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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You Told Us and We Listened: Introducing Zeftron’s New “Designers Select” Colors

Designers Select logoWe are constantly seeking input from designers about our colors. Through our first national “Color Survey” you were able to vote online to tell us what colors you wanted to see added to our color palette.

After reviewing your votes and working with our coloration experts, we are pleased to announce our new “Designers Select” Collection! The eight new colors

subtly yet inherently reflect a sense of optimism with each color boasting its own unique and distinctive character. Colors range from an organic earth tone to a complex gray that offer a touch of boldness.

The colors can be used in a variety of ways, either as primary or accent colors for carpets designed for the hospitality, corporate, retail, education…or any commercial interior.

The new Designers Select Collection comes on the heels of our recently introduced Brilliant Collection, an assortment of seven highly vibrant colors that can add a dash of energy or excitement.

“Designers Select”

The new colors are perfect complements to our existing colors and brings our overall color palette to 120.  But more importantly, they provide more choices, options and inspiration for the commercial carpet you envision. These new collections also underscore our commitment to listening and responding to designers and marketplace needs.

Each color is rigorously tested to Zeftron’s exacting standards to ensure premium color consistency.  And, like all Zeftron yarns, the new colors contain a minimum of 25 percent recycled content. They are backed by Zeftron’s lifetime warranties for colorfastness, stain removal, wear and static control.

An electronic color swatch of the Designers Select Collection, Brilliant Collection and all of our colors is available for download by clicking here. 

More information and inspiration is available at our website.

We want to hear from you.  What do you think of these new colors? How might you use them in an upcoming project?


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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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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Introducing Electric Blue: Part of Zeftron Nylon’s Brilliant Collection

Last week we announced our new Brilliant Collection. Comprised of seven highly vibrant colors, the Brilliant Collection adds to our already amazing palette. This week we are taking a look at the first of these colors, Electric Blue. 

Blue is a color based in nature that has some powerful emotions tied to it. According to The Colour Affects System of applied color psychology, blue is associated with cool, calm, water and renewal. Historically in design blue has been the color of the elite, the regal, and it can be found abundantly in upscale European luxury hotels and homes.

Westin Excelsior Rome
Westin Excelsior Rome

How can you amp up a color that already has such a decided place in design? Make it electric.

Introducing Electric Blue, one of 7 new colors offered by Zeftron Nylon’s Brilliant Collection.  Electric Blue brings energy and brightness to a space. It sets off other elements in a room and is a great compliment to classic colors.

The idea of electric blue nylon fiber incorporated into a custom carpet brings classic luxury into the modern age and is perfect for hospitality, corporate or other interiors environments. Reminiscent of the resent color forecasting by Color marketing Group, we believe that through collaborating with our mill partners and crowdsourcing via the 2013 Zeftron Color Survey, Electric Blue is on-trend.

Brilliant Collection
Brilliant Collection

The seven colors of the Brilliant Collection are:  Hot Pink, Lemon, Brilliant Orange, Lime, Electric Blue, Bay Blue and Raspberry Wine. These colors were designed to harmonize with Zeftron’s other colors and perfectly complement Zeftron’s existing base shades.  Each proven color, including those in our metallic and vibrant hospitality collections, is a clear saturated hue making for unlimited color possibilities.

The 7 colors of the Brilliant Collection
The 7 colors of the Brilliant Collection

“We think designers will enjoy playing with these new colors to add more fun, energy and creativity to the carpets they envision for their projects,” said Zeftron Nylon Business Leader Tim Blount.

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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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.

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Custom Carpets- Part Two: Easier Than You Think!

By Julie Baird @Juliembaird

Last week we talked with PacifiCrest Senior Designer Julie Baird about the basics of custom carpets. This week Julie discusses the various options, processes and tools available to designers for developing the custom carpet they envision.

Q.  What are the options for achieving a custom carpet?

At PacifiCrest we offer a multitude of ways to achieve a custom look.  Designers can use our “Custom Color” program with one of our running lines or they can work with us to develop a complete “Custom Construction” product.

