Earthy colors and textural designs prove top fashion stories at rug showrooms for the fall High Point Market.
HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Color and texture are the trending fashion stories for the newest area rug collections debuting across the High Point Market campus for the semi-annual event’s fall 2023 edition. And when it comes to product merchandising, new marketing/presentation strategies are emerging as well.
While color has always been important it kicks into high gear and splints into two distinct trajectories, one featuring neutral earthy tones, pairing ivory or beige with an array of browns, or soft hued pastels; while in contrast, other debuts showcase color drenched jewel-toned motifs or bold accents of vivid magenta pinks or rusty shades and even crimson. Those color stories can be clearly spotted on the latest crop of updated traditional designs, with, for instance, new introductions running the gamut from barely there tonal Oushak patterns to color-drenched ultra clear classic motifs.
The newest crop of abstract designs also showcases the dichotomy, with some introductions featuring a neutral cream ground injected with brown tones and even copper or bolder statements that electrify a neutral-toned base with magenta veining.
Weaving its way through these color stories are special textures achieved through varying yarn counts, the pairing of loop pile with cut pile, hand-carving techniques and ribbed effects. Texture and dimensionality have become critical in the latest crop of designs and have become the signature of the growing assortment of natural, organic styled pieces, with many rug showrooms featuring undyed wool collections which gain distinction via unexpected textures.
In Part 2 of RugNew.com's Rug Buyers’ Guide to Fall High Point Market, we go behind the scenes at rug showrooms from L to W to spotlight anticipated top sellers.
LR HOME
IHFC D-531
LR Home's Geo-Blend features high-low geometric patterns made of jute and hand-carded wool. Shown, 82523
The big news at LR Home's Design Center location is a revamp of the entire fifth floor in which its five exhibitors -- Cooper Classics, Jeffan, LR Home, Sagebrook Home and ZUO -- have joined forces to cross-promote one another with their retail and designer clients. They are hosting a grand opening of the floor on Oct. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering guests refreshments, light bites and a raffle giveaway.
Buyers stopping by for the festivities will have a chance to peruse LR Home's full roster of new area rug introductions and its latest pillows, throws, furnishings and accents. Among the showcased rugs is its Geo-Blend collection of geometric designs crafted of jute and hand-carded wool. Also expected to be a hit is the flat-woven textural Birch collection, which includes two designs (a tonal tradition and contemporary geometric). The Dreamscape collection is hand-tufted and offers transitional designs in trending neutral color palettes. The Helix collection, crafted of 100 percent New Zealand wool, offers three neutral solid-colored rugs with a ribbed texture. Finally, Haze is a tonal hand-tufted collection with a textural loop pile of varying yarn counts. Haze includes two designs: a subtle geometric pattern and a sinuous curving design in colorways including oatmeal-taupe, teal-ivory; and birch- smoke gray.
The vintage-like Birch collection by LR Home is expected to be a hit for its natural tonal styling and flatweave
construction. Shown, 82485
LOLOI
IHFC, D320
Loloi's Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines adds the Ingrid collection of textural traditional motifs. Shown, ING-01
Look for six new collections from Loloi, as well as updates to the company’s best-selling collaborative collections. The Amber Lewis introductions include five new rug collections, new throw pillows and new art. From the new Angela Rose program come three new rug collections as well as throw pillows. Among the DIYer's debuts is the power-loomed Amira collection, a plush range of trending neutral toned geometrics. Loloi's successful Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines series adds Ingrid, which features textural traditional motifs hand-woven of wool and cotton. Rifle Paper Co. adds one new rug collection, as well as new throw pillows. And Carrier & Co. has three new rug collections.
“Loloi is looking forward to an amazing show,” says Austin Craley, vice president of sales, noting that the company's debuts range from high-end hand-knotted rugs to opening-priced printed pieces. “We anticipate that overall market attendance will be up from recent markets, and those buyers who have been coming to shows lately have been serious buyers intent on improving their assortments.”
Loloi's Angela Rose program sees new fall launches including the addition of the plush Amira collection. Shown, ami-01
MOMENI
IHFC H345, W542
Momeni's popular Erin Gates program sees an expansion with the new washable Dorset collection. Shown, DOR-01
Momeni rolls out 10 brand-new rug collections, ranging from open price-point machine-made rugs to uniquely designed hand-made items. In addition, it will again feature its expansive offering of one-of-a-kind rugs in a separate IHFC showroom, W542.
