Atlanta, GA – January 6, 2009 - - Designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes, with value, versatility and durability in mind, Couristan is adding a fresh infusion of casual-contemporary looks to its handmade and power-loomed area rug assortments. With several new collections, as well as numerous line extensions, set to launch at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market (Jan. 7 – Jan. 12), Couristan is showcasing a commitment to statement-making style as the hallmark of 2009. During the show, dealers visiting the Couristan showroom at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart (Building 1, 6th floor, 6-D11) will have access to dramatic discounts on area rugs, broadloom samples and merchandising displays, with savings of up to 50% on qualifying orders.

With 50 new area rug selections now available, all of Couristan’s new introductions feature distinct aesthetics that are reflective of current trends in color, pattern and texture. Focusing on transitional looks at modest price points, Couristan’s latest design innovations are specifically made to attract cost-conscious buyers with an uncompromising taste for fashion-forward floorcoverings. Offering a casual-chic appeal, these dynamic area rugs have a variety of unique details, ranging from sparkling metallic Lurex blends to multi-purpose performance quality benefits, textured leather inlays to all-natural undyed wool surfaces.

Editors Note: All editors attending the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, January 7 – January 12, 2009 are invited to visit the Couristan Showroom at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart (Building 1, Space 6-D11) for a personal presentation of each new introduction.

NEW COLLECTIONS:

COVINGTON COLLECTION
Created with today’s busy households in mind, Couristan’s new Covington Collection showcases versatile floor fashions with impressive performance features that add to their everyday appeal.  Because they are made of the finest 100% fiber-enhanced Courtron™ polypropylene, Covington area rugs are water resistant and can be used in a multitude of spaces, including covered outdoor patios, porches, mudrooms, kitchens, entryways and much, more.  Treated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, these multi-purpose area rugs are exceptionally easy to clean and are even considered pet-friendly. An ideal décor choice for families with young children, or those who frequently entertain, they will retain their rich splendor despite the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic, humidity conditions and various other elements. Featuring a unique hand-hooked construction, these beautifully detailed area rugs also have the distinctive aesthetic of an artisan-crafted product. A broad range of motifs, from nature-inspired florals to contemporary geometric shapes, provide the ultimate decorating flexibility. Complementing trends in both outdoor furniture and interior fashions, the Covington Collection is a go-to resource for home decorators with lots of spaces to cover. Suggested retail for a 5’6” x 8’ Covington area rug is $299.00.

SCINTILLA COLLECTION
Nothing illustrates a fun sense of style more than a sassy sparkle, and that’s exactly what the sensationally charming Scintilla Collection has to offer. This lively look is perfectly on trend, combining two popular design elements – shag texture and metallic tones – all in one area rug. Power-loomed of 75% heat-set Courtron™ polypropylene and 25% Lurex-enhanced polypropylene, Scintilla area rugs showcase a truly brilliant decorative aesthetic. Incorporating this innovative use of Lurex fibers with a traditional shag construction updates the retro look with a slightly modern edge and gives the Scintilla Collection a captivating charm that can coordinate with a variety of interiors. Blending glistening metallic colors, like Copper and Gold, with neutral base colors of Ivory and Chocolate creates a radiant tone-on-tone effect that instantly provides an ambiance of tranquil sophistication. Paired with other textural fabrics, warm paint colors and rich wood tones, these decadent accent pieces are ideal as a finishing touch to rooms with an eclectic design scheme. With a pile height of nearly two-inches, and a thick two-ply yarn, these lavishly plush area rugs blend contemporary fashion with supreme comfort. Face-to-face woven on Wilton looms, the Scintilla Collection boasts a sturdy construction and uses high-quality, durable materials that will offer years of enjoyment. Suggested retail for a 5’3” x 7’6” Scintilla area rug is $299.00.

SOLSTICE COLLECTION
Couristan’s innovative design team brings yet another level of fashion to the outdoor/indoor category with its sparkling Solstice Collection. Showcasing a standard heat-set Courtron™ polypropylene surface, with dazzling Lurex highlights, these versatile area rugs combine fashion with function. Suitable for outdoor use, Solstice area rugs feature a traditional flat-weave and are mold and mildew resistant as well as UV stabilized for long-lasting color retention. Adding detail to each pattern, the metallic Lurex accents pick up shades of light and add life to the entire look.  Perfect for any sun-soaked location, like decks and pool-side seating areas, these durable area rugs require minimal care and are easy to clean. Vibrant and dramatic, these eye-catching designs can also be used in indoor spaces that receive a lot of wear and tear. Perhaps its most attractive quality, every area rug included in the Solstice Collection contains 100% recyclable materials. Decorating an outdoor environment or an indoor oasis with an eco-sensibility is a universal fit for any household. Suggested retail for a 5’3” x 7’6” Solstice area rug is $159.00.

LINE EXTENSIONS:
More than a dozen existing collections in Couristan’s extensive assortment are also getting an update with new patterns and colors added to the company’s best-selling handmade and power-loomed lines, including: Anatolia, Everest, Five Seasons®, Izmir, Jangali, Kenya, Pavé, Pokhara, Sunscape, Super-Indo Colors, Super-Indo Natural, Visionnaire and Yasmin. See below for product images.

Established by the Couri family in 1926, Couristan is the trusted name in the floorcovering industry, offering a vast assortment of exclusively designed power-loomed and handmade area rugs, as well as quality residential broadloom. Couristan is also known throughout the industry as the pioneer in new construction and color techniques, which are used to create exquisitely designed area rugs and residential broadloom products that are crafted from all over the world. Couristan products are available through department stores, home furnishings catalogs, specialty floorcovering and furniture retail stores. Couristan’s global headquarters with full showroom is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at Two Executive Drive, 800.223.6186, or visit our website at www.couristan.com.