FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

As of right now, 106 of you have cast your vote on the laminate flooring poll.

36% think it is cheap.

Some laminate floors can be cheap, but keep in mind that there are laminate floors available that are very high quality and can cost even more than regular hardwood. I think laminate got a bad reputation when it first came out, but through consumer awareness and new product introductions, laminate is proving itself to be a worthwhile flooring purchase.

11% think it is loud and clicky

Again, in the past this could be said about some laminate floors. Since the introduction of laminate, improvements have been made in the underlayment used for laminate floors. With some of the newer laminate floors it is almost impossible to tell whether you are walking on laminate or hardwood.

11% think it scratches easily and will not hold up to your family and traffic patterns.

Laminate floors have learned alot from the laminate countertop industry. Considerable amounts of resin have been added to the wear layer that allow some manufacturers to brag that their floors are no 10 to 20 times harder than laminate countertops. Since the resin filled wear layer is so dense, that makes it extremely difficult to scratch or stain.

42% think it is a great product that will give you the look of hardwood for less money and is more practical for your family and traffic patterns.

This happens to be the vote I cast. Laminate floors are designed to be less expensive than most hardwoods while giving you the same realistic look. These floors can be more practical for your family and traffic patterns.

If you are interested in learning more about laminate flooring, click here. If you are interested in purchasing laminate floors and need to find a retailer in your area, click here.

Earlier this month we talked about the color trends shown a Surfaces and what’s hot for 2009, Among the colors that were shown were greens, blues, oranges neutrals and warm earthy colors. Here are some tips on where you can use these colors in your home. You can make big changes like changing out the floors or you can make small temporary changes like changing out accessories.

• Choose hardwoods that are warm, rich and earthy in color. If you are considering changing hardwoods, keep these trends in mind
• Choose carpets in warm neutrals or these colors with lots of texture
• Use area rugs on top of those hardwoods that have greens, blues and rich oranges for accent color
• Use accent pullows on the sofa that have these colors
• Change out lamp shades to incorporate these colors
• Change out bedding or using accent pillows on bedding
• Use colorful candles

You can go overboard by using too many of these tips and hints – use these tips wisely! If you decide to make smaller accessory changes you don’t have to make a huge investment to have the current trends represented in your home. Give some of these a try and see  how you like being a trendsetter!

Cork Oak is currently one of the most fashionable new flooring trends used by internationally renowned interior designers, and is quickly becoming a favorite option for environmentally conscientious builders today. The remarkable properties of sustainable Cork Oak have been well cherished in the Mediterranean for centuries. Take a minute to behold the amazing natural insulating, silencing, and health benefits of beautiful Cork Oak Floors.

Amorim, based in Portugal, has been the world leader in Cork Oak for over 130 years, and is proudly introducing Wicanders brand of naturally unique Cork Oak Flooring. Years of research and development performed exclusively for Wicanders have produced patented Noise Reduction Technology (NRT), Wear Resistance Technology (WRT) and High Performance Surface (HPS) which dramatically enhance the remarkable natural benefits of beautiful Cork Oak Floors. Wicanders is the only brand that extends decades of attentive dedication to each Cork Oak Floor, from seedling to installation and preservation. Behold the beautiful benefits of Cork Oak Floors for yourself. An array of innovative, alluring collections are presently being unveiled across the globe.

The WicCork and WicWood Collections represent stories collected from generations dwelling deep within the Mediterranean forestland. Nurturing, innovation, and creative design are themes ingrained within each of Wicanders Collections. Combined with the hottest international interior designers, WicCork and WicWood Collections define the latest in timelessly fashionable, timelessly functional flooring.

The richly textured WicCork Originals Collection with names such as Rhapsody, Accent, Symphony, Harmony, and Dawn, deeply draw you to their astonishing striking beauty. Nightshade, Cool Crimson, Caramel, and Champagne define the smooth elegance of WicCork’s Personality Collection. The Vintage and Classics Collections of WicWood in shades of Cherry, Beech Plank, Maple and Mahogany are as breathtaking as the forests from which they are born. Unlike other floor brands, Amorim’s Wicanders Collections of Cork Oak Floors truly are nurtured from seedling.

