Agate Accessories: Jewelry for the Home

These natural beauties have been showing up for months in jewelry and in home accessories. From bookends and wine stoppers, to plates and coasters, these little gems are a piece of jewelry for the home. Agate is the oldest stone in recorded history. These semi-precious stones are typically formed when water flows through lava holes. Many of the gems come from Brazil, according to Rablabs.

agate

image via Rablabs

Geode agates are rocks with a small cavity containing crystals or other minerals as shown here in these bookends.

Agate Bookendsimage via Rablabs

Coasters and platters are quite popular and their edges are usually left natural and unpolished. Platters like these from Rablads, have sterling silver or 24K gold added to the edges.

Agate Platters

 

West Elm offers these precious coasters in a deep Aegean blue color which is perfect for any cocktail table.

Agate Coasters- West Elm

And last but not least, I would love to see this every day in my home. Blue agate at its best!Agate Wall

image via pinterest

Cowhide Rugs: Pattern and Patchwork

Cowhides…either you love them or hate them. You want one, or you will never own one. Plain and simple.

Cowhide rugs are more popular than ever and have made a new design statement when it comes to the various patterns that are now available. The typical cowhide shape is still popular but the new trend is the patterned and patchwork hides. You can purchase a hide in varying styles and patterns including stripes, chevron and patchwork.

Cowhide Rugs - Patchwork Design

image via House and Home – Designer Nam Dang- Mitchell

Available in many color combinations, they can even be dyed to a color of your choice. At the recent Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, there was a wonderful representation shown by Saddlemans.

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This serene living area uses this patchwork rug to ground the neutral sofa. Hints of blue also add a sense of restfulness to the space.

Cowhide Rugs Interior Walls Designs

image via House Beautiful June 2011 – Designer Sally Markham

Designer Kristine Paige Kamenstein brings interest and texture to this foyer by  introducing the neutral geometric cowhide .

Cowhide Rugs Interior Walls Designs

image via Angeleno Interiors Spring 2010