Spring/Summer 2012 Carpet Style Trends From Scarlet Opus

My friends at Scarlet Opus always manage to create trend stories that captivate, innovate and generate ideas to inevitably inspire endless carpet style trends. Here, I share a preview of their Spring / Summer 2012 trend presentation.

Interestingly, the trend themes build on the notion of "season of collaboration" based on the UN declaration that 2012 is the The International Year of Co-operatives:

“… people who unite to meet common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly and democratically controlled enterprise.”

As Shelley Pond describes in her post: "A vast meeting of minds is occurring, a solidarity which could reshape our world. Standing together, embracing a world community, partnership, sharing, supporting. We arrive at the Spring/Summer 2012 season looking at things from a different perspective, a new stand point of positivity and determination to set things right. A global reboot!"

Furthermore, 

"The seasons styles are seductively sensorial; sound waves of patterns, high pitched colours, sharp fractured shapes … we awaken to a new aesthetic. A season of change, chaos, contradictions; products that soothe us, schemes that shake us up, patterns that reassure us, colours that alarm us. A beautifully, imperfect, harmony."

I'm ready! Are you?

Scarlet Opus' Spring/Summer 2012 Trends includes the following six themes:

Savoir-Faire: a re-establishing of Mid-Century values in the 21st Century paving the way for common courtesy, conviviality, and sobriety to reign supreme.

Eco-Carnival: a global fusion of rhythmic patterns, bright botanicals, and tribal geometrics with a South American beat.

Cultural-Nexus: a celebration of the power of the collective, connectivity, and community from the Middle East and beyond.

Colour-Capital: a dynamic mood of hi-energy, plugged-in colour, and positive vibrations from the future cityscape.

Majestic-Minimalism: a look back in order to look forward, harmoniously merging historical features with pared-down Modernism.

The-Abyss: an exploration into the depths of the world’s Oceans; the unexplored, the unknown, the extraordinary.

Thank you, Shelley, Victoria, Phil and the entire team at Scarlet Opus for sharing this vision of style trends to come!


For the full experience, visit the original Scarlet Opus post titled Spring / Summer 2012 - Sneak Peak on the Scarlet Opus Trends Blog which includes more images and perspective on each trend.

Coverings 2011 Celebrates Style & Design

Perhaps I should be saving most of the content from this Coverings 2011 post for Bathroom Blogfest 2011, but that seems just too far away especially when I've been speaking with a really wonderful woman who captured style and design magic on video...

Before I go any further, though, I must warn you that this post will not focus on soft coverings or carpet underfoot. Rather, it's about tile style and design with links to some fabulous blogs. My assumption is that you'll extrapolate from the content and adapt it to carpet style and design since I am willing to bet that your home also includes hard surfaces such as tile...

Coverings 2011, by the way, is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. It took place March 14 through 17, 2011 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. [The series of short videos embedded on the Coverings home page give you a great feel for the show.]

As I was researching who had written about [i.e., 'covered'] Coverings and the tile style and design trends showcased there, I came across Jessica's Design Wonderland Coverings series which is fabulous. Jessica participated in the VIP Press Tour for Coverings...

The Design Wonderland Coverings series consists of the following Coverings 2011 related posts which include fantastic photos:

• Coverings 2011: A Peek at Day 1
• Leaving Las Vegas
• Weekend Wishes: My Beautiful Pixelated Fantasy
• Friday’s Fresh Geometrics
• In the Village: Tabarka Studio

Paul Anater shares his love of fine-art mosaics in this post titled Italian manufacturer Sicis at Coverings. He also explains that Grespania's Coverlam stole the show. What do you think?

Here's Talk Contract's recap of Coverings 2011. Aren't the photos fabulous?

Tile Envy offers Another View of Coverings 2011.

Here's an video interview with Patti Faisan who offers a behind-the-scenes look at Tile Style & Design from Coverings.

And check out Zoe Voigt's delicious Tile Style Dynamics.

Coverings also does a wonderful job with an installation showcase of several bathroom designs that become reality over the course of the show. For 2011, three came to life over the three days of the show and I took the following photos on the last day.

