apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This glance at Canadian interiors is really interesting. I recognize the blend of American and European styles through the use of both modern and traditional pieces. Thanks for the post ! I'll look for more soon!

Am I the only one creeped out by a rug on a table?

baltimorerowhouse:
You're not alone, which is why I usually swap it for a tablecloth when friends come over for dinner. But I'm a huge fan of old Dutch and early American interiors, where rugs were commonly used on tables. And the rug IS clean...

I'm not creeped out by it, but I do wonder why you'd want to put a rug on a table.

The rug on the table is a 16th/17th century practice: here's the official portrait for the Somerset House Conference, for an example.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/The_Somerset_House_Conference_19_August_1604.jpg

As long as the rug is clean, it works.

Hmm. Still not getting it. Did they not have tablecloths back then?

I love that Chicago is covering Canada but still wish we had a specific AT: Canada thread. We see a lot of Montreal but there is interesting design right across the country...

Plus, I'd like to see scavenger posts where I'm not paying duty, be able to enter contests, and see resources on this side of the 49th.

I agree. Regina's doing a great job in Montreal, but we need an AT Canada. For those of us who don't have Target or West Elm or DWR or Pottery Barn or....

Ditto Kelaine!

AT Canada please.
More West covereage. The west rocks!
For those of us who have Home Sense and Home Outfitters and The Bay and Urban Barn and...

Oh ya and I second the Canadian discrimination of AT contests: US residents only!
So sad.

Uh Janel, Montreal is not representative of "Canadian Homes". Home tours of spaces in Quebec does not wholly reflect ALL OF CANADA!!
Please, most Montrealers passionately consider themselves Québécois before Canadian!
Sheesh. Work your way outside Quebec please for true CANADIAN style!

Canada is very influenced by Britain -- we do have a Queen, you know that right?

But i agree about having an AT Canada. Where is AT San Francisco and their coverage of BC, Alberta, Sask etc.? Just give us our own will ya!

AT Canada... I need one. So as everybody else!

...As for the carpet on the table, I understand the practice and origins...the only thing is that this one looks a bit used and dusty, hence the surprise shared by some readers and myself.

Marie-Eve, It's more than "a bit" used -- it's an antique, and way too frail to use on the floor. But it's not dusty at all; it's just faded.

A lot of my textiles were inexpensive because they're on their last legs. I also have an antique suzani on my bedside table that's too frail to hang on the wall -- the fabric would rip apart just from it's own weight.

But I love old, hand-made things, and try to rescue them and find new uses for them whenever I can.