Custom Rugs: Getting the Feel for Design

As I work on each new project the process to learn more about interior design, as much as "feelings" of a room created through design, expand. And as work with interior designers continues, they leave more of the design aspects of a painted floor cloth in my hands. Often they present a photograph and say, "Make it look like this." Focusing on a particular aspect of the photo, my creative instincts hone in on a specific detail. For example, a recent custom canvas order was presented via a color photo of a hand holding a turtle. 

Before getting to the most fun part of the project, the design and painting of the floor cloth, the question of size came up. The size of this floor cloth rug was to be 8' x 10' but did the designer  prefer one giant turtle shell on the whole of the rug?

If yes, the visibility of the design would be lost once covered with furniture. On such a large rug, the six inch size of the turtle shell would create a very small detailed pattern, likely less discernible from a distance and possibly too busy. When I create custom canvas rugs, it is always with that fact in mind; these works of art are to be viewed under foot. Some of us will be closer to it than others; as an average, my line of site is a little over 5 feet away, looking down.

The turtle's shell offers an unusual natural design; I started the project making a foam stamp that mimics its shape and detail. The client "loves color," I was told. Taking directly from nature, I selected a rich, dark brown, Turkish Coffee it's called, for the background of the rug.  

Next, I applied paints of deep orange and golden yellow to the stamp. These colors "pop" out from the dark brown and although the rug now incorporates these brighter colors, it doesn't look garish.

Perhaps the idea is to look beyond the actual design and simply pull from it the shapes and colors for a pattern. In this case, the designer decided on a stamp size measuring 12 inches thus allowing a row of eight turtle stamps across the rug, widthwise. This gave us the opportunity to see the actual shape of the turtle shell.

In the process of applying the colors to the turtle shell stamp, I recognized on the second row of the rounded design, vacant spaces between the rows. To add a bit more dimension to the design, I used a diamond shape stamp and filled in with the same turtle shell colors and voila!

This painted floor cloth design, drawn from nature, turned out beautifully with an organic and ethnic feel.

One of the more important aspects when creating a painted floor cloth as floor art is that patterns within the design should blend and flow with the rest of the décor in the room.

In my next blog post we'll talk about how the patterns found within a room can blend well or become too busy and clash when adding  painted floor cloths. It all comes down to the feeling a client wishes to create and the better use of space. After all, where we spend our time should give us that which we wish to live.

Canvas Rugs: An Interview with Local Costa Rica Magazine

Last month I was contacted by a representative of a local construction magazine, Construir, for an interview.  Seems they had received one of our press releases sent for interior design publications; but I'll take press of any flavor!

Actually, I'm quite honored to be included; the topic they had in mind for this interview about my canvas rugs was of flooring, so that works perfectly! I envision the titled interview published something like: Stunning Floor Art with Canvas Rugs by Laurel's Originals, Costa Rica.  

Probably won't be that glamorous but a girl can dream! At any rate I'll be looking for a copy as the interview is  scheduled for their 82nd Edition, June/July 2010.

Recognizing that my readers here in Costa Rica would find it difficult to find the magazine, though Periodista Revista Construir has suite offices in the Oficentro Plaza Colonial, Escazú, I thought it might be fun for you all to read the interview. Hope you can appreciate my enthusiasm for being interviewed for my canvas rugs as they are a totally new concept here. Here is the english translation:

1.      Why would you say that your rugs are an environmentally friendly product?

We make custom canvas rugs. They can be cleaned with just soap and water instead of the chemicals necessary for cleaning traditional rugs. Hand made of cotton canvas these rugs are healthier and more economical solution for treating rugs, besides being environmentally friendly.

2.   How often are rugs used in this region especially with it being a tropical region?

Traditional rugs are used in the city and mountain areas where the weather is cooler. It is not possible to use them at the beach, they get dirty with sand and the humidity is not good for the traditional rug.

3. What are the advantages of the rugs?

These rugs are very practical. They protect your feet from the cold floor in cases where you have ceramic floors and fine wood floors in high traffic areas.  In many constructions rooms are larger and include different areas with different uses, like the dinning room and living room in one. Using the rugs in the interior design can create a more intimate feeling, separating areas according to their use.      