Momeni is particularly excited to debut its Archer collection, a wool loop-pile tufted line out of India with trendy color palettes and graphic motifs. The company has also been experimenting with shaped rugs, and a notable addition is to Claude, inspired by Art Deco and the Atomic Age. The debuting design offers a fluted edge and intricate carving for depth and dimension. The popular Erin Gates by Momeni licensed collection will grow with a new indoor-outdoor line, Saybrook, and its first washable offering, Dorset, with motifs based on hand-picked one-of-a-kinds selected by Erin herself.
“We are very excited for fall market and are expecting a solid turnout based on our confirmed appointments,” notes Reza Momeni. For this market’s introductions, he says, “We focused on value-based rug collections, but these do not compromise on style or quality. As always, we have some great mid-price point introductions that we add to Momeni Basics, and some bolder collections that are meeting the requests of our buyers.”
Momeni's shaped hand-tufted Claude collection sees a line extension with a new fluted design. Shown, CUD-2
NATCO
IHFC, M436
Natco showcases its multi-color domestically made Colorscape collection. Shown, ME187-109
Natco will showcase a new domestically made indoor-outdoor collection called Colorscape, which New York Home Fashions Market shoppers got a sneak peek at and gave a big thumbs up. These rugs are designed for high traffic-areas and busy homes and are crafted of 100 percent polypropylene that is cabled and heat-set (designs feature three to five colors, tri-colored yarns). Natco shoppers can also check out the company's latest additions to its popular domestically made Stonington collection, which adds fresh tonal designs for fall. These rugs are ultra soft and offer high-low patterns.
Mark Ferullo, executive vice president, Natco Home, expects that the buyers shopping High Point will be serious and focused. “We are expecting the accounts that are there to be looking to develop a program or expand a successful program,” he says. “That is what we experienced in Las Vegas, so we think that will continue in High Point.”
Natco's Colorscape lineup includes a range of styles from linear inspired looks to florals. Shown, MESN285
NOURISON HOME
IHFC, IH101
Nourison expands its Calvin Klein lineup with the new Architectura collection of modern menswear-styled designs.
A major introduction in the Nourison Home showroom is its new Calvin Klein Spring 2024 collection. Among the five new Calvin Klein collections is Architectura, a series woven in the Tibetan method from wool yarns and tip sheared to provide multiple textures for a dimensional effect. The collection offers trending neutral color palettes including denim, gray and natural. Two other standout debuts are the plush Billows -- woven from dense wool -- and Wander, flat-woven of wool and viscose yarns and featuring a tonal “wandering” linear-inspired motif.
Naturally, fall marketgoers can expect to see the latest additions to their Nourison favorite: the Prismatic collection. The latest art-like design (PRS37), with lustrous accents and hand-carved details, evokes a swirl of water, where myriad shades of blues are accented with magenta, lavender, and buttery yellow swirls. Prized for their eye-catching designs and ultra dense wool and silk-like Luxcelle yarns, Prismatic continues to be Nourison's best-selling collection.
Prismatic rugs from Nourison Home are prized for their ultra-dense wool tufted construction and show-stopping designs.
Shown, PRS37
OBEETEE
IHFC, H312
Monterey, a hand-tufted collection, offers coastal colorations and subtle abstract motifs with ribbed-like effect.
Obeetee returns to High Point Market with its first permanent showroom and rolls out 10 new rug collections for fall shoppers, along with its first woven pillows and will also showcase its Manor & Mews furniture label (read more). The hand-woven carpet specialist will showcase its broad range of area rugs, which includes hand-knotted, hand-tufted, power-loomed and indoor-outdoor designs. However, the focus for High Point is its hand-tufted capabilities. Among the eight tufted introductions is Tout Le Monde, which offers contemporary modern art-inspired designs; Jouer Faire, featuring an array of colors and textures in both loop- and cut-pile wool; Ethno Urban, a series of updated global motifs crafted of PET easy-care fibers; and Monterey, which offers seaside-inspired palettes and subtle abstract designs with ribbed-like effect.
The hand-tufted Tout le Monde collection offers modern art-inspired designs with loop and cut pile.
ORIENTAL WEAVERS
IHFC, G276
Oriental Weavers introduces the hand-tufted Circle collection with soft viscose pile and textured background of
space-dyed wool. Shown, cir01
In the spotlight from Oriental Weavers are three new collections. The Fiji collection features beautiful watercolor botanicals and vibrantly colored coastal motifs. The woven polyester construction is easy-care and designed to be suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It’s made in China. The debuting Soleri collection features modern abstract designs beautifully colored in shades of pink. blue, green and gold. These rugs are made of a space-dyed wool and nylon blend, cross-woven on Axminster looms with an incorporated cotton fringe. They are made in Egypt. The Circa collection is hand-tufted with soft viscose pile and a textured background of space-dyed wool. These fibers work together to create a contrast of luster and matte for an interesting variation from both a visual and textural standpoint. The collection has beautifully contrasting color combinations as well as tonal looks. Circa is made in India.
