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New Color, Texture Trends in Carpeting Provide Homeowners With Sophisticated Decor Options (WMS) - One of the greatest features of broadloom carpeting is the vast array of color choices. While neutral tones, such as sage and beige, tend to be most popular with consumers, the design experts at Wear-Dated® carpet fiber predict that wall-to-wall carpeting trends are moving towards a more sophisticated color palette with a new focus on texture. According to the Color Marketing Group, a not-for-profit association of color designers that predicts yearly color trends, the design scheme in many homes will not center around one primary color scheme, but will include many combinations of rich complex colors and patterns beginning in 2003. Many of these new complex color combinations were borrowed from the elegant design trends and color confections of earlier eras. The inspiration of the 1920s will be apparent in hues that mix silver and gold, and the glamour of the art deco era is captured in colors that blend pink and peach. Vintage reds will be mixed with blues to create a classic, yet vibrant new red. These rich color combinations all reflect the luxury and sophistication of the vintage style that consumers are demanding. "American society is beginning to mirror European ideals, which place a high value on elegance and quality," said Ann Hurley, marketing development manager of Solutia Inc., maker of Wear-Dated carpet fiber. "Consumers are willing to pay more for a product that will perform in their home and also not be out of style in the short term." Cultural influences also will be reflected in the home decor of many Americans. Many new ethnic-inspired shades are putting a twist on the basic beiges and browns to offer consumers a bit of a kick in carpet color selections. Latin influences will impact the popular American color palette. Red influenced bronze, khaki and other earth shades will offer an added zest. African influences also will be popular in new safari greens and rich gold's, which reflect the natural and vibrant color of the sand dunes of Morocco. Beyond color, Hurley said that texture will be another major trend in wall-to-wall carpeting. While solid Saxonies often have been chosen for their traditional appearance, more consumers will be demanding carpeting that offers a bit more personality and durability. Frieze textures (a shorter version of the shag, with extra twist) and carpeting that offers a subtle pattern effect will be the top choices for 2003. "Current popular patterns in carpet are usually geometric shapes or nature- influenced florals and leaves," Hurley said. "These patterns are tufted into the carpet by using variable pile heights of cut and loop tufting technology. New machinery allows for any shape or pattern to be tufted into a textile floor covering." Ultra-soft carpeting, such as Wear-Dated® DuraSoft® carpet fiber, also has increased in popularity with homeowners. Ultra-fine fibers give these ultra-soft carpets a luxurious feel and a unique luster that provides a rich look without the shiny effect associated with some other synthetic fibers. "There is definitely a trend towards more comfortable wall-to-wall carpeting. When you think about how much activity occurs on our carpeting -- playing games, watching television, roughhousing with the kids -- it's no wonder there is such a demand for softer carpet," said Jim Williams, manager of commercial development. "Homeowners today are demanding a more durable and more luxurious product." While trends in wall-to-wall carpeting are moving towards a higher level of sophistication and are branching out of beige boundaries, the most important consideration when selecting the ideal shade or texture of carpeting is to stay true to your personal tastes. Don't hesitate to bring in upholstery swatches, paint samples, wall treatments or interior accessories to help select the look that's true to you and your decor. For more information on trends in wall-to-wall carpeting, visit their Web site at www.weardated.com and click on the Design Advice link located at the top of the home page. |
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for larger view Geometric and nature-inspired patterns demonstrate the newest design trend that style savvy consumers are demanding in carpeting. The patterns are tufted into the carpet using a cut or cut-loop process and add a multi-dimensional texture to the traditional broadloom carpet. Local Resources Visit our local resource center for links to Home & Garden services in your area. To advertise your business here, contact the SentinelSource Design Team by email or phone 603-352-1234, ext. 290 |
