The finalists of the Carpet Design Awards have been revealed.
Some 206 rug designs were submitted for the awards, to be announced during Domotex. Of these, 24 were selected as finalists across the eight categories.
In selecting the finalists, the jury paid particular attention to the design, quality and exquisite craftsmanship of the handmade rugs. ‘The competition this year is fierce as there are some outstanding rugs up for awards. It’s going to be exciting to see industry veterans battle it out with less discovered designers and brands,’ says Jamie Metrick, head of the jury and Elite md. Carin Terins, CDA jury member and RugVista purchase and creative director, was particularly pleased with the creativity and quality of the submissions. ‘I am fascinated by the passion and creativity that designers and artists possess, as demonstrated by this competition. The mix between contemporary and traditional elements, the variation between colourful and finely tuned neutrals, the beautiful craftsmanship and the importance placed on sustainability, all give me great hope for the future of the industry.’
The finalists will be on display in Hall 3 at the January exhibition, with the winner announced on 12 January at 6pm.
The finalists are:
Best Studio Artist Design: Original small scale production design from an artist or designer – Pomme d’Or, Maison Rhizomes; Rhizomes 1 White, Maison Rhizomes and Maschera, Dena Lawrence.
Best Modern Design Superior: Original contemporary designs showing optimum use of materials- 1923 Runner (Prototype), Christopher Farr Editions; Kanoa by KAVI, Jaipur Rugs and Labyrinth, Charcoal, Wool & Silk.
Best Modern Design Deluxe: Original contemporary design showing optimum use of materials – Sakshat by KAVI, Jaipur Rugs; Charm, Sahrai Milano and The Raw Earth (Stefan Heyer) Knots Rugs.
Best Transitional Design: A new rug that interprets traditional designs for a contemporary audience – Kismat Manchaha, Jaipur Rugs; Indigo Ripples, Manglam Arts and Jeevan Manchaha, Jaipur Rugs.
Best Flatweave Design – Original rug design demonstrating the flatweave technique: Curb – Gill Thorpe x Floor_Story, Floor_Story; Chalet, Creative Matters and Illuminata, Edelgrund.
Best Collection – Contemporary, traditional or transitional design collections demonstrating a common theme – Verso – Gill Thorpe x Floor_Story, Floor_Story; White & Beige Collection, Maison Rhizomes and Espressionismo Floreale Collection, Laura Niubó (pictured).
Best Interior- A high-end customisation project or rug installation represented by high-quality images: Knots Rugs x Knowle Hall, Knots Rugs; Zebra Leopard Palms – Hand Knotted Rug, Wendy Morrison Design and Verso – Gill Thorpe x Floor_Story, Floor_Story.
Sustainability Award – A rug that is produced with a low carbon footprint or/and that incorporates ethical practices: Forest, Gushka; Illuminata, Edelgrund and Foreshore Fields by Sebastian Herkner, M2Rugs.
