New leadership, consumer education and urban-inspired design | Rug Report
Find out all the latest rug news from Jaipur Living, Feizy Rugs and Rug’Society in this week’s Rug Report.
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Rugmaker Jaipur Living has named James Ashley as the company’s new Senior Vice President of Sales.
Ashley joined Jaipur Living in March and is leading the sales organization through its next phase of strategic growth, channel development and customer engagement. In this role, Ashley is responsible for leading the company’s sales strategy across key business channels, including interior design, furniture retail, contract hospitality, national accounts and emerging growth opportunities.
Ashley has more than 20 years of senior sales and marketing leadership experience in the home furnishings, lighting, outdoor furniture and design industries. Before joining Jaipur Living, he held executive sales leadership roles at companies including Gabriella White, Eurofase Lighting, Hunter Fan Company and ELK Home, where he led sales growth initiatives, channel expansion, sales team development and business transformation efforts across multi-channel sales organizations.
“James brings a strong combination of sales leadership, channel strategy, and customer-focused execution to Jaipur Living,” said Asha Chaudhary, President and CEO of Jaipur Living. “His experience building and leading high-performing sales teams will be an important asset as we continue to deepen relationships with designers, retailers, contract partners, and key accounts. He understands the importance of pairing strong business discipline with the values, craft, and human story that make Jaipur Living unique.”
Ashley’s appointment comes as Jaipur Living continues to invest in its sales organization, product storytelling, customer experience and channel-specific growth strategies.
“Jaipur Living has a rare combination of product, purpose, craftsmanship, and growth opportunity,” said Ashley. “The brand has a powerful story, a deep connection to artisans, and a tremendous opportunity to further support designers, retailers, and commercial partners with the tools and programs they need to grow.
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Michael Bauer, director of trade relations for Feizy Rugs, recently presented a session entitled “The 411 on Rugs” at retailer Star Furniture’s Katy, Texas, location.
Bauer’s session broke down everything from sizing and placement to materials, construction and layering. He also discussed the emergence of neuroaesthetics, the continued importance of craftsmanship and the movement toward organic color palettes, all reflected in Feizy’s product introductions for 2026.
“A rug is foundational,” said Bauer. “It grounds the space and defines how everything else comes together. It isn’t just something you walk on; it tells a story.”
Star Furniture, serving Texas families for more than a century, has 10 locations across Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Bryan/College Station. The retailer is part of Berkshire Hathaway’s Top 100 furniture division.
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Created for the rhythm of metropolitan life, Rug’Society’s Urban collection reflects the character, energy and contrasts of the modern city.
Each rug translates urban references into refined design, where graphic compositions, layered patterns, and bold visual elements coexist with craftsmanship and precision. Inspired by the expressive language of tattoos and graffiti, these rugs introduce a distinctive presence to city interiors.
The Urban Collection is designed for interiors with attitude, homes that embrace individuality, creativity, and the unmistakable identity of urban living.
Rug’Society is also crafting flora through design with a curated selection that highlights rugs that draw inspiration directly from elements of the botanical world.
Each design reinterprets the richness of flora through intricate textures, layered hues, and organic compositions – offering a quiet immersion into the elegance of nature.
Designed to bring a sense of serenity and narrative depth to contemporary interiors, this collection invites the outside in, grounding spaces with artistry and intention .
