The Carpetology Blog

Design Your Bathroom Around Your Rug!

2009-10-29T15:00:00.002-04:00

In preparing for the 4th annual Bathroom Blogfest, I came across a tweet [i.e., a Twitter post] from @PassionForRugs with a link to an article titled Bathroom Rug Mosaic, which delighted me! It showcased a bathroom that had been redesigned around a patterned rug [pictured here].

Don't you find the effect brilliant? What a marvelous way to make the 5th wall in a room the visual anchor for design!

The design premise had me thinking about Thom Filicia and Designing From The Floor Up.

It also reinforced what NKBA New Zealand described in summing up what it had observed from the entries to the 2009 NKBA Awards: "a return to clean and simple lines, kitchen and bathrooms that are minimalist in style but with a bold feature or texture."

At around the same time, I came across a link [thanks to @TLSbyDesign] to NKBA's Top Ten Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2009. The trends include:

1. Steel counters
2. Glass elements
3. Stone hearths
4. Black & White kitchens
5. The return of chrome
6. Shoji screens
7. Tin ceilings
8. Floating cabinets
9. Mirrors away from the walls
10. Resin panels

Given these trends, and the wonderful potential that designing your bathroom - or any other room for that matter! - around your rug holds, how would you go about redesigning and coordinating for as marvelous an effect as the bathroom referred to above?

Happy Bathroom Blogfest 09!

For more information, and links to all of the 2009 Bathroom Blogfest posts, visit BathroomBlogfest.com.

Photo credit: Attic Mag, Bathroom Rug Mosaic

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Strange Carpet Store Names: What's Your Favorite?

2009-10-20T22:13:00.001-04:00

I recently rediscovered an article titled "Strange carpet store names can floor you - Giant Don, Big Bob, Jungle Jim -- it seems size matters" by Julia O'Malley from the 05/09/09 Anchorage Daily News that had me giggling and reminiscing.

Giggling because I could picture the owners of Giant Don, Big Bob's and Jungle Jim -- and Kash's Carpet, Signs Carpet and Chubby Chicken's Cheap Cheap Carpet or Dirt's Cheap Carpet -- as they described the profound logic behind their choices of names.

Now, to be fair I have spoken with Big Bob David Elyachar and, even over the phone, he comes across as bigger than life and hugely passionate about his business. [Here is the story of how he got started.] His name is also the tamest... although some of his commercials are beyond description [I couldn't find the Bohemian Rhapsody commercial, but do check out these two Big Bob's classics.]

The more extreme and strange names had me reminiscing about my Wear-Dated upholstery fabric days and more specifically a series of conversations leading to a presentation with John Case, formerly president of La-Z-Boy and CEO and president of Elecrolux, about the types of sales events that furniture retailers would put on. Like "Big-Ass" Sales with graphic images that - unlike Apartment Therapy's promotion of one - go against any kind of association with design or style or interior inspiration.

Because after all isn't that what a carpet or furniture or other home interior item is supposed to be a part of? A beautiful, stylish, elegant, inspiring and comfortable home?

Which explains why a name like Floorcraft or Town and Country - as the article mentions - sounds a lot more appealing than, although perhaps not as memorable as, Dirt's Cheap Carpet.

Do you agree?

So, now I'm curious. What are the strangest carpet store names you've come across? And, what about unusual sale event names? Which are your favorites?

If you need further inspiration, check out check out Roadside Art Online: Grog N Groc Hall of Fame. As the tagline reads "Great names, normal places, we do not make these up." It's guaranteed to generate giggles, guffaws and a few dropped jaws.

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The Latest Carpet Style Trends 2009

2009-09-11T18:16:00.002-04:00

Chile Fashion Week grafica originally uploaded by kevinkobek.

Hurray! After being on the lookout for several months, I've just come across information on the latest carpet style trends...

This from the August 31/September 7, 2009 issue of Floor Covering News in an article titled "Mills roll out new products for fall, discuss trends, looks." [Subscription required for full article.]

The latest news is primarily about color although Emily Morrow, Shaw's director of color, style and design states that "Hand-touched visuals are achieved in carpet through the use of striated yarns, creating the sun-faded, hand-knotted and time-worn visuals of the hand-knotted heirloom rugs from middle-eastern origins."

My interpretation: texture comes from visual effects.

Not too different from the kinds of effects that Robbie Schuette described in A Foot's Perspective About Fabrica's Silk Weave Carpet.

Specifically on the color front, Vickie Gilstrap, vice president of residential color and design with Mohawk, shared five key trends that new carpet styles will reflect:

Neutrals will bring security in a bold way.
Nature is a natural source for optimism.
Buying "American" takes on a new meaning.
Think royal.
In addition to local, there's more global.

Fun to think how those trends affect us right now... I'm totally into purple, and I'd say we're all more aware and appreciative of the uniqueness that local and global offer in counteracting the sea of sameness.

Emily Morrow says "the world of color, style and design has taken a turn toward 'comfortable, sensible sophistication' for 2009... Today's palette doesn't vary far from the 'natural neutrals' to 'dark, rich neutrals' with a few exceptions."

Furthermore, "gray, dark brown, tans, black and white are what we find most prevalent.... These are the most basic yet classic and elegant neutrals from which to choose as a beginning. The newest carpet styles are using these rich neutral colors, considered no-brainers but appropriately supported with a cast of other vibrant colors from the fashion/interior world, offering the consumer the choice of using 'color as pop' or 'color as canvas.'"

For more of Emily Morrow's thoughts about color, read this Floor Focus article on 2009 Color Trends that she and Kaye Gosline contributed to.

I'm eager to discover how all of this translates into actual carpet styles. I'll be attending [and presenting at] the upcoming Surfaces 2010 and hope to have specifics to share with you then.

In the meantime, how do you see these trends affecting you and your flooring decisions?

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Carpetology Blog Reinvents Itself

2009-08-10T09:34:00.000-04:00

starting from scratch originally uploaded by Rev Dan Catt. http://www.flickr.com/photos/revdancatt/ / CC BY 2.0

Yes, it has been a while for The Carpetology Blog. It's not that I haven't been thinking about it. It's more that I haven't been sure how best to proceed at reinventing it given the various changes that have taken place...

Chief amongst those changes is that I am no longer associated with Wear-Dated. Instead, I am chief simplifier of Simple Marketing Now, and have started a new associated blog, Simple Marketing Blog.

Flooring The Consumer, though, continues strong! And, I still have a foot in the flooring world; I'm still a consumer of flooring and carpet, and I still believe that there's opportunity to demystify and simplify carpet related information. Most important, I believe strongly that flooring is fashion!

So, here's what I have in mind for this space....

I will share design inspiration. Although flooring is fashion, it's fashion within a space - home, hotel, office, store... - and needs to interact and interrelate with that greater space. So, the design inspiration I share may reflect that greater space.

I will expose you to carpet related stories that strike my fancy...

And, I'll dig through my files and see if there aren't any gems about carpet care and maintenance that haven't yet made it to the blog.

In the meantime, I do recommend to you the Carpet and Rug Institute Blog, which I've had a finger in, as an excellent resource for information about carpet care, carpet allergy and allergies myths, the benefits of carpet in learning environments, and carpet recycling information.

Thank you for your support and please do feel free to contact me at cbwhittemore[at]gmail[dot]com if you have ideas and suggestions for other topics to consider on The Carpetology Blog.

