For members of the International Design Guild (IDG), luxury and quality are key for product selection, and staying on top of the latest trends is a must.
Nancy Nelsen-Flom, founder of Intersouce Flooring in Minneanapolis, Minn. uses social media platforms, such as Houzz and Pinterest, to keep up-to-date on design trends.
Lisa Carlson Nelson of Carlson’s Floors Inc. in Geneva, Ill. said she “tries to attend the markets … and work with local designers and ask for their input.”
Between social media, trade magazines and market shows, IDG members are able to find the inspiration they need to fill their stores with stylish products for consumers.
Warm & Welcoming
“In the Midwest, our long winter seems to be bringing on warmer tones … in all our product categories,” Nelsen-Flom explained.
And as a prime example, customers are reportedly gravitating towards a new hue: greige — a warmer version of traditional gray tones.
“Greige — beige and gray — seems to be very popular,” said Nelson. “Neutrals across all different categories have been trending.”
Intersource’s Nelsen-Flom drew inspiration for the warm color combination above during her trip to Joshua Tree.
Intersource carries Antrim chunky wool carpets in warmer tones. “Designers love the hand-loomed wool materials that are thick and textural; manufactured in India and hit a good price point for the amount of wool,” said Nelson-Flom.
Warmer grey tones, pictured, are catching consumers’ attention, according to Nelson.
Bold & Beautiful
At the moment, IDG customers are opening up to the idea of bolder patterns and colors across all categories, but mainly tile and area rugs.
“Consumers are liking either concrete tile looks or the porcelains with patterns,” Nelson said.
Rugs with bold patterns, such as this Missoni Rug sold at Intersource, have been popular with consumers. (Credit: http://www.harrisandjess.com/)
Nature is still inspiring textures and colors; bringing the outdoors in,” said Nelsen-Flom, referencing the Delos Floral rug pictured above.
Carlson’s Floors carries tile products featuring artisanal patterns.
Wide World
While in some parts of the country narrow planks are coming back into trend, in the Midwest consumers are still looking towards the stylish simplicity of wider planks.
“We have seen a shift to 4-inch to 7-inch wide wood boards and away from larger widths,” revealed Nelsen-Flom. “Less hand scrape and [more] smooth with a matte oil finish.”
Wide planks, such as those pictured above and sold at Carlson’s, look great in all areas of a home.
Area Rug Add-ons
Dubbed “islands of carpet” by Nelsen-Flom, area rugs are the colorful finishing touch to new hardwood floors, which have become a must-have in many homes.
And in fact, hard surface products’ rise to the top has spurred the need for both fabricated rugs and area rugs.
“We offer many fabricated rug options,” said Nelson of Carolson’s Floors. “Customers can pick whatever carpet they want and make it the size they want.”
Fabricated rugs, such as the one pictured above, are popular with Carlson’s customers.