Rug Insider Magazine, Spring, 2023

LYRA COLLECTION ARTISANAL HANDCRAFTED RUGS

HIGH POINT MARKET IHFC, G-369 | APRIL 21 - 26, 2023

Showroom opens Friday, April 21 (closed Sat, 4/22).

Mother Ruggers

Fine Rugs of Charleston

Unique Loom

VISIT US AT HIGH POINT MARKET

APRIL 22-26

IHFC H-345

SPRING 2023 – VOLUME XXVI – ISSUE 4

INNOVATIONS

RUG INSIDER Magazine is a quarterly publication which covers the rug and carpet industry with a focus on quality, design, and an eye toward the future.

InPERSPECTIVE ON THEIR TOES

Contributing Editor

Cecile Corral speaks with area rug suppliers as they brace for more multitasking in 2023 to compete and grow.

CONTACT

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING

Peter Woodaman peter@ruginsider.com

C: 603 387 6477

V: 603 279 4938

DESIGNER

Cheryl Sivewright cheryl@ruginsider.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Aric Morrison aric@adversityrockstar.com

Cecile Corral cecile@cecilepr.com

Alex Milstein alxmilstein@gmail.com

Rodney Hakim rodney@pgny.com

ON THE COVER

EXQUISITE RUGS

Our cover features an ‘exquisite’ handcrafted rug born from an exclusive collaboration between Exquisite Rugs and The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York. Each design translates from a significant work of fine art with the first release including five collections which will debut in High Point this spring. Design 5600 is from the Antique Loom Collection. exquisiterugs.com

InFOCUS

34 TURNING THINGS INSIDE OUT

Get out(side) with our just-picked selection of outdoor-friendly area rugs in a bouquet of styles. Samson in black, from Annie Selke’s Bunny Williams collection, is handcrafted from 100% PET. annieselke.com

Insider’s View

21 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

Peter Woodaman expresses enthusiasm for upcoming markets and industry growth this year.

InPERSPECTIVE

27 ON THEIR TOES

Contributing Editor Cecile Corral speaks with area rug suppliers as they brace for more multitasking in 2023 to compete and grow.

InDEPTH

39 EXQUISITE TASTE

Contributing Editor Alex Milstein chronicles Exquisite Rugs new licensing agreement with The MET.

Inside MARKETS

45 HPMKT SPRINGS OPEN

What’s new and happening from a few perennial favorite spring High Point market exhibitors.

InSTYLE

49 Don’t miss our expanded gallery of the freshest products you’ll see at spring markets!

What’s Looming

58 RUG INSIDER extends sympathy on the passing of Couristan’s Ron Couri. Our industry news roundup includes HPMKT events, key staff appointments and more.

Index

62 Our advertisers help support the magazine. We try not to show an editorial bias as we ask you to consider purchasing from the fine companies listed here.

In the SPOTLIGHT

64 VIVA VINCENT

A retail customer commissioned Tufenkian Carpets to faithfully reproduce a Van Gogh painting as a bespoke runner—with stunning results!

SEE YOU IN HIGH POINT

The High Point Market is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, with over 10 million square feet by roughly 2000 exhibitors throughout about 180 buildings. French Accents (shown here) is just one of the market powerhouses we chat with in HPMKT SPRINGS OPEN, page 45. farugs.com

Happy Spring to All.

Spring is my favorite time of year, especially as we say goodbye to another long New Hampshire winter. I look forward to another exciting year for the area rug industry. Stay tuned to RUG INSIDER print/digital/web to be informed on all the happenings in the ever-changing rug world.

It all starts in April with the Spring High Point Market which runs April 22-26. editor Cheryl Sivewright talked to several High Point area rug exhibitors to get the “skinny” on their upcoming introductions, events, and all-important party HP MKT Springs Open on page 45.

A long-time exhibitor in High Point has announced a new marketing event with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, introducing five exclusive collections. RI contributing editor Alex Milstein sits down with California based Exquisite Rugs, Hersel Bani-Esraili to learn more about this exciting new licensing deal. See Exqui, page 39.

At press time, I learned of the passing of Ron Couri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Couristan. Mr. Couri had been with the family business for over 50 years. One of his many business accomplishments was creating an indoor/outdoor division back in 2001. Indoor/Outdoor continues to be a very popular segment of the industry due in part to his vision. Our inFocus we will feature the latest indoor/outdoor designs. See Turning Things Inside Out, page 34. On behalf of RUG INSIDER , my deepest sympathies to the Couri family and Couristan organization. See Ron Couri’s obituary in What’s Looming, page 58.