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Design Reviews From The Floor Up ~ Silver Screen Surroundings

2009-03-24T06:55:00.009-04:00

March's Design Reviews From The Floor Up introduces you to ::Silver Screen Surroundings::, another inspiring site from interior decorator Linda Merrill, owner of Chameleon Interiors in Massachusetts.

[Her company was included in a Washington Post article titled eDecorating - Web-Based Designers Click With Budget-Conscious Clients Who Want to Tackle Rooms Fast.]

Linda's background encompasses both visual and performing arts, something I learned when I profiled her original ::Surrondings:: site in Design Reviews From The Floor Up ~ Surroundings. That's when I discovered ::Silver Screen Surroundings:: which focuses on "Movie set decor, set decorators, and how to "Get that Look"." What a fabulous concept!

And, given the recent Academy Awards Red Carpet events, this seemed like the perfect site to share with you.

Linda asks: "Have you or has someone you know taken inspiration from a movie set for your own home decor? Would you like to share your images? Or, do you have a suggestion for a movie you'd like to see covered? Drop me a line at: linda.m.merrill (at) gmail.com."

What I love is how Linda dissects the onscreen decorator looks, demonstrating how to achieve them in ::Silver Screen Surroundings::. From Coco Chanel, to Benjamin Button to Marie Antoinette, and everything in between. Plus, she includes visuals that make my heart sing!

[I also love that Linda includes a Tutorial: Screen grabs when you need them! Thank you!]

Be sure to check out ::Silver Screen Surroundings:: and let me know which movie set decor inspires you the most. While you're there, explore the ::Movie Decor Cool Links::...

For previous sites included in this series, click on Design Reviews from the Floor Up. Or, visit our sidebar also titled 'Design Reviews from the Floor Up.'

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Carpet, Allergens & Energy - Myths Debunked

2009-03-20T09:26:00.001-04:00

worlds tumbling like specks of dust originally uploaded by psyberartist.

With spring allergy season right around the corner, I'm prepared for the worst. Not in terms of physical symptoms - that's all taken care of with prescriptions and plenty of Kleenexes. Rather, in terms of the onslaught of terrible myths surrounding carpet and its relationship to allergies.

You see, there's misinformation - and lots of it - in the hands of influencers - like doctors - claiming that carpet contributes to allergies, when it doesn't. Quite the opposite.

Don't believe me? Then read Carpet Alleviates Allergies where I share links to real studies debunking the carpet myth. There's more in Beware of Autumn Allergens… Advice for Carpet, a post from Paul Friederichsen.

Through TalkFloor.com's Flooring News, I came across another story on the subject titled Shaw Educates on Allergens & Energy.

Visit the website and you'll notice an article titled Carpet can help you breathe easier which concludes with "In a recent paper, "Carpet, Asthma and Allergies - Myth or Realty," Dr. Mitchell Sauerhoff, Ph.D., DABT, examined numerous scientific studies and other research contradicting some long-held beliefs on carpet's alleged negative characteristics.

Sauerhoff concluded, "...based on the available science, carpet does not cause asthma or allergies and does not increase the incidence or severity of asthma or allergies symptoms. In fact, with respect to asthma and allergies, multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet."

Other carpet myths worth debunking:

+ carpet is difficult to maintain. Personally, I consider it a lot easier to regularly vacuum my carpet than to have to lasso and corral pesky dust bunnies.

+ carpet is outdated and boring. Wrong! Totally wrong! Check out all of our stories on carpet style to realize how wrong that one is.

+ carpet emits harmful chemicals that cause health problems. The Carpet & Rug Institute's Green Label Plus program sets high indoor air quality standards for carpet.

+ carpet is bad for the environment. A great deal of effort is going into CARE - Carpet America Recovery Effort - with a focus on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. At the same time, carpet plays a significant role in cushioning our lives and protecting us from injury, and helps insulate your home, thereby contributing to decreased energy consumption.

So, are you willing to reconsider these carpet myths?

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10 Carpet Decorating Tips From The Floor Up

2009-03-18T13:23:00.001-04:00

home-decorating originally uploaded

by About A Storybook Life.

I thought you might enjoy these 10 Carpet Decorating Tips from Karastan who shared them in a decorating workbook during the Thom Filicia Decorating From The Floor Up national tour.

1. Should your floor set or steal the stage? If you have created emphasis above ground, you may want to keep your flooring neutral. If the room decor is neutral, spice things up with a vibrant colored carpet or a vivacious patterned rug.

2. There are four styles of carpet: plushes, textures, patterns and berbers. Deciding first if you want your carpeting to be soft, sensible or hard will help you figure out which type of carpet is best for you. Note: Carpet depth is not necessarily an indicator of quality. A shallow pile with uncut loops is actually best if strength and durability are of utmost importance to you.

3. If you plan to use carpet in an area where you regularly entertain, you might want to consider a stain-resistant patterned carpet or one that has cut and loops for this space.

4. The family room of an active household will get heavy use by kids, friends and pets, so a woven carpet with uncut pile would be the most practical choice for this space.

5. In choosing a rug size for the dining area, a good formula is to add 30 inches to each side of the table dimensions for chairs with arms, and at least 24 inches for chair without arms. This way, everyone will have plenty of room to push their chairs back without moving off the rug.

6. When it comes to room and hallway transitions, if you are switching colors, continue the predominant color strain in a lighter or darker shade. If you are switching materials, a more radical color switch works better than something that nearly matches but varies slightly. For instance, do not try to match carpet to the adjacent tiles.

7. Create balance: all of the features in a room have visual weight [windows, fireplace, columns, etc.] that engage the eye. Be sure to take these into account when arranging rugs and furniture so that there is a sense of equilibrium throughout the room.

8. If your room isn't perfectly square, you might consider subdividing it into one or more "inner rooms." You can use the edges of your furniture and rugs to form the appearance of these inner rooms.

9. Even sight lines are very important when arranging furniture. If your sofa and chair backs are not matching, try raising the height of the lower one with higher back pillows. If you end table seems too low visually, try stacking books or magazines.

10. To make a room feel warm and welcoming, try colors such as orange, red and yellow. Cool colors, such as violets and blues, make objects, walls and ceilings feel farther away, and can help make a room feel larger. To make a cavernous room feel smaller, use a warm dark, matte color.

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Ultron Color Trends - Designer Insights Summary

2009-03-16T08:29:00.002-04:00

And, now, a summary of the insights we observed from the four designer workshops conducted in 2008 around the country in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York.

Eight to 12 designers were invited to each event and asked to bring inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches. Ann Hurley acted as facilitator and guide for the sessions.

[For background on these fascinating designer events, read Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops. You see, Ultron carpet fiber brought together seasoned designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends.]

Observations:

We felt we got a true vision of “globalization” on a national basis—we were surprised how few regional variations were noted. This has been accelerated by the Internet. Now, anyone can immediately view the newest fashions that walk across the runway, creating a much more trend savvy customer as well as consumer.

Companies like the corporate IBMs or retailers such as Nordstrom strive to achieve a consistent brand image and corporate identity, whether it’s coast to coast or on a global scope.

Overall Seattle had the more muted, earthier colors with Chicago and New York having cleaner, richer accents colors.

Yellow and red were consistent colors from all areas as well as chocolate brown and variations of the blue-greens.