Master Bath Spa designed by Annette Denham and installed by Lambert Tile & Stone

Spa Bath designed by Ali Azhar and installed by Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile

Universal Bath designed by Laura Yorba and installed by Welch Tile & Marble and Cox Tile

I also discovered from speaking with Chris Woelfel from Artcraft Granite, Marble, & Tile Co. that she had created several videos posted on the ArtCraft Granite, Marble, Tile YouTube Channel with interviews with Ali Azhar from HGTV, one of the Design Showcase Bathroom designers:

• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Nightclub Spa Bath-Day 1
• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Nightclub Spa Bath-Day 2
• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Nightclub Spa Bath-Day 3
• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Nightclub Spa Bath Day 4
• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Rubi Tools USA
• Coverings 2011 Installation Showcase-Tiles of Italy

Here, too, is the recap of Dan Welch from Welch Tile & Marble of the Coverings 2011 - Universal Bath Design Installation Showcase.

The latest post I came across is from Paul Friederichsen who writes about Coverings 2011: A Thing of Beauty.

So, what do you think about Coverings and its celebration of Tile Style & Design? How do you see integrating these ideas into your own design scheme? And, how will carpet fit in?

--
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Surfaces Blog: Source of Carpet Style Trends & More!

Have you had a chance to visit the Surfaces Blog? If you're looking for design inspiration, ideas on carpet style trends and colors, with a dash of carpet - or surfaces - industry practicality thrown in, you will enjoy your visit!

The Surfaces Blog is managed by my friend Chelsie Z. Thornton, conference manager for Hanley Wood Exhibitions' SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas. [See Anticipating Surfaces 2011.]

My very favorite contributor is Victoria Redshaw who regularly shares entrancing thoughts and images that send my soul singing because of the combination of colors, patterns, and artistic inspiration.

You may remember Victoria from several previous posts:

+ Design Trends 2010: Carpet, Floors & More
+ Celebrating Carpet: UK's Fun On the Floor With Style

[I'm delighted to say that she is as inspiring in person. You see, I got to meet her and spend time with her at Surfaces 2010...]

In addition to flooring and carpet style trend information, the Surfaces Blog offers flooring business insights. Paul Friederichsen shares perspective on marketing and branding; Warren Tyler on sales; Lew Migliore on how to deal with flooring issues and how best to care for flooring. And others. All experts in their fields.

But, there's no one else like Victoria!

Do read the Surfaces Blog and let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Design Trends 2010: Carpet, Floors & More

With the New Year come the latest design trends offering inspiration for carpet, floors and much more. I share with you here resources for discovering more!

As a result of Celebrating Carpet: UK's Fun On the Floor With Style, I became acquainted with global trend forecaster Scarlet Opus, based in Yorkshire, England.

I did a blog interview with co-owner, Phil Pond [see Meet Scarlet Opus' Phil Pond], and am planning on meeting in person co-owner Victoria Redshaw at Surfaces 2010.

Scarlet Opus interests me because it uniquely focuses on interiors and products and décor for the home and home environments with a marvelous global twist. Given Victoria's global perspective, I thought you would be interested in the latest design trends that she has written about.

I'd love to hear what appeals to you the most...

Here goes:

+ From the Surfaces Blog, see 2010: new year... new way of thinking and being seen to be green. The photos are scrumptious and truly show off how beautiful a design element carpet is [as you can see from the photo above].

+ The Scarlet Opus Blog is a feast for the eyes and definitely worth exploring. Top Colour Trend Tip for 2010: Blue offers perspective on how important the color blue will be.

+ Although from January 2009, this article Houses as homes: don't move, improve - to which Victoria contributed - makes a strong point about improving what you have and how to do so with colors and textures... [Also check out Victoria's suggestions at the bottom of this article New Year New Décor for homeowners .]

+ Last, but not least, the Top 10 Colour Trend Tips for 2010...

Which are your favorite color and design trends for 2010? Which will you add to your home and how?

Celebrating Carpet: UK's Fun On The Floor With Style

Fun on the Floor with Carpet.

Fun on the Floor is a UK campaign sponsored by several carpet manufacturers [and not the Carpet Foundation and its member manufacturers which are not connected with Fun on the Floor - edited 1/19/10]. I first heard about it in 2008 in Is carpet about to make a comeback? A bit later, I was delighted to come across Carpet is back in style which offered delicious carpet style trends and details about Fun on the Floor.

A few weeks ago, I exchanged emails with Patrick Finn from Fun on the Floor, who graciously made possible the interview below with Steve Elliott, managing director of Associated Weavers in the UK and part of the Fun on the Floor panel of home experts offering free consumer design advice. He has worked in the carpet industry for over twenty years, has a varied and experienced background within the industry regularly dealing with manufacturers and suppliers. Steve is particularly knowledgeable about product development, the link between carpet and fashion and the changing colour trends that emerge. With an excellent understanding of the UK and world carpet market and also what consumers want from a carpet he is perfectly placed to comment on all carpet related issues.

