HIGH POINT, N.C.  -- Rug sources at the April market here went all out to demonstrate ways that retailers can benefit from the addition of rugs to their assortments, offering new licensed programs ranging from Joanna Gaines to Trisha Yearwood and other personalities well-known to the crucial rug-buying demographic of consumers who watch cooking shows and HGTV.

Gray and blue colorways still top the pile, but introductions were strong in every construction from those that retail at $250 to $6,000-plus, with lots of unexpected color including pink, green and navy. Navy was especially attractive married with rust shades, which were seen widely throughout the market. The "erased" effects that gives patterned rugs a vintage, worn  look were still widespread, but densely patterned rugs featuring florals, butterflies, birds and sea life were important and appealing.

So many home brands tracked by RugNews.com have added rugs to round out their offerings (and conversely so many rug suppliers have added accessories and furniture), that for the first time we are presenting our spring market coverage in a three-part High Point Market Tour which is divided by building: Part 1 is IHFC, Part 2, Market Square, and Part 3, Showplace and More.

From left: Greg Jordt, Lee Harounian, Bobby Shamsian  and Deo Jugmohan  of Harounian Rugs International, report a robust market with several best-selling introductions.

The Kas team pose for a photo op with Donny Osmond following his performance at High Point Market's Stars Under the Stars event. From left: Brianne Coradini, Sandy Ford, Wendy Reiss, Donny Osmond, Santhi Yarlagadda, and Vee Curfman. Kas produces Donny Osmond Home rugs and co-sponsored his performance.

Wendy Reis and Julie Murray-Nizich of Kas Rugs & Home at the company's 35th Anniversary party during High Point Market with guest Cathy Headley of Sweet Dreams Home Furnishings in Brunswick, Maine.

Cutting the ribbon at the new Moe's Home Collection showroom are (center left to right) Moe Samieian Jr., Moe Samieian Sr., and IMC's Bob Maricich. IMC's Lee Hershberg (far left) and RJ Maricich (far left) hold the ribbon and the Moe's Home team joins the festivities.

A new focus on texture and weave was on display with 18 rug introductions at the new Moe's Home showroom, where sales reps told RugNews.com the program provides a total home shopping experience for buyers. Rugs are offered only in 5x8 and 8x10 at retails from $391 in 5x8.

MOMENI

Reza Momeni, left, and Kipp Livingston, right, of Momeni, review an impressive lineup of new collections with Tom Leighton of Stonington's Furniture, Brewer, Maine at Momeni's IHFC showroom.

Owen Baker, left, and Gerard O'Keefe, both of Nourison, review new offerings with Rich Schell of Rich Designs Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado at the expansive Nourison showroom in Interhall at IHFC.

Jay Dogan, COO of Tayse, poses with a Denim blue rug from the new Serenity collection, added this market at retailers' request to the company's indoor-outdoor polypropylene series. "Serenity gives a wool loop effect and fills a gap in our product line for plains -- which buyers have asked for," Dogan says. 

The Expressions collection by Tayse, printed with the company's proprietary high definition ink jet technology, allows unlimited color and design possibilities and fine line detail. Retail is $249 for a 5x7.

Designer Liora Manne's line for Trans Ocean takes on a soft and elegant new look with pale blues and a revival of green in hand-tufted collections. She also does several ombre designs in gradations of fashion colors.

Trans Ocean's hot-selling line of surfboard-shaped scatter rugs, originally introduced in life size in Las Vegas in January, was expanded at buyers' request in miniature size for use as door mats, kitchen rugs and more.