February 19, 2004

Drive-By Style

Want to class up your Ford F-150 pickup?

Order some luxurious Oriental carpet floor mats, now available through a collaboration with Stark Carpet and Racemark International at www.ggbailey.com or 866-644-2245.

A set of front and rear floor mats either in Ishtar (red background) or Hereke (black) Ottoman Turkish designs will set you back $250, whether you drive a truck or Jag. The mats are made of durable Wilton-weave polypropylene that is backed with foam to prevent shifting underfoot. Dozens of sizes are available; just click in your car’s make and year.

Stark, maker of floor coverings for the decorating trade since 1946, has had frequent requests for luxury car mats over the years. “We’ve always had clients who wanted custom car mats, like the animal prints and other woven designs.” says Ed Haleman, general manager for Stark Carpet in new York. “The car mat is the only part of the car you can update yourself and make it look like a fresh new car again.”

Car mats could become the latest seasonal decorating opportunity. “My wife has a custom antelope design in her SUV,” says Haleman. “In the spring, she changes to a floral. ”