We recently had the opportunity to talk with two design experts at Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, a national leader in the flooring industry ranked number seven among the nation’s top 75 flooring retailers. Erica Smitheman, sales & design representative, and Melisa Firth, store manager, shared trends they’re seeing in the industry and gave us sneak peak at the newest products available for customers.

Q: What are the hottest flooring trends right now?

A: We’re seeing a few, including:

• Continued preference for wood products over carpet. This isn’t entirely new, but the desire for wood products is continuing to grow. More and more customers want wood over carpet – even still.
• Exotic and environmentally friendly products. Our buyers are coming in asking for these more than before. They want bamboo and strand bamboo options – which are typically more durable than other types of wood flooring. Cork is another eco-friendly option that we’re seeing increased interest in among customers.
• Wide width wood plank flooring. People are asking for the wider widths on the wood planks more and more today. Most wide plank flooring is between 3″ and 20″ in width and is sold in random widths. 
• Tone on tone patterns for carpet. People are still sticking with the neutrals, but now some of starting to ask for a tone on tone pattern to give it some more texture.
• Shag carpet. It’s back. We’re seeing more and more “new” shag options for buyers, and customers are buying it again.
• Natural stone with glass. People are asking for recycled, tumbled glass as accents in their flooring. We see this as another growing trend.

Q: What are the newest products available to buyers?

A: Shaw just launched a new Disney Collection of carpets for kids’ rooms. The line has brighter colors, and more kid-friendly patterns. You’ll also see some shag options in the new line.

Q: What’s the most common question you receive about flooring?

A: Price – especially in today’s economy. People want to make sure they can afford what they want for their home. We work with customers to fit every budget, and show them options in their price-range.

Q: What will replace hardwood in popularity?

A: Nothing. Hardwood is a forever trend.

Q: OK, then – what are the next few hot products we’ll see compete with wood in the years to come?

A: Definitely the eco-friendly products like cork. We’ll also see bold carpets rise in popularity with reds, browns and burnt oranges leading the pack. Linear looks and geometrics patterns in wood flooring will become more popular too.

For more information on flooring trends, check out:

http://www.flooring-trends.com

http://www.flooringnow.com/

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/lazy-environmentalist/blogs/walk-on-this-affordable-green-floor-options

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