complexity, bigger scale and multi colour, whereas Europe is more restrained.” Forbo’s Julie Dempster adds: “Suppliers are noticing a new interest in random lay designs, particularly in neutral palettes with softer designs for large scale applications. There has certainly been a shift from the more geometric to free-flowing spherical designs that are very organic, making for a softer and more sophisticated visual statement.” Bolon’s Creative Director Marie
Eklund reports an increased desire for “more playfulness” when it comes to colours, patterns and new materials. This is demonstrated by Kevin Jackson, UK National Tiles Sales Manager at RAK Ceramics, and Harvey Booth, UK Sales Manager at Kährs, who describe the popularity of metallic floorcoverings in both ceramic and wood. Explains Booth: “Rather
than discreetly complementing the timber, as has been the trend until fairly recently, new floors are making a big natural style statement of their own. We’ll be introducing some boutique-style metallic floors with a high gloss finish later this year.” Sleeper’s experts also reported an increase
in the request for sustainable products with Forbo stating: “With a key focus now on environmental impact and sustainability, specifiers are demanding more in the way of environmental credentials from products than ever before – and flooring is certainly no exception.” Marie Eklund at Bolon adds that
sustainable products are an “absolutely essential factor for any purchasing in the future” and boasts that its woven vinyl floorcoverings exceed the requirements of current legislation and industry standards
through energy efficient production and recycling. Eklund also believes that: “Bolon will be the future alternative to textile flooring through such strong arguments as economy, environment, design and durability. “Bolon flooring is comfortable, sound insulating, easy to clean from stains, and has a very long service life, which is important to consider from both an economical and an environmental aspect,” she adds. Dempster sums up by stating: “Ultimately,
when looking at floorcoverings, designers and end users alike are being motivated and encouraged more than ever to focus on products based on the three principles of good design, solid economical benefits and best ecological performance.”
Turn the page for the latest product launches and case studies from flooring suppliers.
Floorcoverings Future
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 119
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148