Steve, what is the purpose of Fun on the Floor?

In 2008 a collective of carpet manufacturers, distributors and retailers joined forces to create a major generic marketing campaign under the banner of ‘Fun on the Floor’. The campaign aims to get the nation embracing the attributes of carpet.

The website www.funonthefloor.com is an interactive resource for anyone interested in learning more about the transformation that carpet can bring to a room – whether home owners, home improvers, retailers or media.

What objectives does Fun on the Floor want to achieve?

Fun on the Floor (FOTF) has four main objectives, to make carpet seen to be:

Noticed
Desirable
Affordable
Practical & fashionable

How did the members of FOTF get together?

All the UK’s major carpet manufacturers and retailers were invited to become part of FOTF, with Carpetright and Headlam spearheading the campaign. A total of 13 companies now make up the FOTF group.

What was done in the first year of Fun on the Floor?

In the first year Fun on the Floor ran a national campaign highlighting carpet as a flooring choice by bringing to life its versatility, practicality, affordability, and ability to transform a home!

The first phase of the campaign launched July 31st 2008 with the opening of a unique house in central London designed and curated by Interior Designer and Sunday Times Style Columnist Danielle Proud [mentioned in the article above].

The Fun on the Floor house acted as a showroom through a medley of creatively designed rooms featuring carpet in stunning, creative and fun ways based on current interior trends and popular carpet choices. The house was visited by trade, national, consumer, regional journalists as well as key influencers such as interior designers, production companies for a free shoot location and celebrities.

Following the launch of the Fun on the Floor House, an eye-catching press and outdoor advertising campaign launched in the Autumn that covered billboards and vans nationwide.

Supporting all the activity and creating a consumer hub to the campaign, an interactive website launched to coincide with the house opening (www.funonthefloor.com), helping consumers understand carpet and offering advice and tips from Danielle.

What about the second year?

In the second year Fun on the Floor continued with a national advertising campaign and developed the website further through the provision of an expert panel. Funonthefloor.com created a unique panel of home experts to offer consumers free advice on home improvement offering expert knowledge of interior flooring trends, carpets, colour and crafts. The panel consists of modern craft expert Danielle Proud, Interior Design expert Andrea Maflin, colour expert Victoria Redshaw and carpet industry brain Steve Elliott head of AWE carpets. Each member of the panel had been carefully selected for their individual areas of expertise.

In addition to the expert panel Fun on the Floor worked with leading trend forecasters Scarlet Opus to produce an interiors bible featuring all you need to know about forthcoming interiors trends with an emphasis on the most popular flooring choice – carpet. The report acts as an informative yet stylish guide with exclusive photography, quotes from the FOTF experts and a ‘get the look’ section.

Who are the experts on the FOTF panel and what do they specialize in?

Andrea Maflin – Interior Design Expert

Andrea Maflin is an interior design expert with many television appearances including Home Front and Real Rooms, both for the BBC, and Renovation Street for Carlton. She was the resident interiors expert on Channel 5's Britain’s Worst DIY-er as well as presenting on UKTV Style's Our House (Series 1 and 2). She has also designed a house for GMTV and appeared in regular design slots on Sky interactive and This Morning. A contributor to numerous interiors magazines Andrea currently has a regular, weekly slot in The Sunday Times.


Victoria Redshaw – Colour and trend forecaster expert

Victoria Redshaw is one of the trend forecasting industries brightest new stars and founded leading trend forecast agency Scarlet Opus. Quite visionary in her proven ability to read world events and social change and translate these into consumer trends with total accuracy for any business concerned with products &/or Services for the home.

Steve Elliott – Carpet industry expert

I am the managing director of Associated Weavers and have worked in the carpet industry for over twenty years. I have a varied background and am very active within the industry regularly dealing with manufacturers and suppliers. With a specific interest in product development I pride myself on being knowledgeable about the link between carpet and fashion and the changing colour trends that emerge. I follow the UK and world carpet market closely and also what consumers really want from a carpet so I can help make sure we create products people want to purchase.