While Wicanders Cork Oak Floors are natural insulators from the noisy hustle and bustle of everyday life, they insulate your space from the cold chill of the outside world as well. Cork Oak Floors are truly nurturing soles! WicCork and WicWood Floors decrease thermal transfer by astonishing amounts. Natural Cork Oak Flooring seems to have the warmth of its Mediterranean roots locked into every cell. This unique cushion of Cork Oak has the ability to warmly nestle each room better than any conventional flooring on the market.

Wicanders Cork Oak Floors are safe for your family… and for their families! By choosing WicCork and WicWood Collections you are supporting an environmentally friendly, renewable, recyclable, sustainable material whose source will prosper throughout generations to come.

Click here for a retailer near you:

Tuftex, a division of Shaw Industries is color…style fashion. In a word lifestyle. Call it California or simply casual elegance its a lifestyle that appeals to your senses. Fair and warm, open, airy, and sunny. Tuftex creates colors, textures, and images that are in harmony with this lifestyle. This lifestyle is the essence of their fashion, the inspiration for their colors. It is the Tuftex style unobtrusive, soft, casual, elegant, and a complement to the scenic beauty of its surroundings.

Their new 2009 introductions are in keeping with California lifestyles. There are 18 exciting new product offerings………soft, sink your feet into friezes, luxurious patterns in both solid colors and subtle tonal effects, unique patterned loops and of course and uptown California shag with a lot of pizazz!

Some facts from Tuftex:

• Tuftex uniqely offers 3 tone heathered products that have been the top sellers for the past 5 years. Style names include Travertino and Cararra.
• For the past 3 years, patterns are the only category to grow 30%.
• In the pattern category, a product called Crystal Visions is the #3 seller overall.
• All Tuftex products are available in their custom rug program.

Look for a specific Tuftex display called Pattern Destination that offers tri-tone patterns, a combination of heathers and patterns that have never been done before in all different price points.

No wonder their motto for 2009 is “Creating The Trend”!

In case you missed the posts on each category of trends from Surfaces – here’s a recap!

Overall

This year there was a significant presence of design and high style with the new introductions. I was concerned with the state of the economy that the product offerings would be safer and more subtle choices. This was definitely not the case!

The color theme seemed to be along the warmer, darker and richer shades. This applies to every category of flooring, more than likely because more and more homes are using mixed types of flooring and they all need to coordinate!

Hardwood

In the up and coming months there are going to be hardwood  styles that are going to change the direction of hardwood floors.  Floors at the show showed higher sheen levels with some that you could almost see your reflection in. These finishes will give rooms and design schemes a totally new look and feel.

The majority of the hardwood colors shown were darker and richer shades. Color shades seen resembled coffee  colors, rich furniture colors and warm spices.

Wider boards are still popular although many narrower boards are still being shown.

There were styles of hardwood shown that were clean, crisp and elegant as well raw, rustic and anything but refined. There seemed to be more options for different design styles than ever before.

Tile

It seemed like almost everyone had tiles that were linear in shape. Shapes ranged from 1×6 to 18×24 and every size in between. Installation examples were shown of these linear tiles used as a stand alone product as well as accents to standard shaped tiles. Some installation patterns used these linear tiles to create stripe effects.

There were introductions of tiles with higher sheen levels than the past couple of years. Mirrored finishes, crystal tiles and polished metals were prevalent. These higher sheens were shown in mosaics and even large format floor tiles. Some of the mosaics were mixed with high polished tiles and unpolished tiles. Finishes like rust and bronze verde took the stage for the patinas.

There will always be beige/neutral tiles out there because there is a place for them, but this year there were many offerings of gorgeous tiles with high ranges of color. The color shades were rich and warm. The shades were mixed between the field tiles and the listellos and decorative tiles so neutral tiles could be used with bolder accents and vice-versa.

