Category: History of Design

What Kind of Rug Is It?

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Most Americans refer to any wool area rug with geometric designs and flowers, as an “Oriental Rug” or “Persian Rug”.  At one time the ancient Persian Empire extended from North Africa to India, and included Turkey and Armenia. The world of rugs and carpets includes over 10,000 different types, identified by the patterns of the villages in which they were woven.  There are thousands of unique peoples and languages in this part of the world, with a history of weaving dating back at least 7,000 years.  Most of the rugs [...]

What is Hollywood Regency Design?

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Some of the accessories are very theatrical - such as extra-tall white plaster floor lamps with palm fronds, or mirrored dressing tables and fainting couches covered in satin or velvet. Lacquered and mirrored surfaces sparkled. While it is not apparent in the old black and white movies, the interiors were often brightly colored.

Formal dining room in British colonial style - exotic toile, flowers and mahogany.

True British Colonial Style

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"British colonial style" has become popular in recent years. Mahogany "campaign" furniture, bamboo and rattan, wicker and leather, and design elements such as monkeys, palm trees, and ticking stripes have invaded our homes. But what does "British colonial style" really mean? Where and when did it orginate?