Designers in both LA and NYC mentioned the importance and “lack of” good blue/grey and navy color ways in carpets. This color family is often not what the designer might select, but a client driven decision due to corporate branding directives.

Greys, especially charcoal, was mentioned in every market location as a good neutral to add a distinctive look, yet not as hard edged as black.

The designers also mentioned the need for carpets that coordinate with fabrics and the mixing or layering of fabrics with the textures.

They mentioned they liked a somewhat safe or neutral color way with a bright accent thread running through the carpet, like a bright red or yellow.

It’s all about color, textures and mixes—and unusual color combinations with just the right accent!

For the detailed findings from the previous Ultron Color Trends events:
+ Los Angeles Workshop
+ Seattle Workshop
+ Chicago Workshop
+ New York Workshop

What do you think? Are you inspired to develop your own take on Neutrals, Blues-Greens, and Orange-Red-Yellows?

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Ultron Color Trends - New York Designer Event Insights

2009-03-11T08:31:00.001-04:00

In this post, brace yourself for fascinating insights from designers in New York, the last stop in this series about color and color inspiration...

“Dress in black but don’t design with black.”

For background on these insightful designer events, read Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops. You see, Ultron carpet fiber brought together seasoned designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends. The events took place in 2008 over an eight week period in four cities around the country: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York.

Eight to 12 designers were invited to each event and asked to bring inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches. Ann Hurley acted as facilitator and guide for the sessions.

Here follow color family details and insights from the New York session:

Neutrals

Cream/Ivory is a crisp, classic color that adds elegance and sophistication to any space.

Use charcoal instead of black.

Lavender & golds lend a sense of sophistication; a bit of throwback to classic palettes of the past with a modern twist.

Chocolate brown has been popular with the emerging earth colors due to “green” design. It is a safe accent to the standard “beige” design which occurs in many corporate offices. Ties to beige and grey.

Bold patterns emerging everywhere – bold patterns are better with high contrast. Improved technology in materials allows white to be used more. Saw black and white carpet for the first time recently.

Chocolate brown/taupe is sophisticated, timeless, and elegant. It can be punched up with bright colors. Works well with metallics.

This charcoal is a great saturated neutral grey that makes for a wonderful backdrop for various colors.

Browns as neutrals warms things up and creates a rich, more homey atmosphere – less stark.

Chocolate is an enduring range that is classic with orange, purple, gray, & charcoal.

Regarding the color “burnished,” every palette needs a darker or medium value neutral to mix with colors. Warmth is always important.

Earth Tones – popular because they all go well with green. Also because they ground us with nature, as we gain awareness of our planet.

There is a whole range of gray tones that support and magnify other colors and accents extremely well. These colors are also beautiful, however, in their own right. Different grays often contain subtle infusions of color that harmonize themselves very well with a supporting palette and therefore are a staple.

Blues-Greens

The inclusion of bright, energetic colors will continue to grow worldwide….both in interior and exterior environments. It is the use of color as a statement that provides a sharp contrast to the more stark and rigid spaces we often find ourselves in. Also a growing force in product design.

Very aquatic in its tone, this teal reflects a trend toward water and depth. It is another base tone which works well against accent colors and has a subtlety of color which can be diaphanous under different lights.

Green is a playful color, bold and stands out. This particular bright color would work well in a children’s facility; it would also look fantastic used as an accent in furniture pieces. This color is fresher than the moss green we have seen in past years.

Green is a favorite color and even though being “green” doesn’t mean you have to use green - clients are choosing it. It tends to be more of a juicy “green” – even emerald. Still a “clear” color and not diluted.

Companies like blue…. this blue is more neutral and less “regal”. Sort of sky blue - less reds on it - less navy. The color selected was based on branding.

Ice Blue is fresh, crisp, serene, and clear. Contemporary and genderless.

Optimistic, playful, fresh, crisp. Can be dressed up or down. Works with light wood and dark brown. Punch it up with white/ivory.

More clients are requesting blue lately – Navy being mixed with Black & White - Intense color use with bolder patterns – influenced by fashion.

Bolder fabrics. Heavy blue influence due to corporate branding.

Provides richness and a sense of newness and freshness. New take on an old color.

Teal Blue will always be a classic favorite among designers. It is a calm, soothing color that makes people feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Yellow- Orange- Red

Ruby Red is a color that evokes a sense of passion and richness. It is a bold color that certainly makes a statement in any space.

Taking our cue from Fashion- Fall 2008 – sumptuous fabrics, opulence has returned - jewel toned accents combined with “warm grey” interiors.

Purple is the new orange, and red before it. It grew popular last year, and will see a boom in the retail and hospitality markets.

Yellow was under utilized last year. It gives pop and brings life to areas which may need a little energy. A fashion forward color.

Yellow is everywhere in fashion; cooler woods maybe because of “green” resources – yellow works better with less red woods - Furniture manufacturers are changing veneers and using less stain.

Cultural – Global Movement

It’s a “clear” but saturated orange. Very warm but not oppressive. Most orange in carpet is muddy.

Purple, a complex color (neutral). Purple with camel, caramel or tobacco, purple with orange or yellow.

Red and cream seem a fresh approach for using both these colors – classic.

Plum is a very powerful color; it’s clean and sophisticated. Dark plum, in particular, appeals for its heaviness. It can make a large statement. Dark plum is very rich and has always maintained formality and richness. There is a noble quality to it. Off-sets accent colors very well. A strong base tone.

For the findings from the previous Ultron Color Trends events:

+ Seattle Designer Event Insights
+ Los Angeles Workshop

+ Chicago Workshop

The next and last post in this series will recap and summarize the findings of this fascinating 4-city designer insight event.

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Ultron Color Trends - Chicago Designer Event Insights

2009-03-09T12:09:00.001-04:00

In this post, brace yourself for fascinating insights from designers in Chicago about color and color inspiration...

“Color can’t be in isolation.”

For background on these fascinating designer events, read Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops. You see, Ultron carpet fiber brought together seasoned designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends. The events took place in 2008 over an eight week period in four cities around the country: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York.

Eight to 12 designers were invited to each event and asked to bring inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches. Ann Hurley acted as facilitator and guide for the sessions.

Here follow color family details and insights from the Chicago session:

Neutrals -
This brown, a neutral, nature inspired color, is versatile and sophisticated. Various shades of this color will work as a strong neutral base for any palette and can be used on large surfaces – floors, walls.

It’s clean and simple, and when used with stronger neutrals, the look is rich and sophisticated. It could be used on large areas – walls as well as upholstery, and window treatments.

What could be more attractive than the color of Earth itself? We’re always looking for that perfect dark brown: not too red, not too dull….. The smooth warm tone of this brown is a perfect compliment to any blue or red or neutral.

Warm neutrals with texture help evoke a feeling of hospitality or home; they bring warmth to a space. These colors can be used as a base or provide an accent when used with lighter colors.

Fashion influenced this color direction for the brown family. Warm neutral greys are used with a splash of bright color (e.g., gold) creating an interesting balance of light and dark. Warm neutrals set a back drop or create the environment/surroundings to allow other elements to come through and be the focus.

Tortoise Shell. Coco Bean/Rich soil/bronze.

White will remain “hot” as a major influence of room color and product materials, but will be warmer to avoid the stark retail look of the past few years.

