Year: 2018

Aspire to Inspire

Posted on by Marly

inspired travels, Inspired Products and other Travelisms

~Marlys Giordano

A few months ago we lost one of my travel idols, Anthony Bourdain; to say that I was heartbroken, would be an absolute understatement. I watched him for many years, traveling the world, sharing meals and connecting with people; so much of what he did inspired my own travel.

In my position as Creative Director for Couristan, I have the great fortune of being able to travel to a lot of really cool, interesting places—places that constantly motivate me both personally and professionally—places that give me an opportunity to meet all kinds of people and see how they live, work and interact. By doing this, and having these experiences, I am forever stirred to create.

These same people, and my interactions with them, begin to become the inspiration for many of the collections that we develop. We will talk about an experience that we had on a trip or a delicious lunch in a far-flung locale, discussing the sights and sounds and smells and that’s it; my mind will begin to race and I will start imagining how all of these things can come together and become a group of rugs. What stories will they tell? Will people understand the journey of these designs? Will people be inspired?

Rugs in and of themselves have a rich and varied history—much like the people that I meet along the way. The rugs become a tapestry, woven of experiences, colors and people. They pull from the old, but live very much in the present.

Inspiration is absolutely everywhere, in everything. In an age of digital addiction—where our every meal, night out with friends and walks home from work are documented—we sometimes forget to live in the moment and look up. Away from our screens, and the endless scrolling and blue-tinged light, we can take in everything around us—the sights, the sounds. The world. We can engage with each other on a much more human level and be inspired—inspired to connect and learn.

Traveling has changed me, as it is supposed to do. It has made me more aware and more enlightened. It has humbled me and made me realize one very important piece of the puzzle: that no matter where you are or who you are with or how different you may think that we are, we are all pretty much the same. We all work hard…go home every night and sit down to dinner with family, sharing in the retelling of our days. Or we meet up with friends at the end of a long week and recount a bad day or a fight with a boyfriend. We are all the same, no matter what country you are from or going to.

In the final episode of “No Reservations”, the TV show that made Anthony Bourdain a household name, he closed the show with this sentiment:

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody.

Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.”

I could not agree more.

Put your phone down and connect with someone. Put your phone down and share a meal.

Put your phone down and be inspired.

Short Bio:
Marlys Giordano is the Creative Director of Couristan’s Area Rug Division.  A veteran of the home furnishings world, she has held various positions over her 20+ year career in all facets of the field from buying to sales to trend to product development. Marlys travels extensively, both for business and pleasure, and is inspired by the world around her.

WORK ETHIC

Posted on by admin

Tribal in feel, this trend pulls its inspiration from ancestral patterns found in Africa, India, Vietnam and beyond.

Utilizing a warm palette, the colors balance beautifully with the neutral foundations found throughout. The look is given a modern edge when it is blended with contemporary elements and metallic finishes. Elements are found on everything from furniture to wall décor to dinnerware and most importantly, rugs and carpeting.

Inspirational tribal prints influenced by sun colors of yellow, vibrant oranges and deep greens are mixed with global patterns and shapes to provide new design interpretations that represent the true meaning of living.

Five Key Design Trends Inspire Couristan’s 2018 Collection

Posted on by LarryM

Trend Report Driving Force Behind New Line – Couristan Rug Studio – Coming to Market in Late 2018 Global Colors and Textures for the Modern Home

Fort Lee, NJ – March 7, 2018 – Inspiration comes from every corner of the world, according to Marlys Giordano, Creative Director at Couristan, the leading importer and manufacturer of fine, quality area rugs and residential broadloom. For 2018, it’s all about incorporating color, global-inspired prints and recycled materials to provide a sense of well-traveled, trend-aligned design for the home.

In the company’s first-ever Trend Report, Giordano identifies five key trends that have inspired many of Coursitan’s new area rug collections, introduced at AmericasMart in Atlanta in early January, and further showcased during the Las Vegas Market. Two area rugs inspired by these trends recently received Magnificent Carpet Awards for Best Design in the Hand Knotted/Flat Weave category (Karuna design from the newly introduced Om Collection), as well as the Outdoor category (Toluca in Iris from the Xanadu Collection). In addition, variations of these trends will be utilized across a
newly developed offshoot – Couristan Rug Studio – set to launch later this year.