Tile sizes ranged from micro mosaics 5/8″×5/8″ to 24″×24″. The interesting thing was to see the mixes of the different sizes. Larger format tiles were mixed with micro and mini sized tiles where in the past we have seen more standard size tiles mixed with smaller sizes that were closer in size to the standard size tiles.

Like hardwood styles, there was something offered for everyone. From rustic natural stone to high polished crystal tiles no design group was left out this year. Look for tiles that are irregularly shaped and formed, bright colors to bold colors to dull, rich and muted colors – something for every style. With the variation in sizes, shapes and colors more design options are possible. Emser tile also reported that the chiseled edge tiles are regaining popularity and are offered at excellent price points and mosaic tiles ares still popular.

Carpet

The carpet shown at Surfaces 2009 this year was a different showing than last year. This year there were not just an abundance of carpet styles and colors, but choices seemed to be quality choices rather than just quantity.

The primary colors that were used for displays were neutrals, but the colors that were shown were wonderful. Oranges, greens, blues, grays and earthy shades of brown took center stage. The oranges and blues were muted and rich. The greens were light and lively. The browns were earthy, coffee insprired and looked like great candidates for hiding traffic! Along those same lines, there were some beautiful heathered products that have more range of color than I think we are all used to seeing in once piece of carpet.

Like other products shown there were patterns that were outstanding. Look for linear patterns, grid patterns and texture on texture patterns. Look for patterns that are not just floral, but floral with a textured background. I think you will be excited about the upcoming releases!

Area Rugs

Talk about texture! Area rugs this year are all about texture. Not just texture, like thick yarns, but texture like felt discs and sculpted carpets. From conservative to comtemporary to outrageous, Surfaces had it all.

The area rug selections compliment the trends in hardwood and other hard surfaces so well it will make you want to remodel just to get a piece of these trends. Your feet are sure in for a treat when walking on all of the textures and soft yarns.

Talk about texture! Area rugs this year are all about texture. Not just texture, like thick yarns, but texture like felt discs and sculpted carpets. From conservative to comtemporary to outrageous, Surfaces had it all.

F. Schumacher (photo to the left) is always my first stop to check out color trends and styles. As usual, I was not disappointed. They offered gorgeous carpets and rugs with linear striations, large oversized patterns as well as smaller scale more traditional patterns that they are known for.Their color schemes included the softer shades shown to the left as well as the rich oranges, greens, greys and blues that are so popular right now with carpet.

Natural Carpet Company introduced sisal rugs that is treated before it’s woven so when water hits it – it just beads up. This is a great advancement  with natural fibers. They also displayed bamboo carpet, linen rugs and the Roger Thomas Collection that is even approved for vertical use.

Some companies showed rugs that can be bound with materials laced with metallic fibers. Leather and fabric bindings are still available and very popular.

The area rug selections compliment the trends in hardwood and other hard surfaces so well it will make you want to remodel just to get a piece of these trends. Your feet are sure in for a treat when walking on all of the textures and soft yarns.

One thing to keep in mind with these highly textured rugs is maintenance.  For daily maintenance, be sure to use a vacuum without a beater bar when cleaning these rugs.

The carpet shown at Surfaces 2009 this year was a different showing than last year. This year there were not just an abundance of carpet styles and colors, but choices seemed to be quality choices rather than just quantity.

The primary colors that were used for displays were neutrals, but the colors that were shown were wonderful. Oranges, greens, blues, grays and earthy shades of brown took center stage. The oranges and blues were muted and rich. The greens were light and lively. The browns were earthy, coffee insprired and looked like great candidates for hiding traffic! Along those same lines, there were some beautiful heathered products that have more range of color than I think we are all used to seeing in once piece of carpet.

Like other products shown there were patterns that were outstanding. Look for linear patterns, grid patterns and texture on texture patterns. Look for patterns that are not just floral, but floral with a textured background. I think you will be excited about the upcoming releases!

Be sure when shopping for new carpet to take extra time to feel the products. The yarns are becoming softer than ever. You will find yourself spending more time lying on the floor than standing on your feet.

No matter what your style – if you like color or neutral -small patterns, large patterns or no patters – texture or no texture there is a carpet out there for you that is more unique than ever.

