FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Submitted by Annette Callari, Allied ASID; CMG

Shaw Industries is best noted for being a major carpet mill in the United States.  But things have taken a turn in that they have also joined the ranks of manufacturers offering stunning glass tile products.  One recent introduction that is gathering applause from the design community is their Bangle Glass series.  The pattern called “Micro Blocks” dances with crystal-like colors in both matte and gloss finishes.  Colors include Seaglass, Azure, Tortoise and Topaz.  What I am particularly drawn to is that the glass is lively.  There are variations and striations in each individual mosaic that combine stunning shades and tints of each color. What a great addition to any kitchen or bath backsplash!

So how do you coordinate something with so much personality with your countertops?  Carefully.  These beautiful designs have a lot of life to them, so it’s probably best not to pair them with high movement granite patterns.  But many of the quartz surfaces (Corian, Silestone, Caesarstone, etc.), “quieter” granites, and tile countertops would be perfect companions to Micro Blocks.

So what else has Shaw Industries been up to?  Shaw continues to amaze me as to their product development in carpets.  I’d like to spotlight their Kathy Ireland and Couture collections for a moment.  This is an ever-changing compilation of artistic, dimensional carpets.  I like the proportions of these patterns because they will suit most any sized room without being overpowering.  The subtle patterns are created by combining loop and cut pile constructions, which gives a luxurious but understated does of pattern to your room design.  Carpet makes such a strong statement in a room because of the expanse of the space, and Vogue styles add interest without screaming “pattern”. 

Let’s talk about color palettes for a moment.  This is one area where Shaw’s product development absolutely shines.  Shaw’s on-staff product designers pay a lot of attention to major trends and color preferences in different parts of the country.  Product design is most successful when input is gathered from a sound base of “field experts” who are interacting one-on-one with consumers. Historically Shaw has held design forums around the country where designers are asked to preview experimental products (and colors) and rate them. Shaw heavily weighs their new introduction decisions based on the information they gather from those forums. For any company looking to stay relevant in today’s consumer market, this is exactly the way to bring highly-sellable products to the consumer. 

The days of big companies designing for the masses from secluded R & D ivory towers are long gone.  The cost of introducing even one new carpet style can run in excess of a million dollars.  Reason enough for the manufacturer to utilize every tool possible to ensure success. Better built products, excellent styling, and awesome color palettes are the end result.  And the ultimate benefactor of all their research is YOU.

Submitted by Steve Cooper

Molding for transition from one flooring material to another appears inconsequential. It hardly seems worth a blog post. That is, until you walk barefoot over a threshold that has been poorly designed. How does a bad transition make you yelp or squirm? Let’s count the ways.

1. Too narrow

2. Too high

3. A too-sharp edge

4. Splinters

5. Nails

You’ll know what’s wrong the minute you step on it. Your foot may glide across the transition but get creased by a sharp back edge. A nailhead may snag your stocking. Or the width will be so narrow that it’s slightly painful if the molding is stepped on squarely.

Wood-molding remedies are easy as long as the design gets attention prior to installation. Don’t let one be made so tall that you can stub your toe on it. Instead, have it built at least 3 inches wide, tapering down at each side. A 6- to 8-inch-wide transition may seem excessive, but it provides comfort. All nails should be set and the holes filled. For screws, countersink holes to eliminate a potential hazard.

If you are using metal or any other material for the thresholds, check for comfort before installtion by testing it with bare feet. Make sure no screw heads will be sticking up.

Let your installer know that you are concerned about comfort at transition points. This often goes unmentioned and, since molding is the last item during installation, it does not always get the attention it needs.

For more information on flooring visit the World Floor Covering Association’s Consumer Carpet & Flooring Guide.