4. Why do you consider the rugs to be a suitable answer for the climate of our region?

Traditional rugs are more reasonable for cooler zones such as certain places in Costa Rica. This is why we have created a line of rugs made from canvas with paint and varnish that work as rugs in decorating but without the problems that affect traditional rugs made from cotton or wool.            

·       This material is a heavy cotton canvas that is shrunk, sewn, painted with high quality paint and finally covered with many coats of polyurethane varnish. They are custom made for any kind of project in any color and design required according to the decor.                            

·        Recommended use and types of projects: These rugs are custom made for use in any indoors or outdoors area. They can be cleaned by sweeping them whenever necessary. Sand and dirt will not get underneath them because they are sealed. They will not stain, if something spills on them it can be cleaned just with a cloth and water. They are also hypoallergenic; dust and animal hair does not get trapped in them.

·   

9 June 10

Therapy Color: Interior Décor Application

Inspirational thoughts of art, color and decor (my version of therapy color) came pouring out of me in a most profound way and I felt the need to blog about this.

While visiting a dear friend, more like a sister really, she shared a book of art with me. Its available only to designers who purchase commercial art, and includes only artists whose work has been included in commercial settings.

We have, over the years, inspired and cheered each other on in our own artististic endeavors. Her husband asked me, if while I am in the US there was anything I could do to further my business and I said the inspiration I get from the exposure to art is the best thing for me. As well as being an artist in watercolor and acrylic mediums, Lisa works in Interior Design for commercial buildings, restaurants, and hotels buying and selling art, putting all the pieces together to create atmosphere for her clients. She is always up on the latest trends in color, materials, and techniques.

I respect her taste and ideas, and its just fun to throw ideas back and forth with our respective art forms and discovering what's new out there in the art world.

Having years of experience painting on textiles for many years, I helped many others to do the same by showing them my techniques and sharing supplies. My theory is that art is subjective; some like this and some like that. We all have certain colors that appeal to us, in the clothes we where, in the decoration of our homes. I remember painting pink and purple orchids, two colors I would never wear. When I made dresses with giant orange orchids with purple spots, (I LOVE orange and purple together) the girls who helped me to paint said no one would buy these bright and wild colors but they were one of my biggest sellers. Obviously, my personal therapy of color choice appealed to a large group of women.

I don't think you can pin point why colors and art call to one person and not another. Say you are walking through a gallery or browsing through a book or sitting in a restaurant and there a piece of art grabs your attention. You're transfixed with the colors, the light, and the content, catches you and holds you; it's a kind of  color therapy happening without maybe being aware.

My favorite part of creating hand-painted canvas rugs is playing with colors. I love to work with combinations of color and make notes of them whenever they evoke a feeling: the blues of a sky, golds in a field, the shadows of purple and deep greens. This applies as well in the entire decorating scheme of a room or a home.

There are a variety of "canvases" in a room which invite a wide host of therapy colors to be incorporated: curtains, furniture, pillows, walls and floor coverings.  If the theme you're looking to create is one of tranquility, use those colors on the different canvases that make you feel calmed, relaxed, composed.  A rug, such as a painted floor cloth, can then tie in all the selected colors with a more definitive design theme, providing the perfect finish to a room.

The idea I am trying to get across is to pay attention to the feelings works of art brings to you. When you see a particular painted scene that brings a sense of peacefulness, for example,  recognize the emotion you are feeling. Perhaps it's just the fact you are looking at a peaceful scene, or maybe it's the combination of colors. There is color therapy which uses color to evoke different physical reactions, an interesting aspect when applied to interior decor. You can learn more at http://www.therapycolor.com/

 I just wanted to share this idea of therapy color, to pay attention to your feelings when art and color brings forth an emotion and imagine how the application of décor within a room or entire house can do the same.

 

Simple Summer Decor for the Porch or Patio

It's that time of year again: the sun is shining, evenings grow longer allowing time to enjoy our porches and patios but maybe those outdoor areas require a little summer decor to freshen things up a bit?

