What are the hot new looks and trends in contemporary flooring? It’s becoming easier to get lost in all of the new styles, however time and time again the fabric look has been consistent in providing a timeless, luxurious look unparalleled to all the new styles. The fabric look has been around for a few years, but has seen a steady increase in popularity each year, becoming a classic.

What is “fabric look”?

When searching around, you’ll hear terms like linen, fabric, woven and so on.  But what do they actually mean and are they all different looks?  First, the verbiage is almost generic in use, much like truck and pick up – both are synonymous with the same meaning.  Worry not, as here is the simple explanation!

The “fabric” look is also known as “linen”- which usually has a solid background color and linear arrangement that are very thin with a very faint accent color.  Much like a pinstripe suit.

For the woven term, imagine a solid color with the pattern of the tile criss-crossing each other with micro thin lines creating a look similar to wallpaper.

 

 

A brief history

Daltile introduced the fabric look first, creating their Daltile Fabrique line, taking cues from different textures and colors, the fabrique collection drew its inspiration from the way fabric moves.  The second series pioneered is the Daltile Kimona Silk that instead of a linear look had a cross pattern design mimicking a type of woven wall paper.   Kimona Silk touches upon Asian Contemporary with colors such as Rice Paper, Chai Tea, and Panda Black.

The evolution of the linen fabric look has been slow and steady. Originally only being available in a few basic colors, it has since expanded introducing variations of White, Cream, Beige, and Grey.  These beautiful colors are most often seen on 12″x 24″ tile, but 24”x 24” is also a popular size.  The 24”x 24” sometimes is used in a half turn pattern giving a contemporary twist to the straight linear pattern mostly laid with the 12″ x 24″.  Since the conception of fabric linen tile, there have been many new styles and variations.

 

Let’s go exploring…

Last year Marazzi Lounge 14 was introduced.  Aside from the normal sizes available, Lounge 14 has seen unique sizes ranging from 9″ x 36″ to 18″ x 36″. Marazzi synthesized old-world textile with contemporary colors via 3D digital print technology. The three-dimensional approach with monochromatic color progression contributes subtle movements and texture on floors and walls. This bold collection features 4 colors, all themed after speakeasy lounges – Cosmopolitan, Martini, Sidecar, and Spritzer. The look of these colors makes you long for happy hour, or at least the sound of a martini being shaken.

Following suit, the designer Italian company Fiandre created three beautiful Collections. First, Fiandre Silk Road. This collection incorporates the traditional fabric look and blends in woven fibers. Boasting an interesting 6″ x 24″ as well as the two most popular sized 12″ x 24″ and 24″ x 24″. Second, Fiandre Harmony, one of the newer series starts really mixing things up with not so normal sizes like 24″ x 48″, 12″ x 48″, 8″ x 48″ and the standard 12″ x 24″.  This series separates itself by having very tight linear arrangements with no distinct shading or color differences.  Harmony has 6 colors and breaks the mold with Bamboo, Graylake and other shades not normally made by other manufacturers.  Finally, Fiandre Metropolis in 12″ x 24″ and a smaller 6″ x 24″ perfect for walls, embodies the classic fabric look in three standard colors.

Fiandre Silk Road

Fiandre Metropolis

Fiandre Harmony

 

 

 

And speaking of hot color trends – Kertiles joined the game a few years ago with the Bambu and Silk series.  Both featuring several shades of Gray (not quite 50).  The Kertiles Bambu Collection in four hues with 12″ x 24″ and 24″ x 24″ sizes.  While the Kertiles Silk offers a value line in almost the same pattern with a distinct gray and an almost winter white.  Kertiles also offers not only the traditional 2”x 2” mosaic but a brick joint mosaic as well for backsplashes and decorative boarders.

But why overcomplicate a good thing? That’s what interceramic thought when they created Interceramic Linen, keeping it simple, keeping it clean. This collection developed a stunning look titled as simple as the idea: Linen. With 4 basic, yet effective colors this collection cuts a wonderful 16″ x 24″ woven tile in Light, grey, brown and black.

If the pinstripe look doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, American Olean takes the cake for woven options. High quality and versatility make this collection stand out, with a variety of sizes to choose from in both color and size. 12″ x 12″, 12″ x 24″, and 24″ x 24″ are complimented by 7 different colors ranging from white, three hues of gold, brown, grey and black.

So, who and what are the consumer favorite and industry go to choices?  We evaluated all the companies based on several criteria:

• Popularity (Houzz idea books, Pinterest, social media etc.)
• Overall sales which tells how often people are choosing a brand
• Availability or how fast to get your tile

General affordability based on average pricing of other contemporary tile.

And the Winner is…..

For linear fabric, Kertiles Bambu is the most popular with end consumers and designers.  Homeowners love the striking visual and flooring dealers like that the Bambu seems to always be in stock and readily available.

The woven design vote goes to Daltile Kimona Silk based on variety of colors and again product availability nationwide.

To close, the linen fabric and woven looks are timeless, much like a Brooks Brothers suit.  Always going to be around and always going to be in style.  So don’t shy away from this popular decorating option when considering the perfect fit for your living spaces.