Hotel Design: Time for Innovation from the Floor Up

As hotels continue to upgrade their interiors with eye-catching items such as unique artwork, highly decorative lighting and inspirational custom carpets, the trend toward better technology integration continues as well. Hotels undertaking these initiatives are out to set themselves apart from the competition, while also creating highly memorable experiences for their customers.

starwood-hotel-keyless-smartphone-bluetooth-lock-entryWhat’s happening in the world of Hotel Design? A recent Buzzfeed article titled “The Hotel Industry’s Race To Escape The Dinosaur Age” addresses one of the current struggles of the Hotel world: technology. Features like mobile booking, keyless check-in, and customer operated kiosks in the lobby bring old hotels into the new age. The article got us thinking. Technology isn’t the only thing hotels should update to join this century. Changing the check-in experience for customers will lead to redesigning the lobby. This is an opportunity to update all aspects of your hotel design.

Screenshot 2015-02-25 15.09.55In the article Ryan Meliker, a senior analyst at MLV & Co, says “large hotel chains tend to conduct a major overhaul just once every seven years.” That’s not hard to believe considering the logistics of a major design overhaul. It is shocking to think that interiors that were “in-style” or “on-trend” seven years ago still exist in most hotels. Carpet has a distinct advantage because it can be easily removed and a new design theme can be added with less interruption of the hotel’s business.

Newer interiors, like updated technology, especially appeal to younger professionals who travel.  This includes millennials who know what they want, compare hotels online, read reviews and take to the internet to voice concern and displeasure more than any other group. (Photos of Hotel Design Magazine from 2008).

Hotels that want toScreenshot 2015-02-25 15.12.43 attract more travelers, gain repeat customers and generate more word-of-mouth buzz must frequently update their interiors. These updates need to be sensitive to the design, functionality and technology trends which are often driven by the “next generation” of customers while considering the context of the property’s brand. The opportunity for carpet in the millennial quest for a unique and authentic hotel, lies in its ability to be custom designed more easily than other furnishings.

Generally speaking, today’s interior design aesthetic is cleaner, integrates bolder color choices and features highly decorative finishes. Designers working on hospitality projects can achieve stunning, memorable and customer-centric design looks when specifying the right commercial carpet.  Whether it’s a custom product or a running line, carpets made with Zeftron nylon range from sleek, to delicate floral designs, to bright and modern. With a custom carpet, you can achieve virtually any look you desire.

We recently helped the Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt upgrade their more than 200 rooms. This project proves that even established big-name hotels can make significant changes on a property-by-property basis. The end result is a beautiful fresh space.

Zeftron Nylon Embassy Suites Nashville

We encourage you to Make A Design Statement with your next project and leave a lasting impression on your guests.


Related article: Recently we looked at how employers have a better chance at hiring and retaining talent with better workplace design.

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If you would like more information about Zeftron nylon or would like to partner with Zeftron on A&D visits, contact Zeftron Business Leader Tim Blount at: timothy.blount@shawinc.com or 706-532-2984.

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Bandelier made with Zeftron Nylon

Zeftron nylon is proud to work with a mill partner who values sustainability. BOLYU Contract was named “Environmental Supplier of the Year” by Home Depot, and they use renewable energy in all commercial facilities to meet manufacturing needs. One of the beautiful carpets made by BOLYU with Zeftron nylon is Bandelier.

Screenshot 2015-01-15 15.12.53

Product Specifications:

Construction: Tip Sheared Loop
Yarn Content: Zeftron® Nylon with 25% recycled content
Dye Method: Solution Dyed
Yarn Weight Tufted: 36 oz./yd.
Width: 12 feet
Pattern Repeat: 1.8″ W x 2.13″ L
Installation: Broadloom

Screenshot 2015-01-15 15.11.50

 

Pairing outstanding durability with enduring beauty, Zeftron nylon makes a perfect high-performance
partner to high-intensity commercial spaces. Bandelier can transform commercial spaces and is both functional and stylish.

Zeftron nylon means style—pure and simple. High-performance, fully recyclable nylon that is a beautiful
tool of the design trade.

