FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

By Annette M. Callari, ASID; CMG

Every now and then something comes along in the world of floor coverings that really stirs up some hefty design waves.  I think Armstrong Floors has done just that with the introduction of their Barrel Creek hardwood floor collection.   It’s so gratifying to discover something unique and full of personality, and Barrel Creek fits the bill on both those counts.

Picture rolling hills covered with ripe, manicured vineyards.  You could be in Napa Valley or even the south of France.  Of course you visualize wineries stocked with miles of seasoned oak wine barrels, right?  Well, interior designers seem to be having an on-going love affair with a charming, vintage design style that embraces all the accoutrements of winemaking. Everything from vine-covered upholstery fabrics to furniture pieces fabricated right from wine barrels!  Now Armstrong Floors has taken that inspired styling a step further.  Imagine solid strips of premium rift and quartered oak (the very same material coopers use to make fine wine barrels) now crafted into beautiful hardwood floors.  According to Armstrong’s marketing announcements, “…these floors have been painstakingly reconstructed to reflect every detail of original barrel floors, complete with Vintner’s marks burned into random strips, and authentic cooperage stamps.”  I would say that these floors do tell a story, and in your home have the power to become a focal point and an amazing underscore to authentic vintage design.

There are three color offerings in this collection:  Vintner Cellar, Aged Oak, and Winemaker Harvest.  Each of these colorways features a blend of high-contrast, 2-1/4” oak boards to create an authentic look.  Then the manufacturer applies a deep color wash to enhance the grain and give the wood an aged appearance. This technique gives birth to a perfect harmony of color and texture and, in essence, produces a three-dimensional look.  Finally, a high-quality urethane finish is applied to protect the floor and make it functional as well as beautiful. (Armstrong provides a 25-Year Residential Warranty for these solid hardwood floors.) The end result is a hardwood floor that speaks volumes!

So if your design aspirations include capturing the whimsy of wine country, make it a point to research the Barrel Creek Collection by Armstrong.  Whether you are creating a wine cellar of your own, or a vintage kitchen or family room design, these floors are versatile and unforgettable. You will find yourself seeking out the Vintner’s markings and enjoying the sense of history Barrel Creek floors seem to inspire.  Armstrong deserves kudos for their creativity and “next generation” thinking.  When you blend history with new-age performance, you are bound to come up with a product that exceeds expectations, and that is exactly what they have done.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Q & A with the technical department at the National Wood Flooring Association:

Q: What species of hardwood are most likely to fade?

A: Brazilian cherry and American Cherry

Q:How much do these species change color?

A: They can darken up to 3-4 times their original color.

Q:How long will the floors discolor?

A: The floors will continue to discolor or age with time, but the majority of the aging happens within 3-6 months. The process slows down and that point, but still continues.

Q: If the floors change color in the first 3-6 months, is it best to wait to put area rugs down?

A: If at all possible, it is best to wait 3-6 months before putting area rugs down.

Q: What causes floors to fade?

A: Too much UV light can bleach the wood.

Q: Are there products that can be applied to the floor that have sunblock in them?

A: No, nothing can be topically applied to the floor. The finishes already have UV light retarders in them.

Q: What can help the fading of hardwood floors?

A: Low E glass windows and some types of window treatments can help protect the floors.

Q: What finish has the least effective retarder?

A: Oil Modified Polyurethane

Q: Is the discoloration considered a flaw?

A: No, some people call this an aged look or a patina and realize that it is a natural characteristic of wood.

Q: What can you do if you already have area rugs down and have discoloration?

A: You can move the rugs a couple of inces every month so that there is no stark color change or visible line.

There are many different size widths of hardwood planks to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?

First, let’s look at the different sizes available. Most hardwoods are available in 2 1/4″, 3″, 5″, 7″ and sometimes widths even wider. Boards are classified into two different groups. Plank and Strip. Strip refers to boards that are narrower than 3″. Plank refers to boards that are 3″ or greater.

Board width can change the look of a room as well as set the tone for the design style or scheme. For example, narrow boards like 2 1/4″ are usually found in older homes and more traditional homes. They are found in older homes predominantly because this was the only width available. In some really old homes you will find extremely wide widths. However, in some contemporary settings, you will find strips of natural maple and other species that are uniform in color and grain.

Board widths of 3″ are found in many types of homes including traditional and transitional. This look does not commit you to any one design style or type and therefore is a good choice when you have an eclectic look or one that does not fit into any one design category.

Wider boards are now being seen in all types of homes because of their ability to expand the look and size of a room. Wide boards such as 5″ and 7″ are helpful in creating a rustic or country look. This is why you will see a lot of wider width planks that are distressed.

An exception to choosing one particular width of flooring is to mix widths creating a random width installation pattern. This is often used when the boards being used have come from reclaimed sources.

A great tool to help determine what width hardwood is right for a room is the Virtual Room Designer found on the WFCA website.

Coconut wood flooring is not a wood, it comes from the palm family. It is one of the fastest growing species on the planet. It reaches maturity in 5-6 years making it a truly sustainable resource. The coconut palm tree is grown in hot areas. It likes frost free areas and grows in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific region. The trees grows near seas in these areas so the roots can find moisture. In the US, it is found only in Hawaii, the southern tip of Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Palms produce nuts for up to 80 years, then non producing palms are removed and replaced. Once the old palms that have completed their coconut bearing years have been removed, those trees are used for flooring.

As the rainforest continues to be tapped for timber needs, coconut palms have been overlooked and under utilized resource.

Like bamboo, it is either a natural tan color or a darker carbonized honey color. Also like bamboo, it is offered in vertical or horizontal configurations. It is also offered in strand configurations. The vertical grain version accentuates the linear look while the horizontal format reveals more of the true character of bamboo. Strand coconut has the most homogeneous look.

To maintain coconut flooring, it is a simple as maintaining typical hardwood floors. Mats should be used to prevent dirt from entering the room and scratching the floors. Spills and standing water should be wiped up immediately. Oil soaps should be avoided. Furniture should be carried and not dragged across the floor. Chair protectors should be used under the furniture.

One company – coconutwoodfloorings.com uses material from plantation grown coconut palms which are abundant throughout much of the world. Coconut wood floorings can vary greatly in color and density. They use only hard, dark palm for their look and durable surface. The wood produced is all solid wood rather than engineered wood.  Their goal is that through their work, palmwood will one day be recognized as a valuable building resource and help reduce rain forest harvesting.