A Return to Roots: Capel Incorporated Will Unveil Nine New Braid Collections January in Atlanta

Furniture World Magazine

The Capel family launched its first braided rug in 1917. Nearly a century later, the company, with its North Carolina made braided rugs and exclusive imported rugs from around the world, symbolizes simply the best in the industry. The Capel company's unique story is really a family history rich in creativity, craftsmanship and a drive for quality. At the ripe old age of seventeen, A. Leon Capel, manufacturer of Gee-Haw Plowlines, traveled to Atlanta and witnessed the introduction of Henry Ford's invention of a "mechanical mule" called the tractor. Recognizing the demise of his plowline company, young Leon made the creative leap from rope to rugs, conceiving the idea to braid his rope together in ever-increasing concentric circles to make the first continuous yarn braided rug. Those very first braided rugs were aptly named "New Departure." More than 80 years since the days of the Gee-Haw Plowline company, Capel is the most successful and diversified company in the rug industry, and is responsible for its own spinning, dyeing, weaving, braiding, and sewing. 100% reversible, Capel original braided rugs are a hallmark of American tradition. With a nod to its roots, Capel will present nine braided rug collections in January. From rustic classics to brightly colored patterns, retailers and designers can expect Capel braided rug fashions to find a place in every home decorating niche. New Classics: Brunswick is an American original flat braid in a traditional, rustic color palette. Brunswick is constructed with Capel signature performance blend fibers; wool blend mired with synthetics to produce a rug that will literally last for generations. New Generation is another performance blend made in flat braid construction and available in clean, country colors. Tipping its hat to an original Capel design from the 1800s, this rug has updated colors for today's fabrics and upholstery. Brighter Hues: Bow Tie is a unique fabric and chenille combination braid in an "every other row" repeat pattern. Terrific for children's rooms, playrooms and dens, these tonal colors make decorating a cinch and will brighten the darkest of rooms. Cottonside is a 100% chenille braid in a variety of radiant colors. Perfect for the kitchen or to line a hallway, these soft rugs are constructed with a hammock rope effect and come packed with fluffy chenille that will spoil your feet on contact. Oasis is a tropical delight. Its vivid, breathtaking colors jump from the surface of the rugs and are fun for almost any room. Oasis is 100% chenille in a variegated color palette that includes colorful treats such as canary yellow and coral reef. New from Licensees: Saskatchewan is a heavy wool and chenille design by Dick Idol®, blended perfectly for durability over the years. Available in a rustic, variegated pattern with neutral, earthy colors, Saskatchewan is the perfect rug for the outdoorsman. Chenango, another chenille braid from Dick Idol®, is offered in a brighter palette and features a deep, soft construction. In colors symbolic of the American Southwest, Chenango will take you on a journey through the mesas of New Mexico and the Arches of Utah. Outdoor Retreat is a new indoor/outdoor exclusive braided rug design from Bob Timberlake®. 100% Polypropylene in unique, heathered designs, this rug is ideal for high traffic areas. Outdoor Retreat is available in six warm colorways. Other Outdoor Braids: Capel embellished upon its growing line of indoor/outdoor rugs with the introduction of Garden Gate. Designed with outdoor furnishings in mind, Garden Gate is 100% heathered polypropylene in a heavy "hammock rope" construction. Visit Capel during January at: Atlanta, Gift and Home Furnishings Show. January 11th - 20th. Merchandise Mart, Space 6F2 Las Vegas, Surfaces. January 26th - 28th. Space 5915. San Francisco, Furniture Market. January 26th - 28th. San Francisco Mart, Space 238 Toronto, Gift Show. January 28th - 31st. International Centre, Showroom 205.