In closing, I am grateful for the continued support of our print and digital advertisers as well as our subscribers. Our team is dedicated to being the leading North American magazine for the rug industry. It’s with your continued support we are able to bring you the very best the area rug industry has to offer.

I hope to see you in High Point!

eter Woodaman

peter@ruginsider.com

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ON THEIR TOES

BY CECILE CORRAL | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Never a dull moment.

It’s a common idiom that aptly sums up the current—and seemingly ongoing—state of the area rug business. Macro issues have always impacted the industry, but in recent years the interference has been more frequent and unforeseen, forcing players into damage-control mode.

Pre-covid, the hot topic was tariffs on Chinese imports.

Then the pandemic happened, and what ensued was a perfect storm of concurrent headwinds—inventory deficits, delayed deliveries, clogged ports, labor shortages, raw material and shipping cost hikes, you name it.

Crisis management defined 2020; then 2021 made way for sales stabilization, even growth for many. But in 2022, inventory related over-corrections cleared the way for a new crop of challenges across the supply chain.

“As merchants and retailers, we have become accustomed to bobbing and weaving around the many challenges that hit us from all angles,” observed Paula Paquette, vice president, Nourison. “Sometimes it’s hard to understand how this industry does it, how we manage through it all. What has helped are the strong partnerships between suppliers, like us, and retailers and the efforts we take to communicate better to do things differently. As an industry, we’ve learned to adapt and we make it

work, because at the end of the day, the customer still wants to shop.”

So far this year several new variables have started to pile up. For one, there is conflicting data about the U.S. consumer.

As Macy’s Inc. CEO and chairman Jeff Gennette noted during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call in March, shoppers are in better shape today financially than they were in 2019—at least “on the surface.”

Employment and wages are up, and savings are higher relative to historic levels. But also on the incline is pricing for services and goods. Plus, inflation has surpassed wage growth, and revolving credit is rising, he warned.

Area rug suppliers brace for more multitasking in 2023 to compete and grow

Ebbtide printed area rug from Maples Industries

“We believe that discretionary spend will be under pressure across income tiers, and we expect the allocation of disposable income to continue shifting toward services and essential goods,” Gennette said.

On the bright side, he sees encouraging new trends emerging.

“With the continued expansion of a hybrid work model, there are more in-

person meetings and flexibility for personal travel,” he said. “We believe the desire to be with loved ones, go on vacation and attend events have not diminished. And we expect gift-giving and occasion-based demand to continue.”

Similarly at Kohl’s, the home decor category underperformed the company average in the fourth quarter, and now the chain is looking to ramp up the assortment with more product offerings

from a wider scope of suppliers— including U.S. manufacturers, noted CEO Tom Kingsbury during the retailer’s earrings call in March.

“We see clear, tangible opportunities in categories in which we are underpenetrated,” he said. “Home and gifting are two areas that our customers expect more from us. I believe Kohl’s can increase its penetration in areas like home décor and become a destination for gifting.”

To capitalize on this opportunity, Kohl’s is exploring new ways to source portions of its assortment, “recognizing that we can find great values, increase our speed and broaden our offerings by going into the domestic marketplace regularly,” he said.

“We can find great values, increase our speed and broaden our offerings by going into the domestic marketplace regularly.“

TOM KINGSBURY, KOHLS

Left: from Nourison’s handmade collections, Alessia in wool (top) and Alanna in jute; Right: Oriental Weavers’ Ellington

That’s good news for American mills like Maples Rugs. To offset recent sales struggles in its bath rug segment, the family-owned-and-operated company is concentrating on its strengths: Area and accent rugs.

“At Maples we are focused on promoting and growing our tufted and printed accent/area rug business,” John Maples, president, told RUG INSIDER “Our rug printing operation has the greatest capacity and capability in the industry, plus we’re introducing new and dramatically softer yarns [this spring season]. Also, we will continue to promote the advantages we have as a domestic source, such as quicker turnaround, shorter lead times, and flexibility in inventory planning for our customers.”

Labor-related cost increases continue to affect U.S. rug production. Major players with a diversified network like Oriental Weavers (OW)—which runs operations both domestically and overseas in Egypt where its parent company is based—have an advantage.

“USA-made product has to be very innovative and different and be able to retail for [at least] $299 to $399 for it to make sense financially to produce it here, with labor and inflation still up significantly,” said OW president Jonathan Witt. “We’re uniquely equipped to be able to handle these types of orders because of our infrastructure. But when it comes to making opening price-point products, it’s virtually impossible for any domestic manufacturer. Instead, we work with our overseas operations to meet that need.”

Throwing a monkey wrench into the import equation was the series of earthquakes in early February across Turkey.

