This year a considerable number of new showrooms showcasing handmade rugs have opened in the US, Europe and the UK. COVER 53 presents a selection of those set to make a mark in 2019:

Kurtz Collection, Pennsylvania
Kurtz Collection is celebrating its 40th anniversary in style by opening a second showroom in Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA. In addition to being the home of New Moon Rugs, Kurtz Collection stocks carefully curated furniture, antiques and items of home decor. Taking a holistic approach, Josephine Kurtz and Beth Salin also offer design services, creating inspiring custom interior spaces.

Design Roomers, Zurich
A new design shop in Zurich, Design Roomers, is set to transform the city’s home decor scene with a handpicked mix of original new and vintage pieces. Partners Maryam Ebrahimi and Irja Kivimäki carry the distinctive Edelgrund Iranian flatweaves, but also Moroccan and antique carpets, handmade ceramics, cushions, blankets and art objects.

Tufenkian, Chicago
Tufenkian’s new flagship showroom in West Loop, Chicago is labelled by the company as a ‘tangible representation of the rebirth of the Tufenkian brand’. Hard surfaces and burnished metallic finishes create a backdrop for the hand- knotted carpets in a space that caters to both trade customers and end users. The concept will inspire a renewal of Tufenkian’s other locations across the globe.

Sacco, London
With a new showroom in the renowned Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, Sacco is set to bring its flair for supplying high-quality carpets for major hospitality projects across the pond. Marc Sacco explains that the benefits of a London base are not only local: ‘New York designers were happy to hear we were opening in London, because a lot of them are coming here to do their shopping.’

Galleria Battilossi, Turin
Galleria Battilossi have opened a second gallery on Via Giolitti 45 G. Turin, Italy. This new space is completely different to their other Turin store in terms of size and design. On Via Giolitti, Galleria Battilossi are pleased to be showcasing new designs in a new setting. The gallery has opened with the inaugural ‘Antique Textile Art I’ exhibition of exceptional antique textiles from a prominent private collection.

Fort Street Studio, London
Fort Street Studio is going global by opening a new office in London, joining showrooms in New York and Hong Kong. ‘We have selected London as our new European outpost because of the city’s thriving design scene, international base and proximity to other European design capitals,’ comment Fort Street Studio principals and co-creative directors Janis Provisor and Brad Davis.