Q.  How does your “Custom Color” running line work?

PacifiCrest can match colors to best create the custom carpet you need.
PacifiCrest can match colors to best create the custom carpet you need.

This is a great solution for designers looking to make a custom statement in a quick and efficient way.  For a 100-yard minimum, we can match any color and turn around a custom color strike off in two days.  Designers can provide us with a specific Pantone color or send us fabric samples or paint swatches for the color they want.  Our dye lab then creates a formula that matches to their color.

After the order is placed, we can deliver the finished carpet in five days.  This turnaround is just as fast as ordering a quick-ship product and often times faster than a typical running line product.

Q.  How does your “Custom Construction” work?

All custom construction projects must meet a 400-1,000-yard minimum.  Once this requirement is met, we look at all the needs for the specific job.  We determine what nylon is required, as well as what construction type and weight would meet the performance and design needs of the project.  A good starting point for a custom construction is thinking about a variation of a running line product.

The beauty of custom construction is that during the process we do several things to engineer the carpet to specific standards.  For example, we can:

  • Make the product lighter weight to value engineer, or we can add weight to increase performance
  • Create a solution-dyed version of a piece-dyed product to meet specific and/or different design requirements
  • In some cases, we can manufacture a tip-sheared version of a loop product to create a different look
  • Take an existing construction and create a different pattern

Custom Construction is a great solution for a larger project where a signature look is desired.  It can also be an effective way to meet a particular end-use or value engineer a product.

The PacifiCrest sample machine
New state of the art tufting machine.

Q.  How would a designer start the custom process with PacifiCrest?

A custom project starts with the designer’s sales rep who works as a liaison between the designer and PacifiCrest.  Our rep writes up a custom request form, which gets entered into our product development system.  If the request is for a Custom Color running line, it goes straight to our dye lab experts.

If the request is for Custom Construction, it will come to our design department where we will draw the custom pattern first and/or determine the construction.  It will then go through our strike off department where we have sample machines that will tuft and finish a sample to be submitted for the designer’s approval.

Q.  Does PacifiCrest have any specific tools or resources to help designers through this custom process?

Absolutely!  As a boutique mill that specializes in custom carpets, our goal is to make the custom process as simple and efficient as possible.

CAD renderings give designers the ability to create custom patterns
CAD renderings give designers the ability to create custom patterns

One great tool is our CAD renderings.  CAD renderings provide us the ability to add logos, create patterns and establish the exact colors a designer requires.  Utilizing this tool can save time and money and ensure that the finished product is exactly what the designer envisioned.

Additionally, our newest product, 42nd Street, is a great tool for custom color.  I like to call it a “coloring box” since it is a 42 oz. cut pile product in 72 colors.  The architect folder contains three additional solid-color texture products.  Designers can simply select a texture and a color.  If we do not have the exact color a designer is looking for, we can match to it.  This palette gives designers a great starting place.

We are also developing a tool designers can use for Custom Construction products that require carpets made with a solution dyed nylon.  We’re pleased to be partnering with Zeftron on this.  The “kit” will contain several items, including two samples that demonstrate the feel and construction of the carpet from our new tufting machines.   The kit provides a starting place for designers to begin a Custom Construction – designers can choose a pattern and colors.  From there we can create a CAD rendering or a tufted sample.

The PacifiCrest-Zeftron custom kit provides a starting place for designers to begin a Custom Construction
The PacifiCrest-Zeftron custom kit provides a starting place for designers to begin a Custom Construction

Q. What else would like to add?

Designers should not be afraid to do custom.  A custom product is an excellent option for today’s commercial interiors industry where more and more clients not only want an exceptional look, but one that is also uniquely distinct.

That being said, it’s important designers work with a mill that has the experience and capabilities to make custom carpets.  PacifiCrest has a long history of being a custom carpet mill.  We take pride in meeting the custom requirements of any project with highly styled products at value price points and excellent service.  Our goal is to be a diverse supplier that can provide unique solutions to all market segments.

This year we have invested heavily in new state of the art tufting technology to further support our custom capabilities.  We now have more capabilities than ever before to achieve unlimited pattern and color flexibility.


For more information about PacifiCrest, please visit http://www.pacificrest.com

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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