Carpet Trends 2013
by Joy Perez, Designer
Modular carpet, also known as carpet tile, has become very popular in the last few years as it has opened endless possibilities with the way carpet can be pieced together to create a multitude of styles. This year the carpet manufacturers have once again made great leaps. In terms of shapes, we see skinnier formats of plank tiles as well as polygonal forms. While striped and hard linear patterns have become mundane, it is refreshing to welcome a new range of organic, abstract, and textile-inspired patterns (i.e. Herringbone). Could this be a reaction to the open, clean-lined, and sometimes stark office interior environments that we have grown accustomed to seeing? Are we craving more dimensionality, layering, or perhaps whimsical element from carpet flooring?
Photos (Left to Right): Shaw Contract, Art Media Collection by Milliken, Mannington Commercial, Off The Wall by Mohawk
Sometimes a simple concept can surprisingly turn into an innovative idea. Take for example, “Deconstructed” carpet by Patcraft. This carpet exposes the “traditionally hidden” carpet primary backing, which is offered in various bold colored options, and combines it with complementary colored fibers at varying pile heights to add depth and texture. The result is a radical yet elegant looking carpet we can truly call “one of a kind”.
Deconstructed by Patcraft
And finally, an inspiring story of sustainability and the “Net Effect” carpet collection by Interface. Interface works with its partner, Aquafil, who has been re-purposing waste nylon from discarded fishing nets, to provide recycled content nylon for the carpet tile. They created a project called “Net-Works” which provides a source of income for small fishing villages in the Philippines while cleaning their beaches and waters of discarded fishing nets that threaten their livelihood and the off-shore reefs. The designer for this collection was ultimately captivated by the beauty of the ocean, so he created the Net Effect collection to recreate the motion of ocean water and ocean foam as it rolls onto the shore seen from high up the skies.
Net Effect by Interface
Joy Perez | Designer
About the Author: Joy Perez, Designer for Ware Malcomb, joined our team in 2003. She is a part of the firm’s Interior Design Studio, involved with projects for our Irvine office.
About NeoCon: NeoCon is North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors, providing over 40,000 architecture and design professionals with nearly 100 CEU-accredited seminars, association forums and top-notch keynote speakers. Discover thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate, hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors from more than 700 showrooms and exhibitors.