The Eurasian nation is the world’s largest producer of woven area rugs. While the main regions where production is most common were not at the epicenter of the quake, the industry is still reeling from a shrink in available labor, structural damage to facilities,

“USA-made product has to be very innovative and different and be able to retail for [at least] $299 to $399 for it to make sense financially to produce it here…“

JONATHAN WITT, OW

power/energy interruptions, port delays and other effects from the devastating event.

Loloi Rugs does “considerable business” in Turkey, and the company said its partners recently started to resume production.

“Our initial thoughts focused exclusively on the safety and health of all of our friends and families there,” noted Austin Craley, vice president, sales. Loloi and its employees donated over six figures of funds to the Red Cross and other humanitarian groups to assist in the recovery efforts, he added.

Town & Country Living and its Home Dynamix rug division “expect delays” in getting production at its Turkey partner mills back to normal levels.

“It’s been a very difficult time for us there,” said Judi Alvarez, vice president of licensing and marketing. “Fortunately, we also make some rugs in China, so it helps that we are diversified in our sourcing. But we’re still waiting to see what happens with Turkey.”

Many of the employees who work at Natco Home’s partner mills in Turkey are making their way back to the manufacturing plants, and the hope is to get operations back up and running at pre-quake rates soon.

To offset some of the gaps at retail left by the absence of Turkish products, Natco Home is domestically producing alternative rug styles from its Mainebased facility where it manufactures woven rugs.

“We have people contacting us to see if we can fulfill orders in the meantime,” said Mark Ferullo, executive vice president. “We’re doing what we can here to help keep our customers up and running.”

Despite labor cost hikes, domestic manufacturers are keeping competitive by way of advancements in innovations.

“We are making better quality products because shoppers need value, they need a reason to buy,” Ferullo added. “Performance attributes are more important than ever—washability, durability, high-traffic friendly, on-trend colors and high-definition designs. Affordable rugs are a fast-fashion business, and we’re responding with innovative products that we make here.”

Karastan’s Pandora Avarice; right: Natco Home’s Landscape Collection

“Performance attributes are more important than ever— washability, durability, high-traffic friendly, on-trend colors and high-definition designs.“

MARK FERULLO, NATCO HOME

Value is even important among middle- to high-income bracket consumers. Kaleen is answeriing their call by putting greater emphasis on its top-shelf broadloom programs that can be customized into area rug sizes for customers’ specific needs.

“Our outlook for 2023 and beyond is that the high-end side of the business will be strong and will continue to

grow,” said Monty Rathi, chief operating officer.

To that end, Kaleen is adding seven collections of high-end area rugs and bespoke broadloom styles this season to its Luxe brand. These products are made of 100-percent pure wool and are hand knotted by the company’s own in-house team of artisan weavers.

STOLEN RUG

Luxe also stocks area rugs in three standard sizes, and can cut custom sizes and shapes (within 50-foot long and 15-foot wide dimensions).

To maintain the integrity of the product and protect it from online erosion, all Luxe products are restricted to upscale brick-and-mortar retailers, interior designers and decorators.

“We’ve been working for a few years on developing Luxe, and we’re happy to have now achieved our goal in making it a special program for discerning rug and broadloom shoppers,” Rathi added.

Also innovating but around area rugs is Mohawk Home, with “new technologies and constructions, strong brand partnerships, and other initiatives that really elevate the value proposition,” said Bart Hill, senior vice president. The problem remains around stunted pricing, he noted.

“This industry tends to push price points down, and that’s not sustainable for anyone,” Hill continued. “We’re constantly figuring out ways to enhance quality standards so that our prices are sustainable for our business and fair for our customers.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES.

Sikri (LVM People's Choice Winner) from Kaleen’s Luxe Collection

Recruiting

SHOULD WE BE TALKING?

TURNING THINGS INSIDE OUT

There’s nothing like the great outdoors—even if it’s simply a patio, deck or walkway. In all seasons, today’s area rug consumers are pushing their home boundaries with stylish, durable, and easy-care floor fashions. From hand-woven flatweaves, UV- and fade-resistant polypropylene, to natural fibers such as jute or recycled cotton, fabulous designs abound.

Zollanvari’s Caprino is a new flatweave collection woven from undyed goat’s hair superimposed with pile-knotted modernist lines. Nourison’s brightly-colored Aloha is 100 percent polypropylene in a textured combination weave. Absa by Inigo Elizalde is a superthin flatweave in 100 percent acrylic fibers.

Can outdoor rugs be utilized indoors? Yes! Spaces with high traffic, kids and pets are perfectly suited to ‘performance’ rugs. Moisture-prone areas like basements, bath and laundry rooms benefit from materials that are resistant to mold or mildew.