OW introduces Soleri, a collection cross-woven on Axminster looms of a
space-dyed wool and nylon blend. Shown, sol05
ORIAN RUGS
IHFC, H511
Orian introduces High Point shoppers to its Bespoke collection, of wool-like textural patterns. Shown, Canyon Passway
Orian, which relocates to a new showroom for fall market, launches several important new collections at the fall High Point event. Among the featured rollouts is the high-low Bespoke collection featuring the company's Dreamfiber technology. These rugs offer the look and feel of wool in trending neutral colors. Orian is also introducing the Playroom collection, first seen as a prototype in Las Vegas, a fun and colorful kids-room lineup with the tagline, “Where imagination comes to play.” Rows of cars and trucks, whimsical animals and alphabet letters are just a few of the patterns that comprise this new assortment.
Finally, Simply Southern Cottage, the brand brainchild of schoolteacher-turned-interior designer Sara McDaniel, adds fresh pieces. Inspired by the simplicity and beauty of Southern life, the program adds the new Hodges Garden pattern, an oversized floral pattern on a dark background. Orian's popular high-low Knitweave collection also sees a line extension for fall market.
Orian's popular high-low Knitweave adds trending tonal designs, including Kensington, above, shown in natural/driftwood.
SAFAVIEH
Market Square, 117, 120, 121
The hand-tufted Ebony collection from Safavieh, crafted of wool and cotton, offers a raised pattern. Shown, EBN105M
Safavieh debuts a range of fresh area rugs for High Point Market, including additions to its hand-knotted lineup, hand-tufted collections and machine-made pieces. The Ebony collection sees a line extension for fall market shoppers. These soft hand-tufted rugs feature raised patterns and pastel colorations. Offered in a range of transitional styles from medallion looks to geometrics and florals, these rugs are tufted using a blend of pure wool and cotton. The Odyssey series is made of soft, synthetic yarns in cut pile for comfort underfoot and durability. It features an assortment of contemporary designs -- from erased traditional looks to mid-century geometrics -- and bold colors.
On the hand-knot side, for buyers looking for organic styles, the latest additions to Tribeca tick the box. These new high-low plush wool rugs feature simple abstract-like earthy looks in colorways of beige-soft brown, and ivory-beige. Safavieh's successful hand-knotted wool Samarkand collection of updated traditional designs sees a line extension. The newest designs include a subtle ivory-silver Oushak-inspired pattern, and vibrant ivory-rust bordered classic floral motif.
Safavieh features the Odyssey collection, made of soft, synthetic yarns in a low cut pile. Shown, ODY816G
STICKLEY
200 N. Hamilton
The luxurious Garden Window design grows Stickley's Arts and Crafts collection of heirloom-quality rugs. Shown in ivory
Stickley, which offers heirloom-quality handcrafted rugs, grows its Arts and Crafts collection for fall High Point Market shoppers. The new Garden Window design is inspired by a pattern discovered in a vintage stained-glass door pane. Hand-knotted from Himalayan Highland sheep’s wool by skilled Nepalese weavers, the design features updated Arts and Crafts colorways of ivory and moss. Sizes range from 2'6" x 4' to 10x14 and include rectangles, runners, rounds and squares; custom sizes are also available.
SURYA
Showplace, 4100
Surya's popular Anatolia collection, hand-knotted of wool, sees a line extension. Shown, any2309-810
Hundreds of new products will be on display in the Surya showroom across its home categories. And area rug debuts are no exception. Leading them the lineup are several hand-knotted introductions. The pure wool Anatolia, hand-knotted in India, adds new updated traditional designs for fall. These rugs have a low pile and fringe detail. The sumptuous hand-knotted wool and silk Kolkata collection includes two modern designs in a warm neutral palette with rich sheen and texture. Another showstopper is the abstract-styled textured Glory, crafted of wool and viscose.
Finally, Surya also grows its collaboration with designer Becki Owens, adding three new collections. Davey is a hand-knotted collection with a soft, textured undyed wool pile; Gina is hand-knotted of wool and viscose; and Sammy is hand-woven from recycled PET yarn in India and has a neutral palette in two colorway options.
Surya debuts the hand-knotted high-low Glory collection, which offers lustrous abstract motifs. Shown, gly2303-810
TAMARIAN CARPETS
401 E. Russell Ave. at Center Point
Tamarian's latest hand-knotted Hera features a neutral ground and pastel colorations with pops of vibrant tones that buyers can't get enough of.