Danielle Proud – Interiors and craft expert

Danielle launched the Fun on the Floor campaign last year with the stunning Fun on the Floor house. Described by the Sunday Times Style Magazine as "The sexy blonde Nigella of homemaking" Danielle Proud is the new face of modern craft. Danielle runs House Proud Craft, an umbrella company through which she sells her own design craft kits. In 2006 she moved into craft and home-making for UKstyle and a series of daily appearances on GMTV. In 2007 Danielle presented the highly original interior design format ‘All in the Best Possible Taste’ for BBC2, which paired her with husband Alex Proud. She is also developing an exclusive craft range to be sold throughout the UK and had a regular column in the Sunday Times Style Magazine.

What trends can we expect to see develop in 2010?

King and Country

This October Chanel hosted the most elaborate fashion show of the year as models took to the catwalk surrounded by an enormous barn and piles of hay. Rural colours dominated, with deep greens, sand and wheat colours making ‘country chic’ truly the hottest look of the show. This trend is destined to start filtering its way from the catwalks of Europe to the home as funonthefloor interiors FOTF colour expert Victoria Redshaw predicts the King & Country look will be big in interiors next spring.

The King and Country trend it is not about severe austerity, but rather cheerfulness in the trend’s styling that reflects the spirit of 1940’s wartime Britain. An abundance of simple patterns inspired by the reworking and recolouring of classic men’s suiting fabrics [e.g. tweed, herringbone and plaids] to create fantastic carpets, upholstered furniture that has patches of appliqué, cushions, throws, lampshades and even wallpaper!

Eastern Odyssey

An emerging influence, Eastern Odyssey is a huge trend that will bring much needed colour and pattern to a darker season such as Autumn/Winter. In addition to the bright sari shades the colour palette is updated by the addition of rich spice and dark maroon tones inspired by monsoon rain and mists. Maroon is a key colour development in this trend e.g. its inclusion in décor schemes through one step of laying a new carpet will help to refresh rooms and deliver a contemporary look. A visual opulence is reinforced by the use of an orange toned gold as well as burnished copper and brass.

The hustle and bustle of Indian city streets with their jostling crowds, decorative tuck-tucks, billboards and market stalls inspire mash-up patterns and colour mixes that reflect the vibrancy of life. This trend is not about co-ordinating, it is about lively mixes of different patterns on upholstered seating, wallpaper & oversized wall decal motifs, curtains and carpets. The abundance of pattern is balanced by areas of strong, plain colour blocks, with the introduction of bold carpets which can stop room schemes from looking chaotic. The juxtaposing patterns enrich and add character whilst the plain areas add depth and provide a calming foundation.

Magic Garden

This trend’s look can be achieved by the playful use of scale. Much of the Alice in Wonderland story involves manipulating scale and this is an important feature of furniture design and interior design relating to this trend and other home trends in 2010. Carpet's essential role in this trend is to provide a neutral or vivid base, either of which works well to enhance the magic garden look. Another important feature of this trend is storybook illustrations. They inspire surface pattern designs with a doodled, naive styling or narrative layouts that appear to tell a story and have a logical progression -- e.g. around the edge of a plate, up wallpaper or around a tabletop.

These placement patterns are much more interesting than conventional pattern layouts. The tangled foliage and colourful blooms of magical, fairytale gardens are an integral part of this trend. Vibrant mixes of large scale floral prints that appear to grow up wallpaper and wall decals create indoor English country garden scenes. Floral wallpapers can be used to decorate fitted wardrobe doors and bedside tabletops. Carpet with tiny, scattered flowers also helps to bring the outside, inside. For a bolder look select small scale gingham patterned carpet or for a plainer look invest in a pale blue or pale pink cut pile carpet.

For more on what are going to be the top trends in the home next year go to www.funonthefloor.com and ask the Fun on the Floor experts.

Is the trend report available on the FOTF website?

FOTF is constantly updating with new images and new content such as the expert panel to keep consumers interested and returning to the site. The full FOTF trend report is due to go live on the site by the end of 2009, giving consumers exclusive access to what is going to be hot in the interiors world next year.

What advantages do you think carpet has over other flooring choices?

Well for a start there are now a seemingly uncountable range of colours, styles and designs available on the market now. Carpet is also great for giving a house a cosy feel and can save consumers up to £100 [approx. $165] a year on their energy costs due to its insulating qualities. Carpet is also very affordable, an average sized room can be carpeted for as little as £200 [approx. $330]. Another great advantage of carpet is it’s noise canceling properties, many hard floors carry sound all over the house and therefore can be a very noisy flooring choice.

Finally, what does Funonfloor.com have planned for the future?

