Year-Round Valentine's Day

I've been struggling for the right words for Valentine's Day decorating, but am in a bit of a sugar cookie-induced haze. I had a speaking engagement today, and the lovely audience thanked me with a big tray of sugar cookies with inch-thick icing. I can barely move, much less form a coherant thought.

Instead of pontificating, here is a breakdown of some things that COULD be considered Valentine's Day specific, but are actually sold year-round. Therefore, you don't have to feel self-conscious displaying these wonderful things past Feb. 14th.

The Max Litterbox by Cats Rule, at Petco. I saw this over the weekend and really couldn't stop thinking about how this company managed to make a cat toilet so lovely and whimsical. See website for store locations.

The Fleur-de-lys drinking glass at Anthropologie (Rittenhouse Square) transforms simple tap water in to ambrosia. All for $8 a pop. I've been meaning to buy a set of these for a while, but have previously been put off by the somewhat hard edges and the teeming mass of humanity that descends on the store on Saturdays, my preferred shopping day. But someday, these will be mine.

But nothing says romance quite like this sexy tiger rug. All kidding aside, a tiger rug is great for breaking up the monotony of both your marriage and a monochromatic decorating scheme. Really. Everybody becomes much more interesting when a sassy rug is in a room. Head straight to Matthew Izzo to buy one.

Trend: Rugs Inspired by Crewel work

Anthropologie is putting the final nail in the all-white shabby-chic coffin with a collection of jewel toned rugs inspired by crewel work. The rugs, such as the Anatolian Crewel Rug (left), use graphic patterns and saturated color, but with an overall medieval feel. These would be equally at home in a modern room, or would look fabulous with dark antique furniture. Sort of reminds me of last fall's Dolce and Gabbana collection, with the folkloric appliques. Unfortunately, the wool fibers and dark color scheme would turn your dog's fur in to an unwitting accessory, but that's an easy to solve problem. Just put the dog in a less stylish room.

Handcrafted Textiles in Philadelphia...


Recently brought to my attention were the stunning and lovely handcrafted wares from local designers Galbraith & Paul. They offer everything from hand-tufted rugs (such as the Ivy rug, left), to hand-blocked lighting and textiles, all in a collection of prints that cull references from Marimekko to William Morris while maintaining an original, signature style. While their textiles (which can be customized) are available through the trade, pillows and lighting can be purchased through 2modern.com.

Keeping Your Backyard Safe From Stiltwalkers...

Did you know that the most common garden pest this year isn't the mosquito, but the ladies (myself included) who can't leave the house without their high heels? It's true. As the heat pushes us out of our apartments and in to our outdoor spaces- however microscopic they are- for entertaining, chances are that you'll have at least two guests who are slowly sinking in to the lawn.

Those with patios aren't really safe either- a short while ago, I got a heel stuck in between both a boardwalk-like walkway and in the mossy stuff in between bricks on a sidewalk. Since most of us stiltwalkers aren't ready to give up our heels, you can keep your garden, and your guests safe by using an outdoor rug.

Why an outdoor rug? An outdoor rug, such as this rainbow Plynyl Shag from Foster's Urban Homeware (124 N. 3rd) is usually made from weather-safe materials that'll keep mold and mildew away, while acting as a protective barrier between high heels and lawsuits. You can leave it outside for weeks on end and the only thing you'll have to worry about is a sudden wind blowing it away, Aladdin-like. Outdoor rugs can also look like your indoor rugs if you buy carefully: at left, is a polypropylene blend that mimics sisal, from Pottery Barn (4230 Main St. Manayunk; King of Prussia Mall; Market Square, Marlton). See other outdoor rugs from Pottery Barn.


But why can't I just use my indoor rug, outside? Personally, I'm all for using indoor things as outdoor decor- such as a (non-wired) decorative chandelier hung from a tree, a la Versailles- and I've been tempted to further the faux-aristocratic vibe by rolling out the Medici Rug from Scarlett Alley (241 Race St.) myself. HOWEVER. Natural, non-treated fibers can soak up the darndest things, even on a very nice day. Until I get a Dyson vacuum, I will keep my indoor rugs, indoors.

But that doesn't work both ways- outdoor rugs, since they are treated, can keep the allergens (there I go with the allergens again), small bugs and stubborn dirt away, making it perfectly fine to drag in to your apartment.

Modular Wallcovering.

One of the biggest trends last year was the InterfaceFlor Modular Carpet Tile System- with good reason, since it eliminated the circle of hell that is measuring for area carpeting. The customizable tiles made perfect sense for renters who wanted to add cheer to their apartments without incurring the wrath of a landlord, pet owners (each tile could be replaced easily) and those of us who can't commit to just one color of carpet.


Philadelphia-based MIO takes the modular concept one step further with their 3D wallcovering system. Each 12"x12" tile, made from recycled materials, is cut to produce a 3D effect. Mix and match the tiles (available in two styles: V2, left; and Flow) to create your own pattern.

Most use the tiles on just one area of a wall, but try tiling an entire room in one color. An entryway/foyer is an excellent place to start- just eliminate extraneous decorative accents. Juxtapose a traditional dining room set with walls covered in white V2 tiles. Keep the lighting low to soften the geometric effect.

Parsons Disease

My dears, I think I've officially seen one too many Parsons tables. The old, visually unassuming table that looks equally appealing with crayons or fine china, has officially run its course. And oddly enough, that course ends in my doctor's office.

My doctor recently overhauled her waiting room, replacing the hard, office carpet-upholstered, scoop-bottom chairs (the sort that come pre-molded to accomodate a behind, and yes, I've also wondered who the manufacturers modeled the hind-part after) with a sterile array of geometric furniture. There was nothing but sharp corners and edges, with nothing to reassure you for the paper-gowned future that awaits. It was as if my doctor imported the most charmless part of a German research facility and plunked it down in her persian-carpeted corner of New Jersey, and the effect was very alarming.

I left with antibiotics and a very strong urge to paint my work desk gold (and I did, using 2.5 canisters of Rust-oleum 7270 from the Home Depot). Not only am I now secure in my writing desk's ability to repel rust, but I have also determined that now is about the time for a Rococo-esque revival. Why? Because the Rococo style, with its more-is-better approach, is very cheerful and a lot more soothing than a loft full of sharp lines and harsh cold tones.

But don't ready yourself to pillage Donatella Versace's humble abode just yet. Ironically, the best way to incorporate Rococo is through moderation: paint an odd piece of furniture (my writing desk used to be a very old vanity with a very old paint job) gold, upgrade your mouldings to a more ornate style. The key is to designate a specific focal point to go to town over.

A slightly less dirt-interactive option is to simply buy a carpet. I just adore the Medici Rug from Scarlett Alley (241 Race Street): Mocha for a statement, Aqua for the more timid.