Doug Thayer, Editorial Correspondent for The Trend Curve, filed this instant update from the Atlanta Rug Market.
New and noteworthy:
COLOR
- Simplified palettes emerged, using no more than 2-3 main colors
- Gray became the key mid-tone mixer, used with neutrals, sari tones
- Cool greens like emerald, mint, hunter took hold
- Teal and turquoise accents continued
- Materials and techniques drove color stories
- Over-dyed tendencies created a rich sense of color
- Repurposed sari-silk yarns drove a bright, intense color trend
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
- Careful attention was paid to mixing textures
- While flat weaves, especially wool kilims remained on top, coarser weaves made a play
- Silk and faux-silk luster were key for both contemporary and transitional styles
- Heavy-weight flat-woven jacquards with slub textures became patchwork elements
- Chenille popped up in backgrounds for high-pile rugs
- High-pile flokati wool appeared in tribal geometrics
- Rag rugs were updated with raw-silk edges, leather strips, denim, jute and chenille
PATTERNS AND THEMES
- Tonal floral damasks advanced
- So did over-scaled, simplified floral designs
- Atmospheric watercolor looks flowed through abstract patterns
- Tile-repeat geometrics made a tribal statement in small and medium scales
- Very traditional Persian patterns were redone in tonal neutrals
- Aubussons took on contemporary applications
- Ikats would not leave the scene