"Design Happens"

Wanna know what it feels like to have the world at your feet? (Or, at least certain parts of the world?) Munich-born designer David Hanauer can make that dream come true for you with his WorldWide Carpets. From a distance, the patterns on his works could pass for Persian, but up close you can see that they’re actually screenshots taken from Google Earth.

The photos are mainly from the areas around Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and I love the way he’s used the shapes and sprawl of urban planning for such a kaleidoscopic effect. My personal favorite above (WWC #3 “City of Hope”) is a single rug, but because of the way the patterns repeat, the rugs can easily be tiled to cover a whole floor. You can see more of the rugs — or if you’re feeling inspired, purchase some — at Hanauer’s site.

Briana is a writer and senior editor for HGTV.com. Her self-described design style is "mid-century modern magpie." She lives in a Brooklyn apartment with her fiancé, their spoiled dachshund, Chauncey, and approximately one million old shelter magazines. She cannot wait until she is a home owner, and can wallpaper and/or tile just about every available surface.