“Graphite” is the new "Chocolate.” It will be used as an accent and blends well with the retro-grey washed woods that are becoming popular.

With 80s retro becoming popular, a cool grey mid-tone will come back as a complement to white dove, graphite and currant red palette that was popular in the 80s but warmed up for the ‘08s.

Layer of neutrals-tone on tone variations (underlying palette in most schemes).

Blue- Green

Water colors. The color of froth at the end of a wave - effervescent - fresh & clean.

Aqua in glass accents, where the intensity varies by region and is influenced by water.

This yellow green color is a nature inspired neutral color. It would work well as an accent on upholstery, window treatments or accent walls (also an accent end in carpet).

This nature inspired neutral could be an alternative to rich greens, but can also be used with rich browns and burnt oranges. Sophisticated and universally appealing, it’s clean and simple, and when used with stronger neutrals, the look is rich. It could be used on large areas such as walls, as well as upholstery and window treatments.

Fashion has often led the way for the color and texture of interiors. It's certainly setting the stage with this vibrant yellow – green midst dusky hues of the forest trail. These colors are also seen in the whimsical art-nouveau T-strap shoes, again painting with the vibrant colors of nature.

Biomimicry – Nature influences design and color choices. This vibrant green color adds a pop of color or accent to any space. Green signifies growth, renewal, health and environment. It could be used in combination with almost any neutral color.

Yellow- Orange- Red

These red colors are intense, and enhanced by the richer wood colors. They would work as a strong accent color in conjunction with rich browns for upholstery, window treatments or small accent walls.

With eco-friendly fervor spreading across the nation in every market sector, everyone is finally getting on the sustainability band wagon. People are realizing that they are going to have to step-up and join in the green movement or they are going to be left behind. It’s affecting our decisions daily. This red color is based on nature’s vibrancy; a bright and natural color that has energy and confidence. The bright orange-red color of a blood orange relating to the color of the hibiscus in the background is the new eco-red and it’s “sustainably stylish”.

Red is always popular but will move away from the orange hues and into berry tones.

A trend from fashion is a dark navy and dark plum with a black tint.

Next, the findings from the New York workshop.

For the findings from the previous Ultron Color Trends events:
+ Seattle Designer Event Insights

+ Los Angeles Workshop

Ultron Color Trends - Seattle Designer Event Insights

2009-03-05T15:26:00.001-05:00

In this post, brace yourself for fascinating insights from designers in Seattle about color and color inspiration...

“Don’t go for fashion; create a space for people to work.”

Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops gives you background on these designer insights. In short, Ultron carpet fiber brought together seasoned designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends. The events took place in 2008 over an eight week period in four cities around the country: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York. Eight to 12 designers were invited to each event and asked to bring inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches.

Ann Hurley acted as facilitator and guide for the sessions.

Here follows color family details and insights from the Seattle session:

Neutrals

Charcoal is an incredible neutral that can be used in place of black all the time. It has richness to it, without the starkness of black. Very sophisticated – can go with cool or warm.

This linen is a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous “warm white” and an easy choice for a field color on interior walls – goes great with hot oranges & orange-reds, as well as dark browns.

Clients love beige, and that will never change. Safe, versatile, available -- it’s classic. Luckily beige also has lots of texture and pattern options.
Warm grays are the happy alternative to black. Warm grey is edgy but still safe.

This dark charcoal color works well to bring drama and intensity to a space. It is severe in depth, but not as stark as black. It works especially well juxtaposed against the warmth of many oranges and yellows. It is also reminiscent of a very raw, industrial aesthetic with steel and iron, which makes it feel unexpected in an interior environment.

Oil black is power, money, greed, waste, ethical, political. Timeless. Attitude based on which color it is paired with.

Brings the atmospheric weather indoors. Soft, tranquil color. Joseph Albers in brown.

Blue- Green

Light blue grey. It’s sophisticated and rich without being ostentatious saturated and a potential classic – could infuse a lot of life into traditional interiors.

Grass green is natural and invigorating – it’s a color seen everyday, but it’s somewhat unexpected in an interior. A “feel-good” color.

Ah! Aqua. Like the acidic yellow it seems to be all over fashion and design. Instead of being excessively teal like the 1980s, it is now redefined, more soothing and androgynous. It’s a bold color that both sexes can agree with.

Clear blue green is a traditional color but with the twist of sheen and transparency. Color that holds up to tropic sun. Use with whites, blue, silver in resin panels, glass, accessories.

Sapphire blue is drama, night sky, mysterious, dreams. Use on floor, wall, upholstery. Use with sparkle silver, or pearl white.

Yellow- Orange- Red

Acid Yellow is a great accent color – unexpected, emulates light, and looks great with cool neutrals.
Influenced by pop-art painting. This is one of those colors with punch for modern office spaces.

Acidic yellow/chartreuse is all over the place… NY fashion week Spring ’08, Paris Fashion Week Fall ’08, it’s everywhere? Giving a nod to 1970, but giving it a more cutting edge techi/spin, makes it a very sexy color.

Rust/Bronze is one of those great colors that bring an interior and exterior color scheme together. It can be both masculine and feminine depending on how you use it. It adds a lot of depth and saturation as an accent.

Clearly an important accent in fashion and home. A hopeful, optimistic color. Rebellious Mauve.

Next, the findings from the Chicago Workshop.

In case you missed it, here are the findings from the Los Angeles Workshop.

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Ultron Color Trends - Los Angeles Designer Event Insights

2009-03-02T08:39:00.004-05:00

In this post, brace yourself for fascinating insights from designers in Los Angeles about color and color inspiration...

“Color is about art and architecture……"

Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops gives you background on these amazing events. Ultron carpet fiber brought together seasoned designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends. The events took place in 2008 over an eight week period in four cities around the country: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York.

Eight to 12 designers were invited to each event and asked to bring inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches.

Ann Hurley acted as facilitator and guide for the sessions.

Here follows color family details and insights from the Los Angeles session:

Neutrals-

Stark white has been seen everywhere in the past 10 years in a very “60’s mod” style, usually paired with bright orangey reds and blacks. This is an icy blue/white, very cool but without the harshness. Pair it with jewel-tones of a warmer hue.

White - The print and digital industry is now using interesting textured paper to print large scale graphics to create more dimensional neutrals and art prints. White is still associated with peace and hope as well as purity - it balances any color in contrast and will therefore always remain a necessity.

Metallic Silver - Technological advances are allowing greater diversity in materials and use. Hospitality is not the only industry embracing this use – Aviation lounges, terminals, institutional/educational are adapting this high tech feel without the “coldness” of the 1950s military era.

BMW Black. Timeless, pure with no metallic flecks and no other color mixture -- simplicity, formality, finality. This color can be juxtaposed to any color in almost any application - and in carpet it can be blended with any color thread. It means different things worldwide – usually very good or very bad!

Concrete-like, warm neutrality. A good “medium” hue that blends well with lighter or darker colors. Good with black, white or colors. It can be used on floors, walls, ceilings, both exterior or interior. Can be on counters, furniture, fabrics, flooring, etc. It’s modern yet “clay-like” (gray clay).

Blue - Greens

It inspires Nostalgia. Most color trends are variations of previous color trends, generally within the past 20-40 years. This color is a softer, more muted shade of lavender than was prevalent in the early 80s. It is reminiscent of the purple and white floral prints that were everywhere in the early ‘80s, but with less pastel-y quality. Pair it with a soft milky white. There have been shade variations of orange, green, blue, brown and pink in recent years, but purple has not been as popular. It will return this season.

