America is in love with hard surface floors.  It’s true and for a reason:  they are gorgeous.  But we are also programmed to seek out sensory comforts every chance we get, and once that gene kicks in, our thoughts turn to plush, soft, luxurious carpet.  What America has discovered (through trial and error) is that a pleasing balance of soft to hard surfaces in our homes is what really works for us.

Given that fact, it’s time for me to update you on a line of carpets I discovered at Surfaces 2010 (huge flooring trade show in Las Vegas).  Since we are focusing on smaller areas to carpet in our homes, why not splurge and investigate some higher-end styles?  Nourison Carpets fits the bill and captivated me on multiple levels. New constructions, new products, and even new levels of customization were introduced. 

Their Miami Broadloom Collection set the bar high for all other manufacturers, as to styling.  Sometimes words fall short of conveying a visual—but I will try.  Super-plush, sculpted graphic designs are the signature look of this Collection.  The large patterned graphics simulate gently flowing trellis motifs, soft-contemporary graphics, and bolder modular designs.  The velvety feel of these sculpted surfaces is bound to hook any sensory creature, but the extreme comfort underfoot is what reels you in for sure.

Nourison is very proud of their “hand-embossing” techniques that enhance the depth of each design.  The word “artwork” comes to mind as you flip through their library of styles.  Definitely a cut-above when it comes to fresh styling and detail.  To complete the package, these three transitional and modern designs come in a subtle, tonal color palette.  Very understated–and THAT speaks volumes about the elegance of these broadloom carpets.  AND, they are American made in Calhoun, Georgia.

Let’s not ignore the subject of area rugs.  Sometimes, that is just the right solution to soften and define spaces in our homes.  Nourison has that category covered as well.  They spoke to me about their Redi-Weave Five Star Custom Axminster Program.  (Right about now, you are saying speak English please.)  In layman’s terms, Axminster rugs are intricate designs produced on special machinery to accomplish a truly hand-woven look.  Nourison’s program is designed to offer custom looks while providing versatility, low minimum yardage requirements (40 sq. yards!), and a wealth of colors to choose from.  You can choose one of their designs, or tweak it to come up with one of your own.  They’ll even provide you with strike-offs for your approval before you place an order.  Now design doesn’t get any easier than that.

I commented earlier in this blog that Nourison set the bar high on styling and creativity.  That is excellent news for every consumer because manufacturers are all working overtime to one-up each other.  The result is carpeting that should be named something else—because it certainly has little resemblance to trite carpets of prior decades.  Aesthetics are superior.  Clean-ability is built-in.  And lucky, lucky us—we have access to beauty and comfort in one outstanding product.

At Home With Commercial Carpet

Annette Callari, A.S.I.D.; CMG

Sharing creative ideas is a big part of what WFCA wants to bring to its readership. So I’d like to share a little designer secret with you–something I’ve done for quite some time with my residential clients–and something that can open a whole new world of carpets to you.

There are so many beautiful styles available residentially, mainly as a result of the sophisticated, highly computerized (multi-million dollar) machinery mills have invested in. The result of that product development has brought to market breathtaking and luxurious styles. But every now and then, I have clients who are looking for something very tailored, super-functional, and totally outside-the-box of traditional residential styling. These are my “Main Street Commercial” cross-over customers, and I know exactly what they are looking for.

This desire for low-profile, high style carpets is not just for architects’ or engineers’ homes anymore. Commercial styles are finding their way into YOUR homes more and more. Several reasons could be sighted for this phenomenon:

1. Aesthetics are totally unique and offer sophisticated designs.
2. Functionality is off the charts! Many of the carpets are solution dyed, which means the dye is actually in the fibers at the time of extrusion. This makes the carpet almost impervious to most stains (you could spill bleach and not affect it), and they are extremely fade-resistant.
3. Many styles come in carpet tile format. Tiles are easily interchanged or replaced as needed, and the end result is a floor that looks newer longer.
4. Low profile commercial carpets are children and pet friendly (but stay away from loop styles if your pet has claws). Your toddler likes to ride his Big Wheel in the house? No problem.
5. As many of us are tending to our aging parents, if they are using walkers or wheelchairs, low-profile commercial style carpets will be a safer choice for your home.
6. Color lines are not as extensive as residential carpets, but palettes offer very livable colors for the home. Loops, cut piles and amazing patterns are all part of
   commercial libraries, and you just have to ASK your retailer to see his commercial styles. (They are sampled in architect folders, but larger samples can be ordered.)
7. If you are committed to sustainability and recycling, you especially will want to research commercial carpets. Most mills have a recycling program already in place. As an example, Shaw Industries has created a line of commercial carpets that are 100% recyclable (Eco-Solution Q), including the carpet backing! And I’m talking cradle-to-cradle recycling. Their Type 6 nylon can be broken down into the basic raw materials, and rebuilt into brand new carpet. The products have labels attached to the back with phone numbers of whom to call to pick the used carpet up when you are ready to replace it. Eco-Solution Q products are just one example of the commitment commercial (and residential) carpet manufacturers have made to the cause of recycling.

