Atlanta — New rugs being introduced this week at the Atlanta International Rug Market reflect the industry's deepening commitment to casual contemporary looks.
But, on the other side of the style spectrum, a mini-revival of ornate Oriental rug designs at all price levels and all constructions is under way.
One of the freshest trends in 2005 is the experimentation with rugs that are uniquely American, both in construction and in pattern effects.
This market, four design trends are in the spotlight: Casual Geometry, Classy Classics, Florabunda and American Inspirations.
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Casual Geometry: Casual contemporary looks are the fastest-growing design category in rugs. They're not wedded to a distinct interior styling, so these rugs are flexible and easy to use with a variety of decors. Soft edges have widespread appeal and staying power.
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Classy Classics: Oriental rug styling never goes out of style. In recent years, these luxury looks have become available at every price point. They are interpreted in machine-made and hand-tufted constructions as well as traditional hand-knots.
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Florabunda: This year's florals are bold and sassy, not shy and retiring. Botanically accurate petal renderings are replacing the stylized leaf patterns of a few years ago.
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American Inspirations: Rug makers are exporing the treasures of America's crafting skills. Many of the new collections feature designs, materials and constructions from the past. Others are just plain fun.
All showroom numbers are for AmericasMart Atlanta. Prices are suggested retail.
Casual Geometry
ART RESOURCES 3D10
Bars has a lean, linear look, but softened edges and wavy lines give it easy attitude. Hand-knotted in Pakistan, $1,200 in 5 by 8.
COMPANY C 10E20
Mughal Stripes brings a modern linear feeling to Old World Indian motifs. Part of the Global collection. Hand-tufted in India of wool, $495 in 4′6″ by 6′6.″
SPHINX BY ORIENTAL WEAVERS 3A2, 3C11
Rock 'n' roll shapes and taupe coloration are reminiscent of midcentury modern designs. Lava collection is machine-made in Egypt of wool, with hand-carving. $399 in 5′3″ by 7′9″.
LOLOI RUGS 4C7
Caprise has a hefty texture and a soft, fresh color palette. Hand-tufted of 100% wool in rich earth tones. $350 for a 5 by 7′6″.
KARASTAN 3A1
Skylight is inspired by the stained glass windows of the Prairie School of architecture. New Zealand wool, woven and finished in Belgium. $499 in 5′7″ by 7′10.″
NOURISON 3F2
Cubix has a stark, dark intensity softened by the supple patina and muted colorations. Machine-made of premium polypropylene yarns, $250 in 6 by 9.
COURISTAN 6D11
Caribbean Vista may be inspired by nomadic Gabbeh designs, but the rich, sensuous colors read contemporary. 100% semi-worsted Virgin wool. $350 in 5′6″ by 8′.
Classy Classics
HAROUNIAN RUGS INTERNATIONAL 6A1
Romance offers the delicate look of Persian garden designs. Hand-tufted in India of wool with artificial silk accents. $399 in 5 by 8.
MILLIKEN 6E3
The Kashmiran collection of Oriental and Persian designs is tufted of wool and patterned using the Millitron injection-dye technique. $299 in 6 by 9.
828 INTERNATIONAL 6F1
The Verashar collection is hand-tufted in India. Blended handspun Gazni wool is twisted to give the rugs a thicker hand and heavier texture. $399 in 5 by 8.
SHAW LIVING 6B5
Shaw Living's Kathy Ireland Imperial Garden pattern, from the First Lady collection, emulates the intricate patterns of historically referenced hand-knotted rugs. Machine-made of Ever Touch soft-hand nylon, the rugs are priced at $499 for a 5 by 8.
KALATY 4G14
A bold black backdrop updates a centuries-old design — the Bashir collection of India-Peshawar designs. $2,000 in 6 by 9.
Florabunda
THE RUG MARKET 5A8
Marvelous Design packs a powerful punch in acid green and soft blues. It's 1960s-style Flower Power. Hand-tufted of modacrylic, $250 in 5 by 8.
UNITED WEAVERS 4C9
Vincent, from the Dimensions collection, has an Asian serenity that fits with today's relaxed contemporary looks. Heavyweight twisted and heat-set polypropylene yarns with drop-stitch carving. $200 in 6 by 9.
TRANS OCEAN 6C9
The cabbage roses and French motifs bear the unmistakable aesthetic of furniture designer Lillian August. Chancellor collection is hand-hooked in China. Wool, $299 in 4′10″ by 7′10.″
SURYA 4A5
Goa's delicate tendrils and finely drawn florals bring to mind the crewel-work embroidery of south India. The Goa collection coordinates with fabrics in the Rowe furniture line. Hand-tufted in India. Wool, $399 in 5 by 8.
HOMEFIRES BY DESIGN 6E6
Roses on White has the fresh, clean look of polished chintz. From the Annabelle & Ashley collection, it's part of the Homefires by Design line. 100% cotton, hand-tufted in China in cut-and-loop construction, $399 in 5 by 8.
HELLENIC 6G12
Bob Mackie can never be called a wallflower. The fashion and furniture designer makes his debut as a licensee of Hellenic Rugs. $349 in 6 by 9.
American Inspirations
FUN RUGS 10D13
What's more fun than a fresh box of crayons? My Colors is hand-tufted in China using non-flammable modacrylic fiber. $49.99 in 47″ by 47."
DELOS 3E1
American Folk Art themes have a rustic sophistication in Delos' Primitive Twig licensed designs. Micro-hooked in China of wool with silk-like mercerized cotton accents. $229 in 3′ by 5′.
RUGS AMERICA 4A6
Cherokee Stripe, part of the Bold Sierra collection, has the look of Native American saddle blankets. Hand-tufted of wool, $399 in 5 by 8.
JAIPUR 3C15
Pinstripe Flower, from the Janelle Style collection, has the texture and strength of menswear. Hand-knotted in India, $795 in 6 by 6.
COLONIAL MILLS 5A6
Cottage Comfort combines two American craft forms: the braided rug and the rag rug. The material is based on designer Lynette Jensen's fabrics. Constructed of a cotton-polyester blend using alternating Fabraid and Fabricord construction. $349 for a 5 by 7.
CAPEL 6F2
New Generation offers fresher, lighter colors in a classic American flat-weave braid. It's shown here in All-American faded denim. Made in the USA of a wool-nylon-polyester-rayon and acrylic blend. $305 in 5 by 8.
KAS 4D2
The Kaleidoscope design in the Kas Signature collection is reminiscent of Early American quilt patterns. Hand-tufted and hand-carved in China. Wool, $499 in 6 by 9.
