Performance Art
While sisal and jute rugs perform well as a supporting cast, the limelight this season is on charismatic wools and silks. With an expressive range of color and pattern, these rugs have the presence to set the stage for any interior. Showcasing a variety of construction methods, artistic traditions and global origins, as well as opportunities for customization and versatility, this year’s ensemble represents its craft well.
Designers, in particular, respond to patterning. “Imagine Versailles without its plush Savonnerie carpets, or the English country house without its threadbare Persians, or the glamorous interiors of 1930’s Hollywood movies without chic Déco rugs. In each case, the rug is the soul of the room,” says Ryan Reitmeyer, who studied rugs at Bard Graduate center and designs for Carol Piper. Barry Dixon agrees, “The rug is the catalyst that holds all of the dissimilar elements in the room together.” He designed a line for Megerian and asserts that he often begins a room by selecting a rug. Designer Matthew Williamson struts his tuff with The rug Company’s “Peacock Light,” which he design in Tibetan wool and silk. Designer Barclay Butera offers his “Marine Stripe” for Kravet Tufts in either New Zealand wool, viscose or some combination, so a rug can be customized for pricing and color. Thomas O’Brien designed “Corsaro” for Safavieh with medallions, recalling one of his favorite vintage carpets. The hand of the creator is literally evident in “Touch Me.” James Tufenkian derived the design by tracing his own hand on paper.
Nature continues to serve as the wellspring of inspiration for many in-house designers. A sublime blend of pomegranates and leaves defines the ground of Asmara’s Savonile “Alcazar” rug. Patterson, Flynn & Martin’s “Leclaire Sprig” takes its cue from winter berries. New Moon’s “Cherry Blossom” is a contemporary take on the Japanese flower. Leafy foliage defines Tamarian’s Tibetan “Kulin.” The “Alpine Lily” is illustrated in Couristan’s Charisma Collection. Florals play out in different ways in Karastan’s “Wildflowers,” Nourison’s “Silk Garden” and Samad’s “Full Bloom Ebony.”
Still other rugs are inspired by works from various artistic media. “Arbus” from Marc Phillips’ Metro Collection was inspired by a 1940’s design by Andrew Arbus. Warp & Weft’s “Horizon Pacific” evokes the subtle character of a Rothko painting. rugs by Robinson’s “Balance” pays homage to the deconstructivist movement. Hokanson’s A-101 is inspired by historic Japanese fashion. Tibetano’s “Rhone Goldenrod” translates a curvaceous wrought-iron fence into wool and silk.
Some designers pull from historic periods. Halvai’s “Brocade” is inspired by nineteenth-century English velvet textiles. Darren Henault’s design for Doris Leslie Blau references a Victorian sample of needlework from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Asymmetric rugs can be such scene-stealers on hesitates to cover them with furnishings-for example, French Accents’ Moroccan-style rug or Davis & Davis’ paisley rug. Caravan’s exuberant “Paneru 2” is invigorated by over sizing, while Matt Camron delivers a canvas of improvised lines.
Rugs have become such an important design element, Barclay Butera says, “We are starting to think of carpets as a stand-alone category.”
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