What could tequila and a sisal floor rug possibly have in common? I know. There are so many great punch lines that could follow, but there’s actually a legitimate answer. They both have the same origin: the Agave plant.

Sisal is a natural fiber cultivated from the Agave plant, the same plant used to create tequila. But unlike tequila, sisal’s benefits are long-term! Sisal is highly durable and strong, and has been used in the making of twine and rope since the beginning of civilization. And the use of sisal rugs can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt.

This rich history comes with good reason. Sisal is naturally stain resistant, fire-retardant and doesn’t build up static electricity like synthetic materials. The fiber also does not compress or show wear patterns like modern wall-to-wall carpeting. And sisal is much stronger than most other natural fibers found in rugs, such as flax, jute and hemp. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Here are some fabulous finds in sisal to add to your home.

Kerman Sisal Area Rug. Priced from $115.00; www.naturalhomerugs.com.

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Design inspiration can come from anywhere, but most often it comes from what we see. And this time of year, I see flowers everywhere! From lush roses to tranquil lilies, inspiration for beautiful design abounds. Nature has always inspired me and I’m guessing I’m not alone.

So let’s have a little fun! Take a look at these gorgeous rooms and see if you agree with the flowers that I think inspired them.

The Sunflower. With its maple and black cabinetry and warm yellow walls, this kitchen has “sunflower” written all over it. Black pots are even suspended in the middle of the yellow room, invoking the center of the flower. And is there any flower more fitting to inspire a warm and inviting space?

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It was my lucky day recently! While shopping for a client at Renaissance Tile & Bath in the Dallas Design District, I happened to cross paths with Jamie Beckwith, a leading trendsetter in wood tile design.

With Jamie Beckwith at Renaissance Tile & Bath

Her collection of tiles, the Jamie Beckwith Collection, has revolutionized the use of wood in surface treatments. Her hardwood tile series can be used virtually anywhere and adds exquisite detail, texture and warmth to the most unexpected places. Walls, floors and ceilings are now the canvases for intricate wood patterns and designs.

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What’s better than dressing up in roaring ‘20s style for a fabulous night? Dressing up in roaring ‘20s style for an important cause.

Catching up with Stephanie Haney, www.themovemagicians.com

CASA of Collin County recently held their annual gala to benefit abused and neglected children, and the night was a huge success! The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and always receives tremendous local support.

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When does an interior designer turn into a kid in a candy store? When she walks into a room full of fabric swatches!

Selecting fabrics and putting together a design color board for clients is one of my favorite things to do. It’s almost like being a child creating the perfect ice cream sundae…picking the right flavors, adding sprinkles, syrups, whip cream and then finishing it all off with a cherry on top. Of course, instead of ice cream and confections, it’s luxurious fabrics, rugs and furnishings. A smile is spreading across my face just thinking about it!

We recently created this color board for a client and it represents my design philosophy so well – neutral with a pop!

Anyone who knows me knows I love color, but I like to design with neutral furnishings and add color through accessories. Designing around neutrals helps insure timeless design, instead of design based on trends.

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If you’re like me, you may think the tradition of “spring cleaning” started with some overzealous June Cleaver type. But spring cleaning has actually been around for millenniums and for good reason. There are many religious customs associated with spring cleaning, but it also clearly originated out of necessity.

Prior to the twentieth century, the cooking of food and heating of the home had to be done by coal or wood burning stoves. The soot and smoke from the stoves blackened walls, dirtied drapes and carpets along with everything else in the house. This required constant cleaning which was naturally more difficult during the cold winter months when windows were kept shut and stoves were burned more often.

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Isn’t it funny how something will spark a memory, a really good memory?  I’d like to share something with you that you probably don’t know about me. My heritage is Italian, my grandparents came to the United States from Italy in the early 1900’s. So that makes me 100% Italian and is probably why I love all things Italian, especially the food!  

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It’s hard not to have noticed the recent explosion of tribal patterns in interior design, and for good reason. Nothing is quite as intriguing as the combination of bold patterns and texture in tribal textiles. The designs simply beg to be touched and add instant interest and vibrancy to any space. But just what are those patterns you’re seeing in all the stores and magazines? Here’s the scoop!

Ikat started the recent trend and quickly spread everywhere, from fashion to interiors. It is one of the oldest forms of textile decoration and is a weaving style common to many world cultures. The word ikat (pronounced ee-KAHT) comes from the Malay-Indonesian word mengikat which means to tie or bind.

Ikat is known for its elaborate, multicolored patterns and “mirror-image” symmetry.  Whatever pattern or design is woven on the right is duplicated on the left in reverse order or at regular intervals. Beautiful blurs in coloration are also frequently present.

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I was recently invited to a magazine launch party for Estate Life Magazine, which was held at a gorgeous 3-story French estate home constructed by Sharif & Munir Custom Homes. After touring the home, I knew its design had to be shared!

Not only is the artistry of the house simply stunning, but at over 14,000 square feet, the design possibilities are almost limitless. I could go on and on, but it’s truly pictures and not words that are the star of this show. Take a look and see if you agree!

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Life may be like “a box of chocolates,” as Forrest Gump would say. But that doesn’t mean everyone wants one for Valentine’s Day. If you want to give your loved one something that lasts longer than a sweet confection, check out these fabulous finds. Each one is sure to put a smile on their face.

Smith & Hawken Cream Curved Wood Wreath; 21.25″. Priced at $33.99; www.target.com.

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