We will be continuing to innovate and produce great content on the site for consumers, trade and the media. Carpet has a great heritage in the UK and our aim is to continue the nation’s love of carpet and showcase it in as many compelling and visually appealing ways as possible. With regard to what we have planned coming up specifically I cannot say too much other than – keep checking the site!

Steve, many thanks for all of this wonderful, fun and style-filled carpet information! I look forward to learning more as Fun on the Floor continues.

The Fun on the Floor website is worth exploring. It includes details on the House that designer Danielle Proud re-imagined [definitely take the 6.42minute video tour], helpful and useful advice about carpet, inspiration for living on carpet, and responses to Ask the Experts questions. From my U.S. perspective, I particularly enjoy seeing the range of rich carpet style patterns, textures and colors.

And, I LOVE the carpet creativity that Danielle shares. She has truly brought new dimension to carpet, furniture and the 5th wall!

What do you think? What are your reactions?




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Carpet and the Obama Presidency Part II

President Barack Obama & the First Family

originally uploaded by dsmyre.

In Carpet & The Obama Presidency - Part I, I referred specifically to the HFN Magazine 1/5/09 article titled "The First Family of Style" by Barbara Thau that inspired and intrigued me so much. I decided to specifically ask two design experts - with intimate carpet design experience - for their perspectives on carpet, design style trends and the Obama Presidency. One you know: Woman of Wear-Dated Ann Hurley, the other is my friend and honorary Woman of Wear-Dated Lisa Contreras.

Lisa A. Contreras is senior associate and resource director of Mancini Duffy Architecture Design's retail group. Based in NYC, her role is unique in that she bridges two design worlds: retail and manufacturing, often working directly with carpet mills to create the flooring solution and style that is right for the retail vision. Lisa has also contributed multiple retail perspectives over at Flooring The Consumer [including Lisa Contreras, Mancini Duffy & Retail Design Inspiration], earning her an honorary Woman of Wear-Dated title.

Here is what Lisa has to say about the carpet and style trends we can expect:

"I hope to see the Obama presidency as embracing a new Modern American style, aware and proud of its multicultural traditions but looking toward the future: the future of change, the future of green, and the future of “proud to be an American.” I am not saying that carpet should become red, white, and blue. I think carpet should have “style.”

I think carpet styles have become like many consumers…the “more” going on, the better. Most commercial carpets we see have so many twists and swirls and layers of pattern that the overall carpet looks like “mud.” The colors lack a sense of clarity. Patterns that are considered “organic,” really just have too many swirls and layers to them. Many manufacturers are so busy trying to make a carpet that fulfills everyone’s need that style is compromised.

These tough economic times should also remind us of what is important in our lives. People are looking for stability and simplicity, less trendy, more practical materials, and longevity.

“Green” and “sustainable” should be the foundation of each manufacturer. The idea of “green” is very democratic. The emphasis should be on recycling and sustainable products.

We are on the “eve” of great possibilities for our country. We have proudly elected a man who we hope can lead us into a brighter future. There is a sense of cautious optimism and hope for this country to fulfill it’s true potential….. I hope that we see that translated into carpet and the other design elements that this country manufactures!"!"

Ann Hurley works closely with carpet mills to develop new carpet style product concepts and also is constantly on the lookout for new colors and construction concepts, which culminate in the yearly color forecasts she puts together for Ultron carpet fiber and Wear-Dated, and are reinforced through her active participation in the Color Marketing Group. She, too, is attuned to the national zeitgeist...

Here is what Ann has to say:

I expect the Obama Presidency style to encourage strong multicultural influences--Obama said himself that a family holiday looks a bit like a mini United Nations gathering. That will lead to a reinterpreting of traditional styling and design in a more casual and family (as well as pet friendly) way.

The Obama open door policy definitely promotes a more casual and down to earth atmosphere. Whether paying his own moving expenses or reuniting past presidents for lunch, Obama is drawing from those who led before and their experiences to reunite our nation. It's a policy of sensibility and leading by example.

So how do these all play a part in the decorating and colors trends used in the White House?

+ Conservative but not stuffy -- classic, yet with a casual style.

+ We know the new first family is very green conscious and will take every opportunity to support the made in America movement.

+ Michelle Obama has an style that's not overdone -- it's casual style with substance. Judging by her wardrobe color choices, she likes bolder, more saturated colors--teals, purples and reds.

These bold, more saturated colors coincide with the 2009 Ultron carpet fiber color palette and its shift to earthier, more complex colors. Our forecast focuses on the rich complexities of natural dyes and the colors they produce with blues ranging in clean mid tone shades [like Fiord] to the richer colors of indigo and teal shades [like Anglesite].