As we prep for spring, designers and retailers who are ready for customers looking to create the perfect outdoor oasis are sure to bring in the green!

1. Aloha multicolor by Nourison | nourison.com

2. Valencia Kilim in spice by Codarus | codarus.com

3. Erin Gates by Momeni River in slate | momeni.com

4. Coastal 663 turquoise from American Cover Design | americancoverdesign.com

5. Dolce 7512/0045 by Couristan | couristan.com

6. Zollanvari’s Caprino 6 | zollanvari.com

“Make your front porch a part of your home and it will make you part of the world.“

JOHN SARRIS

“Spending time outdoors makes you feel great.“

7. Kalaty’s Modena Collection MO-358 | kalaty.com

8. Lucy Tupu’s Sixties Collection Houghton Bay | lucytupu.com

9. Absa by Inigo Elizalde | inigoelizalderugs.com

10. Design 26975 from Rug & Kilim | rugandkilim.com

11. Jill Zarin Caribbean Collection by Unique Loom | uniqueloom.com

EXQUISITE TASTE

BY ALEX MILSTEIN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

The Met has chosen Exquisite Rugs to design a collection based on the museum’s variety of historical art.

Uniquely designed rugs are truly pieces of art, and to celebrate that fact, Exquisite Rugs is creating an exclusive line of rugs based on art from The Met.

Licensed with The Met’s brand, Exquisite’s Metropolitan Collection is nearly a year in the making, and the company was chosen out of hundreds of companies to team up with the famous museum.

“It’s taken every bit of the year for us to get inspired by the Metropolitan Museum because we have over 20,000 pieces of inspirational material,” says Owner Hersel Bani-Esraili (shown above).

However, the collection will be ready by the time High Point Market rolls around, and the company will display it in its sizable showroom along with 600 other designs.

“This coming High Point Market will be our 82nd market, and we have one of the largest, most interactive and easy-to-use showrooms on the High Point campus,” he says. IHFC, Hamilton Wing, Showroom H204.

However, the new Met-branded collection will only be offered to certain retailers in order to keep it exclusive.

“We will offer them to people that

have a good reputation in the marketplace and are honorable,” he says. “It’s going to be a product for very high-end interior designers and medium to high-end retailers. We are going to try to sell to one establishment per geographical area. When we come up with new collections in the fall, they will get the first option on those as well.”

The licensing agreement will last for several years, and the first release will include five rug collections. There will be limited edition pieces as well as pieces that carry over into other designs.

THE HISTORY

Exquisite Rugs may be highly successful today, but that’s because the company has been built on a generational legacy since 1924.

Starting out as importers in London with warehouses in Germany the company mostly dealt in antique rugs. However, antique rugs became hard to find, and the business eventually developed into a domestic market where the company started creating new products.

“As the supply started to dwindle, it was economically not feasible,” BaniEsraili says about the antique rug business at the time. “But since we had

such a rich history with antique rugs as well as manufacturing, we knew what the real thing was supposed to look like. We went to India and China and we started reproducing antiques, which were and are still very popular.”

From there, the company took off and eventually opened a showroom on 5th Avenue in New York City that saw a great amount of business.

“We have always been in this industry, and we’ve always been creators of rugs,” he says. “We are very selective in our audience. But the people that we do go with, we really support them all out in every way.”

CREATING THE RUGS

Each piece is made by hand by skilled artisans, and the journey to get there is a long and complicated one.

First, raw wool or silk is cleaned, detangled and then hand-spun into balls of yarn. Hand-spinning raw materials gives the yarn unique texture, depth and color. Dye Masters then prepare dyes from recipes that have been passed down for generations to create each precise color and submerge the yarn into these dye baths.

The yarn will undergo a color-perfecting process of dyeing and sun drying 4-5 times to ensure they obtain the

“It’s going to be a product for very high-end interior designers and medium to high-end retailers.“

Above: 5598 Antique Loom

Opposite, clockwise from top left: 5575 Antique Weave, 5662 Legacy, 5670 Vintage Loom, and 5594 Antique Loom

intended shade of color, texture and sheen. The dyed yarn is then collected, wound into balls and assigned to a design and rug artisan.

After a design rendering is hand drawn and painted it serves as the blueprint for each rug, specifying the color and position of every knot.

The intricate art of weaving is the lengthiest step in the process and is done by skilled craftsmen. The company’s weavers practice time-honored techniques that go back generations.