How to create a fresh patio decor to brighten up these areas without a total overhaul and keeping within a budget? We're all busy, and as much as we want to fix up the place, it can seem daunting. But with a little pre-planning much can get accomplished in a weekend or two and done so affordably.

First of all, make it fun, make it a day, or make it a family affair. Pick a sunny day, play energizing or soothing music, plan a picnic type lunch in advance so that the effort goes smoothly until the "job" is done. Don't even call it a job...call it a project.

Where to start with a patio decor project? Nothing makes a more dramatic change then a new coat of paint. Walls, cement flooring stains, or how about painting the furniture? Spray paint your wicker, plastic or wooden chairs a cheery color with an outdoor acrylic paint.  Make or purchase new cushion covers and, voila! you'll have a fresh new look. Got room for a hammock? 

Planters for flower boxes are inexpensive in terracotta plastic or get your favorite handy-person to build a few. Plants and flowers make an instant change. Love to cook? Why not use fresh herbs instead? They are aromatic, with lovely flowers that can be snipped and clipped when making salsas, sauces or salads. I love a crazy mix of marigolds with basil, thyme and oregano with their profusion of smells and colors; they add so much to summer decor.

If you're the industrious, creative type you might want to consider making the aforementioned canvas cushion covers yourself. Want a floor covering? If you make the cusion covers, you could also make a canvas rug for under the table or as a welcome mat. Allow enough material to sew the edges of a piece of heavy weight canvas, paint your design and cover it with water based acrylic varnish. You'll have a wonderful floor cloth to match your patio decor.

If you're not inclined to make it yourself look for a floor cloth artisan in your area or online. To help stimulate creative ideas, (or shop canvas rugs) visit my painted canvas rugs designs page to create a decorating theme or to find something to match your porch or patio décor.

Summer decor is about creating a tranquil special space that will make for enjoyable times spent outdoors. With a little effort and a few decorative changes you can create the perfect patio decor to enjoy for several sunny months. If the budget is tight, just accomplish one minor thing and you'll find delight in the simpliest decorative change.

A Guide for Tropical Theme Decorating

Living in Costa Rica is a feast for the eyes but you can create a tropical theme decorating a space where ever you call home. Every morning I open my door onto a green and colorful tropical scene that evokes peacefulness. When decorating the interior of your home, it is the feelings that you want to evoke that should be your guide.

There are many interior decorating styles, or shall we say themes, that can provide an outline or idea for the “feel” you want in your home. It is the most important thing to remember when you do interior design, creating a space you love to be in.

 Decorating themes can be contemporary: sleek, minimal and clean. A country theme is comfortable and quaint typically including farm animals, quilts, homey touches. Or my favorite, a tropical theme, with soft color invoking a natural and warm feeling. When you have a theme in mind, close your eyes and let your mind wander to the images it brings forward.

Creating a Tropical Feeling

As an example, let’s consider the tropical theme for decorating. Can you feel the warm breeze fluttering gauzy curtains, the salty smell of a blue ocean, the earthy green of a tropical jungle? How about the swishing sound of palm fronds swaying in the wind? Light colored walls offer a fresh feeling to a room; decorative details such as palm leaves or ferns on pillows give a tropical feel without overwhelming the room.

Light gauzy curtains certainly give you that breezy feeling. Added greenery such as branches or leaves, a potted tropical plant, or a silk version of a  palm tree if a real one is unavailable! Natural wood floors are warm and inviting but if changing your floor is not an option, try including natural fiber rugs, or a hand painted canvas rug with tropical design.

The important thing is to create a space you love to be in, be it with tropical theme decorating or anything else.  The goal is to acquire a sense of calming, peacefulness without having to open your door!

Custom Interior Design Request for Round Area Rug of Canvas

Going the distance to create a Designer’s vision is my favorite part of contributing to interior design with hand painted canvas rugs.

Case in point, Tamarindo Pacific Interiors has requested a round area rug with an unusal design for a commercial interior design project.

Until now, round canvas rugs have not been part of my repertoire. From everything I had read and researched about them it appeared the only way to make a round rug from canvas was without a hem. Because hems are sewn onto our canvas rugs for strength, durability and esthetic purposes, I had avoided this particular shape. Typically, when a round rug was requested, an octagon rug was suggested; this design shape works beautifully with all types of décor.

