In my last Floor Talk entry, I introduced eight of the fourteen new colors for 2011 and 2012 home interiors’ palette.  Hopefully that blog piqued your interest, and, as promised, here are the remaining seven colors that round out the color forecast.

Orange will become much more user-friendly as we edge towards 2011.  The new orange is called Rio-Stat, giving a nod to Rio de Janiero and the honor that city has won to host the future Summer Olympics.  Rio-Stat has a hint of brown to keep it interesting and soft.

The purple family has been pretty quiet the last several years.  Well purple lovers will be pumped to know that future color directions include TWO new purples.  Violet Satin — a soft pastel purple suitable for major interior use, and its counterpart Gotham, which goes deeper and richer.  Expect to see both of these colors used together in the same room for the perfect monochromatic color scheme.

In Part I of the Color Visions ‘expose’, you read that blues were taking on important duty—that of carrying on the message of sustainability.  Given that fact, in addition to Perpetual and X-Hale (which were previously announced) a softly shaded, misty blue named Bar Harbor is also on the color horizon.  This color is going to excite a number of product manufacturers.  Look for Bar Harbor to come alive in technology products, new car introductions, and of course, home interior goods.  Crossing the line to the gray family, we were desperately in need of a true neutral gray.  It’s more difficult than you would think to devise just the right formula to produce an interesting neutral gray, but this has been accomplished with the introduction of Stratus.  As wood floor manufacturers are intently at work creating gray-toned hardwoods, Stratus will become the perfect interior companion.

The color countdown is nearly complete.  You now have learned the names of 13 of the 14 new color introductions.  Number 14 is a classic–always present in the palette—but because of its heightened importance, needed to claim a slot in the 2011/2012 palette.  By definition, this particular color ironically represents the total lack of color.  I’m referring to black, wearing its new stage name of Bon Noir.  It is a classic, without a doubt, and will be employed in some amazing finishes, including pearlized versions, velvety matte versions, and of course (in the case of automotive) executive gloss black. 

Now that we have the words to represent these new colors, here are the definitions and color chips for each of the V.I.P. “fourteen”.

Click here to view the forecast color card

It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you about color—one of my favorite subjects. Life, in general, doesn’t offer us too many free gifts, and color happens to be one of the most amazing. All we have to do is open our eyes to accept and appreciate it. As children, we were instinctively attracted to bright colors, making sure we used every Crayola in the box for our innocent works of art.  So why, as we go through life, do we become somewhat jaded about color, electing to surround ourselves with safe neutrals rather than the colors that are saturated with personality?  Take a look at the color of cars traveling down the highway around you.  You are going to be shocked at the overwhelming number of white vehicles, followed by black and then silver.  “I don’t want to make a mistake…”  “I’m thinking of re-sale value…”  “It’s just safer to go with what everybody else does…”  These are the reasons (or should I say excuses) we use as justification. 

During May of this year I was fortunate to attended the Spring conference of Color Marketing Group International.  I love this group, because I’m surrounded by fellow color professionals who understand the power and psychology of color.  Fashion, interior design, automotive, recreation, graphic design and technology are just some of the fields that are represented at these conferences.  Three days of intense “hands-on” workshops produce forecast colors that are the guiding light for color palettes two to three years out.  That’s how far in advance Fortune 500 companies need to know color directions in order to bring their new products to market—in the right colors!  You might not be aware of this, but color directions always reflect what’s going on in our society and in our lives.  For instance, during the depths of this recession, colors took a serious turn, showing undercurrents of browns and grays in almost every hue.  What I saw coming out of CMG’s Spring conference this year, however, was a huge shift in direction on the color compass.  Colors are brighter, clearer, and more optimistic.  The undertones are now light and airy and colors are reflecting… HOPE.

Let’s talk about just a few of the emerging colors for 2011 and 2012.  The strongest new color in the palette is Rasplendant.  Picture frosty raspberry sherbet on a hot summer’s day–that is the jazzy new fuschia hue that’s making fashion waves and interior headlines.  It has the WOW factor and adds a bit of sparkle to any room.  I originally predicted Rasplendant would play a supporting role for interiors (accessories, etc.), but I believe I was mistaken.  I am seeing this delicious new color commanding attention in fashion, and playing a starring role in interiors already.  If you want to add drama and fun to your interiors—be on the look out for Rasplendant. 

Green has had a good run, wouldn’t you agree?  So, is it leaving the palette?  No—but it is morphing into a fresher version.  Rain Forest is the newest green, favoring all the lushness and richness of its namesake.  And two highly popular greens, Oldensage and Seacrest are carrying forward to the next two years as well.  But green is about to be rivaled by another hue that can carry the sustainability message just as well, and that would be blue.  Several new blues are making their debut and one in particular. X-Hale, is a favorite.  For those of you who remember your Dad’s or your Grandpa’s 1957 Chevy, this new color was stolen right from that classic car.  It’s bright, it’s contemporary, and it’s the perfect vivid mix of blue and green.  You cannot look at this color without feeling happy.  X-Hale represents a simpler, happier time, when our nation was in a serious growth mode and all things were possible.  Now who wouldn’t want a slice of that 1950’s American pie? 

One more blue gracing the new palette comes from military inspirations.   That is Perpetual.  This color is deeply steeped in tradition, reflective of quiet reserve, honor and endurance.  What a great tribute (through color) to the dedication and sacrifice our country’s military makes for us on a daily basis. As a nation, we have every good reason to want this color in our future palette.  The message is clear. 

