We recently wrote about the possible return of color. The International rug experts at Domotex certainly embraced color in awarding the top prizes for new design to rugs with lots of color.
A sign of things to come? Who knows. Trends are hard to spot until they are indeed trends.
I do know that we have sold a lot of rugs that supported room designs neutrally. And still are.
Maybe we are turning the corner to more color and more "action" in rug design. Here's a few items that we've been admiring.
Himalayan Sky
A thick-knotted contemporary rug from Nepal, this blue-themed beauty attracted a lot of attention when we had it out on the floor. Makes me wish I could display hundreds of rugs on the floor, like a gallery with the art on the floor instead of the walls. I'd like at least football-field size gallery.
It has a definite dark-side, light-side characteristic.
The knobby effect of the low per-square-inch knotting make is at home with lots of textural configurations, as our resident ewe demonstrates.
The textures stands out nicely in this shot. So does the brilliance of the blue.
Plumb Crazy
That's the gist of a lot of comments that I've heard about Pantone's Color of the year, Radiant Orchid.
It evokes serious to frivolous reactions and everything in between. Interior designers, so far, are circling cautiously.
But Joan Loomis, Orlando Showroom Manager, was undaunted and picked out a couple of rugs that are up to the challenge of Radiant Orchid.
Radiant Ikat
Although not officially "radiant orchid," this ikat design surely comes close enough to be in the spirit. It might be just the right amount of radiance for the room. Or it would certainly be a good echo for other radiant orchid elements in the room.
More Color and Complexity
This transitional design is loaded with lavenders and purples that would marry up nicely to other radiant orchid decor in the room. It also contributes an interesting textural element with its thick yarn and smaller density of knots.