The newly handmade rug is handwashed thoroughly using wooden

paddles and then it is sun-dried. The rugs are also stretched out and blocked to counteract any shrinking that may have occurred so the rugs sit just right. Next, the rugs are hand trimmed, hand carved and clipped to define pile heights and create distinctive pattern elements. To finalize the weaving process, yarn is meticulously hand sewn around the edges of the rug.

Using a straw brush, every rug undergoes final brushing by hand in order to uniform the pile. After a final quality inspection, the finished rug is ready for final use.

Exquisite Rug’s legacy continues with the launch of the Metropolitan collection, and Bani-Esraili adds, “Everybody knows The Met and we feel like it’s going to be one of the most successful licenses out there.”

exquisiterugs.com metmuseum.org

IMAGES COURTESY OF EXQUISITE RUGS.

5600 Antique Loom

“The licensing agreement will last for several years, and the first release will include five rug collections.“

SPRINGS OPEN

ART RESOURCES

Market Square, #278

“We’re ready for a busy spring market. We will be showing our latest designs including our Marrakesh collection, an extensive assortment of traditional and abstract tribal motifs, hand-knotted in pure wool,” says Max Moussavi.

The company will also debut its new Power Loomed Collections in 720K and 2M point constructions—available in sizes from 3'x5' to 12'x18', including rounds and runners.

“Abstract and transistional designs are machine-woven with exquisite detail in soft, luxurious viscose at 2M points,” adds Moussavi.

Art Resources will serve lunch daily during market.

CAPEL RUGS

Market Square, #112

“We have some tricks up our sleeve, that our customers will have fun with, giving them unique experience … and of course we are excited to share our newness!” says Cameron Capel.

“Look for hand-knotted updates in our Verve, Braymore and Charise collections, as well as machine-made debuts in our Lineage, Jules and Zenith collections.”

Style watching, Capel notes she’s seeing green in all values/tones; and lots of texture still trending.

“We’re excited to acknowledge Dedra Owen, our new Product Design and Developer,” adds Capel.

EXQUISITE RUGS

IHFC Building, H-204

Exquisite Rugs’ High Point showroom will sport new displays to present all that’s new this spring—and there is plenty that’s new.

“We’re especially excited to unveil our five new collections created in collaboration with The MET,” says Hersel Bani-Esrali. “We’re also introducing seven new contemporary collections as well as our new high-end performance and indoor-outdoor series.”

Bani-Esrali notes continued demand for contemporary and transitional styles. He recognizes Donna Shalla, national sales manager for her efforts. Visit Exquisite Rugs for morning coffee and pastries; wine and cocktails will be served every afternoon.

RUG INSIDER checks out what’s new & blooming from your perennial favorites for spring’s High Point Market.

Art Resources Marrakesh Collection SKU #1754

Capel’s Avery Keshan 3401 350 Onyx Cream

Exquisite Rugs 5669 Vintage Loom

FEIZY 309 N. Hamilton Street

October 2022 saw the grand opening of the company’s new High Point showroom at 309 N. Hamilton Street in the Wendover Art Group’s 34,000-squarefoot building.

Intros for HPMKT include additions to the Thom Filicia by Feizy Collections, as well as the new collections: Henderson, Kessler, Kilian, Rowen, Navaro, and Wembley.

Can’t get to High Point this spring?

Visit Feizy’s virtual showroom at feizy.com/pages/showrooms.

FRENCH ACCENTS 200 Steele, Floor 1, #112

“We are excited to introduce new designs from the following collections: Bespoke Neapalese, Modern Classics, Khotans, and many more,” says Danny Shafiian. “We have also expanded color options on all our existing popular designs from collections such as the Oushaks, Highland, Berber, and more.”

Shafiian adds that showing at High Point is always a pleasure. “We learn a lot from visitors who engage with us.”

As always, French Accents will offer daily cocktail hours.

HRI [Harounian Rugs International] IHFC Building, #D-431

HRI’s Greg Jordt reports the company will feature a wide range of hand made constructions from tightly woven flatweaves to dense heavy textured wool pile rugs in on-trend Transitional, Traditional and Contemporary looks.

“This Market will feature one of our largest ever selections of new introductions!” Jordt exclaimed. “We’re expecting to see the continued increase in Market traffic that was

experienced last October in High Point and this past January in Las Vegas.”

“We’ve added new 8'x10' display fixtures and lighting to allow buyers to more easily work our beautiful showroom.”

Jordt observes a continued strong trend in traditional designs in classic colorways as well as fresh new trending colorations.

French Accents Khotan design KH193D

Feizy’s new Killian 6970L in black-green is hand-knotted in India combining 100% wool with natural vegetable dyes

HRI’s new zero-pile wool reproduction hand-knotted Antiquity Collection

KALATY IHFC Building, #G-369

Kalaty will be expanding with tribal and Southwestern inspirations in Mojave and Soumak Chroma collections in bold new modern colorations.