But a client’s wish is my command so after much trial and error a canvas round rug was created incorporating several seams around the perimeter, producing a somewhat quilted look. Again, a sewn hem lends to durability given the type of edging we had to make for the round shape. 

A Rug of River Rocks

Upon completing the sewing, the next step was to create the unusual design: river rocks. A photograph was supplied by the designer and my mind raced with ideas. First I tried a stencil, which does work, but required hand painting both the outline and finish for each and every rock onto the canvas. I can do this, but the goal is to create a streamlined process which will produce the desired effect most economically for my client.

Test number two was making and using a stamp for the rock design. Wow! what a perfect effect it produced. Because I used black as the base coat to mimic the dark shadows in the rock design, when I apply the stamps of rocks the black comes through giving each rock texture and depth. True, each rock within the stamps was painted individually but with an array of brushes and colors the process became easier and the effect simply dramatic.

I made samples of both the round rug and a round design within an octagon rug offering my client two options. (Lucky me…the samples will be placed in my bathrooms). This was a fun challenge, rewarding for both me and my Interior Design client. So yes, we now offer round rugs…and have to show the Round River Rock Rug as an example…say that ten times fast!

Interior Design Costa Rica

Last month I mentioned Interior Design Costa Rica Professional, Silvia Kohn, who had been hired by the high-end Hacienda Pinilla development located in Guanacaste not far from Tamarindo. Silvia had asked me to participate in a three day open house by placing my canvas rugs within 3 model homes. This was a great opportunity, but I felt it might be worth the trip to attend the event and talk about my rugs to interested folks. Silvia encouraged my attendance.

With display information in hand, I arrived the first day late afteroon. The hot sun was starting to cool ever so slightly and as I entered this first home, I was struck with how soothing the interior design colors, the close proximity of the pool and its sparkling water aided in producing a very elegant yet relaxed feel.

In the spacious and nicely appointed kitchen, Silvia had placed one of my canvas rugs at the kitchen sink; she also assigned one to the patio area, outside in the Rancho fronting the pool. These were ideal placements, indicating how diverse the rugs work for functionality and interior design work.

Altough a quiet turn out, it was Semana Santa after all, I had the pleasure of meeting several of the Hacienda Pinilla sales staff. Friendly, professional and personable these young Costaricenses took a sincere interest in my rugs. They were not familiar with canvas rugs and asked lots of questions. It was great fun talking with them. They now have enough background information to talk about floorcloths intelligently to their clients visiting the model homes (the rugs will remain) in the future, after the open house event.

Day two, the second model home impressed more than the first. Similar in design, this was a larger home and the canvas rug selected for this house was placed in the master bedroom. At the entrance to the room a large painting on the wall, a modern piece, in soft muted colors, was almost matching in colors with the striped rug Silvia had requested from me.  They complimented one another so well, it was as if they had been painted by the same artist! More people showed up, many people who live, at least part time, at Hacienda Pinilla. One couple was seriously shopping for their new Costa Rica home.

On the third and final day, it was quite busy with visitors. Silvia and the Pinilla staff were moving around welcoming, showing and answering questions non-stop. At one point she pulled me away from a small group, whispering enthusiastically, " You must meet this woman! She's the directora for Intercasa."  With Silvia's introduction, Alejandra and I met and immediately hit it off. She was so enthusiastic about my canvas rugs, like most people, including those involved with interior design in Costa Rica, she was unfamiliar with them but loved the fact that they could be customized with any interior and exterior designing.

So that was the trip! Canvas Rugs Costa Rica and interior design in Costa Rica  is alive and well and I am thrilled to be part of it!

~ Laurel

p.s. Sign up for my monthly Design Newsletter for new canvas rug designs, interior design tips and more.

New Canvas Rugs and Canvas Bags Orders, Big Event, New Designer's Website...

...a crazy, busy month, indeed! With an order for 2 large custom canvas hotel rugs and a bushel of hand painted canvas bags orders; contact from an interior designer hired to decorate three model homes for the upscale Hacienda Pinilla residential project in Guanacaste...I've hardly had time to take a breath.

