June 13, 2008—Shaw Contract Group designers have identified seven emerging trends and experimented with unexpected materials in Design Lab, the result of a year-long exploration of the shape, pattern and eco-effectiveness of things to come.
Design Lab represents Shaw Contract Group’s focus on constant innovation, exploration of new materials, unique manufacturing techniques and building upon the needs of its customers. The design trends of tomorrow and how they may impact carpet is the concept of Design Lab, which debuts in the Shaw Contract Group showroom at NeoCon World’s Trade Fair.
It is an exhibit of trends, product design processes and prototypes made with non-traditional materials and manufactured in distinct methods that may inspire future carpet collections. Cashmere, metallic studs and translucent industrial fibers several of the unique materials used to create Design Lab.
The seven emerging trends captured in Design Lab will play an important role in shaping the direction of carpet design. They are:
- Self Indulgence – Luxury as a necessity with fine, smooth yarns
- Eco-uture – Renewable resources to create recyclable products
- Invented Tradition – Bold statement patterns, eclectic overlays and traditional prints
- Fantasy – Playful, modern, surreal and embellished designs
- Origami – Multi-dimensional design that is angular, sculptural and complex
- Armorial – Materials that are ornate, protective and shimmer to the eye
- Skeletal – Open patterns, interlocking structures and color infused neutrals
“Not all of the products shown in the Design Lab showroom at NeoCon are marketable today, but Shaw Contract Group is predicting the market’s demands several years in advance,” says John Stephens, vice president of marketing for Shaw Contract Group.
For more information, see the company Web site.
