8 Favorite Handmade Rugs for Color Trends 2023

          If keen awareness of color is pivotal to us at Rug & Kilim, then Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color Trends have us hooked already.

          Their 2023 Color of the Year “Raspberry Blush” alone has us so enamored we had to celebrate in style (in case you haven’t read already). It’s only first in their forecast, though, and far from their only daring choice. Each of these eight hues gives one a lot to think about, and to see them all together is to ponder that cautiously optimistic question — can we expect a grand return to ‘bold’ even in forgiving colors? Only time will tell.

         In the meantime, our team is eager to share our favorite handmade rugs and Kilims for each of the Benjamin Moore 2023 Color Trends. Iconic classics, brave modern designs and a marriage of both are below, and we hope to see them thrive in 2023 as they have this year!

 

“Raspberry Blush” — Modern Classics Wool and Silk Rug #25096

          The hard part is over — that being the Herculean labor of ours to choose just one favorite in our “Raspberry Blush” selections. The reward is an easy-to-admire 10×14 in our Modern Classics Collection, and furthermore a love letter to warm, rosy reds.

          This take on Persian Tabriz rugs exemplifies a unique ‘transitional’ idea, wherein time-honored classics enjoy fresh modern colors. Everyone’s raving about the bold choice Moore has made, and what better commendation than a bold rug that appreciates it most?

 

“Conch Shell” — Abstract Wool and Silk Rug #19709

          “Conch Shell” is a more forgiving play on light pink, and one that couldn’t have come sooner in this author’s opinion. Any pink is often considered a ‘bold’ choice in handmade rugs these days, and we for one would like to see it more.

          So our choice is an aptly fitting 8×10 abstract rug, and a reminder that bold and forgiving are not mutually exclusive. Juxtaposition can create the most natural look, and this wool-and-silk rug’s positive-negative colors and patterns exemplify this idea.

 

“Cinnamon” — Vintage English Style Needlepoint Rug #12281

         “Cinnamon” evokes a rustic, autumnal warmth at first look, and a world of possibilities even after its perfect seasonal timing.

         Our Cinnamon” pick is a vintage needlepoint rug where color is as much the star as shear detail and repetition. You seldom see this English style done in such a gracious palace-sized 12×17 rug, and let alone such finely drawn floral patterns.

 

“Wenge” — Modern Classics Rug with Paisley Patterns #26230 

         Speaking of repetition, Josh Nazmiyal teaches us that paisley patterns are a feat of skill in antique rugs. Weavers would use paisley repeats to show their meticulous skill, and that spirit certainly persists in this Modern Classics 8×10 rug.

         “Wenge” is next year’s new, rich brown with chocolate, mud and oak notes like the many we admire within this rug’s striae.

 

“Savannah Green” — Extremely Collectible Pile-On-Flatweave Rug #23253

          2022 is all about green for us, and its surprising popularity in stock and custom projects unlike any year prior. 2023’s color trends answer with “Savannah Green” and its chartreuse-like attitude. One can’t help but see olives in a cocktail, mid-century modern furniture and other vibrant ideas ripe for the picking.

          Our answer is a 6×7 from our Kilim & Flat Weave Collection, and an extremely collectible choice at that. This piece is from the earliest works in a limited series of one-of-a-kind rugs by a legendary Turkish atelier. Each uses mid-century flat weaves as a frame in its own distinct fashion like this Savannah Green flat weave and its rich shabby-chic Tulu on top.

 

“New Age” — “Watson” Scandinavian Kilim in All Silk #24440

          A trend forecast wouldn’t be complete without one undeniable “neutral” choice, but neutral never means ordinary to us. Moore’s 2023 seems to be of the same mind with “New Age” and its cool, complementary notes. Cloudy gray, taupe and off-white come to mind, and the rapid rise of neutrals rugs that sit comfortable anywhere.

          Our New Age answer is a new texture in our Scandinavian Kilim collection where neutral is anything but simple. Our “Watson” flat weave represents the first all-silk Swedish Deco choice, and this 8×10 plays New Age gray with cream and brown in the funkiest retro look.

“Starry Night” — Scandinavian High Collection Pile Rug #19414 

         “Starry Night” is a return to midnight blue and indigo notes, and their magical potential like the titular masterpiece.

         Our answer is another Scandinavian rug, but a tried-and-true client favorite rather than a new selection. This 10×14 is the toast of our “High” pile texture, and a symphony of dark blue, black and gold like a starry night itself.

 

“North Sea Green” — Distressed Vintage Zeki Müren Rug #25176

          Last but certainly not least, “North Sea Green” is Moore’s next answer to this year’s obsession with greens. Turquoise, teal and cyan mingle in this gentle tone that evokes warm tropical waters among many associations.

         Our choice is a deliciously distressed vintage rug, and furthermore a mid-century collectible we believe hails from Zeki Müren. This 3×6 runner is a new favorite in our commemorative Mid-Century Pasha line, and an exemplar in Müren’s whimsical works. We seldom see such a playful, borderless floral patterns that enjoys this refreshing color and movement.

         As always, we’re excited to hear your thoughts on 2023’s color trends — so comment below or reach out and let us know!