood piles, bookshelves, and bricks.
Peel & Stick
A fun and fresh way to decorate, Peel & Stick wallpaper is printed on high-quality vinyl that is repositionable and removable, making it a go-to, budget-friendly choice for both temporary and permanent projects. Perfect for accent walls, furniture, backsplashes, DIY decor, and more.
Textured
Textured walls have the ability to make any room feel extra special. Many of these wallpapers can be painted, so you can add texture, and then customize with your own perfect color.
Flocked
This wallpaper has a fuzzy velvet-like texture and is printed on a paper backing. The flock design creates a three-dimensional effect.
Photos (left to right) Cabarita Art Deco Flocked Leaves Wallpaper in Grey from the Pacifica Collection $200.00 and Chinoiserie Lilly Peel & Stick Wall Mural in Metallic Silver $379.99.
Photos (left to right) Gold Metallic Wall Mural in Engraved Landscapes Green by Kek Amsterdam $355.00, Fontette Wallpaper in Red by Osborne Little $404.00, and Painted Japanese Scene Tropical Wall Mural in Pink $208.00.
Natural Fiber
A natural handcrafted wallpaper made by applying grasses or vines onto a paper backing with glue. Natural fiber wallpapers are delicate to work with but are a classic and elegant addition to any room. Visible seams are a hallmark of this time-tested wallcovering.
Cork
Cork is usually thought of as a flooring material, but you can now cover your walls in this beautiful natural texture. It is sustainable and is available printed and textured or in its natural state.
Wall Murals
If you want to create a visual focal point in your space without the need to put holes in the wall for art, a wall mural is a fantastic way to achieve tons of style in a quick onestep installation.
Metallic
Add a chic, updated twist to your wall covering with a range of metallic wallpapers. Give a minimalist style the perfect backdrop with a simple, textured monochrome, or create a rock ‘n roll palace with dark metallic paper.
HOW MUCH WALLPAPER DO I NEED?
Determine your square footage. To do this, measure the height of the walls and add them together. Then measure the width of your walls and add them together.
Multiply the total height in feet and the total width in feet of your room. This will give you the total square footage.
For each standard door subtract 17 from the square footage. (For any other size door subtract the square footage of the door from the total square feet).
Find the pattern repeat. This can easily be found on the product page of any wallpaper website.
If the repeat is small (meaning the repeat is 12” or less including no repeat), divide the square footage by 25.
If the repeat is large (meaning the repeat is 13” or more), divide the square footage by 21. Your total will tell you the amount of single rolls you will need.
Remember, wallpaper is sold as a double roll bolt. When ordering 6 single rolls, you will receive 3 double roll bolts of wallpaper.
We always recommend working with a professional wallpaper installer. Because there can be slight variations in dye lots, we always recommend ordering 10-15% more than required to ensure a perfect match in unforeseen circumstances.
WALLPAPER FACTS
What is a pattern match? The match means the place where the design matches at the seams. Check the back of your wallpaper for the match information.
What are single rolls, double rolls, and bolts? Wallpaper is commonly priced by the single roll, but is usually sold only in double roll or bolt increments (double rolls and bolts are
interchangeable). This is because wallpapers are packaged in bolts (double rolls), and therefore they need to be sold in those increments. So if you order 10 single rolls of wallpaper, you can expect to receive 5 bolts when your order arrives.
What is the difference between paste-thewall, pre-pasted, and un-pasted, and which one is best for my decorating project? PasteThe-Wall is an unpasted wallpaper that you “paste the wall” to hang. In general, we find that paste-the-wall wallpaper is the easiest to apply.
Unpasted wallpapers have no paste applied to the backing, so you will need to purchase paste. Unless otherwise noted, we recommend hanging these by the paste-thewall method. Otherwise, you will need to paste and book the paper.
Prepasted wallpapers have a cured adhesive applied to the backing, which is activated with water when "booked".
What is "booking"? "Booking" wallpaper is an industry term that refers to the position the wallpaper should rest in while the glue is activated.
Mia Perkins is a freelance writer with relentless curiosity about people and places which keeps her wandering near and far and writing stories about them.
Photos (left to right) Portia Wallpaper in Delft from the Edit Vol. 1 Collection by Designers Guild $435.00 and Handpainted Songbird Peel & Stick Wallpaper in Green and Blue $65.00.
Provisions
inspiring small town flavors + shopping
Guide to Rugs
Text . by . Simon . Johns
The right rug can work wonders. When sized correctly and chosen carefully, it lays the groundwork for a thoughtful space, acting as the room’s gracious host.