“So much of what comes to life through design is reflective of what’s happening across the global community. Individually, the home tends to mirror our personal style, what inspires and shapes us,” noted Giordano. “During times of great uncertainty, people increasingly view their home as a sanctuary; a safe haven from the outside world. As a result, people are putting a lot more time, thought and effort into what goes into their homes – and how it makes them feel; this is what we have looked to infuse throughout our new collections.”

Shock Value
This trend combines vibrant hues, utilized in unexpected applications, giving classic pieces an updated feel. The rugs that answer this trend blend bold motifs with of-the-moment color stories, resulting in classically-modern styles.

Color Palette: Pink Peacock, Grenadine, Tile Blue, Greenery, Lemon Zest, Blue Wing Teal

“Shocks of color can be incorporated in moderation or in abundance,” said Giordano. “The key take away is that these designs are meant to work within a home’s existing décor, adding color without overwhelming a room.”

Work Ethnic
Tribal in feel, this trend draws its inspiration from patterns found in Africa, India, Vietnam and beyond. Utilizing a warm palette, the colors balance beautifully with the neutral foundations found throughout this trend.

Color Palette: Jet Black, Turtle Dove, Ketchup, Dragonfly, Freesia, Redbud, Harvest Pumpkin, Dove

“Work Ethnic delivers a modern edge when it’s blended with contemporary elements and metallic finishes,” said Giordano.

The Naturals
Cultivated from organic elements and natural fibers, The Naturals trend is clean and light—visualize a sunlit living room in whitewashed detail.

Color Palette: Tofu, Doeskin, Coral, Green Lily, Smoke Blue

“Texture plays an integral role in this trend. We took flat-weaved rugs and added tufts of wool to create texture and depth, using materials in their natural state,” said Giordano. “’The Naturals trend brings a level of sophistication to consumers that want an earthy look but still like to blend modern and classic elements into their home.”

Wandering Eye
Wanderlust is an ideal word to describe this trend, which is inspired by exotic locations like Morocco, Mexico and India. Wandering Eye is influenced by visits to the souk and local markets to uncover all of their hidden treasures—vibrant fabrics, pierced lanterns, painted wood, carved talisman. Combining these elements, the feel is strikingly colorful, with bold geometric shapes and even bolder color palettes. Metallic accents, painted wood and recycled fabrics make this trend feel exotic and eclectic.

Color Palette: White Asparagus, Goldfinch, Hibiscus, Bright Rose, Pool Blue, Tahitian Tide, Deep Dive, Tiramisu, Plum Purple

“Wandering Eye complements the Work Ethnic trend, but offers a much more exotic feel,” noted Giordano. “In this trend, we designed area rugs made of recycled Indian Sarees, cotton chindi and denim. In addition, many of the rugs inspired by this trend can be used indoors and out, allowing you to create an eclectic space right in your backyard.”

Hygee Fresh
Hygge (pronounced “Hoo-Ga”) is the Danish art of happy living. It embodies everything that makes a home warm, cozy and inviting to friends and family. This trend incorporates a soft color palette and textural elements that exude a sense of inclusiveness and nesting.

Color Palette: Paloma, Almond Milk, Mediterrranea, Curds & Whey, Surf Spray, Veiled Rose, Aqua

“Inspired by looks from Scandinavia and beyond, Hygee Fresh represents a cozy, welcoming feel. This is another trend that utilizes recycled materials like denim, and combines them with neutral wools to create a sense of warmth and simplicity,” said Giordano.

To book a meeting to review Couristan’s 2018 trends email Larry Mahurter at larry.mahurter@couristan.com.

About Couristan
Established by the Couri family in 1926, Couristan is the most trusted name in the floor covering industry, offering a vast assortment of exclusively designed power-loomed and handmade area rugs, as well as quality residential broadloom and custom contract carpeting. 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 floor covering, furniture retail stores and major internet accounts. Couristan’s global headquarters with full showroom is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at Two Executive Drive. Call 800.223.6186, or visit our website at www.couristan.com

 

SHOCK VALUE

Posted on by admin

Vibrant hues add a bold edge to classic pieces, giving them a modern feel.

A saturated palette of fuchsia, turquoise, parakeet green, dusky orange and sunny yellow lends itself
to updated Ikat and traditional designs, as well as surprising pops of color throughout the home. Colors that are cleaner in character and provide a sense of optimism such as brighter mid-tones and zestful pastels dominate this fashion-forward way of living.

Linked to modernist designs that offer a blend of beauty and boldness, the uniqueness of this trend is purely based on its ability to influence home decorating ideas and allow those who dare to create a spectacular interior that is bright, fresh and original.