In honor of Earth Day 2021, we've compiled four easy ideas you can implement to make your everyday life more sustainable.Green Idea One: Know Your Carbon Footprint A simple way to reduce your carbon footprint is to understand how much carbon you are emitting. You can use a carbon calculator to learn about your habits, and how to start making a difference. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. After understanding which decisions might help you conserve more, there are a few simple switches you can make to easily decrease your negative impact.Green Idea Two: Reduce Food Waste Start by challenging yourself or your household to create less food waste in a week. Whether that's by using a part of a vegetable you normally discard, or by beginning a backyard composting bin. Composting is great, because like Zeftron's nylon, which can be recycled over and over without losing any performance, the waste you produce can actually be turned into super-rich potting soil for future gardens! Composting alone can drastically reduce the amount of trash you throw away each week.Green Idea Three: Switch to Green Energy An immediate way to make an impact in your own home is to contact your energy company and consider switching to a green provider that ensures all of the energy you use is supplied by clean energy sources. This may in fact lower your monthly energy bill, which would be a win/win! Secondly, if you don't already own a learning thermostat, you may want to look into purchasing a system that "learns" your energy usage habits, and automatically reduces usage and cost.Green Idea Four: Reduce Meat Consumption Lastly, meat consumption has one of the largest negative impacts on our carbon footprint. If going fully vegetarian or vegan seems unrealistic, try making smaller changes like instituting a "Meatless Monday" or picking new weekly plant-based recipes to try! As a brand that offers 25% recycled content in every color, contributes to LEED points and is MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified™ as a 100% fully recyclable yarn system, Zeftron nylon strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. What tips do you have for reusing, recycling, or reducing your carbon footprint? Share your ideas with us on our social platforms!

We've gathered four of the most famous paintings in the world to show you exactly why. The colors, texture and movement of these masterpieces provide the perfect jumping-off point for thinking about your next design. And each of these pieces beautifully lends itself to a different type of space or style.

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment should always be a top priority. With Covid-19 still affecting our daily lives, it should now be priority Number One. For designers, architects and facility managers, this brings an increased level of responsibility. Today, more than ever, these professionals must be highly knowledgeable of a product’s role in creating healthy spaces. Previous blog articles show how carpet plays a critical role in creating healthy interior spaces. Carpet is effective at trapping airborne particles, such as dust and pollen, thus improving indoor air quality. It also provides a higher coefficient of friction than a smooth or hard surface product, which can reduce slips or falls. Like any other product, whether it’s a hard surface such as LVT or a carpet, your floor covering must be properly maintained. When this is done, it brings additional health benefits. It also enhances its performance, look and longevity. Carpet Care Requirements for Covid-19 When it comes to carpet’s role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to know the facts and a few definitions. A Wall Street Journal article, “How Exactly Do You Catch Covid-19? There is a Growing Consensus,” sheds light on research about the virus’s transmission. Citing numerous experts, the article states “It’s not common to contract Covid-19 from a contaminated surface, scientists say.” The CDC also supports this claim. On its website, it states that the “transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented.” In fact, the “transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through objects and surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, toys, etc.” Nevertheless, it’s wise to take every precaution to remain safe from viral transmission. The CDC cautions: “Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19…” Of course sanitizing and disinfecting are not the same. Carpet, because of its properties, can be sanitized. Sanitization, as defined by dictionary.com “is the act of making something free from dirt, germs, etc., as by cleaning or sterilizing.” Disinfecting is the “act of cleansing of infection” with the intent “to destroy germs.” 4 Quick Steps for Commercial Carpet Maintenance Properly maintaining a commercial carpet does not have to be a time-consuming or costly proposition. There are several steps that you can take that will keep the surface as clean as possible for maximum health benefits. These include: Step 1. Adopt a Maintenance Plan Any good maintenance plan requires taking a strategic approach. Your carpet maintenance plan is no different. First, start out by using a floor plan to mark the different areas where there is carpet in your facility. From there, you should identify the level of foot traffic each area experiences. Entry ways, for example, will have higher foot traffic than a seldom-used office. Once you know your building’s foot traffic patterns, you can tailor a carpet care schedule. ShawContract suggests vacuuming 1 time per day in high traffic areas such as entrances and break rooms. Low-traffic areas, such as private offices, only need vacuuming 2 times a week. Step 2. Use Proper Vacuuming Techniques According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), regular vacuuming is one of the most proven ways to keep carpet clean. Doing so regularly also ensures your carpet will continue to trap airborne particles and allergens, enhancing the air quality of your commercial space. In fact, 80 to 85 % of dry soil can be removed by proper vacuuming. The CRI recommends several tips for effective vacuuming, including vacuuming in both directions and vacuuming slowly. ShawContract also has a list of carpet maintenance tips, as well as a suggested schedule for carpet care in commercial spaces. Step 3. Don’t Skip the Basics Whether your building has a hard surface, a soft surface or a combination of both, any flooring type requires regular maintenance. Basic steps that should not be overlooked include:Stop Dirt at the Door — Place mats outside and inside building entryways to capture dirt and other particles before they enter the interior of the building.Catch Debris in High-Traffic Areas — Place textured mats underneath desks and in popular lounge areas, where there is a higher level of foot placement during the day. These mats will catch excess debris before it gets into the carpet.Ventilate — Try to ventilate your space with fresh air as often as possible by opening windows and doors. Step 4. Use the Best Equipment and Resources A carpet is a significant financial investment. It also serves as an important design element. And, as we’ve learned, it also supports healthier and safer interiors for occupants. Protect this investment by following the steps above. And be sure to use CRIs’ Seal of Approval products, such as carpet cleaners, pre-spray and extraction products. Additional Resources For more information, be sure to visit the Zeftron website to learn how a premium fiber like Zeftron nylon provides commercial carpet with exceptional performance, style and sustainability benefits. To receive weekly educational content, follow Zeftron on our social channels. We cover commercial carpet trends, color theory, and inspiring design projects.

Zeftron nylon has been providing a premium nylon 6 product to the commercial marketplace for more than 40 years. In addition to providing a superior product, we also provide education and guidance on carpet specification to the design community. This is done through our Zeftron nylon Field Representatives located in key markets throughout the country. In this post, Tim Blount, Zeftron nylon's Business Leader, talks with Marketing Specialist Richard Radke about his role with Zeftron nylon. Tim: Thanks for taking the time to share with our readers. First, can you describe what you do in your role as Marketing Specialist at Zeftron nylon? Richard: Essentially, I'm a resource to help specifiers and designers make educated choices about the floor covering options they have available. Designers are bombarded with tons of information from manufacturers, but they have little time to fully digest all that is being presented. My role, along with our Zeftron Field Reps, is to provide information about carpet and its various components, including the nylon. We can discuss important aspects such as carpet construction, performance, stain resistance, colorfastness, environmental attributes, maintainability and warranty protection. We can also answer questions about our mill partner's product collections, pricing, as well as their styling capabilities and color options. Tim: How does your background enable you to help A&D professionals better understand the importance of Zeftron nylon in a commercial carpet product? Richard: I have a degree in interiors and worked as a designer before joining Zeftron. During my 20 years with Zeftron, I've been in constant contact with the design community. Whether through one-on-one meetings, CEU presentations, lunch and learns, product presentations or attending industry events like NeoCon, my goal is to stay connected to what designers need in a commercial carpet product. Tim: What are some of the more common issues you help resolve or address in your role? Richard: Designers have so many options when it comes to a flooring choice today. Oftentimes, designers want to know whether they should specify a carpet or hard surface product. From a design standpoint, carpet remains an excellent and versatile solution. The richness of color, shading, texture and styling of a carpet product is exceptional. But beyond design, a carpet product offers multiple other benefits — superb acoustics, strong slip-resistance, excellent performance/durability and easy maintenance. In addition, it is well documented how far carpet manufacturers have come in creating environmentally friendly products. Our nylon, for example, contains a minimum of 25 percent recycled content and can contribute to LEED credits. Finally, carpet products are very competitively priced. Tim: If there are architects and designers who are not aware of your role, what's their reaction after they meet you? Richard: When architects and designers learn about my role, they realize that I am not selling a product directly to them, since that is done through our mill partners. Because of this, I become a resource of information to them; I can help answer their questions which might range for the very technical to the very simple. I can take them through the carpet specification process and work with them to identify the kind of flooring solution that is best for their client and the project they are working on. Tim: What's the best thing about your job? Richard: Having been a designer, I really enjoy the creative process and being able to participate in the design process is still fun. I also enjoy working with designers who have never specified a product with our nylon before. It is satisfying to know that I can be a resource, helping them make a decision that is best for them based on their client, their budget and their project. Zeftron's tagline is "Delivering More," and I like to think that through my role and our Field Reps we can do just that for the design community.

When choosing flooring for your design projects, it's easy to get caught up in the debate of carpet versus hard surfaces. And though we're partial to the beautiful versatility of carpet, we know that it doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Both materials can co-exist to maximize an aesthetic appeal and functionality of any space. Here are five reasons why you should consider mixing multiple flooring options into your design. Define Traffic Pathways and Enhance Wayfinding If you've ever entered a space only to be met with a mass of people standing around or moving chaotically in all directions, then you know how helpful traffic pathways can be in a design. Using hard surfaces bounded by carpet creates walkways that both visually and intuitively guide visitors through a space. The comfort and vibrancy of carpet invites visitors to relax in seating areas while stone, tile, and hardwood encourages movement and can clearly direct visitors through the areas of moving traffic. The combination of the two materials naturally guides visitors through the space while decreasing congestion and frustration. Create Comfort Zones Carpet naturally creates a sense of comfort that invites visitors to relax, which is why it's the perfect accompaniment to couches and lounge seating. Think of the psychological shift when you come home for the day and kick your shoes off, digging your toes into lush carpet. Can't you just feel your body instantly relax? The same effect can be applied to commercial spaces. Whether it's the waiting area of an office building or the parlor-style lobby of a hotel, the contrast between hard surface and carpet invites a psychological shift to relax. Expand Custom Capabilities When it comes to executing your vision, you do not have to be limited to a single flooring option. By combining carpet with hard surfaces in your design, the possibilities are endless. Maybe you love the natural texture and movement of marble but wish it could be enhanced and highlighted. Creating a custom carpet pattern that matches the natural tones of the marble and a prominent pattern that mirrors the veins of the stone can do exactly that. Enhance Sense of Place In the best designs, each element complements each other, combining and playing together like a beautiful symphony. From the architecture to the furniture, it all adds up to a cohesive whole that leaves visitors with an intuitive sense of the space's identity. Combining hard flooring with carpet can be a great way to enhance the sense of place. From evoking natural settings to mirroring the soaring heights of the architecture, these materials can harmonize perfectly. Create Focal Points and Unique Accents Contrast is an excellent way to draw the eye and create focal points within a design. By shifting from one flooring material to another within a single space, visitors are invited to focus on unique details with specific purposes. That purpose could be practical, like the wayfinding mentioned earlier. Or it could be entirely aesthetic, drawing attention to unique art pieces, elements of architecture, or unexpected details.