Let me share a little about the interior designer for Hacineda Pinilla.  Silvia Kohn, a lovely Tica, specified three rugs to be on display and an invitation to attend a three day open house to introduce and talk about my canvas rugs to interior decorators and designers and/or potential clients.  The date had yet to be confirmed so we moved forward at a rapid pace to be ready when the call came. 

My marketing director and graphics artist put together a post card/mailer showcasing a photo of an octagonal canvas rug inside a hotel lounge area. The thinking was we'd use this same postcard to announce our new interior designer's website.  The next day after meeting Silvia, I got to work on the rugs she needed as part of the decor for the three model homes at Pinilla.

Although I questioned who would attend a 3 day open house at the coast during Costa Rica's Semana Santa (Holy Week), it kind of made sense as that is where everyone goes for the week...the beach! It's packed with vacationing locals and tourists. So, we are hopeful the turn-out presents opportunities for new connections.

The order of two large, custom canvas rugs for the Finca Rosa Blanca hotel were completed and installed this month.  I took a couple before and after fotos that will be added to the interior design for home & hotel page soon, hopefully next week.

In the midst of all this, we received an order for another 3 area rugs...2 Mexican Tile and 1 striped all with a bright slate blue color.  This tile is proving to be a popular design!  I have it on my to-do list to research some Costa Rica tile designs as we see them in many of the historical buildings, including churches, throughout the country.

Finally! The new canvas-rugs-cost-rica.com website has launched. Now, please understand: the new site is not replacing this one. It was created primarily as a tool for interior designers and interior decorators in Costa Rica to introduce canvas rugs to their clientele. The features most prominent are the Design page, which shows all standard designs and the Custom page highlighting custom canvas rug projects.  Most importantly it is complete in both English and Spanish.

That's it!  If April wants to be another crazy, busy month....bring it on!  Happy Easter to all who celebrate.  ~ Laurel

 

Mexican Tile Design: Popular Costa Rica Hotel Decorates with Canvas Floor Cloths

The phone rang. A client stated clear as a bell, "Laurel, I want to cover the hotel in Laurel's Originals Canvas Rugs." Some, refer to these rugs as floor cloths, but that's not the point of this post.

I'd been waiting to hear those very words...truly. About a year ago I realized that to help signifigantly grow my business, there would need to be that ‘first' big order. And by big, I'm not referring to rug size. Once completed, it would allow me to introduce and show other designers and interior decor professionals in Costa Rica how well canvas rugs (or floor cloths) are suited for both private and commercial decorating.

The owners of this boutique hotel, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, had ordered last year canvas rugs for both the hotel and their private home. The hotel sported an octagonal canvas rug in the bar lounge, and a 4' x 6' rug in the hotel lobby. They wanted to test the durability of the rugs before going further.  

Our Mexican Tile octagonal canvas rug is a popular design. Finca Rosa Blanca is a special and unique place not only due to its beautiful Costa Rica mountain setting and stunning architechtural elements, but also for its eclectic art and decor. The Mexican Tile design fits well into the overall design theme.

And that is where this order starts: with two custom 8' x 8' octagonal floor cloths that will be placed in the circular entrances of two very special rooms. The owner opted for the Mexican Tile design utilizing Sherman Williams' Flower Pot color, (we refer to it as terracotta) for the base.

Rugs of this size require joining two pieces of the cotton canvas material together. Next, two top coats of terracotta paint are applied, followed by a cream border; this border around the perimeter is where the tiles are "laid."

The individual Mexican tiles are hand drawn and hand painted. (I've thought of using stencils but for custom rug sizes the tile size will vary keeping in proportion to the size of the rug). Offering a more authentic, antique look, the tiles are given a final soft wash.

Upon completion of the painted tiles, I had a creative itch to add a stamp design on the center portion of the floor cloth. Why? Because the rugs will lay (lie?) at entrances void of any furniture atop them; the stamping element thus adds texture and depth. Trusting my creative license the owner gave my stamp idea the go ahead.

Next up: building yet another table for the studio to fit these two Mexican tile custom sized design floor cloths / canvas rugs for their final stage of varnishing. And once placed, a professional photographer! I'm thinking: Su Casa!