A STRONG FOUNDATION
So how do you choose a magic carpet? There’s no one-sizefits-all approach. The ideal rug depends on a number of factors, including the type of room and your lifestyle.
There’s quite a bit to keep in mind, so we asked the rug experts to walk us through the selection process. From materials to construction to size, here’s what to consider.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
[Wool]
Delightfully textured and incredibly durable, wool is a classic choice for any space. Wool is a protein-based fiber from sheep’s fleece that is spun into yarn. Wool yarn is sustainable, biodegradable, highly durable, and highly resilient with natural oils that provide softness. Dyed and undyed wool products will vary in shade from piece to piece and will fade with exposure to sunlight. It’s great for hightraffic areas.
It is common for wool rugs to shed, as they are created from natural fibers that form long strands of material that are then hand-knotted to create delightfully soft and durable area rugs. Due to the sheared pile, loose fibers will eventually work their way to the surface. If your wool area rug starts shedding, this is normal.
Care
✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best. Use a vacuum with gentle suction, avoid heavy-duty vacuums or those with beater bars, as these can damage the construction. When vacuuming, work with the pile, not against it.
✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.
✴Ensure to use a high-quality rug pad to help protect the rug’s fibers from excessive wear as well as from dirt and moisture.
✴Trim any tufts of wool that appear with a sharp pair of scissors; do not pull the fibers.
✴Wipe your hand over the surface to collect any loose
fibers.
✴Rotate your carpet every few months to ensure even wear.
[Viscose]
Expect a lush shine and an oh-so-plush feel. While viscose is a bit more delicate, it's a great choice for many rooms in the home. Viscose is a hybrid of natural cellulose pulp and synthetic fibers that are regenerated through chemical processing and spun into yarn. This material imitates the look and texture of silk at a lower price. It is biodegradable with a soft appearance and has a silky feel with a lustrous sheen.
Ideal for low-traffic areas, viscose is not recommended for high-traffic areas due to high shedding since non-resilient fibers can mat and make stains difficult to clean.
It’s commonly found in tufted or hand-knotted rugs. Colors in viscose will appear soft and saturated and may vary depending on the viewpoint.
Care
✴Vacuum regularly on the low/gentle setting, or shake gently to remove dirt.
✴Do not expose to moisture of any kind; water can create permanent staining.
✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.
[Grass Fiber]
Strong and durable, grass fiber rugs (think jute, sisal, or coir) lend a touch of natural texture and effortless style. Best suited for high-traffic areas, grass fiber rugs are commonly found in flatwoven or hand-knotted rugs.
If you love to layer your rugs, grass fiber rugs are an ideal choice.
Care
✴Regular vacuuming, rotation, and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.
✴When vacuuming, always use the standard head; never use the rotating brush.
✴Remove dry spots by scraping carefully from the outer
edges toward the middle of the spot.
✴Do not rub wet spots; simply blot with paper towels, and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.
✴Flammable; do not place near a source of ignition.
[Recycled PET]
A UV-resistant option suitable for indoors or out, PET is crafted from recycled plastic and lends a welcoming layer to your sunroom or outdoor oasis. With durable construction and UV-treated for fade resistance, PET has a soft, woollike texture; lightweight; often reversible; washable, and scrubbable.
How It's Made
Recycled polyester (PET) yarns make up the warp and weft of these hand-woven rugs, with the weft skipping specific warps to create the pattern and are great for high-traffic areas.
Care
✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.
✴Vacuum, brush lightly with fresh or soapy water, or spray with a hose.
✴Scrub lightly as excess scrubbing can cause fuzzing/ pilling.
✴PET rugs can hold in moisture if not dried after complete saturation. If your PET rug is outdoors and becomes fully saturated after rain, please hang it to help it dry.
✴Do not machine wash or dry.
[Silk + Art Silk]
The silk rug has been coveted for hundreds of years. Incredibly soft and lustrous, silk rugs are perfect for low-traffic areas that deserve a little extra glamour, like bedrooms. closets and dressing rooms.
The silvery, shimmery delicate look of fine silk can elevate a formal living room but requires great care. Although it can rival the strength of steel yarn, silk is still delicate when it comes to stains and dirt, so it's great for low-traffic areas and is commonly found in tufted, hand-knotted, and shag rugs.
Shedding is a normal process that occurs with silk and will subside over time.
Care
✴Vacuum regularly on a low/gentle setting, or shake gently to remove dirt.
✴Do not expose to moisture of any kind.
✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.
