Weavers unite, broadloom gets noticed and new modern rugs debut – The Rug Report

HIGH POINT – This week’s rug news includes a new company created to save Armenia’s weavers, a look at broadloom from Nourison Home and some new rugs from Rug’Society.

********************************

According to Lizzy Vartanian of the Armenian Weekly, the Rug Code is a collective of Armenian weavers, dyers, artists, historians, ethnographers, and storytellers on a mission to breathe new life into rug making and create meaningful employment for rural weavers.

This year, the Rug Code will launch its first kids’ carpets and a collection of felt rugs made using recycled scrap threads from its production.

“I launched The Rug Code in February 2024, and in less than a year, we’ve fulfilled 40 orders,” founder Kyle Khandikian said. “The potential is there and I’m so excited to see what the future will bring for Armenian rug making.”

Khandikian said many rugs are brought to Armenia and resold as ‘Armenian’ to unsuspecting buyers who have not studied rugs and cannot tell the difference between an Armenian and a Turkish or Persian rug.

This frustration at having been lied to, combined with the lack of transparency and trust when searching for Armenian rugs, sparked the initial idea for The Rug Code. The desire to start a rug business became more urgent once Khandikian learned that many locals no longer weave rugs in Armenia, because it’s not a profitable trade.

“In just one generation, the culture of hand-making rugs in villages and towns for families’ personal use and as commemorative gifts for major life events like weddings and births has nearly completely disappeared,” he said. “That is not an exaggeration. Traditional rug making will disappear from Armenia’s villages in my lifetime if something isn’t done about it.”

In response, purchasing a handmade rug directly from the remaining professional rug makers in Armenia’s villages is now an easy and transparent process.

The “coders” or weavers at The Rug Code range in age from 18-53 and represent three generations of weavers. Nearly all of them are also engaged in other full-time work, as rug making is not yet profitable, and they weave at night and on weekends to supplement their incomes.

“These women put their spirit and energy into every rug they make, and despite the many challenges placed in front of handmade creators in Armenia, they are keeping traditional weaving practices alive,” said Khandikian. “They are heroes.”

The Rug Code encourages its weavers to create their own original designs, while also connecting them with local artists who create designs they can turn into handmade pieces. Their recent Barana collection was designed by Gyumri-born artist Gohar Martirosyan.

****************************

Nourison Home’s top broadloom collections include Traverse, Textureweave, Infinite and Elegance.

Broadloom is a floor covering that is woven on a wide loom. It generally refers to tufted, wall-to-wall carpet. Broadloom is sold on rolls that are a standard width, usually 12 feet wide, but can also be 15 feet or 13 feet, 6 inches wide.

Historically, all carpets were hand woven on looms, so “broadloom” literally refers to the type of loom used to make large carpets; it was wider than the average loom size.

According to Nourison Home, its Traverse collection balances bold modern hues with striated neutrals, blending style and durability effortlessly while Textureweave’s artisanal hand-woven design adds subtle texture and contemporary charm to any décor.

The Infinite collection combines vintage-inspired silk-like highlights with a velvety soft feel while Elegance is a modern medley of sophisticated florals, dimensional patterns and subtle striations.

*****************************

Portuguese rug company Rug’Society believes that modern rugs play a crucial role in interior design, acting as both the foundation and the focal point of a room’s aesthetic. The ever-evolving design world constantly introduces innovative ideas, offering new perspectives and inspiration, according to the company. Rug’Society’s goal is to elevate this to an art form.

The new Valencia rug (photo to the left) is a tribute to the vibrant essence of summer in the Spanish city. With its hand-tufted botanical silk, Valencia encapsulates the city’s vivid warmth in a palette of neutral yet inviting tones, offering unparalleled comfort and a dash of Mediterranean charm.

“Whether for complimenting or contrasting with other décor elements, choosing the perfect rug is a crucial design decision that influences the overall appearance, comfort, and longevity of the space in question,” said a company spokesperson.

The new Couple rug (photo to the right) by Rug’Society takes center stage, its captivating pattern drawing inspiration from the wonders of the natural world. More than just a rug, it is a testament to romance, “reminding us of the enduring importance of love and connection in our lives,” according to the company.

With its exquisite design, this rug infuses any space with an aura of romanticism, mystery, and magic. Crafted with precision using a blend of hand-tufting and overtufting techniques, Couple showcases materials such as natural wool and botanical silk.

Rug’Society appears with a strong connotation to eclectic style and aspires to be a brand that transmits emotions, which is its starting point for every design.