2 for 1: Cross-stitched Rugs!

In the short life of this blog, I've already written about both rugs and cross-stitching multiple times.  Now get ready for both in one!

I've had images of Charlotte Lancelot's Canevas collection in my folder for a long time, and I am finally going to share them with those of you haven't yet seen her creations.

Charlotte created this collection for GAN, and each item is made by hand.  The embroidery is all made of felt, and adorns rugs (my favourite), cushions and oversized pouffes.

Lancelot focuses on the durability and longevity of her products, expecting them to change many hands over their life - as well they should.  I love the look of this collection!  The same technique can produce a very traditional result, like the faded-looking flower rug, or a very contemporary look - the pouffes have a pixilated digital look to them.  

These pieces will add texture to any room, and would be perfect to perk up a high traffic family or play room.  See below!

All photos via Contemporist.com

From Russia with Love, and Something Like It

This here makes 2/3 of my posts so far -  about rugs!  I  never knew I had so much to say about them until now.     The reason I am posting about rugs again is because of a specific collection, one that I can't believe I forgot to mention before - the one that  epitomizes a modern-traditional aesthetic, and should have been #1 on my list to discuss!

Behold:  "From Russia with Love" by Jan Kath.  I went to an event at Colin Campbell this past summer and saw these rugs for the first time - displayed vertically in all their giant glory.  It was love at first sight...

Jan gets the inspiration for his rug designs from traditional motifs and reinterprets them in a modern way - this collection is obviously no exception.  Taking inspiration from traditional folk textiles, Jan has created very contemporary interpretations of slavic floral designs...ones that I would one day like to get my hands on.

I didn't bother inquiring about the cost of such a rug, knowing that it is well out of my reach (and comprehension), but I haven't been able to forget those designs and the impact they would have in a room.

Similar rug used at Kate Spade New York

"The look for less" is something most of us want, and I've found a couple of alternatives for these gorgeous rugs.  Good old Anthropologie's got the look, and in 4 different sizes!

Gloria's Garden Rug

Want the look for even less?  Check out Urban Outfitters.  Agreed, the less the cost, the less the rug resembles the real deal - but it's still a contemporary floral with traditional roots...right?

It's only $44!

Bouquet Rug

Off the Wall

For my first inspiration post I will have to borrow Margot Austin's (of House & Home magazine) recent post topic - Kilims.  A kilim is a flat-woven rug...and there are few things more definitive of a Russian interior than a big rug displayed on a wall!

This decorating move was popularized in Soviet Russia as an efficient way to add warmth to often cold apartments.  This staple of interior decoration has become synonymous with ex Soviet homes, and an element that would definitely help russ-o-fy a modern interior.

To bring this look up-to-date I would in most cases, definitely, take the rug off the wall!  Lee Jofa's new fabric collections allows you to reimagine traditional rug patterns as upholstery, drapes or pillows.

A sofa or armchair upholstered in a bold kilim pattern makes a strong statement- it is also very forgiving to stains.

And for those who aren't as committed or adventurous, there are always toss cushions.  Even one of these pillows is enough to make an impact on a neutral sofa or chair.  The more cushions - the more impact!

etsy.com/shop/sukan