What are you up to this weekend? We're looking forward to seeing the new Matisse show - In search of True Painting - at the Met.

This show is a bit different than a normal artist retrospective. The curator placed several variations of Matisse's paintings side by side, so that we - the viewers - can examine the detailed differences ourselves.

Matisse was obsessive about reworking his paintings - he often revised them again and again.

He tested different techniques like painting dark colors over bright ones to create a soft underglow, or playing with varying styles of brushstrokes to produce interesting textures.

About his meticulous nature, Matisse said he wanted to "push further and deeper into true painting."

We love that for Matisse, the process of creation was just as important as the finished canvas.

We're looking forward to letting our eyes linger over each piece and trying to spy all the intricate variations and tonal nuances in his work!

Images via The New York Times and Vogue.

This week we're touting our beautiful Mini Stripe rug, and I wanted to share the story of how this gorgeous rug came to be.

Five years ago I was traveling in Nepal, one of my favorite destinations for inspiration.

I had recently renovated my loft apartment and was searching (as I always am) for textures and details to add to my new home or to inspire my work.

By chance, I came across a young couple who were making the most beautiful and luxurious silk and wool custom rugs - and it was love at first sight. I knew I had to have them make the rugs for my apartment.

After much back and forth with them, getting the exact size, color and construction just right - my rugs arrived a few weeks later.

The rugs became an obsession - and everyone that stepped foot in my home became as obsessed with them as I was. I knew that if my friends and I could be THAT taken with a rug, I needed to bring them to the DwellStudio customer as well. So I set out on a mission: to recreate my beautiful rug with our source in India.

The talented people that make our Mini Stripe rugs are as obsessed with pile and quality as I am - each piece is made with the most luxurious wool, and a thread of viscose is shot through to give a bit of shine.

These rugs are the perfect non-neutral neutral - and go anywhere. Our entire office is now obsessed with the rug - we all have them in our homes.

Here you see it in our EVP, Jennifer Chused's Brooklyn apartment.

We welcomed our favorite editors and bloggers into our flagship store on this chilly NYC morning to preview our beautiful new spring 2013 collection. We loved sharing our latest line of bedding, furniture and home accessories with everyone, and we can't wait to share more with you! Here's a little sneak peek...

P.S. this year we were live pinning on Pinterest from the event, so make sure you follow us for all the latest DwellStudio news!

We asked our design team to tell us a few secrets... well, sort of! We got the down-lo on our team's favorite places to look for style inspiration... from home to fashion to art.

For all things cutting-edge culture Nowness rules.

Our senior designer Jenn is obsessed with Sight Unseen for the coolest studio visits.

To satisfy our thirst for all things French (and those amazing fashion illustrations) we turn to Garance Dore.

For beautiful interiors and on-the-road views from Peggy's travels On Blue Pool Road is endlessly inspiring.

For the most artful interiors, we love For Pilar.

When we're in need of a little masculine haberdashery you'll find our design department browsing Mr. Porter's Journal.

And of course for closet envy we adore The Coveteur.

We love daydreaming about the beautiful spaces captured by The Brick House.

Can't get enough of the aesthetic musings from I'm Revolting.

We turn to Miss Moss for everything from food to fashion to house tours.

We adore the whimsical fashion and home-inspo guides from Penny Weight.

Totally obsessed with the dreamy interviews and house tours on Tales of Endearment.

Who are you loving right now? We would LOVE to know!

We wish we could jet set to London this weekend to see Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde's stunning cloud portraits (dubbed the Nimbus series) at the Ronchini Gallery.

Berndnaut creates these breathing images by injecting a delicate balance of smoke and moisture into a meticulously backlit room.

The final product is a set of surreal photographs - clouds floating indoors. The images feel so magical, don't you think?

What are your weekend plans? We would LOVE to know!

Images via This is Colossal.

We asked our design team for a few quick and easy ways to refresh the home in 2013. Here's their expert advice!

(clockwise from top left)

1. We love to add drama with lighting, and the perfect way to do this is with an artfully sculptural lamp.

2. Sometimes all a space needs is a shot of color. Hanging modern artwork is an easy way to brighten up a room.

3. Don't have the budget for a new sofa? No worries! Pop a graphic pillow on the sofa for an instant living room facelift.

4. Home organization is always at the top of our New Year's Resolution list. Choosing a handsome bedside or coffee table is a chic way kickstart the organization motivation.

5. One of the easiest ways to update a room is to add interesting pieces like decorative accessories—like jewelry for the home. A simple brass candle stick can add an interesting layer of glamour.

6. We hear that some people are afraid to use a bold rug, but a graphic rug in vibrant hues can add a jolt of excitement to an otherwise neutral room.

What are your favorite ways to update your space? We would love to know!

From gorgeous Marrakesh interiors to Souk street food, we're feeling inspired by our creative director Christiane's trip to Morocco! Grab your bags because we're go Behind the Studio - as we tag along with Christiane and her family on their amazing adventures in Morocco...

See more snaps from Morocco on Pinterest and follow Christiane on Twitter and Instagram for live updates!

New York City is all atwitter as it readys itself for the famous ball drop tonight... Here are some vintage snaps of this classic New York tradition!

All images via Pinterest.

Have a lovely New Year's Eve!

We adore winter in NYC - the misty snow, faux fur coats, knitted caps, ice skating and sipping warm cocktails! Here are some of our favorite NYC winter moments...

(Image via Flickr.)

A Hot Toddy by the fire at the Bowery Hotel is our favorite cold-weather remedy.

(Image via B/Eats.)

Nothing beats ice skating in central park.

(Image via Blog.)

The stunning Swarovski snowflake above 5th Avenue.

And the holiday windows, of course!

We love the amazing public art installations throughout the city like Madison Square Park's Buckyball, a towering 30-foot tall, illuminated sculpture.

What are your favorite things about NYC in the winter? We would love to know!

Wishing you holiday happiness from all of us at DwellStudio!