We are entering Fall 2024, with the sweltering summer heat behind us and the welcome return of more temperate weather. This comes along with the annual return of kids to school and of the workforce to a full-time schedule. For those of us in the area rug industry, the arrival of the Fall season also brings with it the return of our clients and colleagues from their summer vacations, the return to a jam-packed schedule of showroomsits, appointments, and product introductions, and perhaps most significantly, the return of the much-anticipated Fall Rug Market Shows.

RUG INSIDER touches in with Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media, who curates the Fall 2023 edition of ANDMORE’s TrendWatch program at High Point Market. #HPMKT

Hand-knotted, low-pile area rugs dominate at the close of 2023. Most examples have a worn appearance—think stonewash or sun-washed—which makes them a shoo-in for heavily trafficked areas in the home. Yarn combinations combine Tibetan wool and silk at the higher price points; look for wool and cotton in the mid-range. Texture is as engaging as color. The knots vary in size, so colors appear in soft focus. Plus, look for hand-serging and fringe treatments.

The role, relevance—and registration rates of exhibitors, buyers and designers, alike—for home furnishings market events are on the rise again, post-pandemic. Even in today’s hyper-digital world, where it’s not just common but de rigueur to connect and conduct business remotely via screens, some exchanges and experiences are better left in person.

As the muggy days of Summer fade and the weather turns crisp and mild we look forward to what autumn has in store. For many, it’s the back-to-school season, and those who have been working remotely from home, or with a hybrid schedule, return to the office on a regular basis.  For the area rug industry, Fall means a busier schedule of showroom visits, appointments, and product introductions, and perhaps most significantly, the return of the Fall Rug Markets.

From Saturday, September 9 through Monday, September 11, the New York/New Jersey area rug trade was abuzz with the arrival of the annual Autumn trade shows. Cover Connect New York took place in Manhattan, and The Rug Show was held in Secaucus, New Jersey. The two trade shows offered up a combined total of nearly 70 exhibitors, with area rug vendors from the United States and abroad convening on the shows, and displaying their freshest rug offerings.

Rug Insider checks in with Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media, who curates trends and educational programs—FIRST LOOK: West at Las Vegas Market and TrendWatch at High Point Market—for International Markets Centers.

Blues are poised to dominate in the seasons ahead, as water-inspired varieties feature prominently in PANTONE®’s home forecast for 2024. The current ’90s-era denim throwbacks are worth noting as an inspiration source, too. Area rugs done up in hues that evoke favorite denim washes, rinses and finishes send immediate cues to the homeowner: comfortable, relaxed, and livable, especially in high-traffic areas. 

Couristan | Siena Ombré

Siena from Couristan features two million points of yarn per square meter. Hand-washed for a soft and luxurious finish, each eclectic design is machine-made using a unique blend of 85% viscose and 15% shrink acrylic. 

Abstract patterns remain so popular and useful in residential interiors. Swaths of painterly brushstrokes, landscape impressions, and designs that evoke atmospheric phenomena or processes that occur in nature are especially timely. Here, magnification is key—these artful patterns appear to be culled from microscopic examination.

Interesting material mixes catch my attention, especially varieties that elevate one or both materials. Weaves that incorporate jute and chenille, for instance, boost up jute and give it new tactility and allow for more pattern expression.

Unique Loom | Chenille Jute 

Unique Loom’s medium pile polyester Chenille & Jute rug is hand braided in India. SKU #3192134 incorporates an expressive palette of ivory, pink, navy blue, yellow and green. 

Neutrals never fall out of favor, and what I’m drawn to is minimal designs done in warm hues. Best varieties have broad applications—they suit Coastal, Lodge, Southwest, or Modern interiors, for instance, with equal ease.

Kaleen | Jara Collection 

Named for the Hindu goddess of household happiness and prosperity, the Jara Collection depicts a variety of all-over linear and diamond patterns that inspire joy. These shag, all-wool floor coverings are expertly handwoven by artisan weavers. Options include area rugs in standard size and custom sizes within the parameters of 15 feet wide and 50 feet long; and Broadloom applications.

Lastly, favor for traditional patterns and design elements is growing. Older Millennials have likely purchased the home they plan to own for the foreseeable future, and this commitment to home stirs up emotion and desire for stability. Incorporating traditional patterns and motifs—with a light hand—is one way to create certainty and convey commitment.

Jean Stoffer × Loloi 

The Bradbury Collection by Jean Stoffer in collaboration with Loloi has small-scale motifs that create eye-catching dimension. Power-loomed of polypropylene and polyester in Egypt and Oeko-Tex® certified.

The Summer 2023 edition of Las Vegas Market runs July 30 – August 2, at World Market Center Las Vegas.  

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Julie Smith Vicenti, Nine Muses Media owner and creative director