“We’re also adding new neutrals in a range of genres as well as charming new Oushak designs in delightful, modern fashion colors,” says Virginia Gray Kennedy.

“We see regional trends growing. What sells best on the West Coast is often different from what sells in the East Coast. And what sells in colder northern climates often differs from warm, more southern regions. Our new rug designs represent a wide range of colors and textures to acommodate these many regional differences. Customers will find something new for all regions and tastes,” she says.

Be sure to ask about new market specials and enjoy daily lunch and cocktails in Kalaty’s showroom.

MOMENI IHFC Building, #H-345

“We can’t wait to show you our new kidney-shaped rug, Claude in High Point,” says Emily Addison. “Other new additions for spring include Tallulah, Willow and Morgan.”

Addison sees trends in curves and warm colors, notably brown and copper as well as cobalt blue.

The company would like to pay respects to long-time rep Ralph Long (The Momeni Man), who passed away in February 2023.

Join Momeni for cocktails with the Novogratz on April 22, at 4 pm.

SAMAD Market Square, #115

“New Collections to keep an eye out for are Brio, Santa Fe, Boho Plus, Dunes and Napa,” says David Samad. “High Point is a heaven for creativity and we’re excited to take part again. It’s always wonderful to connect with customers and showcase what’s new.

When asked if there was a team member deserving of extra recognition, he answered without hesitation: Bryon Hamilton. (Cheers to you, Bryon! ~ RI)

Samad notes a trend toward textural geometrics that play with scale and the use of negative space.

Stop by the Samad showroom for coffee—or chilled Chardonnay after 5 pm every day.

Claude, Momeni’s new kidney-shaped design debuts in High Point

Kalaty’s Soumak Chroma SK-1188

Dynamic Blue-Fire is from Samad’s Indian wool Brio collection hand-knotted in India

TAMARIAN Center Point on Russell, Suite 112

“We will have many new introductions to all of our collections; New designs, qualities, colors from Nepal, India, and Afghanistan in a wide variety of looks, styles, and colors. It will be a truly fresh cache of product alongside a few steady sellers currently available in stock in all standard sizes,” says Ned Baker.

Tamarian’s calm outdoor Terrace space welcomes market visitors seeking refuge from the “crush of window-less buildings full of chattering people.” Overall showroom enhancements continue with new comfort amenities added to inside and outside lounge spaces. New rugs, both in stacks and racks, and waterfall sample racks filled with fresh colors and looks always “reset” the space and give customers a unique experience every time.

With an eye on trends, Baker feels custom Tibetan rugs continue to signal strong activity from the top of the market and typically focus on contemporary/transitional design. He also notes continued interest in subtle textures done mostly in natural tones. Rumors of “greens” being more frequently requested are growing, he adds and also the chatter of “warming palettes”.

The company neighborhood is hosting a scavenger hunt during market, inviting visitors to collect various pictures and videos at neighborhood showrooms to collect FABULOUS prizes. More details will be available at market.

UNIQUE LOOM Market Square, #190

“We are excited and proud to announce the opening of our new showroom in Market Square, MS190!” says Unique Loom’s Stephanie Adams. “We hope you can join us for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, April 22—time to be announced,” Adams adds.

“We also have an event with Jill Zarin in the works for Monday, April 24, from 4-6 pm and will be announcing the title/theme soon.”

New introductions from Unique Loom for High Point market will include the Larsa, Dunes, and Jill Zarin Caribbean Outdoor collections.

Design 3195041 is from Unique Loom’s Larsa Collection, hand-woven in 90% cotton and 10% jute.

Tamarian’s Tiguero TK Graphite

High Point Market

April 22-26, 2023 highpointmarket.org

ZOLLANVARI | zollanvari.com

High Point Market

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RONALD JACOB COURI

Ronald Jacob Couri of Fort Lee, formerly of Tenafly, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly at his residence on March 1, 2023, at the age of 70. His family, friends, and employees are all deeply saddened by his passing.

He is survived by his sons Evan Brett Couri and Ronald George Couri, his daughter Cristina Couri Salit, her husband Eric Stephen Salit, and his grandchildren Elle Harper Salit and Star Grey Salit.

Born on October 8, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, to George Jacob Couri and Eleanor Veronica Shehab, Ron grew up in Dyker Heights with his three brothers George, Robert, and Steven. He attended Poly Prep Country Day School, class of 1970, where he lettered in wrestling and lacrosse. He continued his education at Villanova and Temple Universities earning a business degree in 1974.