Shapes

It seemed like almost everyone had tiles that were linear in shape. Shapes ranged from 1×6 to 18×24 and every size in between. Installation examples were shown of these linear tiles used as a stand alone product as well as accents to standard shaped tiles. Some installation patterns used these linear tiles to create stripe effects. They are stunning! Crossville also introduced a wonderful geometric pattern that really widens the opportunity for design. There were also many tiles that were irregular in shape because they were hand molded.

Sheen

There were introductions of tiles with higher sheen levels than the past couple of years. Mirrored finishes, crystal tiles and polished metals were prevalent. These higher sheens were shown in mosaics and even large format floor tiles. Some of the mosaics were mixed with high polished tiles and unpolished tiles. Finishes like rust and bronze verde took the stage for the patinas.

Shades

There will always be beige/neutral tiles out there because there is a place for them, but this year there were many offerings of gorgeous tiles with high ranges of color. The color shades were rich and warm. The shades were mixed between the field tiles and the listellos and decorative tiles so neutral tiles could be used with bolder accents and vice-versa.

Sizes

Tile sizes ranged from micro mosaics 5/8″x5/8″ to 24″x24″. The interesting thing was to see the mixes of the different sizes. Larger format tiles were mixed with micro and mini sized tiles where in the past we have seen more standard size tiles mixed with smaller sizes that were closer in size to the standard size tiles. The picture to the left is a tile size that doesn’t fit into any size category, but certainly is gorgeous! Emser tile reported that their stacked stone product in 6″x24″ was a popular choice among buyers.

Style

Like hardwood styles, there was something offered for everyone. From rustic natural stone to high polished crystal tiles no design group was left out this year. Look for tiles that are irregularly shaped and formed, bright colors to bold colors to dull, rich and muted colors – something for every style. With the variation in sizes, shapes and colors more design options are possible. Emser tile also reported that the chiseled edge tiles are regaining popularity and are offered at excellent price points and mosaic tiles ares still popular.

Shapes

This year hardwood was not only in planks and strips, but in puzzle pieces. This shaped wood had my imagination running wild with possibilities! Architectural wood blocks from Beckwith Interiors are available in various wood species, finishes, and depths.  (For more information on applications and specifications please contact their Design Studio at www.beckwithinteriors.com)

Other interesting  shapes  of hardwood were 1″x1″ mosaics and 3″x6″ subway shapes. These could be very exciting in a residential application!

Sheen

In the up and coming months there are going to be hardwood  styles that are going to change the direction of hardwood floors.  Floors at the show showed higher sheen levels with some that you could almost see your reflection in. These finishes will give rooms and design schemes a totally new look and feel.

Shades

The majority of the hardwood colors shown were darker and richer shades. Color shades seen resembled coffee  colors, rich furniture colors and warm spices.

Anderson hardwoods has a new collection featuring a new technology called PermaColor .  It captures all of the  allure of exotic floors without the environmental baggage.  Anderson has discovered the key to real beauty – accelerating the aging process which adjusts the natural hue and shade of the wood allowing the grain to show through. This creates an opalescent three dimensional effect. Depending on how light strikes the wood, variances in shade and color create an illusion of depth  that is both stunning and intriguing. Thanks to this unique color process, the planks magnificent color runs throughout the entire wear layer resulting in everlasting beauty that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Sizes

Wider boards are still popular although many narrower boards are still being shown. Once company called Du Chateau has a product line with boards that are 12″ x 12′. That’s right – TWELEVE FEET LONG! All different size boards were shown, but the displays mostly featured wider boards.

Style

There were styles of hardwood shown that were clean, crisp and elegant as well raw, rustic and anything but refined. There seemed to be more options for different design styles than ever before.

The company Du Chateau has a collection of antique hard waxed oiled floors that are designed to reflect the styles found in Europe centuries ago. The Chateau Collection recreates the same time worn look that showcases the character and longevity of a hardwood floor with natural changing grain patterns exemplifying true vintage artistic design. The ordinary free forming elements of natural wood are what give Chateau Collection floors its unique character and exceptional beauty.