Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Capel Rugs Debuts 3 Designs from Kevin O’Brien Line
September 19,
2018 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, High Point, Industry, Market 
Two of the collections take inspiration from places dear to O’Brien’s heart. Gilded Age is based on sketches of damask fabrics seen in a historic church in Paris, the city where he proposed to his wife. Willow is based on drawings O’Brien did during the couple’s honeymoon in Kyoto, Japan.
“My sketchbooks contain a wide assortment of memories, inspirations and ideas recorded during my travels in Asia, Europe and other places throughout the world,” O’Brien said. “They’re often a creative starting point for our team as we develop new products.”
Gilded Age is a transitional rug design of 100% New Zealand wool constructed in Moldova on Wilton looms with a lush pile. It is available in three colorways; nickel, azul, and ivory mist. A 5’3” x 7’6” retails for $599.
Willow, a nature-themed collection traces its roots to a walk O’Brien took in a Japanese garden with his wife during their honeymoon. Available in azul and champagne colorways, Willow is made of 100% olefin on Wilton looms in the United States. A 5’3” x 7’6” size retails for $599.
The third introduction for the O’Brien line is a casual/transitional design sourced from Turkey. Brushstrokes features a machine-woven construction in durable polyester and olefin with a one-half inch pile. Available in three colorways, Prussian Blue, Marble and Charcoal, a 5’3” x 7’6” rug may retail for $449.
“We’re very excited about these eye-catching designs Kevin has created,” said Cameron Capel, president, sales and marketing for Capel. “These latest introductions add a fresh dimension to our Kevin O’Brien program, which runs the gamut from bold, sophisticated contemporary designs to more classic patterns that are tranquil and serene. Kevin’s creativity, passion and highly original point of view always shine through in everything he does.”
Kevin O’Brien Studio’s profile has been rising in the home furnishings community this year. At this summer’s NY Now show, the studio’s new Dip Dye Velvet Pillow was honored with a Best New Product award. In addition, the studio is one of four finalists in the home textiles category for the 30th annual ARTS Awards being presented during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market in January 2019.