 

Bandelier is available in thirteen colors: Sandoval, Hawk Springs, Yellowstone, Sierra Mesa, Ponderosa, Medicine Bow, Copper Canyon, Great Divide, Bitter Creek, Paradise Hills, Eagle’s Nest, Sweetwater and Black Mountain.

Screenshot 2015-01-15 15.14.56

To find other Bolyu styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Searchtool: the Zeftron Style Guide.

Click here to contact a Bolyu rep. To contact Zeftron nylon call Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

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About BOLYU Contract

BOLYU Contract is the commercial carpet division of Beaulieu of America which was founded in 1978. Today it is one of the largest privately held flooring producers in North America. Originally established to manufacture area rugs, the company invested in yarn extrusion in 1981 becoming the first manufacturer in the carpet and rug industry to produce their own yarn. The company then diversified into tufting carpet (under the brands of BOLYU and Aqua Hospitality Carpets), establishing the factory known today as Beaulieu Commercial in Chatsworth, GA.

About Zeftron® Nylon
For more than 40 years, Zeftron® nylon has continued to deliver more value-added opportunities and advantages to the commercial interiors marketplace through dedicated partnerships, a premium branded nylon 6 product and superior service. Based in Dalton, Ga., the brand brings a history of innovations and unparalleled style, performance and environmental attributes. All Zeftron nylon yarns are closed-loop recyclable, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified and come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content. As part of the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Zeftron nylon makes recycling easy with its 6ix Again Recycling Program – a simple to use, all-inclusive carpet recycling initiative. Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

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Today’s Workplace Design: Three Benefits of Carpet

MSRI_Berkeley_19
Carpet made with Zeftron nylon

The office of today is not what it used to be. Gone are the days of gray walls and tiny cubes separating the individual from the masses. The new workplace is open, airy, colorful and brand-driven. Now more than ever design is critical to achieving collaboration, inspiration and maximum productivity.

 

But how does a designer come up with the perfect interior for a client? Unfortunately, there is no secret formula. Instead it changes with every space that is created. But what doesn’t change is the need to connect the design aesthetic of the environment to the functional needs of those occupying the space.

Carpet made with Zeftron nylon at Bar Architects in San Francisco
Carpet made with Zeftron nylon at Bar Architects in San Francisco

The floor is typically the largest surface of any interior space. As a result, the flooring product you select can play a major role in both that space’s design and functionality. What can help you make the decision to choose carpet over other floor coverings for the next commercial space you design?  Below are three points to consider:

Acoustics: It’s well-known that quieter environments can foster greater focus and attention. Global design firm HOK lists this as one of their top 10 trends influencing workplace design today, and we agree. One of carpet’s best features is sound absorption, which can help reduce unwanted noise and create more productive employees.

Color: Carpet ain’t what it used to be! Our mill partners work hard to create amazing carpets that are not only beautiful, but highly stylish and versatile. We recently released seven new colors called the Brilliant Collection, which include colors like Lemon, Hot Pink, & Electric Blue to name a few. Why is that important? Research shows that bright colors not only add a spark of energy to a space, it can also foster greater engagement and activity.

Branding: Earlier this year Building Design & Construction posted an in-depth look at how millennials respond to workplace design. The new workplace is quickly filling up with this young generation and they expect a branded feel to their workspace. High-quality design in the workplace is a competitive advantage and will help with recruitment and retention of millennials, and all employees. Carpet offers the flexibility and customization to create a branded feel for your project.

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Carpet made with Zeftron nylon at Bar Architects in San Francisco

What are other important factors when you specify carpet for your projects?  When choosing a commercial grade carpet, we have talked in the past about the importance of knowing the traffic the space will receive, as well as the maintenance plan for the space. Let us know if you have any questions about Zeftron nylon!

