Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/607779
DECEMBER 2015 | 41 Carpet F Integrating wayfinding and innovative design into new carpet lines by LAURIE JONES From LED-lit installations to skinny tile styles, carpet manufacturers have raised the bar for elegant and eco- friendly flooring options for the 2015/2016 seasons. Since 2014, buyers in North America have been anxious to purchase the Luminous Carpets selection produced by Tandus Centiva (a Tarkett company) and Philips Lighting. The seamless integration of LED and carpet into the commercial interior design market cre- ates a unique and intuitive medium with flexible and dynamic content, changing a carpeted floor into a mes- saging tool capable of informing, directing and inspir- ing people. "Finally we can cater to the many requests we received from the U.S. since our European launch in 2014. In Europe we have completed a number of suc- cessful projects and proved the added value of Luminous Carpets," says Bernd Voelpel, venture manager, Luminous Carpets at Philips Lighting. "We are excited to start this partnership with one of the leading carpet players in North America." This breakthrough innovation combines LED lighting by Philips with specially developed light- transmissive carpet by Desso. Using the floor as a com- munication medium by integrating the use of lighting, a unique and intuitive experience has been created that is subdued yet visible when needed. The solution is designed for virtually any interior, from small spaces to high-traffic areas. You're Covered At this year's NeoCon 2015, Interface Canada Inc. launched two new products with its Biophilia Collection, including the Equal Measure and Near & Far – exploring the transition between the great out- doors and interior environments. These selections can be integrated with Interface's system of square, plank and Skinny Planks carpet tile products but remain strong enough to be installed solo. "The new collections co-exist perfectly with other shapes, textures, colours and patterns in our portfo- lio, allowing designers to develop custom floor designs with the same kind of visual and textural variation that Mother Nature uses when she designs a floor," says Chip DeGrace, Interface executive creative direc- tor. "Both collections are constructed of 100 per cent recycled content nylon, made in part from reclaimed fishing nets, and can be reclaimed again for recycling via Interface's ReEntry program." The Near & Far collection's organic design features nuanced effects that are created through deliberate and precise colour placement. Equal Measure is a second option for Interface con- sisting of three 25-centimetre by one-metre Skinny Planks styles including the EM553, a carved, irregular cobblestone pattern; EM551, an understated, low-pro- file texture; and the EM552 transition tile with both patterned and textural elements. Kraus Flooring has gone through some corporate changes over the past three years and is now offering in-demand products, including its redesigned residen- tial nylon program. "One of our latest introductions is a collection of carpets called Canyon Paradise and Canyon Lights," says Joe Pimentel, senior category manager, Kraus Flooring. "The Canyon Paradise is a 60-ounce carpet whereas the Canyon Lights is 44 ounces. The difference between these products is what the consumer is looking for – they are moving away from the traditional solid colour carpet." Pimentel notes there has been a movement in recent years towards a barber pole construction, meaning there are two yarns that are twisted together to create one unified yarn bundle. "Where our two new products dif- fer from the barber pole construction is we have added what is called space dye – a longer strand of yarn that has an injection of different colours within the strand itself to allow for a more textural effect. These carpets can be compared to the granite countertop where crys- tals reflect the colour throughout the surface." Pimentel says Kraus also made sure the carpet has a smooth texture on the finish. "A traditional texture carpet is dense and does not have much movement. A smooth texture increases the height of the pile and increases space between each fibre bundle, thereby creating movement." Like many in the design industry, the team at SHNIER Gesco Limited Partnership is seeing a major shift in carpet styling towards offering texture in vari- ous forms. Raised patterns in geometric shapes, stria- tions and ribbed designs made a resurgence in 2015 and show no signs of letting up. "The striations were specifically inspired by décors offered in LVT, lino- leum, wood and ceramics," says Kerri McKean, prod- uct manager, carpet and undercushion. "It's interesting when you think about it – before you were only able to see these linear patterns, now you can actually feel them come to life between your toes." McKean notes both the Mojave and Stratford col- lections from Lexmark Living contain striated, tex- tured patterns. "The different fibre heights actually help form the design, while the Lexsoft fibres provide a softer feel compared to most patterned carpets. When you actually see these products in person, you will be able to truly appreciate and, more importantly, feel what we are talking about." Another emerging trend is dual-tone carpet- ing. "This is something that is being seen in the inte- rior design world and we believe it will be here for a long while," says McKean. "Lexmark offers this trend through The Tailored Collection with a beautifully multi-toned look. This new carpet line from Lexmark provides the kind of visual excitement that is sure to draw people into that room." Mojave collection from SHNIER Gesco Limited Partnership; Luminous Carpets selection by Tandus Centiva (a Tarkett company); Canyon Paradise from Kraus Flooring. Near & Far from Interface Canada Inc.