By Andrea Lillo
With an emphasis on accents at last month’s New York Home Fashions Market, manufacturers expanded their lines to showcase new technology and designs, along with new area rug collections targeting the mass market.
Among Mohawk Home’s introductions were its glow-in-the-dark mats, which use photoluminescent inks that allow the design to remain visible for hours. The reaction to the mats “was extremely positive across the board,” said Jeffrey Seagle, director of marketing and product merchandising. About 36 designs using this technology were shown at market, in such designs as Halloween, back to campus and safety. Mohawk also showed a bright group of designs called Felicity, made of printed nylon on textured bases, and Serenity, a new woven line that has distressed and aged design looks.
Artistic Weavers focused on color stories for the market, said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president, sales/national accounts, Surya, including pumpkin, teal and gray. While the designs within the story didn’t match directly, he said “the colors work together,” making room coordination easy.
In addition, “customers told us they love wool, and they want the best wool they can get at the best price,” Sullivan said. In a new collection of flatweaves, Artistic Weavers showed “our different spin,” with reversible designs with a light colorway on one side and a darker one on the other, retailing for $199 for a 5-by-8.
Concord Trading expanded its National Geographic license with a stand-alone accent rug program this market. While its existing area rug line with National Geographic has accent rugs, the new program is of a lighter weight and will come in packs, said Gulben Aksu-Bulat, co-owner and vice president. Coming in a 20-by-32-inch size and with a latex backing, the new washable accent rugs will also be based on the National Geographic photo archives. In addition, the company unveiled two printed nylon collections: Antiquities, which has antique, worn looks, and Cornucopia, which has more modern designs.
Regence Home showed its Caribbean Joe licensed line for the first time. The accent rugs have a cotton chenille base and a latex backing. “It’s about color and casual nature,” said Scott Carlton, vice president, sales and marketing. Initially there are three designs in three colorways, and another three more designs are on the way.
Garland unveiled its entry-level Fleur-De-Lis collection of two-toned polypropylene rugs, which also had coordinating floor pillows. “Price is still important,” said Steve Rowenhorst, vice president, sales. “Everyone is looking for value; this has fashion and value.” A 5-by-7 will retail for less than $40, and is available in either an anti-skid resistant or action backing. Designs included houndstooth, floral, lips and peace signs.