My Quest to Learn Everything

After visiting a kitchen showroom the other night, I decided that the best approach I could take to becoming a successful designer is to first get a thorough knowledge of New York showrooms and vendors.  I realized that if someone asked me to spec a piece of furniture, I wouldn't know where to start in this town. Over the next couple of months, I am on a journey to get an essential idea of what is here, and then continue to stay updated.
Reinforcing this idea, I opened up Elle Decor last night and there were great interviews with five successful women designers.  When asked to give advice to people starting out, here's what they had to say:

"Do your homework. Inform yourself on a daily basis. Study magazines. Go to museums. Attend lectures. Ignorance isn’t bliss." - Charlotte Moss

"Train your eye. Whether you’re going to a museum or a flea market or flipping through a book, always be on the lookout for something special." - Kelly Wearstler

"Your business needs a raison d’être [reason to be; driving purpose]. Be prepared to work 24 hours a day, and be willing to take risks. And you have to love it or you won’t succeed." - Josie Natori

"Work for—and learn from—someone who is successful. Also, travel abroad and expand your horizons by visiting museums, galleries, important architectural sites—and understand why these things have influenced design and style. Read." - Michelle Nussbaumer

"As I say to my sons—who are all artistic—be like a sponge; soak up everything. Working in this industry, you touch upon so many different ideas." - Holly Hunt

I am very excited.  And coincidentally, I'm going to update more frequently with products, textiles, materials, or furniture that I find in New York that I like.  

Starting with this rug:

Map
Harry Allen
Dune


Number one I love maps.  This rug is just phenomenal, not only because of the visual interest and the path that your eye travels.  If you look at it as a pattern, it becomes a whole new image.  I can't get enough. 

What city is this?  Paris?



Venice?