Posted by Caren – October 24, 2007 5:13 PM
Tags: country, designer
Because I've lived in suburban homes most of my life — think hardwood, wool rugs and shaggy carpet — I tend to forget about alternative flooring options. So when Lisa Curry Mair contacted me today about her Canvasworks Floorcloths company, I have to admit that I'd never given much thought to canvas as an area rug. But how incredibly practical for a family with young tots, a kitchen table and flying spaghetti sauce! Or for single me, with a messy dog and a propensity to always spill something when I'm cooking dinner.
The truth is, oilcloth rugs have been around since European settlers first came to America. According to this short video tour of Lisa's studio, floorcloths actually came directly from the sails of the pilgrims' ships — talk about a quick design solution for drafty hardwood floors!
While you'd probably imagine these in reproduction or restored historical homes, I can see how many of Lisa's designs could work into rustic, country or cottage settings. Each canvas rug is made to order according to your exact specifications, or you can order from 15 of her most requested floorcloths — including a timeless harlequin pattern in a variety of colors.
You can't get more authentic than having your canvas floorcloth handpainted in the carriage-house wing of an 18th century farmhouse! Thanks, Lisa, for sharing your floorcloths with us.
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Congratulations to you Lisa! I've been talking about you for years to my clients. My best personal wishes for you and much success to you, as always. You are a gifted artist and it's so wonderful to see you receive this volume of press. Go Lisa!!
Best regards,
Maria Perron, ASID
Village House Interiors, Bristol, NH
Posted by Maria Perron – October 25, 2007 2:12 PM
Several years ago when I remodeled the kitchen in a Willamsburg themed home, I couldn't figure out what to put on the hardwood floors. I saw an ad for Lisa's floorcloths and contacted her. She had me send her pictures, paint samples, measurements and what I had in mind. Lisa created the most amazing works of art for my floor - two of them, a large and small. We have three dogs and a child so they have had lots of activity and still look great. I can't think of anything that would have looked better or anyone who could have done a better job. Lisa was a pleasure to work with and made sure I was a satisfied customer.
Posted by Barbara Ritter – October 25, 2007 5:55 PM
Lisa's floorcloths are truly "a touch of class."
I'm trying to talk my husband into taking a "road trip" to visit her studio in Vermont! When I decorate my dining room with one, I'll be doing the "Shakers" proud!
Posted by Joan Rancatore – October 25, 2007 8:36 PM
I have one of Lisa's early floorcloths--I think I got it about ten years ago. It is located in front of my kitchen sink, and despite all those years of heavy use it has remained flat, the colours are still vibrant and it shows little sign of wear.
Posted by Laura King – October 26, 2007 10:24 AM
I took a class that Lisa taught at her studio & have my own little floor cloth by the kitchen sink - still loving it after several years of daily use. I always loved going to her studio in Weathersfield at different times of the year to see Lisa's latest designs.
Posted by Ellen Ballard – October 28, 2007 2:46 AM
Don't let bad design happen to your home! Caren Baginski, HGTV.com's decorating editor, discovers inspiration to help you on your way to design victory.
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