After months of bare trees and snow-blanketed landscapes, the world is bursting into bloom with the arrival of spring. And with a new season comes fresh design inspiration, courtesy of Mother Nature herself. Spring is the perfect time to inject life and vitality into your next design project with accents of bold, bright colors that you might otherwise shy away from. Follow the lead of the natural world with these five, springy colors from Zeftron's Brilliance Collection. Lemon: You know spring is on its way when brave, sunny daffodils poke their way up out of the snow. These bright yellow flowers are the first promise of spring and their warm, energetic hue is the perfect way to capture the hope of the season in your next design. The positive emotional associations and energizing effects of lemon yellow make it a wonderful accent in health and wellness spaces, where it evokes the excitement of new beginnings. Electric Blue: While April showers bring May flowers, the longer sunlight hours of spring also bring a bright blue sky that provides a welcome break from the gray clouds of winter. Electric Blue is an invigorating twist on the usually tranquil shade and is perfect for calling to mind the openness of clear water and freedom of a far-stretching sky. Maybe that's why many transportation, communications, and tech companies have embraced this hopeful hue. Lime: As the weather grows warmer and the natural world comes back to life, the bare branches and ground of winter give way to a refreshing green. It's no surprise that green, especially its bright lime shade, is associated with growth, nature, and fertility. If the daffodil's yellow petals are the first sign of spring, green grass and bright leaves signify that the new season is here to stay. Lighten up the emeralds and hunter greens of fall and winter designs with an accent of their brighter cousin to invoke a feeling of renewed energy. Hot Pink: Across the globe, the beginning of spring is marked with festivals and celebrations to one of the season's showiest spectacles: the cherry blossom. These delicate pink blooms appear just as spring arrives, blanketing trees from Japan to Europe to our nation's capital. Capture the sweetness of this natural wonder in your next design with playful pops of hot pink, inspiring everyone who sees it to feel a little lighter and younger. Brilliant Orange: As spring reaches its zenith and moves towards the warm, lazy days of summer, tulips spring up in every shade of the rainbow. But one of their most standout colors is vivid, brilliant orange. Like the yellow of daffodils, orange's warmth evokes the sun's optimism and energy. It's often used by sports teams to invigorate players and fans alike and can do the same for your next design project! To learn about our extensive color palette and how commercial carpet made with Zeftron can help you achieve the perfect look for your next design project, visit our Design Process page.

You've started designing a commercial space for a client, but you can't quite find the right carpeting to make the statement you want or reflect the branding exactly the way you've envisioned. You've thought about designing a custom carpet, but that seems daunting. Fear not, we've got you covered. Here are five tips to demystify the process and create that signature look that you're going for! 1. Consider the Branding. You may be interested in incorporating your client's branding in the design. With modern carpet-making machinery you can recolor an existing carpet style, create a new pattern or customize colors to realize your perfect design. You can even get exact matches to corporate logo colors or reference landscape features and local landmarks. Carpet can provide the background for telling a brand's story. 2. Review the Requirements. Building plans are important early in the design process as the shape of the facility, placement of hallways and public spaces, and room sizes will affect transitions, the layout, and the quantities of carpet. Regional factors like weather and sunlight, maintenance and styling capabilities all factor in as well. Whether refurbishing or building a new property, imagine the space, its uses, how people interact in it and traffic patterns. Consider how different spaces work together and categorize your zones. Zones will have different design requirements, aesthetic goals and performance needs and this will help you determine how the overall quantity breaks down into minimums for the different types of carpets required in the zones. 3. Know Your Options. Once you know the requirements for the space, then you can review your options to meet those needs. Solution dyed nylon (SDN) and wool are both durable solutions when it comes to a soft surface flooring option. SDN is very colorfast, meaning the pigment holds on to the color when exposed to moisture, light, heat and most cleaning products. Using a proven SDN like Zeftron nylon, which has been a part of high performing commercial carpets for more than 40 years, can be a good choice. Wool, meanwhile, has a richness that adds to the ambience of a facility. You can consider using tufted or woven carpet. Advances in tufting technology have improved design capabilities, speed of manufacturing and durability of these carpets. Weaving also offers durability along with more intricate patterning, styling and colorations. Tufting and weaving can both produce loop and cut-pile styles. Both can also vary the pile height to add textural interest to the carpet design. 4. Stretch Your Budget. Knowing a little about factors that impact carpet cost will help you as you design. The size of the order is a big factor. It takes the same amount of time to set up a run for 70 feet of carpet as it does for thousands of feet of carpet. So, carpet cost is reduced with a large order. Yarn systems vary in cost. Also, working within a carpet mill's color bank versus creating a custom color will be most cost effective. Machinery speeds factor into costs. The more complex the design, the slower the machine runs which adds up. Complex designs also cost more due to set up time for the run. Some machines require heavier weights to achieve the desired aesthetics. This means more yarn and therefore added cost. Performance objectives influence the choice of construction and the face weight of the carpet. A carpet that performs well has a high density and uses more yarn, once again adding to the cost. Public spaces usually require a high level of design, good performance, and ease of cleaning. Higher weights, typically 36 oz/sq yd and above, are required for this and with more detailed patterns different machines must be employed which moves the cost needle up. 5. Select the Right Carpet Manufacturer. Your design and performance requirements will help determine which carpet manufacturer partner you choose. Your carpet representative can help you, and the mill designers will also aid in choosing which machines will construct the carpet to your design specifications. Work closely with the mill personnel. Their support can aid and enhance your design concept. Mills such as Encore, which specializes in the hospitality industry, have the ability to do custom carpet creations and can be excellent partners and resources in the process. Getting a better understanding of the process at the start can help you get a good idea of cost, availability and design capabilities and decide which mill to go with for your custom carpet project. Next Stop: Custom Carpet Design We've shared five steps you need to consider to make custom carpet design more manageable: branding, requirements, options, budget and a partner. For more detailed information on this process, take our Zeftron U course to get more insight into how to successfully collaborate with your local rep and their liaisons and designers at the mill. There's no reason to be intimidated by custom carpet. Just start with a few key steps, and you'll be well on your way to a bespoke look for your next commercial project.

B Carpet has been creating high-quality, custom-crafted carpet for the hospitality industry for 35 years. Last summer, the company introduced a new color manufacturing process that accommodates a larger color palette for the commercial carpet it designs. The result: B Carpet products are now more brilliant than ever. A long-time partner to Zeftron that has been creating custom-made carpets with our premium nylon 6 fiber, we are pleased to feature B Carpet's President Elizabeth Moore in this special blog article. Here, Moore talks about B Carpet's new technology, how it works and how it sets B Carpet apart from other commercial carpet manufacturers. Q: What is the name of this new technology? A. We call it Octacia. The name is derived from the fact that it is an eight-color manufacturing process. Oct refers to eight, and "acia" means "yarn" or "thread" in Latin. When we say "8 plus", we are referencing the fact that there are actually more than eight yarn colors when some of them are cut ends and some of them are loop pile. Q. How does it work? A. Octacia works with our patented Tapistron computer yarn placement (CYP) technology to now accommodate a larger palette of eight colors. This is something no other CYP tufting machine in the world can do. Traditional CYP machines use six colors, and some machines are limited to cut pile only, which means there are no shades of the six colors to work with. Q. What are the benefits of Octacia? A. We are able to offer the most superior design detail and manufacturing precision in eight colors. The technology enables us to make various tuft densities and easily run between 100 and 200 tufts per square inch, which provides much more density than an Axminster carpet, for instance. Using the CYP process, we can create unique patterns with all cut pile, all loop pile, or cut and loop custom-designed and custom-colored products for a project using wool or solution-dyed nylon. Most designers feel that a cut and loop CYP give the richest and most elegant design capability of any tufted process other than hand tufted products. So, adding two more yarns to the palette enhances the options quite a bit. Q. How does this new technology help B Carpet compete with Axminster products? A. Woven Axminster products are cut pile only so they cannot be made in cut and loop hand-tufted looks. Also, most woven products come from overseas, and customers are increasingly requesting American made products. Among the American made choices for tufted designs, the Tapistron technology is a superior alternative to carpet made on Colorpoint and ColorTech machines because of the density and clarity that we can achieve. Q. Are there any environmental benefits to the new technology? A. Yes. Octacia technology is less resource-intensive than other competitive technologies. Compared to other tufted products, Octacia technology puts far less waste yarn on the back of the carpet and requires less latex to be used to secure the yarn. It's a more earth-friendly option than wool Axminster products that contain skein dyed yarn, which produces effluent waste from the dye process. Also, those Axminster products are shipped over long distances, usually from Asia, compared to Octacia products made here in the United States. Q. What does this new technology mean for designers? A. With Octacia, more design ideas can be transformed into beautiful carpets, made in a process that respects the beauty of the environment.

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2013, Zeftron is excited for the year ahead. For architect and design firms, 2013 was a "decent" year – especially when compared to years prior. For A&D firms specializing in hospitality projects, 2013 was a growth year. According to Interior Design magazine, firms reported nearly 900 projects more this year than in 2012, creating a grand total of 3,720 projects resulting in 202 million square feet. So what will 2014 hold for the hospitality sector? Here's what we see:Room Rates Increasing — Floor Focus magazine estimates room rates will continue to increase at a pace of about 4.5 percent for the coming year. This can translate to more revenue and better earnings for hotels and hotel management companies.Pent-Up Demand Sparking Growth – Floor Focus also estimates that pent-up demand will continue to spur more renovation projects and new construction. Architect and design firms will continue to see opportunities for projects and revenue growth from this pent-up demand.Some Markets Better Than Others — An article in Hotel Management suggests some markets are better positioned for growth than others. Those markets "with limited supply growth and favorable demand momentum," include San Francisco, Boston and Charlotte, among others. From a design perspective, here's what we expect:Flooring is Essential — Flooring will continue to play a leading role in creating a space and establishing a hospitality brand's image or identity.Home-Like Feel — The trend toward comfortable settings – lobbies, rooms, etc. — will progress as Americans continue to move away from the corporate look for a more casual (almost home-like) one that reflects the character of the facility's location. Carpet made with Zeftron nylon can help meet these design needs. We will be introducing new colors to our color palette in 2014. Many of the new colors we'll be introducing are specifically geared for the hospitality market. In addition, our unmatched performance guarantees and recyclability characteristics offer designers the best of all worlds for the commercial carpet they specify with Zeftron nylon. As the new year beckons, Zeftron nylon wishes you a prosperous year ahead. We hope 2014 is filled with inspiration, and that Zeftron can be a part of the amazing spaces you create.