Tamarian’s space is a welcome respite from the bustle of market, with an outdoor terrace and a workstation for custom projects. The company even promises to light the terrace firepit in the evenings, weather permitting, for extended social time!
The company will be showcasing more than a dozen fall introductions for October buyers. The rugs represent several new qualities, including a high-low texture in Tamarian’s unique all-wool Phoenix weave. There will also be introductions in finer, 150-200 knot qualities that use silk blends and new finishes, as well as additions to Tamarian's expanding Indian products, which offer more traditional designs in decorative colors.
“Hand-knotted, higher-end product is and always has been our wheelhouse,” says Ned Baker. “We will continue to celebrate made by hand and also see how we can further expand our appeal to the luxury buyer.”
The modern geometric Samira features a high-low texture, which is a new feature in Tamarian's unique all-wool Phoenix weave.
TRANS-OCEAN
IHFC, H412
Trans-Ocean expands the all-wool hand-tufted Savoy collection with an overscale swirl design called Big Wave
There is always lots to see in the Trans-Ocean showroom and this market is no exception. Leading the way is Flutter in the Capri collection, a hand-tufted transitional area rug made of a polyester-acrylic blend and featuring an abstract design of whimsical butterflies. Scalloped Edge in the Java collection is an eco-chic flatweave rug with a subtle geometric look. It’s handmade in India of 100 percent jute, adding a textured foundation and a boho look to a space. Bands, in the Piazza collection, boasts artistic tri-color wide stripes created with a triple hand-dip dyeing technique. This rug is made of 100 percent wool in a hand-tufted cut pile construction.
Designed by New York textile and area rug designer Liora Manne, who also debuts her eponymous designer studio at InterHall, the latest rugs also include Block Print Border in the Sahara collection. It is a machine-made performance transitional rug with a delicate leaf block print border pattern in ivory and natural hues. Big Wave, part of the Savoy rug collection, has an oversized abstract swirl design reminiscent of the ocean. It’s made of 100 percent wool, hand-tufted in India. Nom de Plume in the Tivoli collection has a cloud-like abstract pattern that layers hues of green and beige on a neutral ground. It’s hand-tufted in 100 percent wool pile, a plush and soft feel underfoot.
Trans-Ocean's popular Sahara collection of flat-woven performance designs adds Block Print Border.
UNIQUE LOOM
Market Square, 190
Unique Loom rolls out the hand-woven Leather Metallic Jute rug collection which pairs jute with shiny leather accents.
Unique Loom is settling into its second market in its new Market Square showroom with a sense of optimism.
The company is particularly excited to share with the industry the Jill Zarin Hamptons collection. Inspired by the chic, coastal aesthetic of the famed East Coast getaway, this collection is made of natural materials, including jute, wool and cotton, making it durable and soft. The products are hand-woven in a flat-weave construction, using muted neutrals that are the same shades seen in exclusive Hamptons beach homes.
The Palm Beach Jute collection also is inspired by oceanfront communities and is a casual collection hand-woven in a flatweave of jute, wool, and cotton. It has accessible colors that adapt nicely to a multi-room placement. And the Leather Metallic Jute collection brings a little bling to the beach; jute fibers are paired with subtle touches of shiny leather in a striated pattern that’s as at home in a beach bungalow as it is in an urban penthouse. The collection features multiple sizes and shapes, including runners and full-room sizes.
WELL WOVEN
IHFC, G262
Well Woven introduces artist Giorgia Lupi's Unravelling Stories indoor-outdoor collection, inspired by information
design and data visualization.
Well Woven, a fledgling wholesaler of machine-woven area rugs based in New York City, makes its High Point Market debut. The company has an expansive offering of trend-forward indoor collections, printed area rugs and indoor-outdoor designs. It also counts Crayola as a license partner and fall shoppers will be the first to spy its just-introduced collaboration with artist Giorgia Lupi, who designed the Unravelling Stories indoor-outdoor collection. Inspired by information design and data visualization, Unravelling Stories is available in two different sizes and two color palettes. The design is a structure of horizontal and vertical bars representing data from 59 distinct textile techniques and fiber traditions.
Also on display will be some of Well Woven's latest washable printed rugs including a new design, Liana, added to the Asha collection. Liana offers an intricate vintage-style pattern in tones of blues and browns, with a recycled cotton back and a plush, soft feel. The Apollo collection continues to add new looks, including Serapi, printed on a flatweave, and offering a global tribal motif in vibrant rusts, reds, and deep blues.
Well Woven's printed Asha collection has a soft hand and is machine-washable. Shown, Liana W-AS-01B
-- Make sure not to miss The Ultimate Rug Buyers' Guide to HPMKT Rugs, Part 1