Article Number : 1394 |
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| Date | 10/11/2006 10:42:59 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1394 |
| Abstract | TEMPLE, TEX.—Consumers’ desire for bringing natural earth tones into the home continues to be running high. But, this trend has also brought on the yearning to spice things up a bit by adding woods with more red hues in them... |
| Article | TEMPLE, TEX.—Consumers’ desire for bringing natural earth tones into the home continues to be running high. But, this trend has also brought on the yearning to spice things up a bit by adding woods with more red hues in them. To meet this demand, Wilsonart Flooring has made a significant expansion to its red-hued designs in its Classic, Estate Plus and Red Label collections. “Even though homeowners yearn for the security and restfulness associated with personal retreats, they want a little spice,” said Gwen Petter, Wilsonart’s manager of surface design. Consumers want to add depth and contrast to the predominate monotone earth hues and neutrals found in many homes. “That’s why we’re seeing such an interest in warm, enveloping colors,” she added. “A room can look washed out without an eye- atching accent. Red-hued wood can provide this accent as well as providing some depth and interest.” Of the seven new red-hued designs the laminate mill has added, three are for the Classic Collection, and two each have been placed in the Estate Plus and Red Label collections. The three Classic additions— Allerton Hickory, Caryan Walnut and Flinders Acacia—come in Wilsonart’s new 5-in. full board width. Allerton is named for poet Ellen Allerton who penned “My Hickory Tree” in 1894 and is brown to reddish-brown with green and gold undertones. Caryan is based off the Greek goddess Carya, who Dionysus transformed into a walnut tree when she died to create a living monument. Flinders is designed from the slow growing, hard, dense tree in North Flinders, Australia and features dark, red-brown colors. Sparrow Walnut and Santao Rosewood, which have been added to the Estate Collection, are 7-3/4-in., two-board block designs. Petter said Sparrow consists of narrow, pinkish sapwood and brown heartwood with gray-green and fine blackish streaks. Santao was created from the Amazon wood that is know for its fragrant rose-scent-ed oil which was once a main ingredient in Chanel No. 5. The wood itself is used in stringed instrument fingerboards. Red Label’s two additions— El Dorado Wood and Dragon Cherry—are both 5-in. fullboards. Petter noted El Dorado has a distressed texture and features scattered knots and quartered flake figuring to capture the rustic nature of the Southwest. Meanwhile, Dragon is created from a cherry veneer stained by an Asian designer and aged for half a year. In addition to the new redhued products, Wilsonart has also introduced Cherry Blossom to the Red Label collection. This 5-in. narrow plank product which has a brown hue was developed in conjunction with Dragon after a two-year worldwide trend analysis on Japanese and East Asian design influences. “We’re fascinated by other cultures,” Petter explained, “and that fascination is reflected in the types of styles in which we decorate our homes. Wood patterns which complement East Asian design influences will continue to grow in popularity.” With regard to the Japanese culture, she added, “it seeks to balance opposites in all aspects of life. So, for example, Dragon Cherry can be integrated with heavily textured rugs or surface mats, while the light Cherry Blossom can be paired effectively with dark stained wood furnishings or design accents.” For more information on Wilsonart, call 800.710.8846. |