This color is a softer, more muted cornflower blue. It evokes memories of sitting rooms, tea rooms painted cornflower blue and adorned with Delft painted ceramics.

It inspires Nostalgia. The soft minty and leaf greens are a variation of both 50s inspired hues, as well as Chinese art deco. Pair it with very soft, very muted pale yellows, grays and pale pinks, in interiors as well as for garments.

Simplicity in a crystalline mood, the power of tranquility and simplicity. The importance of light.

The aqua blue is another color on the heels of fashion/80s influence. It goes extremely well as a compliment to the yellow greens – oranges. Perfect for water related concepts, and more edgy in retail than a navy or purple/blue.

Again, mid century modern is still big – especially in S. Cal. Warmer wood tones are slowly taking over the dark espressos that have reigned the last 2-3 years. It’s also an eco friendly green color, as bamboos and cork are more sought out these days.

Yellow- Orange- Red

It references the imperial yellow glaze found on dynasty-era Chinese ceramics, as well as Moroccan tile. Pair it with brilliant blues, whites and rich chocolaty browns.

For its chameleon qualities: is it green, is it yellow. It can be used on various surfaces. It blends well w/brightly hued colors. It can be used for retail, commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare.

The yellow green has been here for a while but it won't be going away in the next year yet. It shows up in product, interiors – everywhere. This mid century color is especially popular in LA/California because of the architecture here and trend factor. Used more in retail applications.
This red thread was found in a China factory using centuries – old techniques. Admire the "freshness” of the color. It's amazingly visible with minimal quantity and best used as an accent only and definitely sparingly. For bolder areas – could be used more generously.

+ A respect of the intrinsic identities of other cultures
+ A blend of ancient and futuristic roots
+ The power of international style

Orange - Diversification in cultures and influences of the sun still make this color universal. As foreign countries “westernize” their projects the sunset is still universally understood. This color appears in graphics still as a predominant request for high tech companies, but softer accents for residential and hospitality.

The warm orange/creamsicle color is still here to stay. Used mainly as an accent color, but works well in a variety of projects. It’s inviting, and not too trendy, but being used a lot in retail.

Next, the findings from the Seattle workshop.

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Ultron Color Trends - Designer Workshops

2009-02-27T07:36:00.007-05:00

I'm fascinated with trends and the influences on color and design, and how they differ based on regional interpretations. Imagine, then, how intrigued I was when I learned that Ultron carpet fiber was bringing together designers in a first-ever series of four workshops to discuss color trends.

Ann Hurley set the stage for these events which took place in 2008 over an eight week period in four cities around the country: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York. Eight to 12 seasoned designers were invited to each event. Each was asked to bring to the sessions inspiring color chips, samples, magazine articles, photos and swatches. [Ann says that, in addition to magazine photos, participants brought in custom mixed nail polish colors , flower petals, hand knitted yarn samples, wood, fabrics, paint swatches, threads, eucalyptus stems, glass tiles, etc. Truly thought-provoking!]

The events took place in the evening so no daily work obligations would interfere.

Each event started out with Ann sharing and discussing three design boards she had put together to set the stage for discussion. These boards [see photo left] represented the influences and captured the process that Ann goes through as she puts together a color forecast.

Her sources of inspiration include global trends from the trade shows she attends [NeoCon, Heimtextil, and Maison et Objet], influences from Italy and Berlin (Bauhaus), photos from CMG and CAUS workshops and nature.

Next, workshop participants each had 5 to 10 minutes to introduce themselves, their firms, their specialities as well as show and discuss what they had brought - their inspiring colors and samples.

[While that took place, Ann created color trend boards of what they had brought to the meetings.]

And then the group discussed what each had brought, examining similarities and / or differences..... and thinking about international trends, regional trends, historical trends, and color trends for 2009 as well as "star gazing" for 2010 and beyond.

Afterwards Ann disassembled and reassembled the boards into color families by city.

Ann considered herself both facilitator or anthropologist for the events, recording and organizing thoughts and comments.

That's what the next few posts are about: sharing insights from these sessions! Next, then, are the findings from the individual workshops, starting with Los Angeles...

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A Foot's Perspective #23 - Wow! Mirage Hallway Carpet

2009-02-25T11:43:00.001-05:00

This episode of A Foot's Perspective is about a Wow! carpet style that I came across at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV where I stayed for the yearly Surfaces flooring trade show.

In the previous episode of A Foot's Perspective, I showed you the carpet inside my room at the Mirage. This time, I take you outside into the hallway of the 22nd floor!

From the photos you get a feel for the animal print and nature inspired patterns and colors - which echoes the theme of the Mirage hotel itself.

The circular motif carpet pattern is what greets you as you step outside of the elevator bank. The pattern morphs from giraffe and leopard/cheetah patterns to butterfly or moth-like spots. Note the brown border surrounding this central focal point.

From there, three separate hallways - like spokes on a wheel - go off toward the guest rooms.

The hallway carpet pattern builds off of the central motif, but introduces tree branch motifs, in two alternating patterns: one stretched out vertically; the other, horizontal and bordered in red indicating guest room door entries.

In this video, I start out by the guest room section of the hallway where the tree branch and bark qualities are strongest. The flow toward animal inspired patterns works smoothly and naturally; it's also visually intriguing.

Note how color is used to indicate direction and destination. It works hand-in-hand with the pattern changes. It creates rhythm and flow - as you might in your own home.

See for yourself in this episode of A Foot's Perspective!

[Subscribers, please click on this YouTube link to view episode #23 of A Foot's Perspective.]

How might you apply some of these ideas to your home?

For the most recent episode, visit A Foot's Perspective - Episode 21: Wow! Mirage Carpet.

Or you can scroll through previous blogposts with links to all previous episodes of A Foot's Perspective.

Thank you for watching and reading!

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Carpet Style Trends At Surfaces 2009

2009-02-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

I'm back from Surfaces 2009 and thought you might enjoy some carpet style trend info from the show.

Let me confess to you up front. Given the big news [Mohawk Purchases Wear-Dated Brand], I didn't get a chance to wander as I had hoped, camera in hand, absorbing flooring influences.

However, I do have friends in excellent places who were able to do so - namely, Shannon Bilby who blogs at the WFCA's Floor Talk!

Shannon has written up a wonderful series of posts discussing what she observed at Surfaces across flooring categories - carpet, area rugs, tile and hardwood.

More specifically, check out these posts relating to tile and hardwood:
+ Trends in Tile - Shapes, Sheen, Shades, Sizes, Style

+ Trends in Hardwood - Shapes, Sheen, Shades, Sizes, Style

As it relates to carpet and area rugs, before referring you to those posts, I thought I would summarize her observations.

First, she says that "area rugs this year are all about texture." Texture from thick yarns as well as from "felt discs and sculpted carpets." She refers to "linear striations, large oversized patterns as well as smaller scale more traditional patterns", color schemes ranging from soft shades to rich oranges, greens, greys and blues. For the full post, see Trends in Area Rugs - Surfaces 2009.

My friend Etienne Koth, from Flooring America, says she saw blue being used in combinations that she hadn't seen done before. It looked really fresh. [Think yellow with blue, and orange with blue...]

