Design Trends
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Floor coverings are one of the dominant fashion statements
in the office. Colors and patterns in a carpet can create a
distinctive atmosphere, serve a practical purpose, and send
a message. Within a facility, bright colors with contrasting
highlights can differentiate department or team areas. An
accent color on the floor can establish a break between the
floor and the wall or stairway, and a printed or tufted
pattern carpet can reinforce a corporate identity with the
prominent display of the organization's logo or distinctive
"look." In addition, pattern, design, and color have
functional merit – an employee's productivity can be
enhanced by "visual noise." In large stores and small
boutiques, carpet is often understated; the goal is to
showcase the merchandise. In some hospitality settings,
dramatic floor coverings can help keep people moving and
stimulated in a limited space. In healthcare, colors can be
soothing and emotionally healing.
 Color selection of carpet
is as diverse as the imagination can provide. Quiet colors
such as neutral "earth" colors or the blues of sky and water
are chosen for a soothing effect or a "corporate" look,
whereas warmer colors, reds, maize, and shades of orange are
used for vitality and invigoration.
Mid-range colors and
multicolor blends are best for hiding soil near entrances.
Entrance mats are highly recommended to avoid tracked-in
soil from the outside. Often, designers use mid-range color
combinations of blues, taupes, greens, teals, and corals,
including the trend toward yellows and golds and celery or
yellow-green shades. Carpet is being produced to coordinate
with other interior finishes -- laminates, upholstery,
natural stones, wallcoverings and paint -- and many carpet
manufacturers will produce custom colors and constructions
to meet individual specifications for design coordination.
A realization in
healthcare facilities that Alzheimer’s patients can remember
color differentiation better than numbers (according to the
Alzheimer’s Association) may be a consideration in any
public facility. Color can provide an easily remembered
visual link to a specific hall or wing. Brighter colors also
aid in depth perception and differentiation of areas such as
registration desks or main offices. Color is also a good way
to differentiate a group or team area, or to differentiate
between departments.
Appearance is an
aesthetic choice, while appearance retention is a
performance issue, but the two areas are closely related.
Heavy foot traffic and soil can discolor carpet and should
influence design decisions. Mid-tone colors and the color of
local soil are the best to use in high traffic areas,
especially near entrances. |