3 rug suppliers highlighted with new offerings, special recognition

• Ernesta launches custom stair runners.
• American Dakota recognized by Georgia governor.
• Art + Loom collaborated with artist Gregory Ludlow.

Area rug brand Ernesta is expanding its offering with the launch of professionally installed custom stair runners—now available to design professionals and consumers in the New York tri-state and Washington, D.C., metro areas.

“Stair runners are a natural next step for Ernesta and a powerful way to further our mission of simplifying and personalizing home design,” said John Foley, CEO at Ernesta. “They’ve traditionally been difficult to execute, requiring professional measuring, fitting, and material selection, which can make the process feel intimidating. We’re here to change that, offering a service that’s both approachable and design-forward.”

By partnering with trusted local installers, Ernesta provides a turnkey experience—from design inspiration to professional installation.

Ernesta’s stair runner service expands access to:

• The brand’s curated collection of high-quality rugs
• In-home measurement and professional installation handled by trusted local partners in two house visits
• Expert guidance from Ernesta’s in-house design team

This service was developed with interior designers in mind, helping them work more efficiently with less logistical friction, while elevating overall client satisfaction. With thoughtful customizations available, such as cutouts for fireplaces, angled landings, and other architectural details, the result is a tailored, cohesive look. As with Ernesta’s area rugs, customers and designers can sample styles before making a final decision.

While installation is currently only available in select zip codes across the New York tri-state and Washington, D.C., metro regions, materials can be purchased nationwide.

American Dakota recognized by Georgia governor

The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced its five 2025 Small Business Rock Stars as part of the state’s celebration of Georgia Small Business Week 2025.

Governor Brian Kemp, an entrepreneur and small businessman himself, issued a proclamation emphasizing the importance of small businesses across the state.

One of the winners, rugmaker American Dakota, owned by Mark and Simone Ford, specializes in high-quality, American-made rugs that blend traditional craftsmanship with sustainability and contemporary design. Based in Calhoun, Ga., American Dakota takes pride in producing unique and durable rugs that cater to a diverse clientele. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has established it as a trusted name in the textile industry, serving customers across the United States and opening doors in global markets.

According to the Fords, Northwest Georgia has long been known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” and the company’s goal is to continue the region’s industrial legacy with its own creative and innovative twists.

Through its collaboration with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, American Dakota is now exploring new markets for international sales.

Art + Loom collaborated with artist Gregory Ludlow

Art + Loom, the bespoke rug designer celebrated for pushing the boundaries of traditional textile design, has collaborated with artist Gregory Ludlow.

Inspired by Ludlow’s evocative series From Garden to Vase, Art + Loom brings the transformation of flowers, particularly tulips, from bloom to wither into a new dimension. In this collection, the dramatic, twisting forms of petals in their final act are reimagined in woven form. Each rug captures the fluid movement and expressive beauty of the original artwork, translating botanical metamorphosis into a rich, tactile experience.

“As an interior designer and co-founder of IG Workshop, I’ve long admired Gregory Ludlow’s work, incorporating his pieces into both client projects and my own home,” said Samantha Gallacher. “My appreciation for his art has inspired me to reimagine his masterpieces as rugs—bringing his visual storytelling from the wall to the floor.”

Gregory Ludlow is a Canadian artist whose five-decade career in painting and sculpture spans both London, Ontario, and Los Angeles, where he maintains active studios.

“Samantha’s rugs are true works of art, blurring the lines between sculpture and painting with effortless grace,” Ludlow said. The artist said the opportunity to design rugs taps into a rich tradition where contemporary artists like Jonas Wood, Anni Albers, Christopher Wool and Howard Hodgkin have engaged with rug manufacturers.

“I was eager to transcend the traditional boundaries, allowing artists to influence domestic projects, transforming everyday items into pieces of artistic expression,” he said.

Each rug in the collection is handcrafted in Nepal by Art + Loom’s skilled artisans, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. The designs incorporate a variation of hand-knotted New Zealand wools, merino wool and silk to produce the aesthetic of a paintbrush stroke in the form of a carpet.