NEW YORK--A showcase for what's hot and what's next, NY Now saw a leap in the number of rug exhibitors in general. In fact, the number of indoor-outdoor rug manufacturers grew during the winter show, held from Jan. 31 to Feb 3. These exhibitors showcased a vibrant and playful assortment of contemporary interpretations for the great outdoors.
A category that has been gaining traction in the industry, the offering of outdoor styles at NY Now was decidedly contemporary. New proposals for this segment of the market include bold graphics, metallics, colorful beach-side motifs, and environmentally-conscious options.
Apricot Home, Bungalow Flooring, Chilewich, Fab Habitat and Mariachi Imports/Mad Mats all presented a range of durable, easy-clean indoor-outdoor floor fashions.
Our comprehensive guide to NY Now (which boasts more and more rug exhibitors with each edition), takes a look at the great outdoors trend in Part 3 of a three-part NY Now style series.
APRICOT HOME
Apricot Home owner Abby Potts Pillari, a fashion stylist and former magazine editor, creates a range of kid- and pet-proof rugs.
First-time NY Now exhibitor Apricot Home debuts its fashion forward line of kid friendly/pet friendly washable indoor-outdoor rugs. "It's been a busy show," said owner Abby Potts Pillari, who launched the brand because of a lack of "good-looking" durable options for her family of five children and two dogs. The Connecticut-based company introduced a new metallic range called Peter, and the medallion motif Amy for NY Now. Apricot Home's rugs are made of hand-woven PVC in India.
Apricot Home's fashionable line of PVC rugs (above), are hand-woven in India. The company's new line of metallic indoor-outdoor rugs (below) shines at NY Now.
BUNGALOW FLOORING
Bungalow Flooring president Rob Shriver returns to NY Now after a 10-year break. "It has been 10 years since we have done this show."
"We have a showroom, but we were missing out on the gift market," said Rob Shriver of Bungalow Flooring, a maker of kneelers, doormats and accent rugs. "We came back because our new Micro collection, which has a great 'foot,' is washable and has a skid-resistant low-profile." Made of microfiber the new collection is made in the U.S.
The Bungalow Flooring booth showcases the brand image (above) and reacquaints buyers with its offering of doormats and kneelers.
CHILEWICH
Chilewich co-founder and creative director Sandy Chilewich continues to add to her assortment of area rugs.
Chilewich, winner of NY Now's 2016 Accent On Design Award, continues to bring fresh offerings to market. NY Now selected Chilewich as the winner of the "Overall Excellence" category for its durable original textiles. "Accent on Design shines a spotlight on the best in contemporary design and functionality and these awards recognize companies that continue to innovate and bring exciting products to market," said Randi Mohr, co-director and vice president, NY Now. "From Ameico and Chilewich, to Fort Standard and NEO, these companies are on the cutting edge of design."
Chilewich, a long-time NY Now exhibitor, presented its latest selections of indoor/outdoor woven mats, including Mixed Weave. This collection combines 13 different textural patterns to bring added depth and texture to the tabletop and floor. Crafted of woven vinyl textile bonded to a soft commercial-grade polyurethane cushion backing, the range is manufactured in the U.S. Also new at market is a playful bone-shaped mat, perfect for under pet food or near the backdoor.
Chilewich debuts pet-friendly doggie mats.
FAB HABITAT
Fab Habitat's Kanan Gupta returns to NY NOW with a growing range of designs.
N.J.-based Fab Habitat, which has carved a name for itself in the area rug business with a range of recycled plastic, eco-conscious indoor/outdoor rugs, returns to NY Now with an expanded assortment of jute designs and recycled cotton rugs. The company, which specializes in recycled plastic rugs, last year began focusing more on indoor collections and also launched its first jute designs, says Kanan Gupta, founder.
Fab Habitat continues its focus on eye-catching recycled indoor-outdoor plastic rugs and adds jute for the indoors.
MARIACHI IMPORTS
Amy Kimmich's Mariachi Imports, maker of Mad Mats brand rugs, guarantees her products are from recycled plastic.
The maker behind the Mad Mats brand, a repeat NY Now exhibitor, offers buyers some beach worthy in-out designs including Fishbones and Anchors, and releases its popular Ankora design in aqua/turquoise. Mad Mats are guaranteed to be crafted from 100 percent recycled plastics, said co-founder Amy Kimmich. Introduced about a decade ago, Mad Mats are made of recycled polypropylene in Thailand.
Mariachi Imports produces its 100 percent recycled guaranteed rugs in Thailand.
PAPPELINA
Pappelina's Lovisa Lindquist and Steffi Bohme introduce attendees to the Swedish brand's floor coverings.
Pappelina has been at NY Now for five years, and its perennial favorite Vera, which features a large dot, continues to be a best seller. Now the Swedish brand releases a smaller dot version called Fia in 12 colorways and assorted sizes. All Pappelina rugs are crafted in Dalarna, Sweden, of PVC and woven on a traditional loom using wooden shuttles.
Pappelina showcases its best-selling Vera large dot design, far left, and introduces the new Fia collection (above right and below).
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