So there you have a look into the world of commercial carpet—it’s different and it’s fascinating–something new for you to consider as you are planning your future interior design. The styles are stunning and truly artistic, and if functionality is at the top of your list, this may be just the solution for you.

Bliss

• Bliss Silver and Zinc Release is proven effective against a broad spectrum of mold, mildew and bacteria in your carpet
• It works naturally, using silver and zinc ions found in nature.
• Environmentally safe and meets EPA standards.
• Completely safe and meets FDA standards.
• Naturally beneficial, uses silver and copper ions – elements found in nature.
• With self-renewing, odor-destroying Magic Fresh® technology

Put Bliss Silver and Zinc Release to work for you

Silver has long been recognized as a powerful antimicrobial element and has been used since ancient times in water preservation. In fact, the saying “born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” is largely based on the fourteenth century practice of placing silver spoons in the mouths of wealthy children. Silver coins were also added to milk and water cisterns to control the growth of bacteria. Zinc has been recognized in modern times to have strong antibacterial properties as well. Bliss has put both together for the carpet industry’s only anti-bacterial protection of its kind!

How Does It Work?

The key to the effectiveness of Bliss Silver and Zinc Release is a unique, balanced combination of silver and zinc ions. Moisture in the environment, the same moisture required by microbes to grow, initiates the release of silver and zinc ions from the carpet fibers. These ions bind to the microbes, inactivating them.

Bliss Silver and Zinc Release won’t make you a healthier person. You (or your pet for that matter) can’t roll around on your new Healthy Home carpet and get cured of whatever ails you. You can, however, roll around on your carpet knowing that it’s as healthy, clean and fresh as it can be.

Bliss also offers Magic Fresh

An exclusive self-renewing, odor-destroying technology that keeps your home feeling fresh! It’s an innovative approach to enhancing your indoor environment. Magic Fresh was specifically designed to improve the indoor air quality of your home. Magic Fresh captures odors and pollutants from their sources and helps purify the air.

• Environmentally friendly.
• Captures smoke, pet, and common household odors and pollutants.
• Does not mask odors; it chemically absorbs and decomposes them over a period of time.
• Does not disappear and is self-renewing.
• Withstands numerous cleanings and excessive abrasion.

For a floor store near you, click here to check and see if they carry Bliss.

World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) Provides Trend Report from Premiere Floor Covering Show

Anaheim, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2009 — If the devil wears Prada, then the fashion-conscious demon must walk on animal prints, nude tones, layered looks and leather. For these are just some of the hottest trends in flooring uncovered by the World Floor Covering Association’s fashion scouts at this year’s Surfaces – one of the home market’s top international trade shows – which took place in Las Vegas in February this year.

WOOD AND BAMBOO TRENDS
There were no limits at Surfaces when it came to treatments in wood. High-gloss piano-finish floors that reveal your reflection were seen. As were innovative wood tiles in a surprising variety of whimsical shapes and sizes, including Tetris patterns, puzzle pieces, bricks and even fish scales! New wood surface stains now offer 0% VOC, no off gassing, are non-toxic and of all things, are even edible. Another new process extends the lifespan of hardwood floors with stains that run throughout the wear layer resulting in a highly durable floor that offers everlasting beauty that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Bamboo floors were also a hit at the show with one company presenting an assortment of oil-finished “woven” bamboo floors infusing cork strands for added dimension, anti-bacterial properties, soundproofing and insulation.

CARPET TRENDS
Carpet and area rugs were all about texture this year — from shag to loops to contemporary felt discs. Also fashionable are rugs and carpets bound with a hint of metallic fiber just to catch the eye. Animal and nature-inspired looks are also the rage, including panther and leopard skin, tropical leaf and flower patterns, tree textures and tribal designs.

In addition to eco-friendly products, manufacturers were paying close attention this year to allergen reducing products and manufacturing methods. One new line includes a broad selection of carpets that incorporates silver and zinc release, which offer the strongest anti-bacterial technology on the market. Another company debuted new friezes using dye-accented color choices achieved through an eco-friendly solution that saves water and is zero-effluent into streams.

One earth-friendly standout at the show was a new shag carpet made with 80% bamboo fiber yarn and 20% cotton. It has the look and feel of silk without the price tag.

TILE TRENDS
As in the wood and laminate categories, high sheen and transparent shine were the hot trends in the tile category. Long, thin rectangular tiles reminiscent of flowing streams were seen, as well as tiles made from authentic crystal and semi-precious stones. New heat slumped glass tiles impart a sculpted, embossed effect giving the illusion of raindrops on the surface, linen textures, crinkled fabric, sand and slate effects.