To contact Zeftron nylon call Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

 

Zeftron Nylon is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver

Zeftron nylon is proud to be Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Silver
Zeftron nylon is proud to be Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Silver

Zeftron Nylon is the only commercial nylon of its kind to be a Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Silver yarn product available to carpet manufacturers. Zeftron nylon is a proven environmentally responsible yarn system that is 100 percent closed-loop recyclable at the end of its useful life. Backed by constant research and product innovation, all Zeftron nylon yarns come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content in every color.

Zeftron nylon is Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Silver because of the use of environmentally safe and healthy materials, design for material reutilization, use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, efficient use of water and maximum water quality associated with production, and instituting strategies for social responsibility.

Pre-Dyed Fiber

“We have always worked to make a product that leaves little or no environmental footprint,” said Tim Blount, business leader for Zeftron nylon. “Every decision regarding manufacturing, product attributes and complete life cycle responsibility work towards this goal, from manufacturing only nylon 6 products to our simple to use commercial carpet recycling program, 6ix Again. We will continue to bring innovation to the marketplace as an industry leader in closed-loop manufacturing and recycling.”


The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, a non-profit organization, administers the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard, which was gifted to the Institute by its Founders, William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart, in 2010.


Contact Us

If you would like more information about Zeftron nylon or would like to partner with Zeftron on A&D visits, contact Zeftron Business Leader Tim Blount at: timothy.blount@shawinc.com or 706-532-2984.

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Brilliant Colors In Design: Hot Pink & Lime Green

We recently toured the Novatel Times Square on the Interiors & Sources NYC Hotel Bus Tour. We were given a behind-the-scenes look at Novatel with designer Sara Duffy from Stonehill & Taylor who walked us through the bold expressive space.

The lobby of the Novatel Hotel in NYC is bright and expressive!
The lobby of the Novatel Times Square in NYC is bright and expressive!

As you can see, the creative and strategic use of color and creative lighting are the main focus of this lobby space. When a guest arrives they are excited, drawn to various elements around the room and they feel energized! That is the power of design.

We want to help you create a space that engages and leaves a lasting impression. That is why we created the Brilliant Collection​, made up of seven highly vibrant colors. We’re discussing these exciting new colors individually, and we look forward to hearing how you will incorporate them in your upcoming projects.

A Hint of Lime

Did you know that Green is the most seen color in the world (Independent Study: The Psychology of Color in an Interior Space). Green helps to sooth and encourage mental relaxation.

A lime can add a punch of citrus and acid to cooking. Limes can change the entire taste of a recipe with just a little squeeze! Why not add something that powerful to your next project. The addition of Zeftron nylon’s newest colors in the Brilliant Collection give every project that something extra that they need.

The Brilliant Collection
The Brilliant Collection

Liven it up with Hot Pink

Design firm Chrissis & Company Interiors recently made the statement that the use of pink has risen in popularity and that “pink – in general is just hot.” We agree!

Our new colors are designed to meet the needs of designers in a color conscious world. We are watching the trends, listening to feedback from our mill partners, and providing new exciting options for your next project. Don’t forget to read about all the colors of the Brilliant Collection! We’d love your feedback and to hear how you would harness the power of these new brilliant colors!


Contact Us

If you would like more information about the Brilliant Collection or would like to partner with Zeftron on A&D visits, contact Zeftron Business Leader Tim Blount at: timothy.blount@shawinc.com or 706-532-2984.

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We love Lemon! Part of the new Brilliant Collection

Josef Albers was a German-born American artist & educator whose work formed the basis of some of the most influential art education programs of the 20th century.

“Color is understood through experiences” – Josef Albers

Did you know that the color yellow is the easiest for the human eye to see? It’s no wonder that school buses and street signs are yellow. Our eyes are drawn to elements that are bright inside and out. That was the inspiration behind one of our newest color offerings: Lemon! 

According to an independent study on slideshare titled, “The Psychology of Color in an Interior Space”:  “Different shades of yellow convey different messages. A light yellow might bring warmth and softness… whereas a bright yellow might raise the emotional temperature and increase liveliness and encourage innovation.”

Photo by Interiors  and Sources of the Archer New York Lobby
Yellow accents in The Archer New York’s Lobby- captured during the recent Interior & Sources Hotel Bus Tour that Zeftron nylon sponsored.