[Cotton]
Cotton rugs have a durable construction; they are soft underfoot and lightweight. High- and low-traffic spaces;
well-used family areas like hallways, bedrooms, and stairs. Cotton is commonly found in flat woven, jacquard, and hooked rugs, as well as blended with wool and viscose.
Care
✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.
✴As woven rugs settle, a stray piece of yarn may pop up. This is perfectly normal. Do not cut the yarn; simply tuck and pull it back through the underside of the rug.
✴Small rugs may be hand washed gently in cold water; professional cleaning is recommended for larger area rugs.
✴Do not machine wash, bleach, or tumble dry.
[Hemp]
Hemp is strong, durable, and naturally anti-bacterial so this fiber can be used outdoors in a covered area as well. It’s best suited for high-traffic areas and is commonly found in flatwoven or hand-knotted rugs.
If you love to layer your rugs, hemp rugs are a great option that tends to shed less than similar jute rugs.
Care
✴Regular vacuuming, rotation, and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.
✴When vacuuming, always use the standard head; never use the rotating brush.
✴Remove dry spots by scraping carefully from the outer edges toward the middle of the spot.
✴Do not rub wet spots; simply blot with paper towels, and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
✴We recommend professional cleaning only.
✴Flammable; do not place near a source of ignition.
[Leather + Hides]
Animal hides are cleaned and finished by hand. The size, shape, and coloration will vary from piece to piece since every natural animal hide is completely unique.
Care
✴Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean sponge or cloth.
✴Professional cleaning is recommended.
✴An appropriate rug pad is highly recommended on all surfaces to prevent slipping, add cushion, and improve durability.
✴For vacuuming, use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar or one where you can set the bar to the highest pile setting. If your vacuum has variable power settings, set it on low. Vacuum the full length of the rug, turn and repeat to the next area, rather than back and forth motion.
[Outdoor]
Naturally, outdoor rugs are made differently than traditional interior area rugs or carpets. Outdoor rugs can withstand years of wind, rain, dirt, mud, and even exposure to the sun. Though most can also easily stand up to ice or snow, you
Photo (left) Jamie Hand Loomed Jute Rug by Loloi $2,249.00.
may want to take them up and shelter them during such harsh conditions. Most are going to be made of synthetics that dry quickly or even repel water (think nylon, polyester, or acrylic strands). This also makes most of the rugs very light in weight and sure to retain their colors. There are, however, many natural fiber rugs that are perfect as seasonal, outdoor rugs. It is this latter group you may want to roll up and take indoors when freezing conditions arrive.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE
Living Room
Measure your living room’s seating area, and select a rug that’s slightly larger than your space. Ideally, all the furniture in the seating area should fit on the rug with at least six inches to spare on every side. If that’s not possible, take a “two legs on, two legs off” approach and stay consistent will all furniture pieces.
Dining Room
Your rug should be large enough to accommodate your table and all the chairs when they’re pushed out – anything smaller will create a tripping hazard. We suggest choosing a rug made from stain-resistant materials such as wool for dining rooms.
Bedroom
Ideally, the bed and nightstands should fit on the rug with at least a foot to spare on all sides. If that’s not possible, start the rug at your nightstand so it extends beyond the foot of the bed.
Another idea? Consider using two runners to frame your bed instead. For the coziest feel, we recommend a high-pile rug.
Kitchen and Hallway
Place a small 2’ x 3’ rug by the kitchen sink for a colorful, cozy accent. We suggest choosing a rug that will resist hightraffic wear for these busy spaces.
A runner rug is perfect for long, narrow kitchens and entryways. For hallways, leave about six inches of floor between the walls and the rug.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Hand-Knotted
The weft yarn is wrapped and knotted by hand around each warp thread. Then, each yarn is hand-cut and hand-tamped for tightly constructed knots that stand the test of time. The quality of hand-knotted rugs is unsurpassed.
Tufted
Using a tufting tool, yarn is passed through a framestretched fabric backing onto a drawn pattern. A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.
Hand Loomed
Using a tufting tool, yarn is passed through a frame-
stretched fabric backing onto a drawn pattern. A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.
Carved
Hand carving is the technique of trimming and shaping tufted wool rugs as a final step to create dimension and interest. It is typically done by hand with scissors in India and electric shears in China.
Printed
Printed with digital and screen-printing techniques, these rugs deliver cheerful, detailed pattern work.
Power-Loomed
Entirely flat-woven with a lower pile, power-loomed rugs are machine-woven using cutting-edge technology.
Shag
Woven by hand on a pit loom or punja loom, shag rugs are highly textural. The size, design, and color may vary slightly, but typically they are very thick and plush.
