This week’s rug news includes a DTC rug company that’s opening its first store, what sets Quorum International’s Lavin Rugs apart from other brands, and a wrap of High Point Market intros.
*********************
Previously only available online, Orientiq, a new oriental rug store located in Columbia, Pa., will hold its grand opening Nov. 29-30. Customers can meet the Orientiq team during the event, browse their unique products, and try authentic Turkish coffee, tea and other sweets.
The company purchased a building at 22 S 2nd Street in downtown Columbia to serve as its store to sell hand-woven oriental carpets and rugs to local customers. Previously available only on their website, the rugs and carpets will now be displayed for customers to see in person.
The new will be the headquarters for the business which has a goal of providing an outlet for Afghan and Pakistani weavers to sell their products in the United States. Orientiq’s motto is “Weaving hope, one rug at a time!”
Made from natural vegetable dyes and locally sourced wool, each piece reflects not only the skill of its maker but also the cultural heritage of the region it comes from. From the shearing of sheep to the final knot, the entire process shows tradition and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
The story of Orientiq began in 2023, during a conversation in an Afghan home in Istanbul, Turkey. Inspired by the beauty of traditional handmade carpets and the challenges faced by the artisans who create them, founder Chris Stoltzfus set out to build a business centered on near-direct trade, so he can guarantee that a significant portion of every sale supports the weavers directly.
Orientiq has two collections of rugs that are presented; the Noorzai Collection and the Elvan Collection. Each collection features carpets with a specific origin. The Noorzai Collection is a group of Afghan carpets that have been made by widows, orphans and struggling families. The Elvan Collection is a group of Turkmen carpets specifically from Afghanistan made with traditional designs and dyes.
********************
The mantra for Lavin Rugs, a family-owned company based in Fort Worth, Texas, is to blend centuries-old techniques with modern rug designs.
As the newest addition to Quorum International’s family of brands, Lavin helps to fill out the range of home categories offered by the company to allow for more of a one-stop whole home shopping experience. It made its debut at High Point Market last month.
Quorum and its sister brands, Cyan Design and Oxygen, currently offer products in the home accents, furniture, lighting, ceiling fan, wall décor, mirror and now rug categories with the addition of Lavin.
“We produce rugs made with natural fibers in India, and power-loomed rugs in both Turkey and Egypt,” said Kim Chaumont, Lavin Rugs director of sales and business development. “The goal for our brand is to offer affordable luxury so we are targeting consumers in the younger generations.”
For example, a 5’3” x 7’6” size of the new Optika polyester rug is $108 wholesale, while the 5’3” x 7’6” size of the new Myra rug made with recycled PET yarns runs $131 and a 5’3” x 7’6” size of the new Mitra wool and cotton rug runs $156.
Chaumont said the company’s latest collections feature contemporary designs inspired by natural landscapes and geometric patterns. One of the company’s most successful strategies has been to leverage collaborations with top industry designers and influential voices across social media, allowing for direct access to consumer insights.
********************
Hand-woven, hand-tufted, machine-made, broadloom and outdoor rugs from dozens of manufacturers decorated the floors and walls of showrooms during the High Point Market. Many companies have updated their approach to traditional looks with designs that have been softened in terms of color and pattern.
Rug company Loloi invited designer duo Chris and Julia Mangum, who have been taking Instagram by storm for almost a decade now, to High Point to promote their new collections, including hand-tufted rugs, affordable printed rugs and the couple’s first outdoor rug line (which customers have been requesting for a while now, according to Julia.)
Over at Feizy, the company offered a two-day virtual reality experience including interactive VR design tours featuring pieces by designer Corey Damen Jenkins.
Nourison Home debuted its new DKNY partnership with rugs developed in partnership with DKNY lead designer Bernard Hemming.
Surya revealed eight new rug collections at market as part of an extensive selection of new products spanning all categories, including furniture, textiles, lighting and wall décor.
Harounian Rugs International (HRI) welcomed visitors with its new Fabrege collection made of 100% New Zealand wool and available in six colorways.
Over at Oriental Weavers, the Clarke, Havana and Mallory collections all made their debut. Handloomed of wool and viscose, Clarke features subtle shades of green and blue alongside warm neutrals. The mid-priced Mallory collection is power-loomed of soft polyester and features a subtle earth-toned palette of slate blue, soft clay tones, subtle gold and warm neutrals. And the affordable Havana collection power-loomed of 100% polypropylene features iconic motifs in vibrant shades of sunflower yellow and flamingo pink.
Credit: homeaccentstoday.com