Yellow is back, and not as the muted yellow-gold from the past several years, but as a crystal clear, liquid yellow that embodies pure optimism.  Italians traditionally serve a signature icy liqueur after every dinner (whether you order it or not, I discovered) called Limoncello.  In Italy you must eat and you must drink—it’s a prerequisite if you are to enjoy what life has to offer.  Limoncello represents the best of Italy and the Italian people’s gregarious nature.  So it would seem that our new yellow happens to be well-named.  It too represents a bit of over-indulgence and pure fun.

Reflection is the next color joining the palette–one of the favorite colors that emerged from the Color Conference.  This is a cameo color that speaks of simpler days.  (Do you see a theme developing within this palette?)  It’s a warm neutral (pink+peach+beige) that is fresh and youthful.  Both Fashion and Interiors will embrace it as a priority player as we near 2011.  Reflection actually originated in the contract segment of the market and now is crossing over to residential.

Well, this is a great start to the Color Visions story for 2011 & 2012.  But this story can’t be told in just one chapter (or should I say blog).  So stay tuned as this evolving tale of color is ‘to be continued’.  More color neophytes soon to appear on the radar scope will be revealed in my very next blog–that’s a promise.

Tile manufacturers are always looking for ways to make designers’ lives easier, and along with that, YOUR life easier as well. Aesthetically, the choices out there in ceramic and porcelain tile are expansive and quite amazing.  All of the ‘big guys’ dedicate a lot of resources to product development, so what else could they possibly offer in tile design that might capture more attention?

How about a program that offers you in-factory cutting services?  One that allow for your tile of choice to be ordered in custom linear and rectangular sizes?  AND provide that tile within a three week turnaround time?  Well that is exactly what Daltile is about to launch.  Dal identified a huge, unmet need out there.  For the most part, anyone looking for linear shapes and rectangular sizes were either limited to a handful of collections that offered those options, OR they had to have their tile installer cut down the tiles right on-site–a slow and messy process at best.  Now, according to Lori Kirk-Rolley, Senior Marketing Director for Daltile, “Any Daltile or American Olean rectified porcelain tile or glazed floor tile can be ordered in popular linear and rectangular sizes, making design options endless.”  There are two added benefits to this program that deserve mentioning:

-      Since the custom cuts are done at the factory, the quality of the cuts is more consistent

-      Custom cutting at the factory reduces labor costs at the jobsite, and that can be a big benefit!

 The core assortment of products for this program was selected from the most popular porcelain tile collections Daltile and American Olean offer.  But, according to my sources, any ceramic floor tile in the line can be custom cut to any size (within a minimum width of 2” and a maximum length of 24”).  Lead time might be a bit longer, but check with your local flooring store for pricing and production time.

 One last thing for you to know:  these “cutting edge” programs will be announced shortly as Linear Options under the Daltile brand, and Linear Express for American Olean.  Just another design option for you to use as you create your one-of-a-kind floor.

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.

Sometimes it’s helpful to look at the “bigger” picture, as we decide how to improve our homes and our lifestyle.  Of course, I always gather research with an eye towards how trends will affect floor coverings, and this blog is no exception.  So let me share with you the key emerging homebuyer trends for 2010—some of which will definitely impact floor coverings:

 1.  Consumers are more willing to pay for value, which results in better design

This trend is coming into its own as consumers are (warily) more confident in spending.  They are drawn to higher quality goods in floor coverings, viewing it as an investment in the overall value of their home.  And they are right!

 2.  Green design is important with qualifiers:  “what’s in it for me?”

Floor covering manufacturers have paid close attention to developing Green products.  What’s in it for you—the consumer—is a smart product that took less energy and natural resources to produce, and products that are either cradle-to-cradle recyclable, or can be repurposed into different products after their life cycle. 

 3.  Multi-family floor plans and meaningful square footage

This is a significant trend in both new and existing homes.  Contemporary families have to consider space for “bounce back” kids (out of a job, or newly graduated from school) and aging parents.  Family structures continue to change, and floor coverings can re-define spaces as required, contributing greatly to safety as we plan our homes to accommodate aging parents.

 4.  Consumers are looking for mass-customization

This trend has been entrenched for a couple of years now.  What it means is that consumers are looking for products and services that give them a say in the design process. Whether it’s tennis shoes (where they get to choose colors, materials, and have their name embroidered on them) or a custom area rug, they want it personalized to their tastes.  Manufacturers are flocking to get on board with this trend—at prices you can afford.

 5.  Conversion of formal living room/dining rooms to other uses

Comfortable family gathering places are high on our wish lists.  Consumers are spending money to reallocate spaces.  Large, combined living room/ dining rooms are being repurposed into one big great room.  Kitchens are becoming larger and more high-end.  Quality appliances are important as we are cooking at home more and entertaining more. 

To underscore our new lifestyle, flooring materials for kitchens are beautiful and forgiving! Hardwood floors are now available with aluminum oxide protectant in the TOP COAT to give the best protection possible.  Laminate floors capture the look of hardwoods, but are more family-oriented and moisture resistant. 

 6.  Master Suites are being designed to simulate a luxury hotel suite

This is a huge development on the design front.  Consumers are pouring design dollars into transforming their existing master bedroom and bath.  Spa tubs, towel warming racks, heated coil under-layments to warm stone and ceramic floors, even under-counter refrigerators, are at the top of the list for master baths designs. 

Moving into the master bedroom, we are seeing cozy seating areas and reading corners being implemented into space plans.  Beds are dressed in oversized snowy white comforters with tons of cushy pillows.  Carpets are thicker, softer, and more welcoming under foot.  All in all, master suites are being redesigned to become upscale, private retreats anytime day or night.

 In conclusion, the lines are drawn to connect new trends directly to concepts in flooring.  I’m happy to say that floor covering manufacturers are very much in touch with these evolving trends. They’ve invested heavily in research and development to bring to market just the right products to bring about your own impressive design transformation.