By Louis Iannaco
It’s no secret during the last few years carpet has taken a back seat to the attention hard surface products have received. The skyrocketing sales experienced in that area have not only made broadloom mill executives envious, but with the aid of the latest technology, has spurned companies to develop new and different textures, fibers and designs to attract consumers back to the world of soft surface flooring. The following are some of the latest products to hit the scene as the fall selling season begins to heat up.

Fresh, fun colors and innovative styles that highlight and complement today’s hottest accessories and furnishings are the hallmarks of Beaulieu’s commercial introductions for fall, noted Tiffany Thornton, designer/colorist for Beaulieu.

“We’ve seen a lot of innovation in the residential market over the past few years—people are willing to take risks, try new things, break out of the traditional mold,” she said. “Our Main Street customers have told us they want the same fashion-forward options, but without the high-fashion price tag.”

Static provides a twist on a familiar favorite, the television screen, Thornton noted. Colors range from warm golds, rich reds and brilliant blues that bring back memories of classic old movies and television shows. “While the style pays homage to the past, Static was designed for today’s high-traffic commercial installations.” The polypropylene loop pile is available in 20- and 26-ounce weights.

With an eye toward fun, fashion and functionality, Caliente boasts an updated contemporary take on flooring with hot and spicy colors such as saffron, chili pepper and black pepper. “While Caliente puts the spotlight on color, it was created to complement today’s emphasis on furniture and accessories and provide a range of design options for commercial installations,” added Thornton.

New from Shaw Industries is Natural Reflections, a residential collection of Anso nylon products in textures, twists, loops and patterns. All Anso products are made of type 6 nylon, contain recycled content and can be recycled at Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility. All products are made with Shaw’s SoftBac backing, treated with R2X stain and soil repellent and carry Shaw’s highest warranty rating under Shaw Star Assurance.

Also new from Shaw is the fully recyclable EcoWorx Performance Broadloom, which brings the sustainability and proven performance of its EcoWorx backing technology to the much larger broadloom market. This sustainable backing innovation is available on select styles of commercial carpet from Shaw Contract Group, including all products available on Ultraloc MP backing. Additionally, Pop Quiz II, Expose and Color Cue will all feature the new broadloom backing. It is also available as a custom order on all other broadloom products.

All EcoWorx products are backed by an environmental guarantee stating that at end of their useful life, they will be picked up by the manufacturer to be recycled into more backing at no additional charge to the customer.

Another new product for fall is Park City from Gulistan. Park City capitalizes on the success of our January introduction of Highland Springs,” said Tony Prespitino, vice president of sales and marketing. “Park City is a heavier, denser version offered in the same 30 subtle, three-tone colorations as Highland Springs, which allows the consumer to trade themselves up in this popular shag/frieze styling category.”

For the fall, Karastan is launching two woven wool styles and three tufted carpets. Its woven introductions include Ardington and Tristan. Ardington is a space-dyed, cut-and-loop ribbed texture that creates excitement, noted a company spokeswoman. “Karastan heightens the drama of this fun, yet versatile, offering by weaving it in eight, two-color combinations of tonal and contrasting hues. Use of 100% New Zealand wool lends softness, durability and lasting beauty to a composition that defies convention.”

A collaboration of color weaves its way across Tristan’s level-loop field. Casual in look and feel, Tristan tantalizes the eye with a trio of space-dyed color, she noted. “It’s a look that brings the latest trends home with style and ease. All this fashion comes with the exclusive features of New Zealand wool, an eco-friendly fiber that offers superior durability, stain resistance and longevity.” Karastan’s tufted introductions include Carlisle Bay, Woodland Pass and Divani.