 

Carpet Runners: Canvas Rugs as Stair Runners?

Way back when I first began making and introducing canvas rugs, one of my very first clients asked if they would work well as carpet runners, specifically stair runners.  With a large four-footed roommate, who spent time in the house, she needed to protect her wood floors and wood stairs from claw marks.

Although I had made and placed my canvas rugs as carpet runners for hallways, entries and other rooms, I had not yet installed them as stair runners. So, the challenge was on: we would test the viability of canvas rugs on stairs.

With an eclectic and artistic flair, this home owner had very clear ideas as to what she wanted in terms of design and colors for her two stair runners. She selected one of the more popular painted canvas rugs designs of ferns; the wall paint was a jewel-colored green and with the dark wood floors we decided the painted border on the rugs should be more neutral with a brown border. As a contrast, my client opted for an additional striped area rug on the first landing incorporating the same colors as the stair runners, only with a green painted border.

One of the challenges with this project was the measuring of the two stair runners as I did not know exactly how the rug would lay (or is it lie?). Cotton canvas material is soft and pliable but once paint and varnish are applied, it becomes less flexible. The unknown question: would there be too little or too much length to the canvas rugs once installed?

When I arrived to make the installation, the client was thrilled with the final products; the canvas rugs (all 5) were exactly as she had visualized. But we still had to determine: were the canvas carpet runners going to look as good, once placed on the stairs and more importantly, would they be secure for both she and her dog? 

Using a soft, pliable putty to secure the canvas rugs to the wood stairs, we began installment at the top of the stairwell. Much to our delight the canvas softly curved at each step. We applied generous amounts of the putty along the runner sides to, hopefully, prevent any slippage of the material.

Once we got to the bottom of the upper flight of stairs we tested by walking, racing, skipping up and down the stairs. Ok..so far, so good! The lower stair case was longer and a bit deeper but again the canvas material gently flowed down the steps. The measurements I had taken allowing for the curve of the steps turned out exact; we were almost giddy when completed. 

The final test? Let the big guy in and encourage him up the stairs.

Buddy, a beautiful white Huskey sniffed suspiciously at the canvas rug at first. Then, when he heard his mama calling him from above, leaped up the stairs in a flurry, rounding the stairs at the landing without hesitation. No slips, no tumbles. The rug, too, stayed put.

Checking in frequently after the intial installment, I can confidently state: yes! canvas rugs as stair runners do work and work well. Carpet runners, for flat or stepped surfaces, do not have to be limited to carpeting material. Yeah!

 

 

Custom Canvas Rug + Interiors Style, Perfect for Heart Theme Decorating

 Last month a client asked me to come up with an idea to paint a custom canvas rug for her interiors style décor using a heart theme...just in time for Valentine's Day.     

Mmmm, I am not fond of hearts as a design theme; yes, they are cute for cards but for a rug? I had to set aside my own tastes, of course, and come up with a heart design that would work well for my client's home and something that she could enjoy and...live with.

Keeping in mind the soft-lined, hand painted effect of a black and white check design painted for a previous custom canvas rug request, I submitted the idea of black and white checks with handpainted hearts along the border. The client thought the design would work perfectly.

Instead of soft-lined edges with the previously painted check design, it worked best as a contrast with the hearts to paint sharp-edged black and white checks. To do this, tape was used to mark off the grid lines to make the checkered design sharp and distinct. Then, surrounding the check pattern, a thick black line was painted to frame the inner design and a white border painted on the outside for the heart theme design.

After all this straight and regimented painting, my hand started itching to freehand paint  the hearts. Working and painting away, all the while visitors coming and going throughout the process, I painted heart after little heart around the border to complete the design work.

The amazing thing on this job was that with the welcomed distraction of people in and out of my studio, each handpainted heart turned out equal in size; I guess the many years of painting have taken effect and I can actually produce a well painted design and chat at the same time!

The client now has a new, pretty canvas rug, perfect for her specific interiors style: unique, crisp, clean with the added heart theme. This custom rug is a cute addition to her home and a perfect Valentine's Day gift to herself!