On the warmer side of the palette, we've seen her attracted to reds, purples and magenta shades like the new Ultron shades of Madder, Osage and Mulberry.

Overall the Obama style is expected to be their own, not contrived, but totally comfortable and thus will achieve "universal" acceptance.

Thank you, Ann and Lisa.

How do you think the Obama Presidency will affect design trends and carpet styles?

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Carpet & The Obama Presidency - Part I

20081104_Chicago_IL_ElectionNight1520

originally uploaded by Barack Obama.

Today, January 20th, 2009, our country begins the era of the Obama Presidency. I expect this new age to inspire creativity and style as we haven't seen it before - especially in carpet - and to unleash greatness all around our country.

I got to thinking about about it all after reading HFN Magazine's 1/5/09 article titled "The First Family of Style" by Barbara Thau. Here's how the article describes the Obama family's sense of style: "classic with an edge, cool, multicultural."

According to designers, the Obamas' "innate sense of style - with a populist, accessible twist -" is sure to affect us all particularly when combined with Obama's promise of change.

I have no doubts on that end! My seven-year old daughter is paying close attention. She identifies completely with Sasha, President Obama's youngest. She talks about the White House as it were a friend's house - i.e., the house of the people - rather than the equivalent of a Royal Palace.

Which to me means that national taste and style will definitely be influenced. That in turn affects carpet style trends!

The designers interviewed characterized the Obama style as "Good taste that rejects ostentation; an American flavor with a bit of an edge; and an eco-friendly consciousness."

Thom Filicia says "the Obamas embody a down-to-earth quality that has wide appeal... They are more in touch with where we are ... with an aesthetic approach that's attainable by most Americans."

Plus, they have young kids!

In recent interviews, Obama has referred to the White House as 'the people's house' and a place for nurturing creativity, discussion and culture. Per Politico, Obama is “thinking about the diversity of our culture and inviting jazz musicians and classical musicians and poetry readings in the White House so that once again we appreciate this incredible tapestry that's America.”

Are you excited about a White House that reflects our cultural diversity? I am.

The result on style - and carpet - will be a celebration of all that is America, with a "reprieve from an era of excess and gaudiness," replaced instead with plenty of cross-cultural pollination, practicality and eco-friendliness. I think we're ready.

Stay tuned for Part II which looks more closely at carpet style trends and colors...

Oh, and Happy Inauguration Day!

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Post-Election Carpet All Wrapped Up

[Image courtesy of NewZimbabwe.com.]

After a long campaign and an even longer election day (or so it seemed), Barack Obama was named President-Elect of the United States of America. Because this election was historic in so many ways, we wanted to acknowledge it by wrapping it up in a style all our own... through more election carpet stories!

The Red Carpet Fashion Awards, a blog that discusses high-end fashion, discussed Michelle Obama's red and black dress in its Runway to Election Night post and debated whether or not it was indeed a Narciso Rodriguez. "Michelle Obama wore a black cropped cardigan over her black and red ombre dress which had a criss cross black satin detail cross her waist - which is very much a Narciso Rodriguez trademark - when it was confirmed that her husband was indeed the President of the United States of America, at a gathering in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois." (It was indeed a Rodriguez, although fashionistas everywhere expressed mixed opinions about it).

In Missouri, the House of Representatives' Chamber is about to receive a makeover. According to an article from the Associated Press, "The Missouri House will be rolling out a brand new red carpet for lawmakers coming to the Capitol for the 2009 session." Chosen to resemble the Capitol's original carpet, it will feature a pattern of yellow circles on a red background.

Pre-election, Sarah Palin came to St. Louis to throw out the first puck at a St. Louis Blues hockey game. So the story goes, the stadium rolled out carpet from the Blues bench to center ice for Palin and her family. Blues goalie, Manny Legace, was the first player out on the ice before the ceremony, was warned of the carpet, but it slipped just as he stepped onto it. Although he played during the first period, his strained left hip flexor proved too painful for him to continue. Never fear - he should be ready for the team's upcoming West Coast trip.