Commercial carpet products made with Zeftron nylon can be found virtually everywhere, from the world's most stylish hotels to today's modern airports and universities across the country. We're excited to highlight a recent Zeftron nylon installation at the Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt. This exquisite hotel features an 11-story beautiful garden atrium along with a unique 2-story waterfall and plush greenery in a picturesque setting. To match the aesthetic of the common area, the design team at Design & Supply selected the Aqua Hospitality Carpets' Flora made with 100% Zeftron nylon. The Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt is a highly popular (2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award) and heavily frequented hotel catering to student groups, alumni, business travelers and fun seekers. A recent renovation of its 208 guest suites, consisting of more than 3,600 square feet, required the perfect flooring solution: One that would be stylish and visually interesting, extremely durable and mask stains until their removal. "Durability is always the most important factor from an operating standpoint," said hotel GM Scott Balmaseda. "But we tested this product thoroughly before it was installed and it performed very well." Nashville and the area surrounding the hotel have become a hotbed for green building. Vanderbilt University boasts 15 LEED certified buildings, while Belmont College launched "Belmont Goes Green" in 2007 to encourage greater environmental awareness on its campus. Embassy Suites also takes its commitment to "Going Green" seriously and was another reason why the hotel chose this particular carpet for the installation. A fully recyclable nylon with 25 percent recycled content and the ability to contribute to LEED credits, Zeftron also supports sustainability. If you would like more information about Zeftron nylon or would like to partner with Zeftron on A&D visits, contact the Zeftron team.

This week's featured carpet is Arcadia made by our mill partner Bolyu. Arcadia is a broadloom textured loop made with Zeftron® Nylon with 25% recycled content. This product is available in 12 foot broadloom and features a 28 ounce tufted weight. Arcadia is available in thirteen colors: Sandoval, Hawk Springs, Yellowstone, Sierra Mesa, Ponderosa, Medicine Bow, Copper Canyon, Great Divide, Bitter Creek, Paradise Hills, Eagle's Nest, Sweetwater and Black Mountain. To find other Bolyu styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Search tool: the Zeftron Style Guide.

Most visible in nature, the unassuming color green is experiencing a resurgence. "Greenery," Pantone's 2017 Color of the Year, is a fresh yellow-green shade that, according to Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute, "is about unity and community – connecting to oneself and others and a higher purpose, Nature." Green brings several benefits to interior design projects. Research shows that green is the easiest color on the human eye. This means green is an excellent color for interior spaces where people will be spending a lot of time. Whether for an office, a public space or a hospitality setting, green's inherent hue is physically soft and pleasing to the eye. Globally speaking, green symbolizes the environment, nature and sustainability. When we think of these elements, they are closely connected to growth, rejuvenation and calm, as well as creativity and productivity. With green having so many positive attributes to it, it's no wonder it's the choice of many company brand identities such as Heineken, Starbucks, The Masters Golf Tournament and John Deere. Interestingly enough, while Greenery is Pantone's Color of the Year this year, we've long offered a color very similar to it in our extensive color palette. Our Lime 6065 color closely resembles Greenery, especially its yellow pigment, which according to Pantone, "references the sun, the symbolic light that people need in these times." Designers have an amazing opportunity to create spaces with colors that can affect human behavior and well being. And with a floor the largest surface area of any interior, the carpet you select can essentially serve as a creative canvas to make an impactful visual statement. So what do you think: Will you be using colors similar to Greenery this year in your design efforts? If so, what will those colors symbolize — nature, growth, calm or something else? For more information about Zeftron's color collections, feel free to visit our color collections page.

Zeftron nylon is proud to work with a mill partner who values sustainability. BOLYU Contract was named "Environmental Supplier of the Year" by Home Depot, and they use renewable energy in all commercial facilities to meet manufacturing needs. One of the beautiful carpets made by BOLYU with Zeftron nylon is Bandelier. Product Specifications: Pairing outstanding durability with enduring beauty, Zeftron nylon makes a perfect high-performance partner to high-intensity commercial spaces. Bandelier can transform commercial spaces and is both functional and stylish. Zeftron nylon means style—pure and simple. High-performance, fully recyclable nylon that is a beautiful tool of the design trade. Bandelier is available in thirteen colors: Sandoval, Hawk Springs, Yellowstone, Sierra Mesa, Ponderosa, Medicine Bow, Copper Canyon, Great Divide, Bitter Creek, Paradise Hills, Eagle's Nest, Sweetwater and Black Mountain. To find other Bolyu styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Search tool: the Zeftron Style Guide. About BOLYU Contract BOLYU Contract is the commercial carpet division of Beaulieu of America which was founded in 1978. Today it is one of the largest privately held flooring producers in North America. Originally established to manufacture area rugs, the company invested in yarn extrusion in 1981 becoming the first manufacturer in the carpet and rug industry to produce their own yarn. The company then diversified into tufting carpet (under the brands of BOLYU and Aqua Hospitality Carpets), establishing the factory known today as Beaulieu Commercial in Chatsworth, GA.

Bloomsburg Carpet, a maker of highly styled and superior woven broadloom carpet, is introducing four new sophisticated products through its Tuva Looms line: Broadcloth, Veneer, Lineage and Visage. Each product is made with Zeftron nylon, a fully renewable nylon 6 fiber that offers the best in style, performance and recyclability. These designs are inspired by natural textures and the stylistic creativity available through natural tones and can serve as the foundational piece for the design of any commercial interiors space. The coordinating patterns and common colorways work together seamlessly and bring an elevated sense of style and a unified aesthetic to areas such as private offices, conference rooms, hallways and lobbies. "Our mission is to develop great looking products that perform to the highest standards and are environmentally responsible. With Zeftron, we are able to achieve all three criteria," said Bloomsburg Vice President of Sales Jim Cody. "By fully utilizing Zeftron's outstanding color palette and styling versatility, Broadcloth, Visage, Veneer and Lineage will have an incredible lifespan, while maintaining its sophisticated color and appearance. Designers will also appreciate Zeftron's multiple sustainable attributes." Products made with Zeftron can contribute to LEED points in several ways. Zeftron nylon is a closed-loop, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified brand that comes standard with a minimum of 25 percent recycled content in each yarn system. Zeftron nylon also offers lifetime performance and stain removal guarantees. Broadcloth, Visage and Veneer are available in 10 colorways, while Lineage comes in eight. Visage uses a subtle metallic colored nylon pinstripe to create tailored vertical accents. Veneer brings a modern furrowed design for added dimension. Broadcloth utilizes a cut-pile and loop-pile to add a simple yet elegant pattern over the textured background. Lineage integrates solid colors from the twisted background of Visage, Veneer and Broadcloth in a cut and loop meandering, organic pattern. About Bloomsburg Carpet Founded in 1976 by Raymond P. Habib and continued today through the leadership of Raymond's son, Thomas Habib, Bloomsburg Carpet Industries is dedicated to producing highly styled carpets of superior quality. Bloomsburg Carpet combines American weaving craftsmanship with premium fibers to create carpet textures and designs that are unparalleled in the industry. Bloomsburg Carpet is recognized as the only mill in the world to offer Wilton, Axminster and Velvet weaving all under one roof. About Zeftron Nylon For more than 40 years, Zeftron nylon has continued to deliver more value-added opportunities and advantages to the commercial interiors marketplace through dedicated partnerships, a premium branded nylon 6 product and superior service. All Zeftron nylon yarns are closed-loop recyclable, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified and come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content. Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

We recently toured the Novatel Times Square on the Interiors & Sources NYC Hotel Bus Tour. We were given a behind-the-scenes look at Novatel with designer Sara Duffy from Stonehill & Taylor who walked us through the bold expressive space. As you can see, the creative and strategic use of color and creative lighting are the main focus of this lobby space. When a guest arrives they are excited, drawn to various elements around the room and they feel energized! That is the power of design. We want to help you create a space that engages and leaves a lasting impression. That is why we created the Brilliant Collection, made up of seven highly vibrant colors. We're discussing these exciting new colors individually, and we look forward to hearing how you will incorporate them in your upcoming projects. A Hint of Lime Did you know that Green is the most seen color in the world? Green helps to sooth and encourage mental relaxation. A lime can add a punch of citrus and acid to cooking. Limes can change the entire taste of a recipe with just a little squeeze! Why not add something that powerful to your next project. The addition of Zeftron nylon's newest colors in the Brilliant Collection give every project that something extra that they need. Liven it up with Hot Pink Design firm Chrissis & Company Interiors recently made the statement that the use of pink has risen in popularity and that "pink – in general is just hot." We agree! Our new colors are designed to meet the needs of designers in a color conscious world. We are watching the trends, listening to feedback from our mill partners, and providing new exciting options for your next project.

The Big Game is only days away and, like a lot of people, we're excited to see the New England Patriots take on the Los Angeles Rams. In the lead up to the biggest game of the season, the Rams announced they would be sporting their bright blue and yellow "throwback" jerseys instead of their regular, darker blue jerseys. Being color connoisseurs, we wondered if this choice might be a winning strategy for taking down the five-time champs. Could jersey colors be the key to predicting the winners of this weekend's championship? Let's take a look. When it comes to color theory and team jerseys, red usually has the edge over other colors. The aggressive, dominant associations with the color red can boost athletes' confidence as well as intimidate their opponents. Studies have even shown that teams with red uniforms are more successful than those with any other color. The Patriots do have red accents on the uniforms they'll be sporting for the Big Game, but is that enough to put them over the top? Maybe not, but they do have an unexpected advantage from a color that's often overlooked: white. That's right, the most understated color might just be the key to winning. While in other sports, aggressive red might be the best way to go. But in football, it can actually be a disadvantage as referees are more likely to call penalties on teams with red jerseys. Maybe that's why only one team in the last twenty years has won the Big Game wearing red jerseys. White, on the other hand, has a big advantage. Our associations with this color of being good, clean, and fresh might help football teams avoid penalty calls that would set them back. Or perhaps, it could make opponents perceive them as less threatening, underestimating their ability to win. Either way, white jerseys certainly have an edge in the championship. Fourteen of the last twenty winners have done it wearing white jerseys. So does this mean the Patriots are on their way to another championship? The odds are definitely in their favor, but don't count the Rams out yet. Blue's association with intelligence, integrity, and security may work in their favor. Bolstered by the confidence that yellow inspires, they might just be the fourth team in the last twenty years to take home the trophy wearing this calm, cool color. What do you think? How much of a subconscious role does color play in determining winners or losers?

