[A version of this article appeared in print in the June 2016 issue of Rug News andDesign Magazine.]
We filled a room with twelve graphic designers, architects, spec writers, and a few design interns, and handed out the May 2016 Rug News andDesign magazine to see the reactions to the Lifestyle Bold Rug Décor article. After they had taken some time to review and discuss the magazine article, the original images submitted by the companies that participated were passed around in folders for them to review.
After a few hours of talking and observing, of listening to the way the architects began to see the spaces enhanced by the various rugs’ color and texture, our panel came to an almost unanimous vote for our winner of the month:
The Donny Osmond Home Escape collection by KAS.
“It’s modern enough to be trendy, but it still has some traditional elements to fit in any setting,” commented Maddie, one of the architectural interns who took the time to review each of the rug designs and room décor settings.
“The way the modern furniture is embracing the bold rug designs and patterns is outstanding in this space,” gushed Jim V., one of the architects. He has experience working with interior designers and creating high-quality hospitality room settings for resorts around the world.
Though the other two images provided by KAS did not make it into the finals, they are featured along with the winning design, because they were believed to embody a perfect representation of what a rug can do to the architecture of each space. As we can see by the intricate texture that enhances the modern, clean architectural vestibule in their outstanding royal blue Bob Mackie Home Vintage design, as well as the pop of color their Chelsea design uses to liven up the classic brick architectural look in the living room space, they chose to display their modern design.
“KAS embraced their definition of breaking the rules in architectural spaces, with their bold and bright designs, their designs are one of a kind.”
The runner-up was Artistic Weavers, with their Geology and Hilda rug collections.
“It’s amazing to see how Artistic Weavers took the zebra pattern and did an excellent take on a zebra print,” observed one of the designers, “They were certainly bold by taking a design that for a while was considered to be a bit trashy, and converting it into a modern take which offers a good take on the design, making it an excellent accent piece.”
The other quality that brought Artistic Weavers into the top finalists was the way they created multiple views of their settings. The way in which they embraced the floor plan and two point perspective design ideas, and combined them to portray almost magical settings that brought the perfect story line to each one of their designs.
By the way each photo was set up and brought to life, you’ll begin to feel how you’d perceive the space in real life.
“It makes your mind wander, to how you’d sit on the couch and run your feet on their rug, while waiting for someone to come downstairs to join you.”
Finally, it is clear that a rug can be as beautiful as they come, but it is imperative as designers, retailers, or even homeowners, to understand the power a rug can have in any real lifestyle setting. It can provide comfort and style to a room, and highlight the architecture of your space.
