New partnerships, showrooms and a fake food trend – Rug Report

This week’s rug news includes a new Nate Berkus partnership, a brick-and-mortar store opening in Dubai… and a hamburger rug trend?

Rugs USA is partnering with interior designer and author, Nate Berkus, with the first edition of the Nate Berkus x Rugs USA collection slated to launch in Fall 2025.

The company said the collection will deliver Berkus’s classic style and timeless design aesthetic, offering customers well made, approachable rug options for their home. The initial launch will kick off a long-term partnership, with multiple collection drops for years to come.

“The partnership between world-renowned interior designer Nate Berkus and Rugs USA is a dream collaboration for us,” said Alyssa Steele, CEO of Rugs USA. “We have long admired Nate’s keen eye for design and elevated design sensibility. Together we’re offering customers the opportunity to bring functional beauty into their living spaces.”

The pieces blend Berkus’s approachable style with comfort and craftsmanship, according to Steele.

For his part, Berkus said he’s been fortunate in his almost 30-year career to be able to partner with brands that are the best at what they do.

“They know their customer; they know their business and they know how to produce the very best in terms of quality and style,” Berkus said. “Rugs USA is no exception, and I have been so impressed not only by their capabilities, but their ability to be collaborators in the true sense of the word, merging what they do best with what I do best.”

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The Rug Company, based in London, has opened its first flagship store in the Middle East, located in Jumeirah, Dubai. The new space reimagines the charm of Jumeirah’s 1970s architecture while evoking the bohemian glamour of Palm Springs, according to the company.

More than just a showroom, the company said the new showroom is a destination designed for hosting -which caters to Dubai’s unique clientele.

The showroom contains rugs borne of collaborations with icons like Alexander McQueen, Kelly Wearstler and Mary Katrantzou.

“The Middle East boasts a rich heritage of art, design and craftsmanship that spans centuries,” said Jan Vingerhoets, The Rug Company CEO. “With our opening in Dubai, we aimed to do things differently, creating what we believe is the finest expression of our brand to date.”

Vingerhoets said the Bungalow’s design incorporates elements that reflect and honor the local culture, making it a truly

one-of-a-kind destination for our customers.

“The home is a cherished place where family and friends gather in the UAE,” said Kate Judd, Middle East managing director. “A rug is not only a decorative piece—it symbolizes warmth, hospitality and tradition. We understand that our creations become treasured parts of our clients’ lives, enriching the spaces where meaningful moments unfold.”

In keeping with its commitment to nurturing creativity and community, The Rug Company said the Bungalow will also serve as a vibrant venue for exclusive events, brand collaborations, and intimate gatherings, providing an inspiring environment where designers, creatives and clients can come together to collaborate.

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Trend forecasting company WGSN has unveiled its 2025 trends which include topics such as therapeutic laziness, day-jamas and fake food.

“Soft-serve swirls as dog toys? Hamburger area rugs and popcorn vases? Yes, please,” said the WGSN trend experts about the fake food trend. “Embrace treat culture and propose decorative items and gifting ideas that tap into the feel-good, stress-relief power of bringing up a smile.”

The experts say that the more realistic, the more surrealist the effect across items such as rugs, candles, tabletop, stationery and toys but also furniture and room décor.

“Have fun and encourage your customers to have fun as well, no matter how small the treat or how cheekily the indulgence is portrayed,” the experts said. “Play with textures, detailing and embellishment. Delve into nostalgia, elevate your product with premium materials and finishes.”

The experts believe that with this trend, there is something for every palate and the appetite is only growing.