What struck Shannon most on the carpet side was a renewed emphasis on quality of product rather than quantity. That's something I've heard discussed quite a bit [most recently it came up in Consumer Choices And The Retail Experience] both at Surfaces and beyond: quality matters again.

Although neutrals reigned in product displays, she saw a wealth of delicious colors: oranges, greens, blues, grays and earthy shades of brown. Shannon says: "the oranges and blues were muted and rich. The greens were light and lively. The browns were earthy, coffee inspired and looked like great candidates for hiding traffic!.. and beautiful heathered products that have more range of color than I think we are all used to seeing in once piece of carpet."

In terms of patterns, she noticed all kinds of geometric patterns - grids, lines, texture on texture...

The three examples shown here, by Mohawk, come from the Wear-Dated booth and illustrate what Shannon describes - tonal, textural, linear-inspired and geometric patterns:

Gridlock, Metro Oasis and --- [I will get them properly identified]. The fourth pattern in the booth was Urban Links [see Greer's Carpet Fashion Underfoot: Urban Links Carpet Style].

Shannon reminds and urges you in her post to be sure to feel the carpet styles as they are delicious under hand and foot!

For her full post on carpet, please read Trends in Carpet - Surfaces 2009.

As it relates to color, I was able to attend Mark Woodman's presentation titled "Seek, Experience, Inspire" during which he urged us to seek inspiration from everywhere - be it the color of a Brazilian drink influencing what color to launch the new Saab 903 to unexpected textures and cultural combinations. He stated that "Color will take on more importance as an easy way to update a space, product or home.... The economy is key but consumers still want excitement with their value."

I'll capture some of his color observations in a separate post.

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Annette's Carpet Corner: Removing Acrylic Paint Stains

2009-02-20T07:41:00.007-05:00

HipMama.com recently posted aaaahhhh! about acrylic paint. More specifically: "Does anyone know how to get black acrylic paint off of a carpet, or am I screwed? It says it's a "stainmaster" carpet...but when I tried to clean it up, it made a smeary mess so i stopped... Anyone have any advice?"

What a perfect subject for this episode of Annette's Carpet Corner!

Here's what Annette recommends:

As with all stains, it's best to deal with the stain as quickly as possible.

According to the Wear-Dated Stain Removal Guide, for a paint [oil or latex] stain, it's best to:

+ Remove as much of the paint itself as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.

+ Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile, blot until it is removed or no color transfers to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate the backing, as it will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time.If rubbing removes the spot, blot dry and stack several white paper towels over the damp area.

+ Place a brick or similarly weighted object on the towels to keep them in contact with the carpet. The towels will absorb any stain wicking up from the backing to the carpet surface.

+ Allow the carpet to dry, remove the brick and towels, and brush up the pile.

Please remember never use a circular motion to remove a carpet spot as this may destroy the texture!

We also checked the Carpet & Rug Institute's Spot Solver. It makes several important points:

+ That you might want to pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select another solution [Spot Solver offers several stain removal solutions].

+ Don't rub, but do work from the outer edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Be patient. Blot.

+ Consider calling a Professional Cleaner who will have the ability and equipment to apply more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn stains.

Annette also located this resource aptly titled How To Remove Paint From Carpet. Acrylic paint is water soluble when wet, but not when dry. The author suggests mixing some laundry detergent [Annette suggests 1/4 teaspoon of hand dish washing detergent like Dawn or Joy mixed with 1 quart of water].

She also cautions against mineral spirits, preferring isopropyl rubbing alcohol. She worries that mineral spirits might affect the carpet's stain blocking ingredients. [NOTE: Stainmaster's stain removal guide suggests dry cleaning fluid and a detergent solution.]

What I've learned from all this is that it's best to avoid paint on carpet at all costs. If unavoidable, act as quickly as possible. If you don't notice the paint stain until it's too late, it's probably best to call a professional.

However, should you want to tackle removing acrylic paint from carpet, you have options to explore.

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In The Market For Carpet? We'd Like To Help.

2009-02-18T10:33:00.002-05:00

The Shining carpet art installation

originally uploaded by Happy Sleepy.

If you're reading this blog post, there's a very good chance you're in the market for carpet. Maybe you're ready to buy carpet? Or simply searching for information about carpet. We'd like to help.

According to a 10/15/2008 MediaPost article titled Karastan: Building Share Of Voice In A Recession, "every time a consumer shops for flooring, it's like the first time. Even if they've made a significant flooring purchase in the last five years, they need to learn about it all over again. And the place they want to do that is on the Web."

Not surprising -- the web is where I turn to for information. Is it the same for you?

But it's also daunting as flooring and carpet aren't always the easiest to connect with online or offline.

For that reason, we thought we should remind you that, well... we're here. As you're looking for that perfect color, just the right style and the price that matches your budget, Wear-Dated has tools and tricks to help you find exactly what you're looking for, and help you make carpet buying decisions. We even have advice to help you care for your carpet after you've made your choice.

Here's more specifically what we have available:

FIND CARPET - Here, you can peruse thousands of styles and colors. We have everything from shag to loop, so you can narrow your choices down to specifics or broaden them to include everything that might be a possibility.

DESIGN A ROOM - Let's say that you've narrowed it down to your top three options. Now you want to see what each of them actually looks like on a floor. Pick a living room, bedroom, dining room or foyer and view it with your favorite carpet made with Wear-Dated carpet fiber. It's easy and far less expensive than trying all three options at home.

ESTIMATING CARPET - We know you want to visit your local retail store already prepared. Just measure the room you'd like to carpet, then enter your calculations here. We'll crunch the numbers so that you have a better idea what to expect when you make a purchase.

CARING FOR STAINS - You're careful, but stains do happen. Use this handy-dandy reference guide to remove nearly all unwanted stains from your carpet. We also recommend the Carpet and Rug Institute's Spot Solver.

NEWS & UPDATES - All carpet, all the time, delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe via email or RSS.

Happy Exploring! If you have questions, please let me know.

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A Foot's Perspective #22: Wow! Mirage Carpet

2009-02-11T12:21:00.001-05:00

This episode of A Foot's Perspective is about another Wow! carpet style that I came across at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. That's where I stayed last week for the yearly Surfaces flooring trade show.

This was my first visit to the Mirage and I really enjoyed my room.

The style: definitely modern! And, really fun!

From the photo, you can see that the lines are clean and straightforward, almost sparse. If it weren't for the splash of orange accents, and the bold carpet pattern, the room might have seemed oppressive or uninspiring.

I can assure you that that wasn't the case! The room was a haven from the gaudiness of the casino scene and the hectic pace of Surfaces. It helped me recalibrate and rebalance.

The carpet, as you can see, features a large, contemporary circular pattern in chocolate brown and light-cafe-latte [i.e., a shade of beige]. I love that the color contrast is so stark and yet the textural contrast so subtle between loop and texture carpet construction styles.

The orange accents pop and that bolster pillow is preposterous!

See for yourself!

[Subscribers, please click on this YouTube link to view episode #22 of A Foot's Perspective.]

What do you think? Would you try something like this at home?

For the most recent episode, visit A Foot's Perspective - Episode 21: Wow! Dallas Carpet. Or you can scroll through previous blogposts with links to all previous episodes of A Foot's Perspective.

Thank you for watching and reading!