This week's featured carpet is Chanterelle made by our mill partner Aqua Hospitality. With its beautiful leafy pattern Chanterelle would be a perfect selection for hotel properties and luxury resort facilities. Aqua Hospitality Carpets Director of Marketing Cathy Mansour says "Our goal is to research, develop and manufacture interesting and inspiring carpet products for the hospitality market segment." Product specifications: Chanterelle is available in nine colors: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Champagne, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. To see other Aqua Hospitality styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Search tool: the Zeftron Style Guide.

This last installment of my Tuscan blog takes a look at Florence. The Arno River, a calming influence in the center of the bustling city, provides people who stop and observe with a time for reflection both figuratively and literally. Whether it is reflecting the cloud filled sky, the ancient towers and bridges or the more recent buildings, the reflections enable contemplation or reflective thoughts. The deep blue waters of the Arno add a very serene aspect to Florence. During a leisurely lunch, we were able to sit back, relax and enjoy the water's reflections of the surrounding buildings and even the flight of several herons. We sat with a view of the Ponte Vecchio which is very busy with shoppers and tourists, but the river worked its magic and we enjoyed the water's ability to soften the hard-edged world around us and create interesting and provocative designs in the water. All in all, our trip was very enjoyable and while we took in some tourist attractions like Siena and Pisa as well, we generally tried to slow down and let this old land speak to us. Design inspiration comes in many ways, but it comes easier when you step back from the busy workday schedule and really take in your environment. What do you find most effective when you need to become one with your environment and get the creative juices flowing?

By Julie Baird A custom-designed carpet can be an excellent solution for designers looking to create a signature space. In part one of this two-part blog, PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird provides designers several tips to keep in mind when thinking about creating a custom carpet for their project. Q. Let's start with the basics. When would a designer want to choose a custom design over a running line? There are several reasons. First and foremost, a custom carpet is a great way to make a project unique or add a signature design style. An example is when an organization wants to incorporate its colors or even its logo into the design of the carpet. A custom carpet works really well in a college or university setting where you're trying to drive school spirit. It could also be great for a fun corporate environment, think Google. Actually, it can work for any market segment where a designer wants to make a design statement. Additionally, depending on the physical dimensions of the space or the requirements of the flooring surface, a running line simply may not be the best solution. If a designer can envision it, a custom carpet can make it a reality. Q. What are the challenges or drawbacks to a custom product? The biggest challenge is usually determining which construction and yarn system will best meet the project's requirements. This process can be complex depending on design intent. However, we can typically make these determinations pretty quickly. In our system, doing a custom color is not much different than ordering a standard product. Often we can deliver custom products more quickly than competitors can deliver running line products. Q. Does a custom carpet allow a designer to add more sustainability or performance characteristics to the finished product? Yes. For example, most healthcare jobs require a solution-dyed yarn like Zeftron nylon because they demand high performance and colorfast properties. Between our mill's capabilities and that of our partners like Zeftron nylon, we can deliver a product to the exact specifications the designer desires. Q. What do designers need to keep in mind before embarking on a custom design process? It's essential designers consider these key elements before starting down the path of a custom designed product:Budget – Have a flooring budget in placeYardage – Know the amount of yards for the flooring space you want coveredMarket Segment – Identify the market: hospitality, education, corporate, healthcare, etc.Application – Know where the carpet will be used and how much traffic it will endureLighting – Understand how much sunlight the carpet will be subjected toDesired Design Aesthetic or Style – Tell us your design vision for the carpetColors – Let us know the colors you're considering Check back soon for Part Two where Julie will discuss the options and tools available to designers to see a custom carpet through to completion.

By Julie Baird Last week we talked with PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird about the basics of custom carpets. This week Julie discusses the various options, processes and tools available to designers for developing the custom carpet they envision. Q. What are the options for achieving a custom carpet? At PacifiCrest we offer a multitude of ways to achieve a custom look. Designers can use our "Custom Color" program with one of our running lines or they can work with us to develop a complete "Custom Construction" product. Q. How does your "Custom Color" running line work? This is a great solution for designers looking to make a custom statement in a quick and efficient way. For a 100-yard minimum, we can match any color and turn around a custom color strike off in two days. Designers can provide us with a specific Pantone color or send us fabric samples or paint swatches for the color they want. Our dye lab then creates a formula that matches to their color. After the order is placed, we can deliver the finished carpet in five days. This turnaround is just as fast as ordering a quick-ship product and often times faster than a typical running line product. Q. How does your "Custom Construction" work? All custom construction projects must meet a 400-1,000-yard minimum. Once this requirement is met, we look at all the needs for the specific job. We determine what nylon is required, as well as what construction type and weight would meet the performance and design needs of the project. A good starting point for a custom construction is thinking about a variation of a running line product. The beauty of custom construction is that during the process we do several things to engineer the carpet to specific standards. For example, we can:Make the product lighter weight to value engineer, or we can add weight to increase performanceCreate a solution-dyed version of a piece-dyed product to meet specific and/or different design requirementsIn some cases, we can manufacture a tip-sheared version of a loop product to create a different lookTake an existing construction and create a different pattern Custom Construction is a great solution for a larger project where a signature look is desired. It can also be an effective way to meet a particular end-use or value engineer a product. Q. How would a designer start the custom process with PacifiCrest? A custom project starts with the designer's sales rep who works as a liaison between the designer and PacifiCrest. Our rep writes up a custom request form, which gets entered into our product development system. If the request is for a Custom Color running line, it goes straight to our dye lab experts. If the request is for Custom Construction, it will come to our design department where we will draw the custom pattern first and/or determine the construction. It will then go through our strike off department where we have sample machines that will tuft and finish a sample to be submitted for the designer's approval. Q. Does PacifiCrest have any specific tools or resources to help designers through this custom process? Absolutely! As a boutique mill that specializes in custom carpets, our goal is to make the custom process as simple and efficient as possible. One great tool is our CAD renderings. CAD renderings provide us the ability to add logos, create patterns and establish the exact colors a designer requires. Utilizing this tool can save time and money and ensure that the finished product is exactly what the designer envisioned. Q. What else would you like to add? Designers should not be afraid to do custom. A custom product is an excellent option for today's commercial interiors industry where more and more clients not only want an exceptional look, but one that is also uniquely distinct. That being said, it's important designers work with a mill that has the experience and capabilities to make custom carpets. PacifiCrest has a long history of being a custom carpet mill. We take pride in meeting the custom requirements of any project with highly styled products at value price points and excellent service.

Commercial carpet products made with Zeftron nylon can be found in the world's most stylish hotels, airports and universities across the country. We are excited about our latest installation in two upscale senior living facilities. RLPS Interiors, a firm with extensive experience in the senior living market, was charged with designing the interiors of two facilities serving senior patients and residents. RLPS needed a carpet that would not only provide a warm and inviting aesthetic, but also match the client's overall design concept. This unique project required a custom carpet product. RLPS reached out to our mill partner, Masland Hospitality for a solution. Starting with stock patterns from Masland Hospitality, the designers altered the patterns slightly to make them more accommodating to the needs of the residents at each facility and then applied custom colors using Zeftron nylon colors. Color was a key factor for the project. Senior Interior Designer Derek Perini felt Zeftron's sophisticated color palette stood out above other nylon options. "We preferred Zeftron due to the richness of the colors available" he said. Zeftron is also a fully renewable nylon and contains a minimum of 25 percent recycled content in every color. Utilizing Masland Hospitality's Tapistron technology, the carpet features rich earth-toned colors and elegant patterns. The result is a perfectly matched flooring product that meets both the facilities' and the client's desired design concept.

It's that time of year again for giving and receiving gifts. If you're still needing inspiration to select the perfect gift for your designer friend or colleague, we've got you covered. We've pulled together ideas from a few of the best design and architect trade magazines. Azure Magazine – "10 Great Gifts for Designers to Give and Get" This wonderful list includes a dynamic range of gift ideas. We love the very cool 3Doodler Pro Pen, which can print in metal, wood, nylon and polycarbonate. We also find the Ryan McGinness Calendar To-Do List Pad a neat gift, especially because it has ample space to sketch out your ideas and your day. Architect Magazine – "The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Architects and Designers" Seven stylish items make up this list. One item catching our eye is The Perfect Cube, Boulding Blocks. Creator Mark Boulding has developed one cube made of eight individual black or white cubes with interlocking prongs. This unique item makes it easier to build curved forms. We also like the Standing Circles Desktop Mobile. With a steel base and aluminum circles, it offers a visual focus point. We think any designer would enjoy The Pen Uno, Esso. This stylish and sleek pen comes with ink cartridges in colors ranging from black to red to violet. Metropolis Magazine – "Give the Gift of Good Design" Whether you're a design lover, techie, chef or history buff, the items Metropolis has rounded up can offer the perfect present for family or friends. They've organized their list by seven categories: Design, Eat and Drink, Play, Travel, Read, Wear, and Give. There's a lot to choose from, but we especially enjoy the Kano Computer Kit – RED Edition. Kano lets anyone of any age build their own computer from the ground up and learn to code just like a real developer. Let us know what you think. Which items will make your holiday list?

A group of six designers from New York were recently treated to an educational and fun-filled day at Bloomsburg Carpet Industries' state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bloomsburg, Pa. Spearheaded by Zeftron's Chelsey Wolf, Zeftron co-hosted and coordinated the event along with Gary Poskar, Sales Representative from Bloomsburg. Bloomsburg is a long-standing Zeftron mill partner known for their highly sophisticated styles and custom products that serve corporate, public space and other commercial interior markets. The day began when the designers from Davis Brody Bond, Holzman Moss Bottino, Pfeiffer Partners and Scott Brownrigg climbed aboard a luxury Mercedes van in Manhattan at 8 a.m. Upon arriving at Bloomsburg, our special guests browsed the company's Product Sample Library, complete with a wall containing multiple inspiring product samples made with Zeftron nylon. Some of the Bloomsburg-Zeftron products they saw included Structure, Lineage, Veneer, Visage, Metal Edge and Broadcloth. The group also viewed a new educational Zeftron video and Zeftron's complete colorline, including the highly popular Reflective Elements Collection. Bloomsburg's Director of Custom Carpet/Product Quality Jim Adams then hosted a discussion about various weaving techniques. Along the way, Jim showed the innovative machinery Bloomsburg uses to make its gorgeous looking products. After lunch, the group was given a two-hour tour of the facility to learn more about Bloomsburg's advanced manufacturing techniques. Following this, Jody Stamatedes, head of product development, asked the designers for feedback on colors in a few new patterns that are being considered for production. Elizabeth Frenchman, Resource Librarian from Davis Brody Bond commented: "That was one great field trip. The looms were amazing, the carpets amazing, the entire set-up quite amazing. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to really see something being made and I loved it." Amanda Rienth, Director of Interior Design with Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, said, "We had a wonderful time! The tour was extremely informative and provided a comprehensive overview of the design options available through both Bloomsburg carpeting and Zeftron nylon."

