Floors-to-go

Issue 22 January / February 2009

Sleeper’s panel of experts describe an increasing trend for bold designs and statement floorcoverings, as well as significant moves towards sustainable production processes.

What have been the key flooring trends for 2008?

John Bain: Designers are using the floor to make a statement. A key trend we are seeing with our clients is that they are prepared to take more risks than ever before, seeking to try new concepts and differentiate in design. We have seen an increase in the use of larger scale, very finely drawn designs, an explosion of stripes, and patterns with bolder prints and a modern edge. An increase in Eastern European and African design influence, particularly ethnic folklore, has also been evident. In terms of colour it isn’t ever a single colour, it’s about colour combinations. Respect for our environment and the sustainability of natural resources is a massive and growing influence that has affected the rise of stronger palettes in natural colours like ‘apple green’ and ‘sea blue’ through to grey.

Paul Wallis: Flooring is no longer a practical afterthought, designers are using contemporary tiles to create design continuity and exciting focal points. For us, 2008 saw a proliferation in the use of large format tiles and bold fluid patterns.

Kate Male: Colours in 2008 have focused around ‘earth colours’, incorporating blues and greens complemented by natural floorings and accessories. Many people want to have the effect of natural wood or stone but do not want the expense or high maintenance that comes with it so have been seeking easier to install and maintain alternatives such as laminate.

Jane Wickings: One of the key trends we have noticed is the use of much larger scale designs without an obvious pattern repeat. The acceptance of these designs is also evident in hard flooring with larger, simpler shapes in restrained tones that are a long way from the busier patterns of a few years ago.


And what can we expect to see in 2009?

JB: More from the sustainability story – maybe the influence of earthy materials and forms – and experiments with alternative materials like hemp that will influence our lifestyle and recycling. In design terms, we see a strong direction towards more ‘painterly’ sketchy designs. This is a move away from the digital age and CAD towards sustainability and the honesty and integrity of hand-drawn artworks and designed sketches. We also expect to see more strong patterns on a large scale in public areas of the hotel.

PW: Perhaps one of the most exciting trends in the tiling industry is the use of strong, block colour in shameful high gloss finishes on tiles of XXL proportions.

Christopher Sharp: We expect to see a continued focus on texture and how it can be used to give additional depth to intricate designs. The economical situation will result in the customer becoming more discerning, and this will mean an increased focus on high quality and long-lasting products.

KM: In 2009 I believe there will be a move away from the minimalist and stark designs popular in recent years as designers aim to achieve more animated and welcoming surroundings through the use of rich colours and fabrics.

What factors are driving these trends?

JB: Sustainability and respect for the environment is an unstoppable trend, as is health and wellbeing.

PW: The issue of greener products is at the forefront of manufacturing and more emphasis is put on blending the finished product into the natural environment. Factories are no longer using sustainable credentials to simply market their products, but apply rigorous processes to conform to standards set by eco-guidelines.

Design versus function?

JB: Design and function are intrinsically linked. A successful design scheme has to be functional otherwise it has not answered the brief for the interior.

PW: Advances in ceramic technology allow for more creative usage meaning tile design is no longer compromised by function.

CS: I don’t believe that the two are mutually exclusive – you should be able to enjoy both qualities in one product.

KM: Without doubt, design is of primary importance, particularly in a hotel environment where customers are often looking for luxury. However, equally important is that the floors installed are easy to maintain and long lasting.

JW: From a design point of view, it is the visual impact within the space and scheme as a whole that is paramount. But we also have to consider the timeless quality of any design and at the same time consider the technical performance and suitability of a material to ensure that the client can maintain its appearance without involving unacceptable costs.
 
What are the main things hotel operators / interior designers consider when selecting flooring?

PW: Aesthetic design, longevity, health and safety, ISO, general maintenance and the cost implications of maintenance and future refurbishment plans. Strata Tiles hold a range of tiles which are particularly suited to hotel environments due to their self cleaning, odour eliminating and antibacterial qualities. These tiles reduce the need for abrasive cleaning materials which, in turn reduces the time spent on maintenance. They are therefore more cost effective and hold long term health benefits for visitors and staff.

What challenges does this sector face?

PW: The economic downturn has meant the hotel industry, especially at the top end of the market has to be even more competitive than before. Investment in expensive refurbishment is necessary to stay at the cutting edge of design, even though UK tourism has taken a steely knock.

KM: With the current economic climate it is likely that many refurbishments will be put on hold or done on a limited budget, so the flooring sector could well see fewer customers in the beginning of 2009. However, laminate is a cost effective alternative to many traditional flooring materials and this may work in favour of the laminate sector when it comes to consumers making their flooring choice.

With sustainability remaining a key concern in the hotel industry, what are you doing to implement change?

JB: Stewardship of the environment is a responsibility that Brintons takes very seriously. It is not an empty promise made to pacify the community and to impress our customers. It is a fundamental conviction which impacts upon our daily working lives and influences all of the decisions we make. No material can be purchased, no process introduced nor product launched without first carrying out a full appraisal of all its environmental implications. To this end, we have had, for many years, a clear and meaningful Environmental Policy governing the way we manage our business.

PW: Strata Tiles endeavours to source factories which recycle their energy. One of our suppliers powers the local town via their factories generators. Strata also ensure haulage carriers are full for both inbound and outbound journeys to prevent empty cargoes and unnecessary travel costs and emissions. Many of our factories are now making significant endeavours to become carbon neutral.

CS: Nine months ago we conducted an independent audit of our production.  We have introduced many new methods to enhance the productivity of our weaving houses, as well as maintaining and continuing to improve working conditions for our weavers. Essentially it’s about not cutting corners: we’re interested in keeping a craft alive in an efficient and responsible way.

KM: Pergo products already have many sustainabile qualities as they are, so we have not had to do much over the last year in the way of change.

Are you seeing an increased demand for sustainable products?

PW: Designers and architects are increasingly choosing materials which are environmentally friendly as an important step towards sustainable building. Current government legislation has increased the pressure to make this choice, with new criteria being set for sustainable building applications.

CS: Yes, people quite rightly expect quality materials as well as ethical and environmentally responsible production methods.

JW: There are certainly a lot more sustainable products on the market and manufacturers are also aware that their whole manufacturing process is part of the sustainable package. Whilst clients are very interested in addressing this issue, the sometimes high cost of these materials excludes them from budgets. This will improve with time and many clients, once they have understood the long term cost savings will be more enthusiastic about considering them.