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Design Reviews From the Floor Up ~ 2Modern Design Talk

2009-02-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

February's Design Reviews From The Floor Up introduces you to 2Modern Design Talk, the design blog for the 2Modern retail site.

2Modern Design Talk is filled with delightful inspiration. Originally launched in August 2005, the site now features the perspectives of 18 contributors all involved in varying aspects of modern design - from different parts of the world [Chile, Brazil, Australia and the United States], a range of designing angles [graphic, object, furniture, showroom, industrial....] and interests [trend spotter, buyer, artist, painter, writer, crafter...].

The end result is a rich site featuring a "wide-range of views and commentary focused on contemporary design" as About 2Modern Design Talk explains. It's also very approachable and visually inspiring with delicious photos about modern design topics of interest to us all.

Take Sushi Artwork. Or lighting fixtures from the 2009 Interior Design Show in Toronto. What about Biomorphism and Solar Design and Wallpaper From the 70's? Or amazing Big scarves for this season. Check out New Rugs from 2Modern & Emma Gardner Designs!, too.

2Modern Design Talk will definitely take you on an excitingly fresh journey through contemporary design. Even if modern isn't your preferred design style, you'll be surprised by the relevance of the ideas showcased, and you never know when something might make sense for what you're trying to achieve.

Let me know what you think.

For previous sites included in this series, click on Design Reviews from the Floor Up. Or, visit our sidebar also titled 'Design Reviews from the Floor Up.'

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Living Carpet Floors

2009-02-06T13:23:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Yanko Design. Designer: Nguyen La Chanh.

The notion of a 'living carpet' delights me to no end. Perhaps it's the science fiction lover in me thinking of Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land [which I loved].

Imagine, then, how happy this story from Inhabitat about a living moss carpet for your bathroom made me!

Designer Nguyen La Chanh created this Moss Carpet using plastazote, a decay-free foam, and combining three different types of moss - ball, island and forest - that thrive in humid environments like bathrooms.

I can imagine the delightful springiness of the moss underfoot. It would definitely energize me for the day.

Then, there's an indoor lush carpet of living plants in Idaho that also looks to soothe the soul and toes. I discovered it in Living Floor Like Heinlein's Grass Carpet: Science Fiction in the News. The living carpet not only feels good, but it helps to clean the air and cool the house [here's the relevant passage from Heinlein's story and a reference to Kurt Vonnegut's The Siren of Titan which I haven't read]. The plants also help humidify the air as the Seattle Times article on the story titled Home addition features a floor alive with plants describes.

Serendipitously, as I can across these stories, I also realized that the header on my friend Daria Radota Rasmussen's blog Social Hallucinations captures a similar sensibility.

Can you imagine anything more delicious than bare feet on [living] carpet? It certainly enhances the visual delight associated with a carpet of flowers [see Tapis de fleurs de Bruxelles and Brussels Flower Carpet 2008] by associating a tactile experience to the visual one.

Methinks I'm ready for living carpet floors!

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Wear-Dated On Facebook With Floor & Carpet Tips

2009-02-03T06:32:00.001-05:00

Did you know that you can find Wear-Dated on Facebook? And, in no less than two different places.

You'll find a group for the Friends of Wear-Dated and then there's the more serious Wear-Dated page where you can choose to become a Fan. That's also where I post A Foot's Perspective videos...

I created both last summer after we launched the redesigned Wear-Dated website, drawing inspiration from Wiggly Wigglers in the UK who share marvelous tidbits of advice, humor and information in their regular communications. I decided to do something similar - although no one can come close to Heather Gorringe's deliciously delectable practical advice about wiggling worms and organic compost...

I decided instead to share care tips. With Elizabeth's help, we started posting carpet care tips. And, then, Shannon graciously offered to share non-carpet floor care tips, which we've interspersed in between carpet advice.

Here are the floor and carpet care tips we've shared to date:

Don’t forget to vacuum! Not only does vacuuming regularly maintain the appearance and condition of your carpet, but it also upholds your end of the warranty you have with your carpet manufacturer. Especially if you pinky swore.

We know you don’t cook, but regardless, always keep cornstarch or cornmeal on hand to soak up greasy stains that may find their way to your carpet. Simply sprinkle it over the stain, wait, then vacuum the spot. Easy as pie. (Things do get a little more difficult, however, when the pie gets all over your carpet.)

If a liquid spills on your carpet, soak as much of it up as possible with clean, white cloth, then remove what’s left of the stain using a mild solution of liquid detergent and water. Use a detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin or bleach.

If you have hardwood flooring, you can and should vacuum every day to remove any harmful particles and maintain the floor’s appearance.

When removing carpet stains, always blot, never scrub.

The best way to prevent dirt from overtaking your carpet is to stop it from even entering your home. Place rugs at your doors to capture the extra dirt that tries to sneak in and consider taking off your shoes before stepping into the house. Your carpet (and your feet) will thank you.

So you’re having a romantic evening for two when you suddenly realize that the candle has dripped all over your carpet. To remove the candle wax, spread brown paper or terry cloth over the area and iron it on ‘warm.’ The wax will be absorbed onto the paper or cloth. Voila!

Regardless of the flooring you have in your home, use walk-off mats at all exterior entrances to prevent outside dirt, sand and grit from entering and harming your floors.

To remove chewing gum from carpet, freeze the area with an ice cube, then shatter the gum with a knife handle. Vacuum, and continue on your merry way.

If you consider them helpful, please do feel free to share them with others. And, if you're on Facebook, consider becoming a Friend of Wear-Dated. There are more tips coming and I'd love to see you.

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Inspiring Carpet Styles from Fabrica

2009-01-30T07:36:00.005-05:00

Back in December, if you remember from A Foot's Perspective - Episode 18: Fabrica's Silk Weave, I got to meet and present with Robbie Schuette who talked to me about several other Fabrica carpet styles that I consider inspiring beyond description.

More specifically, styles like Shandur, Nibbana, Abrash and Antigua - all made with Wear-Dated carpet fiber.

The photo above shows you three samples of Antigua set on top of two Silk Weave samples. Named after a beautiful island in the Caribbean, Antigua - a plush casual texture or frieze carpet style - has a casually elegant, highly textured "windswept" look. The "hand" of this carpet style is soft and buttery. According to Robbie, this comes from both the construction and that the carpet style is made with Wear-Dated DuraSoft carpet fiber.

Fabrica considers Antigua a "best-in-class" product that offers both beauty, performance, superior texture and warmth for today's interiors and an exceptional color palette. It feels delicious under hand, and even better underfoot, I'm sure!

Abrash, Shandur and Nibbana are a collection of products offering a clean, fresh, contemporary approach to floor coverings. Inspired by the rugged Himalayan mountains, these products all feature a beautiful and subtle striation which adds to their handcrafted appearance.

Shandur and Nibbana share a common color line of seventeen colors [see photo above on left]. I find them sophisticated, exotic and comfortable.

Shandur, pictured here on the left and below, is a loop style construction.

Nibbana, the carpet style below Shandur, is considered a loop pattern in that the look is created from a combination of loop and texture construction. Robbie also referred to it as "tip sheared."

She explained to me that the tip shearing randomly shears or cuts the tips of the carpet yarns. This adds another dimension to the carpet style by providing cut pile and softness of hand with pile flow and silkiness. The precision shearing gives contrasting textures of cut pile and loop pile mixed with pattern.

