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A record 121 guests from home interest magazines and TV programmes joined representatives from manufacturers and Registered Specialist Retailers at Claridges for the 2006 Red Carpet Awards. Now in their sixth year, the Red Carpet Awards, which recognise the editorial exposure given to carpet over the last 12 months, are firmly established in the media calendar and are attended by all the key influencers.

Once again, a host of well known figures from the world of interiors and journalism, adjudicated the Awards, the judging of which, for the first time, took place literally an hour before the Awards. The panel comprised internationally renowned interior designers Nina Campbell and Cath Kidston; actress and property expert Fiona Fullerton; Brian Viner, columnist with The Independent; Sir Nicholas Lloyd, former editor of the Daily Express; John Duncan, chairman of the Carpet Foundation and Paul Phillips of Sunniva Carpeting.

A record number of entries were received for what the judges termed 'the best quality yet with the standard higher than ever'. Indeed, three of the four categories went to split decisions. The winners were:

Best Article/Feature - Living Etc (October 2005)

Adjudged to contain all the necessary information for the carpet buyer but with a modern twist. It also addressed, in a balanced manner, the allergy/health debate

Best Use of Carpet in an Interior/Decorating Scheme - BBC Homes & Antiques

Stylist Carolyn Bailey scooped an award for the third year running. Beautifully styled, the piece illustrated perfectly how to absorb pattern. A smooth floor could easily have been used instead a tactile textured carpet was. It celebrated the pleasure of colour.

Best Makeover - House Beautiful (October 2005)

The starting point for this hallway makeover was more carpet. The clever use of a runner picked up the existing colours to create a bright and airy feel. The runner was also shown in most of the shots.

Best TV Programme - ITV's 60 Minute Makeover

A consistent user of carpet with excellent prime time exposure and good credits.




A special recognition Award was given to Maxine Brady of House Beautiful.

Commenting on the Awards, Carpet Foundation marketing director Rupert Anton said: "This was the biggest and best Red Carpet Awards yet. Who would have thought six years ago that the carpet industry would be able to attract over 100 journalists to a media event? Pleasingly, the Awards are now one of the 'dates in the diary for the year' for many. We are now firmly positioned as the 'one stop shop' for carpet in the media.

It was also nice this year for the judges to experience at first hand the scale of the Awards and I know from the letters that I have received that they were very impressed."

Objective

The objective of the Red Carpet Awards is to encourage greater editorial coverage For carpet and for the media to show consumers the benefits and beauty of carpet and what it can do for a home.

Who can enter?

Journalists and stylists employed or commissioned by either national and regional magazines or national and regional newspapers and TV programmes.

2006/2007 Red Carpet Awards

Entries are invited for the 2006/2007 Red Carpet Awards. Entries will be considered that have appeared in print since 1 June 2006. Entry forms and precise details of when the judging will take place will be available nearer the time, but in the meantime, if you have any queries, please email: rupertanton@carpetfoundation.com or ring him on 01562 747 359.