When travelers pass through Tampa International Airport (TPA), their first impressions often come from the design of the spaces that greet them—spaces that must balance safety, efficiency, and a sense of welcome. That vision guided the recent expansion and modernization of TPA’s Airsides A and E.  

While April 15 is known more often as the dreaded Tax Day in the United States, it’s also the day we celebrate World Art Day. On this day, we recognize artists’ contributions throughout history and how their creative thinking has influenced culture through the centuries and decades since.  

The Distrikt Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, which officially opened in July 2017, is the latest signature hotel from the Distrikt Hotel Management Group. We recently sat down with Jennifer Austin, Executive Vice President, Development and Brand Strategies, to discuss some of the design challenges she faced. She also talked about how Encore Hospitality Carpet worked closely with her to develop a fully custom-designed carpet made with Zeftron nylon to meet the hotel's unique design and functionality needs. ZN.: How did the project come about? J.A.: The Distrikt Hotel Group opened their first signature hotel in New York City in 2010. When it came time to expand, we found this amazing historic building in a key area of Pittsburgh that was for sale. We immediately realized this would be an excellent opportunity for our second location. Z.N.: What were some of the challenges you faced? J.A.: Considering we were converting a historic, 10-story former Salvation Army building originally built in 1926 into a modern hotel, we had quite a few challenges. We had to completely gut the building from the second floor up, then we added a few rooms to the 10th floor. As a historic building, we needed to adhere to local building codes and preserve the façade, the windows and the amazing lobby area. Z.N.: What support did you receive from Encore Hospitality Carpet? J.A.: Encore was a dream to work with. Richard Heaver took the time to get to know me and listen to me. He took a real hands-on approach other flooring manufacturers would not have. His knowledge and willingness to listen to what I envisioned completely paid off: The carpet he ultimately presented was really stunning, and not normal at all. Z.N.: Where is the carpet being used? J.A.: The Encore carpet made with Zeftron is in all corridors and all 185 rooms. Encore rugs with Zeftron are in public spaces, including the main lobby area. Z.N.: Can you describe the design you were trying to achieve? J.A.: We wanted to balance the historical nature of the building and the essence of Pittsburgh, while bringing a fresh, modern look. Essentially, we wanted the design to be understated and elegant, evoking a sense of place and time. Z.N.: What purpose did you need the carpet to serve? J.A.: We needed the flooring to serve three major purposes: One, it needed to support and enhance the overall design of the hotel; two, it needed to assist with wayfinding in the corridors; and three, it needed to stand up against staining and wearing. From a design perspective, we wanted the carpet to be reflective of the historic elements of the building. So it's got some fading elements that speak to something historical. But at the same time it's got some sparkle and pop, making it look contemporary and modern. Bottom line, the carpet is beautiful, affordable and it cleans beautifully. The unique colorways, surface textures and intricate patterns all come together great.

Vibrant designs. Exceptional versatility. Superior performance. These terms encompass the new Amuse Collection, which was recently unveiled by Encore Hospitality Carpet, a hospitality division of Brumlow Mills. With an impressive and bold array of 12 cut and loop patterns and nine bright statement colors made with Zeftron® Nylon, a premium branded nylon 6 yarn system, the Amuse Collection features stunning patterns and a performance-driven construction suited for hospitality projects or public space applications. Inspired by the current trend toward bright statement colors, the Amuse Collection is designed to appeal to leading designers, specifiers and end-users who seek to have the carpet serve as a dramatic focal point. Bold, yet sophisticated, the detailed designs range from geometrics to florals, with hues that range from bright berries to sunny gold. The collection offers fresh, modern appeal. With more than 108 different pattern and color variations, the Amuse Collection provides designers with a broad and diverse range of options from which to customize virtually any project or space. Encore Hospitality Carpet President Richard Heaver noted, "The Amuse Collection is a fresh departure from typical flooring products. The striking patterns and vivid colors come to life through Zeftron's clear crisp solution dyed color palette giving designers and specifiers a perfect launch pad from which to create a dynamic interior space. Additionally, the collection is competitively priced, making it a smart choice for a variety of applications and project budgets." The vibrant styling elements of the collection are made possible through Encore's state-of-the-art Infinity manufacturing technology and Zeftron nylon, a solution dyed nylon 6 that offers superior styling, performance and recyclability advantages for commercial carpet products.

Created using Encore's advanced Colortec yarn placement system and Zeftron nylon, designers can select from a multitude of contemporary and transitional patterns and colors. Partly inspired by French beauty, art and architecture, each collection brings the ultimate in design and color flexibility to any commercial or hospitality space. Developed primarily for hospitality public areas such as lobbies, conference rooms and ballrooms, the collections transcend to other commercial spaces where a decorative design is required. "These seven new collections are not only visually stunning and beautiful, they also offer the ultimate in design flexibility – a key for designers today," said Encore Hospitality President Richard Heaver. "With Zeftron nylon, a premium solution dyed yarn system, designers can be assured the colors they select will be of the highest quality, ensuring superior color clarity, color continuity and colorfastness." Custom Designs Made Easy: Designers start by choosing the patterns or colors they desire. Each pattern can be custom-colored with up to six colors from Zeftron's 120 color offerings. With exceptional color quality, clarity and consistency, Zeftron provides literally thousands of color and styling options to choose from! Colortec Advantage: All products made with the Colortec system have the luxurious look and feel of a woven carpet, accomplished by advanced tufting technology combined with a solution-dyed nylon yarn. About Encore Hospitality Carpet A family owned and operated carpet manufacturer since 1981, Encore's commitment to the latest manufacturing capabilities, processes and procedures allows customers more flexibility in providing innovative, design-oriented carpet products for Public Space and Guest Room applications. About Zeftron Nylon For more than 40 years, Zeftron nylon has continued to deliver more value-added opportunities and advantages to the commercial interiors marketplace through dedicated partnerships, a premium branded nylon 6 product and superior service. All Zeftron nylon yarns are closed-loop recyclable, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified and come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content. Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

Encore Hospitality Carpet, a hospitality division of Brumlow Mills, is introducing its Allure Collection, an attractive array of 12 highly designed broadloom styles made with Zeftron nylon. The new collection features innovative textures, colors and large and small pattern sizes. It meets both the style and performance needs for a variety of hospitality environments. A bold departure from many of today's flooring options, the Allure Collection is aesthetically distinguished by its sense of the unexpected. Some products feature large geometric patterns and others have smaller, more traditional grid styles. The beauty includes the illusion of no repeat patterning. Colors seem to indiscriminately fade in and out, appearing and reappearing with different intensity. The weathered, distressed appearance provides added visual intrigue. Nine contemporary colorways are available with hues ranging from rich tans and deep browns to subtle greys and intense yellows. "With more than 100 standard options to choose from, the Allure Collection can help designers make a unique design statement for virtually any hospitality project or space they might be working on," said Encore Hospitality Carpet President Richard Heaver. The dynamic styling elements of the collection are made possible through Encore's state-of-the-art Infinity manufacturing technology, and Zeftron's solution dyed nylon 6 with superior styling, performance and recyclability advantages for commercial carpet products. Allure products are perfect for guest rooms and public areas, including corridors, meeting rooms, ballrooms, lobbies and dining areas. About Encore Hospitality Carpet A family owned and operated carpet manufacturer since 1981, Encore's commitment to the latest manufacturing capabilities, processes and procedures allows customers more flexibility in providing innovative, design-oriented carpet products for Public Space and Guest Room applications. About Zeftron Nylon For more than 40 years, Zeftron nylon has continued to deliver more value-added opportunities and advantages to the commercial interiors marketplace through dedicated partnerships, a premium branded nylon 6 product and superior service. All Zeftron nylon yarns are closed-loop recyclable, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified and come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content. Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

Playful textures, stylized geometrics, and rich, yet whimsical colors invite discovery and adventure through Encore Hospitality Carpet's newest collection, Jovia. Made with 100 percent Zeftron nylon, the collection meets the ultimate design and performance requirements for myriad hospitality environments, from lobbies, corridors and conference rooms to ballrooms and other public space venues. This custom collection is available in either Encore's Colorpoint or Colortec technology. Carpet made with Encore's Colorpoint technology provide luxurious textures in varying heights from a cut and loop construction. The company's advanced Colortec yarn placement system creates the luxurious look and feel of a woven carpet, accomplished by advanced tufting technology. Zeftron's superior styling flexibility and unmatched solution-dyed color quality are inherent throughout each style. "This collection is inspired by a wanderlust spirit," said Encore's Design Director Christina Bowlby. "It embodies the delight that comes from a journey – any journey – where adventure, discovery, and happiness lead you along paths that were unknown or unforeseen." Each style from the collection can be viewed, colorized and selected for a three-dimensional room scene from Encore's website.

This second installment of my blog on Tuscany focuses on flowers and the colorful accent that they provide. The balconies with their abundance of flowers may be a bit of a cliché but they provide a beautiful counterpoint to the atmospheric, earthy tones found in the hillsides, fields and vineyards of the region. There are many accents of flowers all over Italy, providing a pop of color that simply brightens your day. An unusual view of Siena. Typical of the walled cities, the buildings are very densely packed into the area protected by the wall. This green area was farther out from the famous Piazza del Campo which is handsome in its own way but not very green! Our accommodations at Il Palagio, an agriturismo combining a winery with 5 apartments, had views of the countryside and many areas to take it in. Carefully placed accents add to the experience in Tuscany. Some occur naturally, and others are meticulously placed by Italian hands, but they are nonetheless inspiring. From the church of Santa Maria in Panzano to a rooftop terrace in Florence on the Piazza Santo Spirito, Tuscan buildings are enhanced with flowers. We viewed the rooftop terrace from the balcony of our hotel, the Palazzo Guadagni. This former residence was a 16th century palace repurposed into a hotel with magnificent high-ceilinged rooms and balcony views of the piazza. While flowers are a prominent colorful addition to the Tuscan countryside, painted stucco, red tiled roofs, figured marble and ancient architecture all provide for a very interesting and inspiring visit. Accents can either make or break a design and it's important that they are placed just right. As you can see, a contrasting accent can provide a piercing pop of color. In your experience, which color schemes typically demand eye catching accents?

