Last month's Surfaces Expo in Las Vegas brought together retailers, architects, designers and builders from all over the world to discuss the latest tiles, marble, carpeting, hardwood, rugs, laminate, stone and wall coverings from more than 600 manufacturers and suppliers.
It was fascinating to see exactly how manufacturers are preparing for the coming season's design trends.
At Surfaces Expo a couple of years ago, a minimalist look with high-gloss surfaces, shiny white tiles, blonde woods and plain beige carpets dominated. This year, the shift in style was striking. That cold minimalism has been superseded by natural materials, pronounced irregular textures, burnished surface finishes and understated metallic effects. A handcrafted aesthetic is clearly being encouraged and there is an apparent consensus from manufacturers about this new design direction.
The Belgian company Louis De Poortere got a lot of attention from interior designers for the Multi rug design from its Vintage Collection. It uses a mash-up approach of splicing together traditionally patterned panels, and the finished rugs give a contemporary twist to the timeless appeal of oriental carpet and patchwork techniques. The illusion of "worn away" areas, the subtle stitched-together appearance of the panels and the lightly faded antique colours add a layer of appealing character.
Meanwhile, the latest product launches from Mannington Mills, one of the largest flooring companies in America, are characterised by reclaimed woods and modern rustic styling. Darker hardwood and laminate shades with burled elements, scratched features and greyed-off tones helped give the company's range the rough luxe look that was prevalent at the show.
Architectural Systems Inc showed its gorgeous Ornamental Collection of wall coverings with self-adhesive backings. With deep quilted and embossed leathers, rich copper effects, antiqued gold, pewter pin-dot patterns and burnished faux bois surfaces, the company offered high-glamour and intense character. ASI products were used by designers of the Dubai Bloomingdale's store, and it continues to lead the way in surface trends.
Bristol Studios Design was the best example of a tile manufacturer showcasing product inspired by the effects of earth, air, fire and water. Its pottery tiles had on-trend surface finishes with molten, eroded, oxidised, burnished, undulating, crushed and cracked qualities.
Victoria Redshaw is the managing director of Scarlet Opus. For more information, see www.trendsblog.co.uk and twitter.com/scarletopus. For more details on Louis De Poortere rugs visit www.louisdepoortere.com