Although bright interior colors have not always been readily applied in schools, offices and public spaces, yellow and colors within this family are catching on according to HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. HOK says: “smart organizations understand their primary goal is to enhance the performance of their people.”  Yellow, the firm says, is a color that “makes people feel clear-headed and alert, allowing for clear thinking for decision making.”

Who doesn’t want that?!

Imagine the possibilities when you add a bright color like Lemon to your next project. You can customize a beautiful, highly styled carpet for your next interior with pops of color such as Lemon and completely change the feel of the space.

What would you do with Lemon accents in your next space?

The Brilliant Collection from Zeftron nylon
The Brilliant Collection from Zeftron nylon

About the Brilliant Collection: 

Zeftron nylon’s new Brilliant Collection comprised of seven highly vibrant colors. The new colors bring more styling options that add a dash of energy or excitement to a hospitality, corporate or other commercial interiors project. The collection gives our mill partner designers and commercial designers even greater options and inspiration for creating or specifying the commercial carpet product you desire

For more information please contact Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

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Chanterelle Made with Zeftron Nylon

A hallway with Chanterelle in Beaujolais.
A hallway with Chanterelle in Beaujolais.

This week’s featured carpet is Chanterelle made by our mill partner Aqua Hospitality. With it’s beautiful leafy pattern Chanterelle would be a perfect selection for hotel properties and luxury resort facilities.

Aqua Hospitality Carpets Director of Marketing Cathy Mansour says “Our goal is to research, develop and manufacture interesting and inspiring carpet products for the hospitality market segment.” 

Chanterelle installation in a guest room.
Chanterelle installation in a guest room.

 

Product specifications:

Construction: Tip Sheared Loop
Yarn Content: Zeftron® Nylon with 25% recycled content
Dye Method: Solution Dyed
Yarn Weight Tufted: 36 oz./yd. 
Width: 12 feet
Pattern Repeat: 24″ w x 24″ 
 
 
 
 

Chanterelle is available in nine colors: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Champagne, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvigon, Pinot Noir, and Zinfindel.

 

Chanterelle is available in 9 colors.
Chanterelle is available in 9 colors.

To see other Aqua Hospitality styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Search tool: the Zeftron Style Guide. Click here to contact Aqua Hospitality. To contact Zeftron nylon call Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

About Aqua Hospitality Carpets
Aqua Hospitality Carpets uses a collaborative approach for creating unique and distinctive products for multiple hospitality settings by leveraging the strength, stability and expertise of its parent company, Beaulieu Group, LLC. As the number one carpet only manufacturer in the United States, Beaulieu is a world leader in the innovation, styling, manufacturing and distribution of carpets for the Hospitality, Commercial and Residential market segments. A vertically integrated organization, Beaulieu manufactures and produces its own carpet fibers, Type 6 nylon and Polyester, its own carpet backings and is a pioneer in environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and processes. From concept to completion, Aqua Hospitality offers a thorough understanding of the market to provide the expertise needed in all areas of carpet design, manufacturing and project solutions. From mid- to upper-end hotel properties, timeshares, condominiums and luxury resort facilities, Aqua can assist in developing the experience needed for both business and leisure travelers.
 
About Zeftron® Nylon
For more than 40 years, Zeftron® nylon has continued to deliver more value-added opportunities and advantages to the commercial interiors marketplace through dedicated partnerships, a premium branded nylon 6 product and superior service. Based in Dalton, Ga., the brand brings a history of innovations and unparalleled style, performance and environmental attributes. All Zeftron nylon yarns are closed-loop recyclable, MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified and come standard with a minimum 25 percent recycled content. As part of the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Zeftron nylon makes recycling easy with its 6ix Again Recycling Program – a simple to use, all-inclusive carpet recycling initiative. Zeftron nylon is a part of Shaw Industries Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

Find Zeftron nylon online:

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Arcadia made with Zeftron Nylon

This week’s featured carpet is Arcadia made by our mill partner Bolyu. Arcadia is a broadloom textured loop made with Zeftron® Nylon with 25% recycled content. This product is available in 12 foot broadloom and features a 28 ounce tufted weight.