LAMINATE TRENDS
The hottest trend in laminates this year was highly reflective, glossy finishes in exotic wood formats, as well as stone looks with “natural” embossed patterns and beveled edging. A brand new introduction includes a hybrid product containing natural cork, leather and linoleum surface-treatments that are stabilized on planks.

RESILIENT TRENDS
New resilient products, including vinyl, cork, leather and linoleum, offered not only environmentally friendly introductions, but product launches that were also easy to clean and offered healthful benefits.

One new launch in the linoleum category achieved the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification mark — which has never been given to a flooring product before. Another debut was a cork and linoleum hybrid called Corkoleum. It is an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl and laminate flooring that is resilient, warm, scratch and abrasion resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. 100% recycled leather planks were also presented in a broad spectrum of natural shades and textures — from glossy bright red crocodile to supple lizard.

“With today’s economic challenges, people everywhere are focusing more on their home environments and creature comforts,” said Christopher Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the WFCA. “Manufacturers across the globe have listened to customers and have delivered an array of introductions that are certain not to disappoint.”

The WFCA’s website – WFCA.org — offers detailed information about these flooring categories. In addition, the website provides answers to the most common floor covering questions. Visitors can also find detailed information and practical tips on every flooring category available, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic, porcelain, resilient, vinyl, cork, stone and area rugs. An overview of each category provides the pros and cons, a product catalog, manufacturing details, varieties and styles available, things to consider before purchase and how to prepare for installation.

When it’s time to buy floors, WFCA.org offers a searchable database of reputable WFCA retail members across the country. All a user needs to do is enter their zip code to receive a list of suppliers in their area.

The WFCA, official sponsor of Surfaces, is the floor covering industry’s largest advocacy organization, representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. For more information about the WFCA, visit WFCA.org and WFCA-PRO.org.

There are many myths surrounding carpet regarding allergies and indoor air quality. In response, Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, has introduced an educational and attention-grabbing marketing platform including messages via web, in-store and public relations outreach dedicated to informing the consumer regarding the benefits of carpet. In addition to stylish in-store POP kits, Shaw has developed landing pages from the company’s consumer web site in order to provide more in-depth information: shawfloors.com/saveenergy and shawfloors.com/allergens.

Shaw is dedicated to communicating the facts about the benefits of carpet concerning health, indoor air quality and, most of all, energy savings. Aside from style and value, carpet offers the consumer many other benefits. The POP kit busts carpet myths surrounding allergens and indoor air quality while also promoting carpet benefits with tag lines such as “Carpet can help you breathe easier” and “No other flooring warms and insulates a room like carpet”.

Additionally, Shaw distributed a national news article with a powerful message disproving carpet myths via NewsUSA. To date, the information has been published in 164 local newspapers nationwide.

“It is important to educate consumers on the many benefits of carpet while dispelling common myths associated with the category. Shaw is dedicated to providing the consumer with the facts,” said Reggie Newton, Shaw’s vice president of residential marketing. “Plus, carpet offers the consumer great design flexibility, superior performance and an incredible value. It’s important for the consumer to understand that carpet is a safe, healthy and smart decision for her home and, ultimately, her family.”

Carpet is not often considered a “healthy” product, and some of the fault lies in the persistent myth that it contributes to poor indoor air quality. The truth is quite the contrary. An often overlooked advantage of carpet is its ability to improve a home’s environment. Scientists and researchers have concluded that carpet fibers can be beneficial in trapping and immobilizing potential allergy-causing particulates, preventing them from reentering the indoor air stream, if the carpet is properly cleaned and maintained. Not only is carpet one of the lowest emitters of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among household furnishing and building materials, but its quality of filtering particulate matter can also assist in removing airborne VOCs emitted from other sources.

The use of carpet in a wall-to-wall application actually increases the R-value, or insulation level, of the carpet area, potentially saving homeowners utility costs while reducing energy use.  The R-value (thermal resistance) measures how much a material resists the movement of heat through a ceiling, wall or floor in a building–the higher the number, the more effective the insulation.

Recently, tests carried out at the Johns Manville Technical Center Thermal Labs, one of the most sophisticated laboratories of its kind in the world, confirm carpet and pad significantly increase R-value compared to other flooring materials.  Results varied according to the carpet’s construction, with heavier products generally providing higher R-value.  Carpets were tested with and without cushion, and the combination maximized the R-value.  Carpet really is warmer.

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is also working on educating consumers and retailers on this important topic. “The carpet industry has always worked to protect the air we breathe indoors,” says CRI president Werner Braun.  “CRI is extremely interested in recent research from toxicologist Mitchell Sauerhoff, PhD., DABT, that concludes carpet does not increase the incidence of asthma or allergies in children or adults. CRI enthusiastically supports Shaw’s efforts to demonstrate to consumers the exceptional benefits of carpet in their homes – it’s a safe, healthy, beautiful, comfortable, and cost-effective floor covering.”

For more information, visit shawfloors.com.