October, 2009

Design — Comments Off
19
Oct 09

2010 Color Trends

Here they are! My color trends for 2010.They start off with colors that have been seen recently in fashion and home interiors, and then progress through to some new original combinations that will become more prominent as we move into the new year.

Black and White:

Black White1

A classic combo!  Striking contrast and bold patterns  -  checks and polka dots will stand strong with this pair.  You may also start to see shades of red and pops of other brilliant colors introduced.

Mediterranean Spice:

Mediterranean Spice1

This is another category that will continue throughout next year. The bright, saturated colors help create a happy, cheerful and fun space. You’ll typically see at least three of these colors used together.

Blue Horizon:

True Blue1

These coastal blues and whites will again freshen the interior palette. The blues will range from lighter gray tones, to turquoise and deep indigo. They will often be seen paired together. The white will stay crisp and clean.

Tropical Punch:

Tropical Punch1

Bright pinks and oranges continue to create eye catching pieces. These warm hues compliment each other and continue to excite as an unusual duo. We’ve already seen this influence in both fashion and the home, and it will carry on throughout the months to come.

Below are new ideas for new emerging color combinations…

Blush Tones:

Blush Tones1

This is one of my favorite fashion trends that’s starting to trickle into home interiors. These light blush, rouge and purple tones work beautifully with gray, cream and black.

Earthy Modern:

Earthy Modern1

Here you start to see olive greens, chartreuse, turquoise and brick coming together to form a very unique palette. It has a bit of that retro touch with a new vogue twist!

Mellow Yellow:

Mellow Yellow1

Golds, oranges and burnt siennas create soothing, warm, exotic surrounds.  The golds are used together with accents of ivory and chocolate.

Peacock:

Peacock1

This glamorous jungle of jewel tones will definitely swing us through the new year! Sequins, satins, silks and leathers will carry tones of jade, deep purples and cobalt blues.

I hope you found the palettes inspiring! I’d love to hear if your designs have been influenced by any of these combinations.

A presentation for new 2010 Trends (Style / Color / Pattern) can be viewed here at the BDC’s Trend Report.

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Design / Merida Rugs — Comments Off
15
Oct 09

Jute area rug adds texture to living room designed by Erin Martin

This week’s featured design project comes to us from Erin Martin Design in St. Helena, California. Erin is a nationally-recognized interior designer who has been featured in publications such as House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, Elle Decor, Western Interiors & Design and Architectural Digest. In this room from a private home in Calistoga, CA, Erin used a soft jute rug, Bali Natural (one of our most popular products) in this cozy living room. The room has a beautiful, soft color palette of greys and browns and this rug adds wonderful texture to the floor while complementing other natural elements in the room.

Order samples of Bali in Natural or Volcano by clicking here, or create a quote in our easy-to-use online quote system. Remember, all orders submitted online this month are 20% off!!

Check out the great photo of Bali Natural below, and also be sure to take a peek at Erin Martin’s fabulous St. Helena, CA store and design studio and her 1stdibs online store. The mixture of one-of-a-kind antiques and understated art (the “Bull Ring” photo is my fave) are amazingly well curated.

Balu Natural jute area rug in living room designed by Erin Martin Design

Bali Natural jute area rug in living room designed by Erin Martin Design

Do you have a photo of a design project featuring a Merida rug? Submit it to marketing@meridameridian.com! If we select your photo, your name and web site will be promoted on our blog, Twitter, and Facebook pages!

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Merida / Merida Rugs — Comments Off
12
Oct 09

Caring for your natural fiber area rug

Purchasing an area rug is an important decision. It can take time to choose just the right one, and if you are purchasing a high-quality, well-designed rug, it may be a significant investment. To protect your investment and keep your rug looking beautiful, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, the following preventative carpet care measures can help maintain the quality and extend the life of your natural fiber area rug.

  • Vacuum regularly
    This will prevent dirt particles from lodging in between the fibers and causing additional wear.
  • Spot clean
    Immediately attending to spills will prevent set-in stains. Blot spills with a clean white towel and use a dry cleaning kit (much easier than it sounds) like Host to clean dark stains like wine, juice or mud. For solids like food or dirt,  scrape the substance up with a butter knife first.
  • Professionally deep clean every eight to 12 months
    Many carpet cleaning companies specialize in natural fibers. Be sure to ask – natural materials should never be steam-cleaned!
  • Stop dirt at the door
    Use walk-off mats at all entrances and remove shoes when coming in from outside.
  • Change air filters
    This removes dust and dirt particles from the air, which would otherwise end up on the rug.
  • Rotate rugs that sit in direct sunlight or under furniture
    This will even out fading and wear on pressure points under furniture.
  • Position rugs according to usage
    Low-pile or flat-woven rugs are more durable and thus best for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and dining rooms. Plush, deep-pile rugs are better suited to bedrooms and living rooms.

A typical area rug should last between 10 and 15 years. Taking these measures will help you enjoy your rug for many years! For more information on how to care for a natural fiber rug, you may download Merida’s Care and Maintenance Guide.

Vaccuming is the most important step in maintaining the appearance of your natural fiber rug.

Vaccuming is the most important step in maintaining the appearance of your natural fiber rug.

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Design / Merida Rugs — Comments Off
6
Oct 09

Robert Brown features Serengeti area rug in Atlanta Showcase

This summer at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart, an event called “B.Inspired” was held to showcase the work of six of the country’s most prominent interior designers. Bob Brown, of Robert Brown Interior Design in Atlanta, selected one of Merida’s new Global Expedition area rugs for the beautiful room he designed for the showcase. Our sisal and linen design, Serengeti, gave wonderful texture to the space, complementing Bob’s elegant and unique style.

To view more colors of Serengeti, click here. You may also request cuttings or start a quote.

“I have been a fan of Merida for a long time.  It has been my firm’s ‘go to’ whenever we think of natural fiber rugs.  We always find rugs that fit our needs whether it’s a simple seagrass that lies under a fine antique rug, or one of their clever designs that makes a statement in a contemporary space.  We love their great sense of what is current without being trendy while always maintaining a commitment to timeless style.  Merida keeps a perfect balance of great product, top notch customer service and terrific quality.” -Bob Brown, Robert Brown Interior Design

Merida's Serengeti Gazelle in Bob Brown's room for the B.Inspired showcase house

Serengeti Gazelle in Bob Brown's room for the B.Inspired showcase house

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Serengeti Gazelle in Bob Brown’s room for the B.Inspired showcase house
Cole Deming of Merida with Bob Brown

Cole Deming of Merida with Bob Brown at B.Inspired

Other designers who participated in B.Inspired during the Atlanta Market week in July included Suzanne Kasler, Matthew Quinn, Stan Topol, Carole Weaks, and William Pearce.

To view more colors of Serengeti, click here. You may also request cuttings or start a quote.

Do you have a photo of a design project featuring a Merida rug? Submit it to marketing@meridameridian.com! If we select your photo, your name and web site will be promoted on our blog, Twitter, and Facebook pages!

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