FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

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.