[Image from the Guardian. Photography credit: Wally McNamee/Corbis]

A blogger with the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper discussed a topic that we've actually covered here at The Carpetology Blog in a post called Presidential Design & Carpet: "The Oval Office carpet." "George Bush joked that the first decision of any new president is what kind of carpet he wants. So what kind of rug will Barack Obama choose?" Each president designs or chooses the carpet that is found on the floor of the Oval Office. In Change is coming... to the Oval Office rug, Matthew Weaver discusses the fact that each president's carpet is different (George W. Bush's carpet was designed by Laura, Gerald Ford went 70s casual with his brown rug) and ponders what Obama will choose.

And now, we wrap up another hard-hitting report on election carpet. We wish all of our lawmakers and President-Elect Obama the very best in the years to come... and may carpet inspire them!





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Color Folio 2008: A Field Guide to Color Around The World Recap

Our 2008 Color Forecast, Color Folio 2008 - A Field Guide to Color - includes two parts. One is the Color Around The World series, offering a taste of the culture of color, which we've just completed. The other is inspired by John J. Audubon's work.

I thought it would be helpful to recap all of the elements of Color Folio 2008 here, for easy reference.

Color Around The World reviewed six colors here on The Carpetology Blog:

+ Red Around The World,
+ Green Around The World,
+ White Around The World,
+ Blue Around The World,
+ Yellow Around The World
+ Black Around The World

After all, one color may have multiple associations depending on its use in a particular country and culture. As an example, white is a symbol of purity and innocence in the U.S., and of mourning in some African countries. Each color family is examined for cultural associations enriching the specifier’s understanding of color application in today’s diverse business environment.

In Color Folio 2008 - A Field Guide To Color [in Flooring The Consumer], we include information relating to the Audubon-inspired part of the forecast, as well as some color trends.

You see, John J. Audubon's paintings inspired us. Especially when we discovered how relevant the beautiful color combinations of Audubon’s birds were for our forecast, and for the way in which we apply color to interior spaces today.

Did you know that Audubon produced more than 450 plates of beautiful birds? For many at the time, Audubon’s paintings were the first glimpse of the wild. One French art critic recalled his works and said they brought to Europe a fresh poetic vision of America in all its wild abundance! Nature offers a spectacular vision of color with countless nuances and shades of every hue. This Audubon inspired vision of nature with its intriguing color combinations is relevant today and it inspired our 2008 palette which is a bit more conservative and slightly more complex than in previous years.

You can view a video clip that shows Audubon's birds in conjunction with color trends from the Wear-Dated website.

Read how you can apply some of these trends in Color and The Retail Experience.

And, be on the lookout at the end of October 2008 for Fabulous Floors' Fabulous Find: Color...

If you'd like to learn more about John J. Audubon, here is a 2008 Color Folio Resource List we developed.



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A Foot's Perspective - Episode 13

This episode of A Foot's Perspective captures trend highlights from a show that Ann Hurley has just returned from, Maison & Objet, the premier home textiles and interior design show that takes place twice a year in Paris. It's a huge show occupying 7 halls. It captures trends from all over the world.

These are important trends as they influence carpet, flooring and interior design style options in our marketplace.

I caught up with Ann last week in our Kennesaw, GA office and asked her to talk about the trends she observed.

She says:

Grey is everywhere. But, this grey story is about tints of grey with the color being as easily violet cast as green cast.

Neutrals and browns are also tinted and cast with suggestions of other colors.

Against these neutrals you see bright accent colors.

Woods are white-washed, rustic, hand scraped, weathered and greyed.

You can hear Ann describe these trends in A Foot's Perspective - Episode 13.

[Subscribers, please click on this link to view the video.]

These other resources capture sights and perspectives on Maison & Objet:

+ The official Maison & Objet website lists 2009 influences offers a 3-step itinerary focused on Simplicity: Farmlife/Back to solid ground, les Metropuritains/Get in line for eco-survival, Slow tech/Less speed for better living.

+ Live from Maison & Objet from Home Textiles Today

+ NotCot.com

For the most recent episode, visit A Foot's Perspective - Episode 12. Or you can scroll through previous blogposts with links to all previous episodes of A Foot's Perspective.




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Fabulous Floors & Fabulous Carpet Styles!

Cover Summer 2008 issue courtesy of Fabulous Floors Magazine.

There aren't many consumer magazines that focus fully on flooring. However, there is one - Fabulous Floors - and it truly celebrates floors of all kinds in the most visual and inspiring of ways.

Per the website, Fabulous Floors Magazine is "the first consumer magazine devoted solely to flooring styles as a key element in home décor."

Sonna Calandrino, the publisher, exudes deep passion for the magazine, flooring and elevating the flooring and carpet experience for consumers. It comes through when you talk with her and as you read the magazine.