Arcadia by Bolyu Carpet

Arcadia is available in thirteen colors: Sandoval, Hawk Springs, Yellowstone, Sierra Mesa, Ponderosa, Medicine Bow, Copper Canyon, Great Divide, Bitter Creek, Paradise Hills, Eagle’s Nest, Sweetwater and Black Mountain.

Arcadia is available in 13 colorwaysTo find other Bolyu styles made with Zeftron Nylon please reference our Carpet Search tool: the Zeftron Style Guide.

Click here to contact a Bolyu rep. To contact Zeftron nylon call Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

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Custom Carpets- Part One: Understanding The Basics

PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird
PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird

By Julie Baird @Juliembaird

A custom-designed carpet can be an excellent solution for designers looking to create a signature space.  In part one of this two-part blog, PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird provides designers several tips to keep in mind when thinking about creating a custom carpet for their project.

Q.  Let’s start with the basics.  When would a designer want to choose a custom design over a running line?

There are several reasons.  First and foremost, a custom carpet is a great way to make a project unique or add a signature design style.  An example is when an organization wants to incorporate its colors or even its logo into the design of the carpet. A custom carpet works really well in a college or university setting where you’re trying to drive school spirit.  It could also be great for a fun corporate environment, think Google.  Actually, it can work for any market segment where a designer wants to make a design statement.

Additionally, depending on the physical dimensions of the space or the requirements of the flooring surface, a running line simply may not be the best solution. If a designer can envision it, a custom carpet can make it a reality.

Q.  What are the challenges or drawbacks to a custom product?

The biggest challenge is usually determining which construction and yarn system will best meet the project’s requirements.  This process can be complex depending on design intent.  However, we can typically make these determinations pretty quickly.  In our system, doing a custom color is not much different than ordering a standard product.  Often we can deliver custom products more quickly than competitors can deliver running line products.

Zeftron offers colors that can make your custom carpet come to life
Zeftron offers colors that can make your custom carpet come to life

Q.  Does a custom carpet allow a designer to add more sustainability or performance characteristics to the finished product?

Yes. For example, most healthcare jobs require a solution-dyed yarn like Zeftron nylon because they demand high performance and colorfast properties.  Between our mill’s capabilities and that of our partners like Zeftron nylon, we can deliver a product to the exact specifications the designer desires.

Q.  What do designers need to keep in mind before embarking on a custom design process?

It’s essential designers consider these key elements before starting down the path of a custom designed product:

  • Budget – Have a flooring budget in place
  • Yardage – Know the amount of yards for the flooring space you want covered
  • Market Segment – Identify the market: hospitality, education, corporate, healthcare, etc.
  • Application – Know where the carpet will be used and how much traffic it will endure
  • Lighting – Understand how much sunlight the carpet will be subjected to
  • Desired Design Aesthetic or Style – Tell us your design vision for the carpet
  • Colors – Let us know the colors you’re considering
PacifiCrest is one of Zeftron's Mill Partners
PacifiCrest is one of Zeftron’s Mill Partners

Check back soon for Part Two where Julie will discuss the options and tools available to designers to see a custom carpet through to completion. For more information on Pacificrest visit their website www.pacificrest.com

Contact Zeftron nylon call Tim Blount at 706-532-2984 or email him at timothy.blount@shawinc.com.

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Make A Design Statement with Zeftron nylon

A space tells a story and you are its author. What you envision you can achieve with Zeftron nylon. More than 100 inspiring colors give you the palette to create the custom commercial carpet you desire for your project. Remove design boundaries. Put your signature on it. Make a design statement

Find out more about how you can customize your next project using Zeftron nylon here:

http://www.zeftronnylon.com/Style.aspx

To speak with one of our Zeftron nylon reps about getting your next project started please contact Chelsey Wolf or Dabney Jungerman. You can also reach out to Zeftron Nylon Business Leader Timothy Blount or Zeftron Nylon National Marketing Manager Richard Radke.