Call it a hunch, but we think the popularity of happy and bright colors this spring could have a lot to do with our last 12 months battling a pandemic. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the weather is warming up here at our Georgia headquarters, and spring blooms are out in full force. As you are designing interior spaces this spring, think about these bold spring hues and how Zeftron's fresh palette can reflect the colors of spring in your commercial carpet designs. Get the Green Light It's March, so it's fitting that green, the color of choice for St. Patrick's Day, is trending. Green has been seen all over the fashion runways in a wide range of colors – mint, emerald, seafoam, lime and even neon. Green is the color of nature and spring – from the new green leaves sprouting to the vegetables that have started peaking from the dirt. Green also provides a sense of calmness and security. Mellow With Yellow Yellow is the preferred color of many early bloomers in the spring – daffodils, winter jasmine, forsythia and witch hazel. While shades of this sunny color run the gamut, a popular choice is a more subdued lemon shade. Yellow shades make people smile and feel joyful, and these shades can help create warmth and coziness in indoor spaces. Think Pink Pinks are in, just like the beautiful magnolias that have started to bloom. But don't forget about the deeper, darker cousin of pink, magenta, or the bolder shade of fuschia. Pink is often used with plush fabrics in design, such as velvet. Pink is fun and bright and can be a great accent color in carpeting. Be True Blue Blues seem to be a staple of every season, but did you know when it comes to nature, blue is very rare? Less than 10 percent of plants have blue flowers and few animals are blue. Light blue color tones work well with all neutral colors and allow designers to accentuate in an elegant and soft way. Whiten Up White blooms feel fresh in the spring. Just look at how snowdrops stand out against all of that beautiful green in your garden. White can be a great background to help brighter colors pop. It also can make a dramatic statement when used with bold colors in a patterned carpet. For more inspiration, check out our Design Inspiration Page, where you can view our color collections and envision how you can create a colorful commercial carpet for your next project.

At Zeftron we are continually looking to designers, architects and our mill partners for feedback. The collective feedback we received from this group was instrumental in helping us develop our new Brilliant collection. And now we have another amazing collection to share with you: The new Reflective Elements collection. In this article, Zeftron National Marketing Manager Richard Radke provides five tips on how the colors from this new collection can be used for virtually any commercial interiors project. Tip One: Use for Wayfinding The yarns from the Reflective Elements collection can be used across a number of different markets. For example, as the healthcare market continues to evolve more towards hospitality, it's easy to imagine Metallic Silver as a wayfinding element. Rather than creating a confusing pattern, designers can use Metallic Silver to lead patients and visitors toward a specialty area, such as a nurse's station. Tip Two: Use to Create an Updated Look Hotels needing to update the look of their guest rooms should consider their floor covering first. For example, removing a worn out beige guest room carpet and replacing it with a darker carpet infused with the sparkle of Metallic Bronze can bring a more sophisticated and dynamic visual effect to that floor. Tip Three: Coordinate with Furnishings Furnishings are somewhat eclectic today. Fortunately, our broad color range plus our specialty yarn collections make it easy to complement new or older furnishings. The yarns of the Reflective Elements collection are precisely matched in hue to the existing neutral colors found in our color palette. Tip Four: Change out a Running Line Color A mill that decides to change out a color in one of their standing running lines and replace it with one from the Reflective Elements collection will instantly add a new sense of depth and dimension to that carpet. Tip Five: Have Fun! This collection is not just about color, it's also about a playful bending of light. Between the light effect and color effect, this collection has a lot of flexibility and application. It's a great tool that gives designers more choices and inspiration to create unique carpets in a number of environments.

As summer begins to wind down and we return to the office from vacations, we thought we would explore the ever-growing trend of flexible office environments. From American Express and GlaxoSmithKline, to Facebook and hundreds of other companies, businesses have been shifting away from cubicle-style floor plans to a mix of individual and collaborative work areas. More Collaborative Spaces It's not just the layout of the office that is making a difference. Metropolis magazine takes a look at a new office system designed by Yves Behar and fuseproject. The design, titled "PUBLIC Office Landscape," addresses the desire for employees to collaborate at a desk area. This allows individuals or groups to use a desk area equipped with storage bins, mobile privacy screens and more. Another take on the fluid workspace is the practice of "hot-desking." This practice allocates desks to workers when they are required or on a rotating system, rather than giving each worker their own desk. Flooring's Role So how does flooring fit into this new workplace paradigm shift? When it comes to carpet, it can be pretty important. Consider the following:Way-Finding — Carpet color and patterning can help with way-finding and navigation between spaces, such as down hallways or corridors.Space Differentiation – Carpet can create differentiation between different spaces when moving between office departments or different end-use areas.Acoustics – Open spaces, bereft of offices or cubicles, can sometimes be loud and noisy. Carpet's inherent acoustics can make workspaces quieter, contributing to greater productivity.Visual Balance — Carpet provides a nice visual balance and design element when paired with a hard surface such as wood or LVT in an open floor plan. What are your thoughts? Do you work in an open/flexible office? If you specify flooring, how are you using various flooring to create the open, flexible and productive workspaces of today?

These are exciting times for the commercial design industry. New colors are constantly being introduced and applied in fresh and unexpected ways. Innovative products continue to inspire for their form and functionality. The way we think about the spaces we work, live and play in continues to evolve. In short, architects, designers, and manufacturers are all pushing the limits of what's possible. So, what does this mean for commercial carpet products in the new year? We have some thoughts! More Custom Colors and Carpets – Our carpet mill customers frequently ask for new and custom colors, and we are happy to oblige! This trend is driven by product design teams and designers who realize that as the most abundant surface for any interior, carpet can play a major role in making a design statement. As color experts for more than 40 years, we're proud to be able to work hand-in-hand with our mill partners and designers to help them create the custom colors they desire. Greater Styling Versatility – The "blending" of interior spaces continues. Many offices today integrate a residential or homey feel to them. Senior living spaces are bringing in themes typically found in a hospitality setting. This new reality requires manufacturers to think differently and develop crossover products that are versatile enough to work in many different end-use spaces. Zeftron nylon is a highly flexible fiber when it comes to styling. Exceptional Performance – The more things change, the more they stay the same. Designers expect more from the products they specify today. Zeftron nylon is the only fiber brand that offers designers the peace-of-mind they need when it comes to performance. Concerns about staining, color fading and wear become a non-factor when specifying a carpet made with Zeftron nylon. More Green – One could argue that having a sustainable product is a given in today's marketplace. Yet sustainability should never be a given or an afterthought. As a fully closed-loop recyclable nylon with a minimum of 25 percent recycled content in every color, Zeftron continues to be a responsible steward of the earth and its resources.

It’s undeniable that Covid is forcing the contract workplace to be reimagined. For months, architects and designers have been considering what employers and workers will want and need when it’s fully safe to return to the office. They are considering four major factors: 1. Growth of Work From Home The shift to WFH has been dramatic. And while it’s still not universally easy or fully embraced for every worker or employer, it’s clear that WFM is not going away. Music and podcast giant Spotify recently announced that it would be adopting a “Work from Anywhere” model. Employees can choose whether they want to be in the office full-time, at home full-time or a combination of the two. This unique approach is gaining traction, and not just with tech companies. 2. Smaller Office Footprints With WFM, fewer employees will be in a physical workplace. A recent Pew Center Research study says more than half of employees want to continue working remotely, even after the pandemic has passed. This means employers are looking at reducing their overall office footprint, which can translate to financial savings. Companies that have been hard hit by the pandemic are looking to save even money on their furniture and fixture investments, but they do not want to sacrifice quality. 3. Safety, Wellness and Inclusion The coronavirus has put an even brighter spotlight on the importance of workplaces that offer safety and wellness. No employee wants to work in an environment where they don’t feel safe or their health could be compromised. At the same time, we recognize more can be done to foster greater employee inclusion. When workplaces bring people to together in a safe and inclusive way, that can lead to greater worker satisfaction, happiness and productivity. 4. The Role of the Workplace Architects and designers are thoughtfully reconsidering the role and purpose of the “new” workplace. Is it a place to foster company culture? Spark innovation? To be sure, the pandemic has given the A&D community a chance to “pause” and rethink what a workplace is and should be for employers and employees. This could be the most important question that needs to be addressed moving forward. Design Considerations for the Workplace Each of these factors creates major design challenges. Fortunately, the A&D industry is not one to stand still. There are multiple resources available that can help address and solve these issues. For example, when it comes to addressing the needs of a smaller office footprint, HOK’s “10 Principles of Space Management” can be an excellent resource. HOK offers an even more robust solution with its Space Management in Corporate Real Estate article. Integrating wellness into your design can be made easier through the International WELL Building Institute. The organization offers a slew of tools and resources. One to check out includes its course called Covid-19 Training for Professionals. This course provides evidence-based design strategies for promoting new health and safety best practices. Products That Support the “New” Office Selecting products for the “new” office will be essential. Manufacturers have been stepping up with multiple solutions. Some of these include: Flexible Workstations Mobile and adaptable workstations are emerging as a way to meet multiple needs. These solutions, like the M Nesting table from HAT Collective, allow for group collaboration at a safe distance. Or, this product can be used for independent and highly focused work, when needed. Steel & Component Based Furniture Employers realize the importance of cleaning and sanitizing spaces and products. Many manufacturers, like Integra Seating, now have chairs with steel arms and legs. Products made with steel can be cleaned easier than those with wood or other porous surfaces. Additionally, modular products, where seating arms or legs can be easily replaced, eliminates the need to – and expense of – replacing the entire chair. Creative Carpet Carpet is poised to play a significant role in the “new” office. It checks many of the boxes related to heath, design and functionality. As a soft surface product, it naturally absorbs noise, which helps with acoustics. Fibers from the carpet trap allergens and dust particles, which improves indoor air quality. And, when made with a premium solution-dyed nylon, like Zeftron nylon, it offers numerous design advantages. Custom carpet products can create wayfinding schemes to help with social distancing. Or, custom colors and patterns can be used to create calm and wellness-themed spaces. An organization can also use custom colors to support their culture; a company’s logo and their colors can be easily and cleverly integrated into a carpet design. What’s Next It’s clear that some trends for the post-pandemic workplace have emerged. But it’s unclear which ones will prevail. Or what new ones will appear. But one thing is undeniable: Everyone – designers, architects, employers, workers, product manufacturers – must continue to be adaptable and flexible to meet the ever-evolving workplace needs. The architect and design industry has responded with vigor and innovation since the pandemic began. These same characteristics will be needed as we enter the “new” office workplace.

