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.