Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/423872
What's Hot Underfoot? Layered coLoUrs and soft textUres create a daring statement by Laurie Jones W ith carpet options for both consumer and commercial markets evolving, manufactur- ers and suppliers are offering choices from simple, neutral weaves to colourful, designer- inspired installations. BOLYU Contract has introduced Svelte (unbacked) for walls – the company's first venture into wall cov- erings following strong market demand for the very popular Svelte hybrid flooring tile. Svelte was intro- duced in 2013 and has seen great success across a wide range of market segments. "The corporate architecture and design commu- nity, and specialty design firms asked if they could put our Svelte floor tiles on walls as design elements and acoustical treatments," says Rob Cushman, EVP of mar- keting and design. "We were able to give them a better solution with roll material that has not been backed with our flooring tile compound, making it much easier to install and more economical to use in larger spaces." After several requests, Svelte (unbacked) was tested and achieved ASTM ratings as an acoustical wall fabric and passed the flame and smoke tests required for Class A, Type 1 ratings. It contains 95 per cent post- consumer recycled, solution-dyed PET content and is 100 per cent recyclable. "While we entered this segment for the design esthetic, we quickly learned the acoustical qualities were almost as important when designers are plan- ning for a project. Especially in conference rooms, cor- porate theatres and meeting facilities," adds Cushman. Other new products from BOLYU are Fluid and Fractured. These modular styles are flexible enough to fit a wide range of installation needs. Designed to emulate the pixelated images seen on a computer screen, the broken linear patterns and play of pixelated colour create the look of Fluid, and the angular design mixed with gradated harlequin patterns of Fractured embody the technology of design and construction. Fluid's textured loop pattern complements Fractured's patterned scroll. Kraus Flooring selections bring quality broadloom and carpet tile solutions from classic to modern design with innovative benefits for commercial interiors. Choices include fresh styles and on-trend colour lines manufactured from today's most durable contract fibres. "Carpet tile designs have shifted from a linear look to organic, unstructured patterns as illustrated in Starscape, Streamline and Galactica," says C.B. Hatch, director of product development. "Carpet tile instal- lation is becoming more inventive and creative by utilizing co-ordinating colourways in different styles that work together in the same installation." The fast- est rising configuration of carpet tile is a plank look that gives designers or end-users a tool for a creative, unique installation. Another emerging feature is tip-sheared carpet tiles. These range from tight, low-profile construction for commercial use to a softer, more residential look for assisted living/multiple housing applications. From a colour standpoint, there are stronger, bolder colours inserted into backgrounds of greys and warm taupes. Highlights of chartreuse, purple, orange, tur- quoise, lime green and warm gold are incorporated into neutral commercial carpet tile, creating a daring and current statement. Designed to complement commercial interior proj- ects, Kraus carpet co-ordinates with its full range of hard surface flooring solutions. "Kraus is committed to creating carpet coverings for the commercial cus- tomer base that will offer both the style and durability required by commercial applications," says Hatch. Novice & Master, a recent Shaw Contract Group collection, takes inspiration from deep-rooted arti- san crafts and features both 24- by 24-inch tile and broadloom in six refined, high-lustre styles and 14 colours that include warm and cool neutrals and rich hues. "Here we explore hand weaving and uniqueness between generations and expertise," says Reesie Duncan, creative director. Collective Time, another collection, explores shift- ing of light from dawn to dusk. "These styles can be used to create scale and subtle colour shifts," says Duncan. "The broadloom and 24- by 24-inch tile can be combined to create a dynamic interactive pattern mix or more monochromatic space. This collection is manufactured with Solution Q Extreme fibre and designed primarily for health-care applications, but transitions across all segments." Other recent launches include Flight, a bold 24- by 24-inch tile collection designed for public ambiance and engineered for heavy foot traffic with four styles in 13 colours. The Grain + Pigment luxury vinyl plank features modern wood grain textures and subtly striated near solids and metallics with colours from warm to cool to bright. Above: Svelte (unbacked) wall covering from Beaulieu Canada. Right: Novice & Master from Shaw Contract Design Journey. Carpet