2020 has been a watershed moment for all of us who serve the commercial interiors industry. With the onset of COVID-19, designers and facility managers, especially, have had to shift their focus long-term to public health concerns around social distancing, cleanliness, and creating wellness-focused commercial environments. With this in mind, we decided to take a stronger look at what we bring to the marketplace in those key areas and how we can best serve our entire customer community. Specifically, we looked at the real impact of carpet on health and wellness. We looked at how a designer can balance concerns about health and wellness with a desire to create beautiful and memorable spaces. And we looked at how the COVID-19 era is changing the way that designers specify products, and facility managers approach cleanliness. Based on this, we created a new and free educational eBook. It consists of educational articles and resources for designers and facility managers. This new resource seeks to demonstrate the positive impact flooring — and specifically carpet — can have on the safety, functionality, and maintenance of the spaces they bring to life. Topics within the new eBook include:How designers are using carpet to create safety and wellness spacesHow carpet impacts back-to-work health concerns amidst COVID-19How carpet contributes to improved indoor air qualityHow carpet can mitigate slips and fallsHow to easily maintain carpet to create healthier indoor environments We hope to illuminate the important wellness benefits that come from specifying carpet with branded nylon like Zeftron for safety purposes, as well as the creative opportunities carpet offers designers to create truly impactful environments in this new decade of evolving design. With this eBook, we’d also like to invite you into the conversations we are having regarding health and wellness within commercial interior spaces. Our growing community of designers, facility managers and carpet mill professionals are sharing their thoughts and best practice ideas for how to adapt to this changing marketplace. Together, we can work towards solutions that truly benefit users and usher in a new era of healthy and sustainable design.

A regional trade show hosted by the NEWH Atlanta Chapter in metro Atlanta featured a Panelist Discussion on the outlook of the hospitality industry. The panel was moderated by Michele Finn, President, Hospitality Media Group, and featured several Atlanta-based industry leaders, including:Carlos Asensio, Project Manager, Noble Investment GroupLarry Carver, President, Carver & AssociatesAlice Limer, Founding Principal & CEO, Fusion A.I. Design, Inc.Mark Linch, SVP Project & Technical Services, Capella Hotel Group All participants agreed that the outlook was good for 2016. Mark had some reservations but Alice thought that since the last few years have been strong, orders would still be strong for ongoing projects in 2016. At Zeftron we agree that renovations may be wrapping up but new brands and new concepts are moving forward. Other key highlights from the panel discussion included:Boutique concepts will continue to be important, even for senior living environments.Technology, a huge factor in today’s hospitality industry, should not be the tail that wags the dog. It should be used judiciously and should be proven so there are no surprises or failures during installations.The desk is going bye-bye. Younger people are not using the desks so commonly found in hotel rooms today; they are being re-thought with fold-away surfaces being considered. One interesting part of the session was when Michelle Finn asked each participant to name their favorite hotel. Mark said Capella, but he admitted that he had an unbelievable experience at the 10-room Costa Rican Hotel Copa de Arbol.

As hotels continue to upgrade their interiors with eye-catching items such as unique artwork, highly decorative lighting and inspirational custom carpets, the trend toward better technology integration continues as well. Hotels undertaking these initiatives are out to set themselves apart from the competition, while also creating highly memorable experiences for their customers. What’s happening in the world of Hotel Design? A recent article titled “The Hotel Industry’s Race To Escape The Dinosaur Age” addresses one of the current struggles of the Hotel world: technology. Features like mobile booking, keyless check-in, and customer operated kiosks in the lobby bring old hotels into the new age. Technology isn’t the only thing hotels should update to join this century. Changing the check-in experience for customers will lead to redesigning the lobby. This is an opportunity to update all aspects of your hotel design. Large hotel chains tend to conduct a major overhaul just once every seven years. That’s not hard to believe considering the logistics of a major design overhaul. It is shocking to think that interiors that were “in-style” or “on-trend” seven years ago still exist in most hotels. Carpet has a distinct advantage because it can be easily removed and a new design theme can be added with less interruption of the hotel’s business. Newer interiors, like updated technology, especially appeal to younger professionals who travel. This includes millennials who know what they want, compare hotels online, read reviews and take to the internet to voice concern and displeasure more than any other group. Hotels that want to attract more travelers, gain repeat customers and generate more word-of-mouth buzz must frequently update their interiors. These updates need to be sensitive to the design, functionality and technology trends which are often driven by the “next generation” of customers while considering the context of the property’s brand. The opportunity for carpet in the millennial quest for a unique and authentic hotel lies in its ability to be custom designed more easily than other furnishings. Generally speaking, today’s interior design aesthetic is cleaner, integrates bolder color choices and features highly decorative finishes. Designers working on hospitality projects can achieve stunning, memorable and customer-centric design looks when specifying the right commercial carpet. Whether it’s a custom product or a running line, carpets made with Zeftron nylon range from sleek, to delicate floral designs, to bright and modern. With a custom carpet, you can achieve virtually any look you desire. We recently helped the Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt upgrade their more than 200 rooms. This project proves that even established big-name hotels can make significant changes on a property-by-property basis. The end result is a beautiful fresh space. We encourage you to Make A Design Statement with your next project and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

This year, designers are under more pressure than ever to create beautiful spaces that solve the critical health challenges of healthcare, hospitality and corporate environments. The products that designers specify must be considered for their ability to contribute to social distancing, cleanability, safety and wellness — both physical and mental. One of the most powerful tools that designers have at their disposal is to custom design a carpet that accomplishes multiple objectives for a specific area of a space. Carpet is oftentimes one of the largest (in terms of square footage) items designers need to specify in a space, and it can have one of the biggest impacts on personal safety. A custom designed carpet offers virtually unlimited color, pattern and texture options, which can be balanced to meet the unique needs of the facility. In 2020, designers are using carpet to create innovative wayfinding techniques, designate safe spaces, and provide instruction. These tactics are being implemented in an innovative and creative way to put individual health and safety first. Carpet As A Wayfinding Tool In our current era, almost no grocery trip is complete without the bold signs that stick out from the aisles and point you in which direction to walk, or where to wait in line. These signs are part of a strategy called wayfinding, which utilizes signage, color and imagery to direct patrons within a space. Wayfinding in virtually every commercial sector has been critical to keeping people socially distant, while controlling the flow of foot traffic. Wayfinding has long been important to commercial design — helping guide people efficiently throughout a space be it retail, corporate, hospitality, education or healthcare — but today it takes on new meaning with social distancing in public spaces. Providing Directions for Traffic In commercial settings, designers are utilizing carpet to direct traffic flow in a high-styled, aesthetically pleasing way. This is useful as a way to prevent individuals from regularly coming face-to-face with one another in order to reduce the chance for viral spread. For example, a commercial office might include arrow designs on the carpet that all point in the same direction through a room or down a corridor. Employees are encouraged to follow the arrows on the ground as they navigate through the space. Ideally, this reduces the chances for face-to-face interaction or for employees to congregate in one area. Another way carpet is being used as a wayfinding tool is by creating visual “paths” with distinct colors. These paths indicate that patrons can safely walk through a certain area, and can divert foot traffic around where others are sitting for longer periods of time. A wayfinding path might direct employees to walk around a community desk area, rather than directly through it. In hospitality spaces, wayfinding can be used to direct guests to and from common services while emphasizing crowd control. Guests entering a building can follow a specific pathway to the check-in desk and then to the elevators, while guests leaving the building can follow a separate path that is at least 6 feet apart from those guests coming in. Wayfinding paths can also be used to usher families or small groups to separate seating areas away from doorways, to reduce the number of individuals gathering at the front of a facility. Including wayfinding techniques into your flooring design is an option available with custom carpet, which allows designers to incorporate a unique color or pattern to suit the needs of any space. Carpet For Zoning Safe Spaces With Covid-19, facility managers have had to completely rethink and reorganize the layout of their buildings. This is especially true for companies with open office floor plans, where few physical dividers had existed between employees. Now, many workplace environments are transitioning to clearly marked “zones” where employees can safely sit, work and social distance. This means separating desks by at least 6 feet apart, and working to re-designate the individual workspace as its own separate area from other people. One way to do this is to implement visual cues on a carpet that clearly shows individuals where they need to stand in order to remain at a safe distance. For example, the carpet in a shared employee work area might have a pattern of 12” x 12” foot squares to delineate where desks should be positioned. This helps both facility managers to set up workstations to be 6 feet apart, and helps employees to remember to not cross into one another’s individual safe zones. Carpet color and pattern can also denote which facilities are in use for individuals versus groups. For example, a bold, patterned carpet can be used in conference rooms to signify that small groups may gather there up to a certain number of people. Alternatively, solid-colored carpet can denote that group gatherings are prohibited in a certain space. By providing a visual cue as to where employees can safely sit or stand, you are also ensuring a space doesn’t reach capacity for individual health. Providing Instruction Many designers are using the idea of color coding as a way to visually instruct individuals on how to behave within a space. For example, an office might include the following plan to explain to employees where in the office masks are required:Yellow carpet (used in private offices with doors) = masks are not requiredGreen carpet (used in public conference rooms and lounge areas) = masks are required A hospitality facility might utilize a similar plan for guest behavior:Beige carpet (used in private rooms with doors and the hotel dining room) = masks are not requiredDark blue carpet (used in the hotel lobby and lounge areas) = masks are required One of the primary benefits of utilizing carpet for wayfinding and instructional purposes is that it is a more subtle and friendly way to direct movement within a space. This can feel less obtrusive or demanding than signage, and may even make a commercial space look and feel more interesting. Many designers have success utilizing branded colors in their wayfinding designs to reflect the school spirit of a university, a hotel’s connection to the local community, or the corporate brand colors for an office headquarters. Selecting A Carpet With Safety in Mind In many ways, carpet directly impacts the safety and wellness of individuals in a commercial space. It can be used as an effective tool in combating the spread of Covid-19 through wayfinding, zoning and providing instruction. With all of these considerations in mind, many designers specify a custom carpet to meet the unique color and pattern needs of an environment. Zeftron nylon offers 120 unique color offerings for creating custom designed carpet solutions.

