Trends underfoot
Just arriving on the market, high quality laminate flooring from Quick-Step shimmers with the unique look of charred wood.
Emser's porcelain parquet tiles take this traditional pattern to a new level of design versatility.
Flooring is a key element in home decor. What we walk on visually affects the overall dynamics of a home. No less significant, the surface we walk on and stand on delivers a comfort level that has both a short- and long-term impact on our health and well-being. We all have our personal favorites that often tie in with the trends of the day. But floors are a major expense, and decisions should last for years. Keeping budget in mind and considering the longevity of your choices, it is of great interest to follow what those in the know have to say about present and future flooring trends.
The World Floor Covering Association has recently posted a report that highlights consumer preferences and exciting new products viewed at the International Surface Trade Show. It remains clear that the distressed, weather-worn look and the rustic-elegant industrial look are both leaders across the floorcovering range. Laminates are continually improving with thicker wear layer heights and ever more embossing techniques. A new charred-wood look derives from an ancient Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban – traditionally used on siding as a natural sealant to protect wood from pests, weather and fire. Shown here from Quick-Step’s (www.quick-step.com) new Envique Collection, arriving this summer, is Tuxedo Pine, a premier laminate that mimics the charred, smoked appearance. It shimmers with textures and muted gray shades. The popular colorway enhances both modern and traditional styles.
In the ever-expanding tile market, oversize design dimensions and new finishes stretch the imagination. Popular, budget-friendly porcelain tiles are showing up in faux bois, including the traditional parquet that has been blown up. The 20-inch-by-20-inch tiles from Emser (www.emser.com) truly trick the eye, and are practical in the kitchen and bathroom. Porcelain tiles also are available in long planks, 6 inches by 35 inches, in a petrified wood design.
Natural stone is being paired with other elements such as porcelain to give a luxurious look at a more budget-friendly cost. Also look for pencil-cut stone tiles paired with metals. New stone looks include etched surface treatments and unique shapes.
High quality vinyl is in hot demand. The report states that advanced photographic and embossing technology allows luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to take on the look of anything from reclaimed planks to stone and slate tiles. By choosing vinyl, it’s possible to get the look you want in any room, from basement to bathroom, in a product that is naturally stain- and water-resistant, and easy care.
Carpets and area rugs are enjoying a resurgence as technology transforms carpet fibers to be more durable, softer and more stain-resistant than ever before. Now manmade fibers can offer the look of wool at a much lower price. Area rugs are all about color and texture. You will find distressed motifs and nature’s designs, including florals and animal skins, as well as Greek and oversize geometric shapes. The distressed look appears in this category as well, as new rugs are made to look old with aging techniques. No longer in the background, carpets and rugs are becoming a focal point today in a home’s floor decor.
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