Trend Flash is an exclusive Member benefit for subscribers to The Trend Curve. Doug Thayer, Editorial Correspondent, is in Atlanta for the twice-yearly The Atlanta International Area Rug Market®. His trend observations are below:
COLOR
- Green, especially Greenery, had sway
- Blue was the primo neutral
- Warm blues got. Refresh from lavender companions
- Rich brown supplanted charcoal is the top dark-accent hue
- Multi-color brights popped out
- Watch for gold and black in more contemporary, masculine styles
MATERIALS, TEXTURES AND CONSTRUCTIONS
- Jute became less scratchy and more supple
- Synthetic fibers were used in High count, but low priced pieces
- A new category of rugs was printed on, rather than woven
- Cross weaving and softer fibers resulted in almost-drapable constructions in machine-woven rugs
- Combinations of cut pile, loop, twisted knot and flat weave worked a texture angle
PATTERNS AND MOTIFS
- Large-scale leaves and flowers verged on the abstract
- Contemporary abstract designs became more pixilated
- Scandinavian influences expanded, expressed in simplicity of color and design
- Geometric patterns were loosened by softer edges
- Textured dots popped up as accents
- Artistic patterns looked more painterly, less watercolor-influenced