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.

Below are descriptions of common carpet issues and how to deal with them!

Sprouts: If your carpet shows parouts, don’t worry, it isn’t growing. With cut pile carpet, small tufts or sprouts can stick up above the surface. Don’t pull them. Clip them off with scissors.

Snags: Pulling or snagging can occur when a sharp object like a loose shoe nail or a child’s toy hooks on the fibers. Don’t pull the snag. Clip off with scissors.

Dents: Remove a dent by stroking it with the edges of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer (hot air) or a steam iron very lightly to raise the dented area while you tug up ward on the tufts.
CAUTION: DON’T LET THE IRON TOUCH THE CARPET.

Crushed Pile: Vacuum regularly with “beater bar” type vacuum, or use a plastic or wooden carpet rake to restore matted down pile.

Burns: Should your carpet endure a burn, remove the tops of the darkened, burned fibers with a curved fingernail scissors. If the burn is extensive, your carpet may require patching or replacement.

Shedding: Some shedding is common in new carpet with cut pile. The loose fibers are easily removed through regular vacuuming and in no way affect carpet quality. This condition will diminish after a few weeks or months depending on vacuuming frequency.

Footprints: All cut pile carpets show footprints. This is not a defect. It is much more prevalent on deep pile carpet made from bright fiber. To minimize footprints, you might want to choose a very dense low pile carpet made from Solutia’s mid luster nylon.

Piling: Sometimes certain types of carpet, or heavy traffic, can create little balls of tangled fibers and lint. Just pull them off by hand or clip them with scissors.

This information is from the Wear-Dated consumer website.

First, we started off with an overview of Surfaces. Here we talked about the presence of design elements, color themes and upcoming posts on the different products shown at the show.

Then came a breakdown of trends in hardwood, tile, carpet and area rugs.Later in the month we presented an overview of the company Wicanders and their line of products and a post on how to use the hot trends of 2009.

In the middle of the month came a report on Tuftex of California. They were not at Surfaces and choose to have their own regional shows in which I was invited to participate.

Every month (or longer) we present a reader poll to get your opinion on a particular topic. Included this month is a recap of the results of a poll on laminate flooring.

To round the month out, we finished up with some industry news on ThermoSofts Warm Step radiant heat system.

A lot of February was dedicated to Surfaces, the trends presented and the products shown at the show.

In the month of March we will get back to more answers to the questions you have asked as well as what’s new in the industry. If you have any topics that you would like to see more information on, please just leave a comment!

Thanks for your subscriptions, your interest and your loyalty to Floor Talk!

• 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!

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.

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.