Kathy Ireland's Beautiful Home

I love these photos of Kathy Ireland's beautiful home that I found at Home and Garden.

The rooms in this house are gorgeous, warm, comfortable and inviting.  To me this is what Home is supposed to be all about; a place that speaks to you and reflects who you are.  Also an inviting refuge from the outside world and you so much look forward to returning there.

I love Kathy Ireland's eclectic style.

Swedish Home Interior Decorating

I love, love , love Swedish home decor.  Why?  Because it looks so clean, clean, clean and neat, neat, neat.  The following pictures may freak you out if you are tired of seeing white as the main color scheme in home decor.

I love basic white as a background with some color infusion here and there; especially if pinks, blues and greens are used.  In Swedish design curtains are usually missing but I do prefer having curtains (in crisp sheer cotton white).  Curtains add femininity to a home.  I do not like window shades.       

I love to look of painted white wood floors, but they get dirty quickly so this is one thing that I stay clear of.  I almost painted my wood floors white but I am glad that I didn't. 
 

French Aubusson Area Rugs

When I was growing up my Mom had wall to wall carpeting going on all throughout our house.  As a result I cannot stand wall to wall carpeting today.  Back in the 1970's and 80's so many people covered up beautiful hardwood floors with wall to wall carpeting.  It is supposed to help save on heat, but I will never cover up all of my floors with wall to wall carpet.

What I do love are French Aubusson area rugs.  I have 15 rooms in my home and one Aubusson rug in pink.  My Mom gave it to me and I am very thankful.  Area rugs do not cover up your entire wood flooring and add a touch of elegance a room.  I would love to get at least one more French Aubusson rug for my home. 

The French Aubusson area rug that my Mom gave me is very similar in look to this one. 

History of Aubusson Carpets

The history of Aubusson rugs dates back to the Renaissance period in the town of Aubusson located on the banks of the River Creuse in the Creuse valley of central France about 200 miles from Paris.  The first looms were likely set up in Aubusson in the 1300s by Flemish refugees, but tapestry and rug production did not begin there until the 16th century.

Aubusson rugs’ history is rich and a significant part of the revival of the arts of the Renaissance period.  They were hand woven flat weave wool rugs and tapestries originally based on Turkish designs.  In 1665 and thereafter, Aubusson rug designs were based on the motifs of Savonnerie rugs.  Prior to this time, Savonnerie rugs were only available to the King, with design and production overseen by the artists and weavers of the royal courts.  With Aubusson rug designs mimicking those of Savonnerie rugs, they became available to anyone who could afford them, typically the upper class and sophisticated aristocracy of Europe.

The long history of Aubusson rugs would come to an end around 1870 when production of these rugs ceased in the town of Aubusson.  However, for more than two hundred years the weavers at Aubusson created beautiful hand woven rugs that were revered throughout Europe.  Today, it is still possible to enjoy these rugs as they continue to be replicated in India, Pakistan, China, and Iran.

 

( I obtained this information from Aubusson Rugs History)

Here are photos of more beautiful French Aubusson Rugs
 

 The above rug would make a gorgeous wall tapestry.

 This French rug above and the one below would also serve well as wall tapestries.

I found all of these photos from Google image search.  If a photo belongs to you and you want credit feel free to let me know.  Some of the photos are from nazmiyalantiquerugs.com

where you can purchase some of these Aubusson rugs.