I featured Sonna and her sister Lisbeth Calandrino, director of sales & consumer research for Fabulous Floors Magazine, in a post titled "What Consumers Really Think". You see, they both spend a great deal of time in the marketplace, observing what's happening from a consumer perspective. That helps them recognize how and which products add value and beauty to a consumer's home. In my mind, that's what makes the magazine so relevant.

The most recent issue - Summer 2008 - of Fabulous Floors Magazine is no exception. It is filled with gems of all kinds. Design and color gems as well as product gems.

To make my point, I'll highlight some of the fabulous carpet styles featuring Wear-Dated carpet fiber from the issue [the non-Wear-Dated ones are beautiful, too]. They are all part of an article, written by Lisbeth Calandrino, titled "In the mood... for something hopelessly romantic? How does music make you feel?" that discusses carpet style trends.

[It reminds me of the imagery Greg Payne from Tuftex used in Carpet Exudes Sweet Emotion...]

Page 37 includes a room scene insert with Cambridge Shores. This is a thick, dense Karastan texture made with Wear-Dated DuraSoft carpet fiber and available in 40 colors.

Page 38 shows off a room scene insert with National Legacy, a pattern loop from Karastan, also made with Wear-Dated DuraSoft carpet fiber. Look for 20 colors in that carpet style.

Page 40 has two products:

+ Fabrica's Shandur, a loop pattern available in 17 colors. The carpet catalog describes it as follows: "This unique product reflects the terrain and elevation of the Himalayas. The colors vary in intensity, creating uneven variegated streaks throughout."

+ Karastan's Intriga II is a sophisticated Wear-Dated DuraSoft pin-dot carpet fiber pattern in 32 colors.

There's another gem in this issue, but I'll address it in a separate blogpost.

The Summer 2008 issue of Fabulous Floors Magazine is available on newsstands at major booksellers - like Barnes & Noble, Hastings, Books A Million - now.


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Inspiration From NeoCon

NeoCon's World Trade Fair brings together exhibitors [in 1,200 showrooms and exhibits], designers, manufacturers, buyers and specifiers from around the world. It features every product for every commercial interior type, including floor covering -- the second largest category [much of this from FCW1.blip.tv's NeoCon 1 episode].

No surprise, then, that it should capture so much inspiration, not just for the floor as you saw in A Foot's Perspective - Episode 9, but for all aspects of an interior.

As Ann Hurley explains, "this year at NeoCon the new trend story was all about creating 'contrasts'-- through texture, color variation or -the newest- luster!" She illustrated the contrast story in A Foot's Perspective - Episode 9 using examples from the Ultron carpet fiber showroom floor.

+ Texture contrasts can be created through a shadowing effect of tufting high loops and then tip shearing.

+ Color contrasts can be very bold or subtle depending on the coloration. Bold contrasts are often created by planting dark colored yarns such as chocolate or graphite among lighter colored yarns. The use of bold multicolored yarns is often seen to create contrasts. More subtle color contrasts are created through the use of tonal yarns. The use of light to medium or medium to dark colors in the same family produce a high end sophisticated coloration.

+ Luster contrasts come from mixing high luster yarns with duller yarns creating a new upscale visual... Also the variation of twist levels in these more lustrous yarns contrasts very nicely with lower twist of natural lusters.

In addition to the examples on the showroom floor, Ann used the walls. More specifically, the color and texture collage or "assemblage" of new color and texture trends [see photos above] allowed her to visually discuss new trends.

Which she did with Kim Gavin, from Floor Covering Weekly, who captured it all in a video.

[My photos capture Kim and Ann as they were preparing...]

In the video, Ann discusses color.

+ Chocolate browns remain strong.

+ Lots of red - chili pepper and cayenne - still yellow- and now almost brown-influenced.

+ Greys: very metallic, alternating warm and cool tones.

+ Beige in warm/cool combinations.

+ Greens: yellow-influenced

+ Blues: also yellow-influenced, but notice the new navys, combined with yellow-greens.

"Although primarily about texture choices, neutrals are holding very strong with a larger representation of the grey family than in previous seasons, and several new bright colorful products in the red and orange families," she says.

Watch for yourselves. Subscribers, please click on the FCW1.blip.tv link for NeoCon #2 [Note: you may need to physically re-click on NeoCon #2 to view the program].

What trends have you noticed? How would you see them used in the spaces your work in? How might you translate them for the spaces you live in?

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