Clean colors, streamlined styles driving
By Lissa Wyman -- Furniture Today, January 12, 2004
ATLANTA — ATLANTA — Streamlined styling and clear, clean colors are rapidly becoming dominant in the rug business as the home furnishings market continues its swing toward casual contemporary looks.
Rug buyers will be seeing more contemporary looks than ever as they convene at the Atlanta International Rug Market, Jan. 15 to 18 at the AmericasMart here.
Although traditional designs always have been a big part of the rug business, vendors are increasingly turning to less-cluttered looks for their new product presentations.
There are several layers to the contemporary trend.
Mid-Century Modern has a playful post-modern feel. It's being interpreted in geometric shapes, shaggy textures and in-your-face colors such as tangerine, lime and chocolate.
The Metropolitan style segment is more refined and urban. In fact, the high end seems to be making a comeback with these sleek, subtle designs.
Florals continue to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary designs. This winter's botanicals seem to be leaning more toward classic bud and bouquet motifs as the large-scale leaf and tropical patterns run their course.
Even venerable classic patterns are changing direction. In Persian design, there is more interest than ever in shapes such as circles, octagons and runners.
Aubusson and Savonnerie rug designs are coming back into the market in force, as the interest in French furniture styling continues to grow.
Tribal designs also are a fast-growing part of the traditional market. Their simple geometry covers a wide spectrum of home fashions, from lodge looks to leather to Arts & Crafts.
