News
Your Holiday Home 2012
Welcome to the advent of another wonderful holiday season. There is something about Christmas that moves day-to-day problems to a back burner. Maybe it’s the collective thread of many happy holidays strung together in our memories. It brings on a feeling of comfort. For sure, it’s the repetition of traditions that adds to the feeling that “all is well”. Whatever the reasons, let’s make our own resolution to be light-hearted and enjoy this Christmas to the fullest. Last year I brought you some makeover ideas to...
read moreUp A Tree and Barking Mad
J+J/Invision has launched a new modular carpet collection that brings Mother Nature right into the contract environment. According to J+J’s marketing department, “…Urban Canopy is a reflection of the need to have a little bit of nature’s serene atmosphere around us, even in the urban jungle.” And the word serene really does capture the essence of all three styles. This new collection is built around three graceful products: Up A Tree, Branch Out, and Barking Mad. The yarn system used to build these products is J&J Industries...
read moreNeoconnect – Contract Interiors
The Orange County Fairgrounds in Southern California was the site for this year’s IIDA NeoConnect Expo. Commercial designers came out in force to find out what’s hot on the commercial frontier. Floor coverings were definitely well represented for this great evening. Designers were treated to designs by Liora Manne, created exclusively for Lamontage Textiles. The Lamontage process blends acrylic and/or polyester fibers to make floor covering, wall covering, fabrics, pillows, and even placemats in artist-inspired patterns. Looking for...
read moreSpotlight On Daltile Inspirations
By Annette Callari, Allied ASID; CMG It’s a New Year, and along with that come wishes, dreams, and yes, even resolutions. Designers fully expect that 2013 will continue a trend towards homeowners’ remodeling their personal spaces (especially kitchens and baths) and making a few of their design dreams come true. Time for some inspiration, and my good friends at Daltile certainly offer the stuff dreams are made of. Shame on me for calling it “stuff”, because (as you will see) their portfolio of stone and tile is actually...
read moreCommercially Speaking
What’s new on the commercial front in carpeting? Options. Color options in particular. Mannington Mills just released a brand new collection called “Connected”. Made up of four coordinating styles, two of the styles have an interesting twist that deserves some attention. “Social” and “Media” are both tip-sheared patterned loops. Beautifully designed, the entire collection is built with 100% Antron Lumena Type 6.6 solution-dyed nylon. Add to that t the ColorSafe treatment (for bleach resistance) and X-GUARD for stain...
read moreNew Product Showcase
Surfaces 2013, sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association, rocked the halls of the Mandalay Bay Convention center in Las Vegas in late January. Retailers were back, in force, along with designers taking advantage of the education days, product tours, and the always- popular Trends Hub. How refreshing to see a buzz of activity as new products were unveiled and novelty interior products debuted. When you think of Vegas, you think of glitz and glamour. So appropriately, I discovered a product with all the glitz and sparkle of precious...
read moreLet’s Talk Wood
It’s a fact—wood floors add value and character to any home. The popularity of wood is still enjoying huge and sustained interest with consumers, and manufacturers have wisely responded with more collections and inspired new products. Let me give you a visual tour of some of the stunners that were highlighted at Surfaces: Provenza Floors in Southern California is not a newcomer to the hardwood flooring industry. They have a history of elevating wood floors to museum-quality works of art. Look at the graining and exceptional finish...
read moreColor Marketing Group Names 2013 Color Of The Year!
If you missed the publication of the awesome 2013-2014 forecasted colors, it’s not too late. WFCA.org has it posted in the Designer’s Corner segment. You will want to preview that article to get a complete picture of Color Marketing’s predictions. With that information as the foundation, I am dedicating this blog to current updates and news from CMG. First of all, a new strategic alliance with the International Colour Alliance (Association Internationale de la Couleur) has been announced. The two groups will share color research...
read moreFire Features – A Super Hot Trend
There is something so inviting about gathering around a cheery, outdoor fire. Bonfires on the beach bring back some great memories. Enjoying a glass of wine with friends around a terrace fire pit (at one of our favorite restaurants) is still a special Saturday night out. So I wanted to inspire you to think about adding a fire feature to your own patio or terrace, as we head into Spring. Even living in California, most evenings are cool enough to really enjoy a fire feature year round. What fascinated me is how creative options have...
read moreGood Ideas? Time To Share…
By Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; Chair Holder Color Marketing Group This is something I’ve wanted to blog about for some time—great ideas from readers (and other designers) that can add function and beauty to any home. You are invited to leave me a comment on any of the FloorTalk blogs or Designer’s Corner articles (look for the comments section below each article). I’d love to hear from you—and please feel free to share an exceptional design idea of your own with me. I’ll save them for a future blog like this one. For...
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