Nibbana was introduced right after Shandur was launched. Both products have a striated effect with subtle shading of the colorations. These are deliciously inspiring carpet styles!

The third carpet style in this family is Abrash. It shares the Nibbana/Shandur color line, but with an additional selection of colors - offering you 25 colors to choose from.

Abrash represents a plush texture carpet style: it's a thick, dense cut cut pile textured construction. It feels luxurious and opulent to the touch.

What amazes me when I experience these Fabrica carpet styles is not only how wonderful they feel to the touch, but also how visually unusual and exciting they are. Antigua's soft buttery casual texture/frieze look and Shandur's, Nibbana's and Abrash's striated effect with subtle shading of colors really makes for inspiring carpet styles - that, as Robbie reminds me, given the common palette+, you have the option to use the same color in a variety of textures in your home - sure to create a beautifully fashionable, sophisticated and delicious statement!

Will you let me know what you think when you encounter them?

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A Foot's Perspective #21 - Wow Dallas Carpet!

2009-01-28T14:03:00.004-05:00

This episode of A Foot's Perspective is about another Wow! carpet style that I came across at the Comfort Inn by the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. I was more than pleasantly surprised!

This photo captures the wall facing you as you enter through the hotel's front doors: whimsical, eye-catching and very comfortable. My first thought was that I wouldn't mind sitting and spending time in this lobby.

What made the space so engaging, welcoming and warm was... you guessed it: the carpet!

It's a bold, circular abstract pattern that combines a loop construction with a texture [i.e., "cut/loop or cut & loop] in two different shades: a warm buttery ochre-yellow with a cool grey.

The same pattern is repeated in the breakfast area in another color combination: the same grey with a darker grey. I love how the pattern was matched so perfectly at the seams, too!

In the breakfast area, the darker carpet creates a different look and feel. Still sophisticated, but more private, more conducive to breakfast and lots of people sitting at small tables and conversing.

Also more practical.

Note the pattern of the upholstered seating: the plaid pattern and colors do a lovely job of reflecting the breakfast area look and feel while also relating to the warm lobby tones.

I commented on the smart look of the lobby to the hotel manager, assuming that it had just been upgraded and remodeled. Guess what he said? They upgraded in 2005, and put a lot of effort in maintaining the space.

See for yourselves in this episode of A Foot's Perspective.

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

[The background noise comes from the TV News playing in the breakfast room.]

For the most recent episode, visit A Foot's Perspective - Episode 20: Another Wow! Carpet Style. Or you can scroll through previous blogposts with links to all previous episodes of A Foot's Perspective.

Thank you for watching and reading!

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Greer's Carpet Fashion Underfoot: Urban Links Carpet Style

2009-01-26T09:55:00.001-05:00

Greer's Carpet Fashion Underfoot pairs stylish shoes with the latest carpet styles. In this episode, Greer pairs a Skechers slip on shoe called Biker's Cage with a new carpet style named Urban Links.

Everyone needs a good pair of what I like to call kick-around shoes in their shoe wardrobe. These are shoes you slip on as you head out the door to go to the grocery store, yoga class, run errands or whatever. It’s desirable to have something that doesn’t resemble a bedroom slipper or a left over pair of gym shoes.

I recently bought a great pair of kick-around shoes. I purchased a pair of Skechers in a style called Biker’s-Cage in a cool steel grey color. Sketcher’s brand designs shoes that according to their website “appeal to the trend-savvy consumer.” Not only are these functional as in comfortable and easy to slip on, but they are quite stylish as well.

If my new Skechers were a carpet style they would be a new Wear-Dated LCL style with the Horizon division of Mohawk called Urban Links. [LCL is an abbreviation for level-cut-loop carpet construction. Patterns in the carpet are created by pulling some yarns through the backing to form a loop and by cutting other yarns at the surface. The different dimensions result in the carpet pattern. It's also referred to as a Cut Loop.]

Urban Links is patterned to look like a continuous link of chain. It comes in a 16-color palette. The colors, like the pattern, are very contemporary chic. They are rich and saturated. There is even a hip steel-grey to match my shoes.

Like a good pair of kick-around shoes, Urban Links is stylish, yet functional.

How is a carpet functional? By being durable and resisting matting and crushing which is what Wear-Dated branded carpet fiber is known for: Beauty, Comfort and Durability! [The tight molecular structure of the nylon carpet fiber makes it more resilient and gives it the ability to bounce back after cleaning.]

Another way consumers want carpet to function is by being stain resistant. Because all Mohawk carpets made with Wear-Dated carpet fiber are treated with Scotchgard Protector & Advanced Repel Technology, Urban Links has repellency to liquids, enhanced soil protection, and is easier to clean. Scotchgard Advanced Repel Technology surrounds each fiber providing a shield against dirt. Dirt doesn’t adhere to the fiber and vacuums up easier.

Finally, because Urban Links is made with Wear-Dated DuraSoft fiber, it is comfortable like my new shoes, too. DuraSoft is the finer denier Wear-Dated carpet fiber that offers the ultimate softness without sacrificing durability.

So if you’re looking for a carpet for a downtown high-rise condo, or something to make a statement in a den or living room, Urban Links might be the carpet for you. It’s perfect for anyone who wants style without compromising function.

Until next time, look for beauty and carpet fashion underfoot!

Also check out: Greer's Carpet Fashion Underfoot: Touch of Heaven Carpet Style

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Obama Inauguration Reinvents Red Carpet

2009-01-22T10:04:00.002-05:00

President Obama and the First Lady

orignally uploaded by acaben.

Can you imagine a presidency and country more poised for change? Not only do I anticipate change in fashion, home trends and carpet styles because of the First Family's Sense of Style, but I also expect a more creative use of carpet for traditional red carpet events.

First, were you aware that President Obama is the first president ever to take the Oath of Office from a recycled, solid-blue carpet? [Although he retook it shortly thereafter] And that he stepped on a recycled carpet runner [blue bordered in red] to go from the bottom of the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda steps to the West Front podium? This according to TheHill.com and Green carpet won't quite cover Inaugural footprint.

Then, there are the fancy parties and Inaugural Balls.

Ball Tickets originally uploaded by brdweb.

Although I didn't make it to a single one in Washington, D.C. [preferring a quiet Northern New Jersey family celebration], I do feel as if I have lived some of the events. Is it the same for you?

Not only has the news coverage of these ultimate Red Carpet events been impressive, but I love what has been captured via social media tools live facebook, flickr [from where the photos here come] and huffingtonpost.com.

The New York Times has a wonderful article titled The President, the People, the Parties which includes several slide shows of the events. The article itself is fascinating as it gives you a sense of the breathless excitement and joy of Tuesday's events.

I particularly enjoyed the carpet references:

"The planners of some of the big-ticket parties presented their events as accessible as well, like the Inaugural Purple Ball, which celebrated “bipartisanship, unity and diversity” in the words of organizers.

Thus a traditional red carpet representing exclusivity was deemed boring and out of date. Instead the ball had a purple carpet. Other, so-called “green” balls had their own, yes, green carpets."

I definitely sense a reinvention for red carpet. What say you?

Added 1/28/09:

From the 1/28/09 issue of Interior Design, Obama Sworn in on Bentley Prince Street Carpet. Congratulations Bentley Prince Street, a valued Ultron carpet fiber customer!

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