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I'm looking for advice on shag rugs. Best material? (I'm leaning towards cotton, for the baby) Good manufacturer? Easiest to clean?

Your best bet for a shag is actually something made of a synthetic material-nylon (in a lighter color, darker nylon fades faster) or polypropylene. They're going to be the most stain resistant to the things you'll probably have to worry about-juice, snacks etc. Two good sources for well-priced and attractive rugs are overstock.com and rugsdirect.com. Check retailmenot.com for coupon codes for the rugs direct site. If you decide to go the carpet tile route (now or whenever), flor.com has options.
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Get the look 02/26/2011
 
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I had mentioned in a previous post about a great look book received in the mail when Ralph Lauren opened up his new flagship on the Upper East Side.  I still refer to it for inspriation because it offers something a little different.  Right now, I'm seeing interior design that's either too rustic or too slick--which doesn't suit everyone.
Pictured left is a presentation I pulled together with some designers at the day job.  It's a traditional Tudor home and, as always, it makes sense to work with the architecture.  Some keys to achieving a sort of Ralph Lauren inspired hunting look are: tobacco colored leather, wool (note the red pillow with leather trim and the cream throw), plaid, antique brass, equestrian accents and nailhead.  Don't just look to home magazines for interior design inspriation, fashion magazines and store windows have a lot to offer, too!
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I was featured yesterday in an article on Fabulous Living. It's a great website that gives readers tips on where to shop, ideas to try and overall information on ways to live a more fabulous lifestyle.  You can check out my article here.
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Here's some updated information from the Elocal expert panel that particpated in that highlights some of the trends for 2011.  You can click through to find a graphic with more information.
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Chinois console table, $179
It's time once again for one of my very favorite games.  Too often, as I browse through blogs and magazines, I keep seeing the same pieces used again and again.  And they're often priced out of most people's budgets.  But oh, how I love to see a really great piece of furniture or an accessory from a source that I would have never imagined.  I was reading through Camilla's blog when I came across an entry that proved rather enlightening.
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I am so excited to be a part of the special series that gathers together professionals in several areas of home improvement and design to discuss current trends.  This particular series is so great because it brings together contractors and designers--2 groups that communicate surprisingly little given how much they work together.  According to their business development department, "this series (called the "Blog-Off" series)  is for our network of sites and brings together bloggers and professionals in the contracting, green and interior design space to discuss various home improvement related topics. It's a way for bloggers and professionals to network, demonstrate their expertise, reach a new audience, and let their current followers see the extent of their reach in their field.
 
It's still early on, but I'll keep you posted with any great information or ideas from the other participants.
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If you're a regular reader of the "Latest News" section of Christine Schwalm Design, then today is when that finally pays off.  Mention this posting and receive 10% off any Home Staging, One Day Design or Accessory services.  You must book your services by Sunday, February 6, 2011 to receive this offer.
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I've finally tidied up my new office at the day job and wanted to add some art work to liven up the place.  Right now it is a sea of off white blah and this hardly incites creativity.  I found an interesting idea over at Camilla's site that shows how to get vintage look artwork for ridiculously cheap.  As with most good finds, it's a matter of thinking outside the box.
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It's pretty common knowledge that if you're looking for gently (or highly) used Ikea furniture, Craigslist is a good place to check out.  But if your taste veers a little higher end, well Craigslist is still a good place to start--just not the furniture page.
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Lately, I can't seem to flip through a design magazine without seeing some sort of horse motif in one of the rooms.  It's either a sculpture or a painting or a very large scale photograph.  Sadly no actual ponies.  This month's issue of House Beautiful featured 3 different homes all with a nod (and perhaps a whinny) to our equine friends. 

But I'm noticing a new trend.  One that seems restricted to the bath for now but may soon, ahem, spread it's wings and branch out to other rooms of the house.  Behold, the owl.
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