Washable
Machine-washable rugs are easy to wash and can be washed at home in a conventional washing machine. Washable rugs are handmade, carefully and individually by artisans. Eco-friendly, 100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes, and perfect for those areas that tend to need extra clean up but also need to be cozy, like kids' rooms, tv rooms, playrooms, and nurseries.
Outdoor
Made from PET or polyester and sometimes natural materials like hemp or grass, these rugs are sturdy enough to live outside. Be sure to note, however, what type of outdoor environment is suggested, while some rugs will be fine on a deck, some may only hold up well on a covered porch or patio.
CARING FOR YOUR RUG
We highly recommend using a rug pad to prevent slippage and to protect your floor. Consider rotating your rug every six months for even wear. Shedding is a normal process that occurs with natural fiber rugs and should subside after 6-8 weeks with regular vacuuming. To avoid damaging your rug, vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting. Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent, light-colored cloth. Professional cleaning is recommended for best results.
Simon Johns was glued to the television watching old black and white movies as a kid. He’d run around the house pretending to be a reporter with a piece of paper tucked into his hat. Simon’s mom bought him a Remington 5 when he was 12. If you hear a typewriter at your local coffee shop, Simon asks that you refrain from breaking his concentration. Creative types, right?!
(clockwise from top right)
Alvea Hand Tufted Medallion Blush and Beige Rug by Jaipur Living $1,025.00
Hygge Hand Woven Wool Bohemian Rug by Surya $1,155.00
Parisa Beige Rug by Nourison $1,629.00.
design notes - style trends
GRANDMILLENNIAL
A whimsical portmanteau of “grandma” and “millennial,” the Grandmillennial trend is as nostalgic and playful as its name suggests. Combining detailed patterns and intricate ornamentation with warm woods and muted colors, the style’s updated take on vintage decor is rooted more in sweet sincerity than contemporary irony. Let’s take a deeper look.
Like many current design trends, Grandmillennial puts an emphasis on personalization. Old family photos, generational artifacts, and other items that have personal or sentimental significance are right at home here. Some may find the aesthetic cluttered or arbitrary, but that’s what makes it appealing and what its advocates find cozy and comforting.
Grandmillennial opens the door to incorporating different types of patterns.
The advent of modern plumbing roughly coincides with the historical era of this style, making the bathroom the perfect place for bringing it back to life. Unexpected mirror shapes and frame-filled walls create an inviting wistfulness while traditional items like console table and pedestal sinks find balance among contemporary colors and patterns.
The kitchen is another room in which the combination of old and new takes on a comforting charm, blending modern performance and efficiency with delightful throwbacks to simpler times. Vintage cabinetry and patterned tilework or flooring pair with contemporary touches like dark stone and mixed metal finishes.
Floral wallpaper and wide-plank flooring warm an otherwise cool design.
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Designed by Michelle Nussbaumer
Photographed by Cynthia Smoot
design notes - style trends
JAPANDI
Uniting opposite sides of the planet in a passion for nature combined with a desire for elevated functionality within a minimalist aesthetic, the Japandi trend—a portmanteau of Japanese and Scandinavian, sometimes also referred to as Scandinese—offers a serene antidote to the chaos of modern life. Let’s take a look at some of its signature elements.
Borrowing elements from Scandinavian design and Japanese aesthetics, Japandi incorporates light woods and saturated neutrals punctuated with black accents. Natural elements, like bamboo and stone, and textured objects and materials bring a sense of the outdoors inside. Combined with stark minimalist forms, these foundational elements create inviting, function-driven spaces.
Black accents and simple forms create a calming environment.
Clean, simple forms, natural materials, and an emphasis on functionality lend a Japandi bathroom a spa-like serenity that invites quiet contemplation and moments of reflection. Combining advanced technology with organic forms and plant life strikes a harmonious balance that connects one with nature while providing an elevated, intuitive experience.
Like the bathroom, the Japandi kitchen seamlessly blends efficient functionality with nature-inspired forms and clean, elegant minimalism. Black accents provide a refined structure and backdrop that puts the room’s other finishes and materials into bold relief. Bursts of green infuse a breath of life and vibrance to complete the room.
“For me, the kitchen is that serene space that opens up to the living and dining areas. I love being able to look out from the kitchen island and be present with my family and guests.” - Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff’s Kitchen Designed by Stephanie Gaelick Photographed by Claire Esparros
Colossians 2:6-7
“AS YOU THEREFORE HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH, AS YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, ABOUNDING IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING.”
