Thank you again to all who voted in the Rug Runoff; the rug has arrived and I couldn’t be more thrilled with your pick! Le Poeme adds just the right amount of pattern and contrast to the room. The color of the cursive picks up the chocolate tone of the couch and the beige backdrop is nice moment of calm amidst the silver sage walls and fuchsia accents.
I love the fact that the pattern comes from the words of a French fable, but I didn’t want the verses to feel quite so obvious. By turning the rug in the opposite direction and having the text run upside down, it doesn’t scream script; instead, you see a swirling pattern before it registers as cursive.
I was a little concerned that, as an outdoor rug, it might feel crispy and awful to the touch, but it’s surprisingly soft. The letters have a raised pile and give it just enough texture. Plus, the all-weather surface is bound to buy us a little spill security.
But perhaps the best part about this rug, after a year of fiendish decor spending, is that an 8-by-10-foot was only $579 at Ballard Designs. That was hundreds, if not a thousand, less than the others in the runoff (thank you).
Le Poeme is also available with black script and will be available in sage and denim in spring 2010.
When we moved into our apartment last year, we worked as quickly as possible to make it our own–painting, wallpapering, changing hardware, excavating fireplaces, and refinishing floors until there was virtually no trace of the former tenants Jersey/Tuscan villa touches. Though for some reason the easiest thing to change has been one of the last on the list: the kitchen chandelier. 
At this price ($199) and with this photo, we actually almost bought multiple lamps. Lined up in a row, I cant think of more drama for your dollar. Mike and I measured it out and realized it would a bit much for the space, but if you’ve got a contemporary rectangular dining table in need of a lighting soul mate, two or three of these will be the match made in heaven.