Style & Decor Blog

Coming soon to a pool near you… It may look like wood, but the decking around this pool (no, that’s not my own backyard… Unfortunately…) is actually ceramic tile. In addition to its durability, this particular series has anti-slip properties. I wonder if that means horseplay IS allowed on this deck?

Gomez Y Gomez Teka Tecnic series ceramic tiles (3.1 x 17.3″ each)

For more information: Tiles of Spain 

I’m not normally one to get excited over laminate flooring, but IKEA’s latest is surely one of the greatest new flooring options of late. It’s called Markland, and it’s the glossiest, whitest, lacquered-look flooring you’re going to find at such a stellar price point (less than $30 per square metre… Craziness!)…  I had the chance to feature a Markland floor in a photoshoot for the May issue of STYLE AT HOME, and then saw it installed — as wallcovering, no less — at IKEA’s showstopping space at the IDS a week ago, and my enthusiasm keeps growing. Definitely one to file under “cheap n’ chic”!

Markland laminate flooring

Price: $26.79 per square metre

Available at: IKEA, 866-866-4532

We’ve always been big fans of Angela Adams here at STYLE AT HOME. The prolific Maine-based designer is probably best known for her hand-tufted rugs, inspired by the natural beauty of the east coast. She’s just added two new designs to her portfolio, and one in particular — which Angela’s named “Betty” after her mother-in-law — is already standing out as a 2009 design classic. I’m normally not a fan of yellow, but this Honey colourway is just delicious, and the vaguely fish-scale motif is uber-trendy and makes for a wonderful transitional piece that’s super versatile. 

Angela Adams’ Betty rug in Honey

Price: From $349 US (3×5′) to $1,699 US (8×10′)

Available at: Angela Adams, 800-255-9454

Haberdashery always translates so well to the home, whether it’s upholstery in a somber suit-style pinstripe, or draperies in tone-on-tone silk taken from a necktie. The current vogue for geek chic has seen bold reinterpretations of menswear-inspired home textiles, and I’m wild for this grand-scale argyle pattern carpet, in a chic and sexy achromatic scheme. It’s preppy and playful, and generously sized at 8-by-11-feet.

Price: $799

Available at: The Home Depot, 800-628-0525 for stores and to order.