Ron was the acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Couristan, Inc., a 97-year-old family-owned, business that imports and manufactures fine, quality area rugs, residential carpeting, and custom contract carpeting. Ron served at the company for over 50 years. He was recognized by his peers and employees as an innovative leader in the area rug and home furnishings industries, whose passion and creative vision helped to secure his family’s business legacy.

Publicly acknowledged for the work he had done in support of “No Child Labor” laws, Ron structured strict “No Child Labor” policies within Couristan by implementing internal and third-party inspections of each facility where handmade area rugs were made. After confirmation, each area rug was verified with a “No Child Labor” tag on its backing assuring the company’s policies were being followed.

He diligently explored new business opportunities and ventured into initiatives that would forever change the landscape of how area rugs were manufactured, marketed, designed, and colored. Through Ron’s vast knowledge of the floor-covering industry, he was able to structure licensing agreements with renowned and highly

marketed brands under the Couristan umbrella including Vanderbilt, Forbes, Disney, CARE, and Marvel.

Perhaps, his greatest business accomplishment, and one that continues to grow within the industry, was his vision of manufacturing and marketing indoor/outdoor area rugs. In 2001 under his guidance, Couristan launched its first outdoor area rug collection with its award-winning Recife Collection. At the time many of his peers in the industry looked at the outdoor segment as a quick trend that would dissolve within 5 years. However, Ron’s perseverance and ingenuity would prevail; the outdoor area rug segment continues to grow exponentially with Couristan at its helm.

Anyone who knew Ron knew he had a tremendous passion for the arts which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. The soundtrack of his life, and his favorite band, was proudly the Grateful Dead. Ron was a former board member of the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey, and was named an Honoree in 2015 for his long-time generous support and contributions. He appreciated how the Center offered something to everyone in the community and how positively the arts education program impacted the lives of its students.

A world traveler Ron particularly loved to vacation in Spain and Colorado. He also enjoyed the simple comforts of his mother’s home in the Poconos and kept his heart in San Francisco. He taught his children to be avid skiers, instilled in them a love of their Lebanese heritage with its food, and brought them back every year to his beloved Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights on display. He was a family man through and through. He loved his children and grandchildren so intensely and wanted to show them the world. Ron will be missed more than words can express in a world that needs more people like him.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Ronald J. Couri Legacy Fund for the Bergen Performing Arts would be greatly appreciated.

bergenpac.org/support-bergenpac/donate

Ronald Jacob Couri

Ashley and Chad Stark to Deliver Sunday Keynote at Spring High Point Market

The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) hosts its second Keynote event for the upcoming spring market, featuring Ashley and Chad Stark in the High Point Theatre, on Sunday, April 23, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Doors open at 2:30 pm.

The third-generation owners of Stark Carpet, Chad Stark, CEO, and Ashley Stark, Creative Director, will speak about their experiences forging the future at a legacy brand while holding onto its venerable 85-year heritage. The talk will be moderated by Architectural Digest Market Director Madeline O’Malley.

Also the co-founders of Ashley Stark Home, they’ll discuss their path for growing new business—including Ashley’s star-powered social media influence, with over one million followers on Instagram—and how they prioritize creating world-class client experiences.

The floor covering resource exhibits to the trade at High Point Market showcasing products from the STARK, Ashley Stark Home, and Stark Studio Rugs brands in their Market Square location.

“Ashley and Chad Stark are outstanding representatives for the future of the home furnishings industry,” says Tammy Nagem, HPMA president and CEO. “Our Spring High Point Market attendees won’t want to miss hearing about their family’s inspirational and evolving story.”

The event is open to all registered High Point Market attendees. Additional details may be found online at highpointmarket.org/keynoteseries.

starkcarpet.com

highpointmarket.org

Third-generation owners of Stark Carpet, Chad Stark, CEO, and Ashley Stark, Creative Director

The Rug Show Plans Expanded Roster, Opens Online Registration

Plans for the 2023 Edition of The Rug Show are well underway, with organizers securing space for their signature kick-off party. In its 11th year, the premier to-the-trade buying event will again take place in Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, September 9 – 11.

“The Meadowlands is the perfect metro NY/NJ venue. Convenient for travel—and minutes from Manhattan. 2023 promises to be one of our best shows,” said Jack Simantob, Board Member. “We look forward to signing more international exibitors and growing our roster.”

More than two dozen brands displayed in 2022 as members of the industry-unique trade fair designed and hosted by area rug companies.

“We’re also bringing back our prestigious Antique Pavilion this fall,” Simantob added. “You won’t find a more diverse selection of handmade classic, contemporary, and one-of-a-kind rugs at a single venue!”

