America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards Presented In Atlanta

Furniture World Magazine

January’s Atlanta International Area Rug Market® featuring the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS) showcased the world’s largest permanent collection of area rugs. From antiques to power-loomed creations—retailers from around the globe discovered more new product—in every style and price point—and more exclusive product introductions than any other wholesale offering. The Market hosted the triumphant return of AMERICASMART’s MOI: Museum of Introductionssm. An industry exclusive, MOI is the product signature exhibition of the Atlanta International Area Rug Market—featuring a dynamic array of area rug introductions from the world’s leading floor covering designers and manufacturers. And, from MOI came the much-anticipated return of America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards, the “Academy Awards® of the Area Rug Industry”, and long considered the industry’s most coveted honor. The Awards—held on Saturday, January 20 in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis to a capacity crowd—more than 1,300 retailer and exhibitor customers strong—was for the 4th year propelled to even higher levels of distinction as Architectural Digest served as the program’s exclusive sponsor. This year’s event— was a provocative, lavish celebration staged amid visually dramatic, sophisticated décor and complemented by a performance by internationally-renowned MASS Ensemble (Music Architecture Sonic Sculpture). Holly Firfer, currently co-anchor of Atlanta & Company and DAVE-FM (92.9 FM) morning DJ, served as the evening’s emcee. The 2007 America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards winners and judges’ comments follow: Handmade $0—$12 (per square foot): Rugs America “…great graphic design…good color…very fine texture…good pricing… ‘of the moment’…” Power-Loomed $0—200: Marsella Fine Rugs “…traditional…great price for the quality…subtle coloring…” Handmade $12.01—$23 (per sq. foot): Capa Imports “…timely yet traditional…sophisticated…nice sheen…great color palette…good quality and value…” Power-Loomed $201—400: Couristan “…very expensive looking…design is very prominent…nice scale…striking use of color…” Handmade $23.01—$35 (per sq. foot): F.J. Kashanian “…unusual color…stunning…bold…sense of warmth…nice balance of warm and cool…” Power-Loomed $400—1000: Couristan “…bold…nice lyrical look…sophisticated…nice color…broad appeal…” Handmade $35.01—$46 (per sq. foot): F.J. Kashanian “…elegant…high quality…very rich…wonderful design…good texture…” Power-Loomed $1000+: Karastan “…elegant…perfect for a formal or casual setting…nice modulation of color…broad appeal…” Handmade $46.01—$56 (per sq. foot): French Accents “…great scale of pattern…classic…beautiful coloring…unique…high quality and durable…” Handmade $56.01—$65 (per sq. foot): Smyrna Trading “…durable…nice pattern…coral is a nice color surprise…nice texture…looks old but at the same time very contemporary…” Handmade $65.01+ (per sq. foot): Obeetee “…good quality…crisp look…striking…dynamic…useable color palette…” Antique: Chaman “…glows like the sunset…very lively for an antique…great balance…lovely coloring…” Best Contemporary Design: Mat the Basics “…nice, neutral color…retro look…hand-knit feeling is innovative…offers a Scandinavian look…” Best Rug by Retailer Vote/Buyer’s Choice: Anadol Judging for America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards was conducted by Cathleen Sheehan, President + Partner, ESP Trendlab; Stephen Elrod, Vice President & Creative Director, Lee Jofa; and Rahdhakrishnaiah Parachuru Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Textile Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology. Also honored were showrooms judged superior in the increasingly high profile Visual Display Awards Program, which celebrates extraordinary visual merchandising innovations. The January 2007 Visual Display Awards winners are: Karastan, 3rd floor; Safavieh, 4th floor; Marsella Fine Rugs, 5th floor; Shaw Living, 6th floor.