I just finished working on this “U” shaped art deco mat. For most mats I design I do a little research. I usually learn a lot. For instance I learned that most art deco designs reflect it’s industrial age with a combination of sharp geometric shapes and rounded edges with metallic finishes. There is a playful, graphic, modern sophistication to the style. I enjoyed stepping back in time to paint this mat. Stay tuned for the finish piece.
I love creating mats that go under tables because I can frame the table perfectly. Tables are usually viewed with the chairs pushed in which provides a great opportunity to frame the table and provide an overall aesthetic view – table and mat working together as one. Case in point, the attached mat is framed by beautiful, colorful, square patterns divided by black lines that match the chairs and kitchen cabinets (not shown). The floor mat’s faux brown background compliments the base floor color perfectly. Using the same patterns as detailed highlights, I designed a small digitally printed floor mat that was placed in the kitchen at a doorway.
I recently finished two mats for a home that was built in the mid-1800’s. The owner had made major renovations in a way that kept the integrity and style of the old era but with an added contemporary twist. One mat was created for the kitchen to cover a floor that had had water damage and was designed to resemble a simple vintage linoleum floor with inlay. The client’s idea was to have it compliment the antique stove. The second mat’s design was plucked from my digitally printed collection called “Elegance” and color changes worked nicely in the classic upstairs guest bath. It was a privilege to see this house and to have the client’s floor mat ideas materialize.
One of the most common floor mat questions I get is “can these go outside?” Finally I can answer yes. I now am able produce indoor/outdoor digitally printed floor mats. These mats are printed on backside where the graphics are seen through the material. This vinyl flooring is durable and comes in multiple non-slip textures. The only downfall is they can be expensive and the size is limited to 4’x8′. The below image is a mat I produced for a graphic design client for whom I designed their logo. It’s a perfect solution for the entry of their little cafe to carry on their brand.
This brilliant black diamond kitchen runner is one of the longest floor mat’s I’ve ever produced at 17 feet long. The simple black and white design adds a lot of style to this newly remodeled kitchen. A side area was added to the kitchen and an additional small diamond mat helped unit the rooms (picture 2). Just goes to show that floor mats can add function and style to any room.
This weekend marks the 8th year of my participation at the Sonoma County Fall Home Show held at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. If you’re in the neighborhood come by see me and all the other wonderful home improvements booths. For more information about the show log onto www.scshows.com.
A client loved this popular, 1950s, now contemporary, fabric design and wanted it displayed on a mat in her kitchen. This is a good example of how an element of personal home decor could be incorporated into the floor on a mat. Imagine how your wallpaper, tile or fabric would look. It was fun to paint but hard to install this very large 12′ x 10′ floor mat.
Large graphic leaves fall together to create an earthy scene. Unique for a kitchen, this floor mat is located in a house nestled in the woods where rich golds, browns and greens thrive. No need for a rake here, just stand among the leaves and enjoy their comforting warmth.
Most of the designs in my digitally printed collection which appear on my website, started out as hand painted mats. The below Rose mat is a perfect example. This mat was recently ordered under the large category. The design was created 10 years ago and was one of my first hand painted mats. It translates beautifully digitally. Old school technique meets new school technology.
I only attend two home shows a year, Spring and Fall, and they are both located in Santa Rosa, California at the Sonoma County Fairground. The show starts this Friday the 15th around noon and ends Sunday the 17th at 6:00 pm. This is really the only time I meet and greet people publicly and discuss floor mats. So stop by my booth and say “hi”. There will be over 400 other booths with all types professionals from landscapers to roofers. It’s a great opportunity to get anwsers on all your home improvement questions. To learn more about the Home & Garden Show visit http://www.scshows.com.
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