“It was wonderful to be reuinted [last year] with so many people that I’ve known for four decades,” said Roz Rustigian, Rustigian Rugs.

Exhibitor/Membership inquiries should be directed to therugshow.com; info@the rugshow.com. Space is limited.

Attendee registration is now open at therugshow.com. Exclusive discount hotel rates are under negotiation at press-time and are expected to announce soon.

therugshow.com

@therugshow #therugshow

Persian Gallery NY New Acquisitions, Website Enhancements

Persian Gallery New York (PGNY) is heading into spring with a variety of new product acquisitions including vintage and antique rugs, tapestries and pillows, and fine European tapestries, as well as an assortment of modern and contemporary rugs. See ‘New Arrivals’ on their site, PGNY.com. The site also features a vastly expanded Buy-It-Now section plus an enhanced Advanced Search function. For special requests, contact info@pgny.com or call (212) 683-2699.

Feizy Appoints Michael Bauer as Director of Trade Relations

Dallas, TX-based Feizy Rugs has appointed Michael Bauer as the Director of Trade Relations. As Vice President of Design at Dallas Market Center for ten years, he brings 20-plus years of experience in interior design, trade relations, and retail/brand development experience to the company.

“Michael is a tremendous asset to the Feizy team. Continuing to improve our already strong relationship with the interior design community is paramount to us in 2023,” said Principal Cameron Feizy.

Bauer was the 2020 IDS/DFW Chapter President and currently serves on the IDS National Board of Directors. He will continue to work closely with the design community and industry organizations to position Feizy Rugs as a key supplier to the trade. He will also partner with the company’s sales team to develop key business segments in each region. feizy.com

10-year veteran exhibitor S&H Rugs looks forward to 2023.

PGNY’s new Indian Modern Tribal Item # 46521

Michael Bauer

Fiber-Shield Industries New California DTSC-Compliant Formulas

Fiber-Shield Industries, Inc. has fulfilled the need for USA made professional-grade textile soil and stain repellents for over four decades. Independently tested and confirmed to have no PFOS, PFOA, or PFAAS, the company has maintained environmental compliance while maintaining the highest possible performance.

The company has added several products that are registered with the CALIFORNIA DTSC. These products assure the user of compliance while preserving the same easy application procedures as before.

This new California-compliant series of textile repellents both in solvent and water-based formulas is where the company remains ahead of the development curve. The products contain conforming polymer additives that perform better than other products on the market while continuing to maintain PFAAS-free formulations.

From well-known brands like FIBER-SHIELD® and KARPETCRYL® soil and stain repellents to the professional-grade water based spot cleaners such as FAST-KLEEN for carpets and FAST-KLEEN FOAM for furniture, all of the company’s products comply with environmental regulations and are safe to use as directed.

Contact (631) 345-0240 / fiber-shield.com

THE JOURNEY OF A MASTERPIECE

along-time Tufenkian customer and admirer of Vincent Van Gogh had always wanted a reproduction of one of the Dutch master’s works in his home. The iconic Irises had special meaning for him.

He chose Tufenkian Artisan Carpets to bring his vision to life and was willing to wait for as long as it took to complete. Having a background in the art of needlepoint, he also provided steady input as to the effect he desired.

To render the painting as a runner, the design was flipped several times to create an undulating flow of irises. The Tufenkian rug artist, Kazumi painstakingly matched yarn colors, using twenty six color placements. In a three-year process of making and reviewing strikeoffs, the final choices of wool or silk yarn were made, plus carving the pile to create the impressionistic look of a Van Gogh.

As the longest custom project on record at Tufenkian, Irises involved countless emails and discussions, seventeen renderings, one hand painting by the artist, and four different strikeoffs.

Every guest who visits the client’s home is welcomed by a gorgeously functional interpretation of a classic work of art. Go Van Gogh!

tufenkian.com

Van Gogh’s original Irises (above) is among the most expensive paintings ever sold, selling for 54 million dollars in 1987. Twenty six color placements were used to interpret the original masterpiece. The design was flipped and repeated to create the full runner—as shown in the rendering pictured below.

Tough Stains Have Met Their Match

Here is a proven, made-in-the-USA, water-based spot cleaner, ideal for water-safe carpeting.

FAST-KLEEN removes the toughest water- and oil-based spots and stains, without solvents or VOCs. Motor oil, soy sauce, pet messes, coffee—bring it on!

And it is available in two convenient platforms: a dependable squirt bottle and bag-on-valve spray.

Carpet and rug professionals: here is a 100-percent green, professional-strength spot and stain remover that works fast on the toughest stains. WE