The Interiors & Sources designer-led NYC Hotel Bus Tour provided a small group of accomplished designers the opportunity to take in some of the city’s newest and most decadent hotels while learning about the design from the firms who created the space. Zeftron nylon and mill partner PacifiCrest had the opportunity to co-sponsor this educational tour of luxury hotels in New York City. The Manhattan luxury outing began at the Lighting by Gregory display space with an impressive view of “Trends in Hospitality Lighting.” It was a great way to get to know some of the reps from firms we’ve worked with in person. Next was The Refinery, with a behind-the-scenes look at the rooftop bar presented by Stephanie Liu with Stonehill & Taylor. She spoke about embracing the industrial and raw aesthetic. There is a rustic greenhouse feel to the space. Lush greenery and the sound of water bring the outdoors in to guests. The Refinery guest rooms, entry and lobby juxtaposed that rustic feel perfectly. These spaces are sophisticated, classic and clean. After the walkthrough of the Refinery, lunch and a presentation at Novotel located in the heart of Manhattan by Sara Duffy with Stonehill & Taylor. The electric feel of Times Square flows right into the lobby of this modern hotel. From the lighting to the art, every detail was an exciting new discovery. The next stop was Archer New York, presented by Glen Coben of Glen & Co. The lobby evokes industrial elegance inspired by the 1940’s Garment District with exposed brick and steel, dotted with Chesterfield-style sofas and menswear inspired fabrics. Guest rooms featured wood floors, exposed brick headboard walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire tour inspired and enlightened the team. A few topics that stood out were: how designers are able to optimize the footage of small guest rooms, identify the lasting trends in the design of luxury hotel properties, the creation of public spaces that create a sense of “separate togetherness,” and creating a cohesive aesthetic through fabric, lighting and art. As a co-sponsor, Zeftron was just as inspired by the presentations and magnificent hotels visited as the designers. It was truly a fun and educational day. Thank you to Interiors & Sources for putting on such a great event, and to the designers who attended for all the great feedback.

Last week we announced our new Brilliant Collection. Comprised of seven highly vibrant colors, the Brilliant Collection adds to our already amazing palette. This week we are taking a look at the first of these colors, Electric Blue. Blue is a color based in nature that has some powerful emotions tied to it. According to The Colour Affects System of applied color psychology, blue is associated with cool, calm, water and renewal. Historically in design blue has been the color of the elite, the regal, and it can be found abundantly in upscale European luxury hotels and homes. How can you amp up a color that already has such a decided place in design? Make it electric. Introducing Electric Blue, one of 7 new colors offered by Zeftron Nylon’s Brilliant Collection. Electric Blue brings energy and brightness to a space. It sets off other elements in a room and is a great compliment to classic colors. The idea of electric blue nylon fiber incorporated into a custom carpet brings classic luxury into the modern age and is perfect for hospitality, corporate or other interiors environments. We believe that through collaborating with our mill partners and color forecasting, Electric Blue is on-trend. The seven colors of the Brilliant Collection are: Hot Pink, Lemon, Brilliant Orange, Lime, Electric Blue, Bay Blue and Raspberry Wine. These colors were designed to harmonize with Zeftron’s other colors and perfectly complement Zeftron’s existing base shades. Each proven color, including those in our metallic and vibrant hospitality collections, is a clear saturated hue making for unlimited color possibilities. “We think designers will enjoy playing with these new colors to add more fun, energy and creativity to the carpets they envision for their projects,” said Zeftron Nylon Business Leader Tim Blount.

As everyone in the commercial specifying industry knows, LEED remains the preeminent green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class sustainable building strategies and practices. LEED v4 is the latest rating system available to architects, designers and building owners seeking to achieve LEED status for their projects or buildings. There are six basic categories – as well as an Innovation in Design and a Pilot Credit category — where credits can be obtained. Navigating the intricacies of LEED v4 may be challenging. However, knowing how Zeftron nylon can contribute to LEED credits is easy. We have developed a brochure that lists areas of opportunities where LEED credits can be earned when a commercial carpet is specified with Zeftron nylon yarns. Zeftron nylon contributes to LEED credits through these primary ways:Cradle to Cradle V3 CertifiedRecycled Content (25% PI)100% Recyclable (Closed Loop/Fully Renewable)Zeftron nylon’s 6ix Again® Recycling Take-Back ProgramCarpet with Zeftron nylon meets the CRI’s Green Label Plus requirements for indoor air qualityZeftron nylon can provide mill partners with nylon 6 environmental impact data, which can be used for achieving an EPD for a finished product Sustainable building and design is more important than ever. Let Zeftron nylon help you get the LEED credits you deserve for your green projects and buildings.

When talking about a carpet’s lifecycle, we must talk about maintenance. Color selection impacts the life of a carpet, and here are a few more tips and best practices on maintenance. If you’re responsible for specifying a carpet for a commercial interiors project and you’re concerned about long-term appearance and maintainability of the carpet being specified, be practical in your color selection. You’ll start realizing the ROI of a smart choice right away. Fortunately, the technology incorporated into carpet fibers and additional soil and stain resist treatments applied during the carpet manufacturing process provide added built-in benefits related to cleanability which allows for a wider variety of color selections that will perform to desired performance levels using typical cleaning frequencies. This is not meant to imply that any color is acceptable for all types of end use areas. Give some thought not only to the aesthetics of the carpet but also the level of care and maintenance that will be required to keep the carpet at an optimal appearance level throughout its useful life. Here are a few tips in making a carpet color selection:Understand how the carpet will be cared for. Will there be one person cleaning the carpet, only once a month? Or will a team of properly trained workers be caring for your carpet much more frequently? More frequent cleanings will not only extend the carpet’s life, but open up more color possibilities because they’ll be maintained on a regular basis. If care is infrequent or sporadic, choose a color and pattern that will help mask soil and spills.Understand the yarns used to make the carpet and the source of their coloration. The dye method used to color the fiber will impact the maintenance of a carpet. A solution-dyed yarn has its color incorporated into the fibers when the yarn is made. As a result, solution-dyed yarns can be cleaned more aggressively to remove stains without damaging the color. In addition, a solution-dyed fiber will be the most forgiving for resistance to color loss resulting from spills of harsh cleaning agents or chemicals. A yarn-dyed fiber is made white and then has its color added later in the carpet manufacturing process. A yarn-dyed fiber is not as colorfast as a solution-dyed fiber and is more subject to permanent staining and permanent color loss. No matter what style of carpet and color you specify, regular maintenance is required to see the most from the flooring investment. Three key items most important to remember about carpet maintenance are:Proper color selectionRoutine vacuumingA carpet maintenance plan that is followed and takes into account the characteristics specific to a given facility, including the level and type of foot traffic, the color and surface texture of carpet, and the frequency and types of spills expected to be encountered Architects and designers specifying a commercial carpet should look for products that carry lifetime warranties for such important things as stain and soil protection, as well as wear and color fading. Most trusted brands offer this and it should not be overlooked to help with a carpet product’s maintainability and lifecycle. The specifier can extend the life of a project’s carpet by making smart choices in the color selection and maintenance plan. This makes for greater ROI and happier clients. Clients will recognize the knowledge and value the specifier brings to the project, and keep coming back for more.

A space tells a story and you are its author. What you envision you can achieve with Zeftron nylon. More than 100 inspiring colors give you the palette to create the custom commercial carpet you desire for your project. Remove design boundaries. Put your signature on it. Make a design statement. Zeftron nylon offers a wide range of solution-dyed nylon 6 colors that can be combined in endless ways to create truly custom carpet designs for hospitality, corporate, healthcare and other commercial interiors projects. To learn more about how you can customize your next project using Zeftron nylon, visit the Zeftron nylon website or contact our team to get started.

Metal Edge, made by mill partner Bloomsburg Carpet Industries, is luxurious, classic, enduring and weighted. Metal Edge is available in seven complementary colors: Corrugated, Leaden, Gunmetal, Core, Foundry, Chain Mail and Plow. Woven on Bloomsburg’s double heddle velvet looms, this product is available in 12 foot broadloom. Metal Edge features a 53.6 ounce face weight. “We are pleased we could put Zeftron’s unmatched styling versatility and rich color palette to perfect utilization for these two new products,” said Zeftron nylon Business Leader Tim Blount. “Bloomsburg’s ability to create innovative, stylish and performance driven products makes partnering with them a pleasure.” For samples or sales questions, architects, designers and specifiers can contact a Bloomsburg Carpet agent in their area. For general questions and further information about Zeftron® nylon call 800-652-9964.

As usual, NeoCon 2017 was an inspiring environment bursting with new product innovations and bustling with people from across the design industry. Below are observations on the hottest trends in commercial flooring: Muted Colors with Bright Accents Take the Stage Visiting more than a dozen floorcovering showrooms, the colors for commercial carpets this year feature muted colors and neutrals – greys, browns, earth-tones and blacks predominating. Even when a non-neutral color was introduced, such as a blue, it featured a washed-out appearance. However, these neutral palettes were off-set by the adroit use of bright accents, which were abundant in several new product introductions. A bright, almost acid, green was used in many products, and several used orange accents as well. Neutral colors and backgrounds provide a solid canvas from which to build a design. By adding in brilliant accent colors for a “pop” of color, it adds liveliness and interest to a space. Organic, Nature-Inspired Patterns Continue For a few years now, we’ve seen the emergence of organic and nature-inspired patterns (and colors) become a predominant element in floor covering design. That continued apace at NeoCon 2017. Many of the flooring products on display, both in carpet and hard surface, showed patterns that had an earthy aesthetic, some evoking the look of moss growing and stones scattered about. The bright green mentioned above provided the mossy look, while the greys depicted the stones. Other earth tones were added to bring a depth and richness to the flooring. Multi-Surface Combinations Are In All the flooring showrooms displayed coordinating carpet and hard surface options. Obviously, a lot of thought is going in to flooring materials to provide the right performance and style for the myriad end-use areas in commercial interior spaces. Zeftron Nylon Brings It to Life The wonderful flooring products on display at NeoCon 2017 were inspiring and beautiful to look at. If you’re a designer needing a range of crisp, clean neutrals (not dull or muddy) to provide the canvas for your next project, consider Zeftron nylon. Our neutrals can create the organic, nature-inspired look you need. When paired with colors from our Brilliant Collection, we bring the bright reds, yellows and greens needed for that perfect accent. Our Brilliant colors pop with energy, creating that distinctive look you desire. And of course, carpet made with Zeftron has the style and the performance characteristics to work right alongside a hard surface product. For more on our entire color range, please visit our Style page.

We were enthralled with the beauty of all of the wonderful design that graced the Mart on Day One of NeoCon 2018. Here are some fascinating highlights that caught our eye. Custom hides by Green Hides were created with a laser then applied on a printed material — truly eye-catching work. An Alexander Girard design titled “Stairsteps,” originally created for a cocktail napkin from the 1950s, was reimagined as a cloth rug by Maharam. Natural materials were featured prominently in the furnishings industry this year, including the striking “Green Wall” at Knoll. Several designs were inspired by objects in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art, bringing rich cultural heritage into modern commercial design. NeoCon continues to be a source of inspiration for the commercial interiors community, showcasing the latest innovations in materials, color and pattern that influence the way we design and experience spaces.