Hannover, Germany -- Themed Create'N'Connect, Domotex 2019 will explore the trend of connectivity Jan. 11 - 14. According to industry experts, the three trends below are what will be hot in the category of handmade rugs in 2019.

Silver and Gray Tones
Michael Pourvakil, president and owner of Weavers Art, a high-end showroom for area rugs in Toronto, has served the architecture and interior design community for 25 years. Pourvakil said he is noticing a current trend towards new designs, textures and colors. For a number of years, his buyers have been carefully seeking out rugs in a diverse range of silver and gray tones.

"They are still looking for these sorts of color tones, but with added accents in gold and purple," he said.

Modern Carpets from Nepal and India
Hadi Maktab, CEO and owner of a high-end gallery of oriental carpets, both antique and contemporary, said he is noticing new upcycling strategies, such as overdyeing old carpets, a design trend which, in his view, works only if the producers have a keen intuitive sense for innovative interiors and interior styling. He has also noticed a "strong upsurge in interest in modern designer carpets from Nepal and India."

In terms of enduring trends in hand-made carpets, Hadi Maktabi says his Hadi Maktabi's gallery is currently providing carpets–mostly in contemporary designs–for various private dwellings, hotels and corporate head office buildings around the world. Maktabi also provides advice to carpet aficionados seeking to expand their collections. His current favorite creation is a "fabulous antique Persian Kerman" that he acquired at Domotex 2018. The design features a royal coat of arms, complete with dragon, lions, sword and sun. "It is a rare example of a masterpiece that has survived in perfect condition,” he said.

Minimalistic Designs
James A. French, is the director at New York's Beauvais Carpets, oversees antique carpets. The showroom specializes in antique Oriental and European carpets and tapestries as well as modern hand-tufted and custom carpets. In terms of general trends, French points to a sustained move towards simple and minimalistic designs.

"The biggest change in the market at the moment, I think, is a growing level of interest in special textures," he said. "If you're passionate about carpets, you don't have favorites.” He said he sees beauty and artistic value in a wide range of pieces and styles, be they high-dollar-value antiques or innovative new creations.

For more information,visit www.domotex.de.