Design Inspiration
July 2, 2025
Karndean Designflooring’s new Knight Tile collection perfectly demonstrates why LVT is fast becoming the go-to choice for modern homes. Six new wood designs, with four herringbone options, and three stone designs have been meticulously handcrafted to replicate and enhance authentic features.
Richard Allen, Sales Director at Karndean Designflooring said, “It’s our attention to detail that keeps customers coming back. Our designers have been inspired by beautiful samples of wood and stone, including reclaimed planks from an old wind-powered sawmill in Amsterdam and the natural veining of marble found in riverbeds, to create our latest collection of desirable floors. Our updated Knight Tile collection has something for everyone, bringing a sense of calm and sophistication to any room.
“Everyone loves a little luxury and with our Knight Tile range nobody has to choose between style and budget. The new Knight Tile designs are guaranteed to transform any space without breaking the bank.”
Amtico understands that choosing the perfect flooring for your space is a decision that deserves careful thought – and it’s time well spent. The flooring you select has a big influence on the overall look and feel of your home, so it’s important to pick a style that complements the character of your space. For example, period homes pair beautifully with geometric Victorian-style LVT, while classic interiors are elevated by realistic wood or stone effects. For more contemporary settings, a decorative design adds personality and flair.
To make selecting your ideal flooring easier, Amtico’s Designers’ Choice collection is a curated, ready-to-buy range that blends textures, tones and patterns for a sophisticated finish. Simply choose a laying pattern, from elegant Parquet and Basket Weave to striking Polygon Key or dynamic Pleat and combine it with a colour palette that reflects your personal style.
One standout is Arc – a lively design featuring oscillating semi-circles that bring energy and movement to a space. It’s a stylish and practical option for zoning areas or creating visual pathways.
With Amtico you have endless inspiration at your fingertips as you can explore even more ideas using tools such as Amtico’s Inspiration Gallery. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just refreshing a room, the gallery is packed with real-life examples and ideas for every part of the home – from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms, hallways, and beyond.
Ready to be inspired? Start your next flooring project with confidence and creativity.
Kellars has recently redefined its product branding. We caught up with Mike Davey, Head of Creative and Brand, who shared his insights behind the company’s new branding. Mike explained, “We have elevated the brands with distinctive visual identities echoing not only form and function, but emotion, elegance, and imagination.”
Alva, for example, was inspired by the fluidity of dance, the branding captures the elegance that high-end SPC/LVT flooring brings into a home. Playing on visual, emotional and physical movement, communicating the transformative potential of flooring with subtle curves, flowing typography, and warm, expressive tones. Mike emphasises: “It’s not just about walking on a surface; it’s about moving through an experience.”
Octavian, draws attention to the colour and pattern potential of vinyl flooring. The branding leans into visual rhythm with punchy colours and geometric elements mirroring the design variety available. Octavian’s look invites users to play, explore, and break the mould.
He adds: “Our carpet branding needed a rethink and Easyliving delivered, with an identity that emphasises practicality with a stylish twist, centering the bleach-cleanable and liquid-resistant technology.
Kellars’ complementary carpet lines, Easy Naturals and Divine offer different takes on modern elegance. Easy Naturals keep things simple yet refined, and Divine lives up to its name, featuring a feather motif and a palette of soft blues and greys within the logo.
Even flooring accessories and tools, Floorlink didn’t go amiss. The geometric brand identity, directly inspired by the forms of the tools themselves.
Finally, we can’t forget Gordon the Garden Gnome, Kellers’ charming mascot who softens the corporate edge by bringing an undeniably memorable whimsical twist.
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The 2025 edition of the INDX National Flooring Exhibition was a successful second outing for the relaunched show, with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing their products at Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre this past May.
When does a customer have the right to a refund, replacement or repair? This has long been an area of dispute, but the Consumer Rights Act 2015 simplified this and, although there are some exceptions, the general principles for orders placed in your store are: Late delivery: unless you have quoted a realistic lead time, the consumer can cancel the order and receive a refund if the goods are not delivered within 30 days (or within 30 days of the estimated lead time). If and when you become aware of any delays to a customer order, it’s best to advise them as soon as possible to minimise the risk of a cancellation. Incidentally, any repair work or replacements must also be expedited and carried out ‘without significant inconvenience’. Many retailers now have loan items to ensure they comply with this requirement and although this may seem expensive, it’s cheaper than having to issue refunds. Faulty goods: The customer has the right to reject faulty goods within 30 days of delivery. What is a fault? There is no legal definition, other than the need for them to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and corresponding to the description/sample. The Act says the goods must be free from minor defects, but what does that mean? I drew up a definition some years ago which has been helpful to many people I have advised: A defect is something inherent in a product that adversely affects, or may come to affect, the appearance, suitability or performance of that product now or during its reasonable expected lifespan. It’s worth noting that installation is not a separate service unless the customer has arranged their own, so if the installation is not satisfactory the customer can reject the goods. Who is the judge of this? Within the first six months, the burden of proof lies with the seller – so we as retailers must prove the goods are not faulty if we are going to reject a complaint. After six months, the burden of proof changes and the customer has to prove the goods are faulty, perhaps by way of an independent expert’s report. But, rejecting goods is one thing, what rights does the customer have? If the fault is brought to the sellers attention within 30 days, the customer can choose between a refund, replacement or repair. We cannot insist that they accept what we want to offer, but most customers are reasonable and if we respond to complaints promptly, this will rarely need to be an issue. If we offer a refund, this must be paid within 14 days. After 30 days, the consumer loses the right to a refund. They can still choose between a repair or replacement (and we could still give a refund if we chose to), but they cannot insist on their money back. However, this is taken from the date of the complaint, and if there are delays, the clock has stopped ticking and the customer can still ask for a refund if the matter is not resolved. After 6 months, not only do the consumer’s rights reduce, but the value of any refund can be reduced from this point to reflect any usage the customer has had of the goods. This may be a proportion of the price reflecting how much of the guarantee period has been used up, or if there is no guarantee, most furniture and flooring would be expected to last for the statutory period of six years, so this could be the basis for any calculation. Of course, there is a ‘but’ – if during this period the customer has to wait for a repair or replacement, this must also be taken into account. The flowchart (shown on page 26) summarises this and may be helpful as you deal with particular complaints. However, the rules governing sales taken in a customer’s home or online are different and we’ll cover these in a future article. If you come across an issue you can’t resolve before then, please get in touch.
Flanders Flooring Days, 2nd June – 5th June, saw visitors to IVC step into a circular future through a journey exploring the company’s innovations in more sustainable vinyl flooring.
As an international market leader in floors, Tarkett is proud to launch its new brand, STELLAR, which has been developed to target retail and premium sales channels. Designed and made in Europe, its first collections will embody the brand’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, innovative design, and sustainability.
Temperature tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings, such as LVTs, in areas where temperatures have the potential to fluctuate. F. Ball technical service officer, Andy Mees, advises on when and why you need to use a temperature tolerant adhesive and how to select the right one. Extreme temperatures or temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly. This is frequently the case in heavily glazed areas that are subject to solar gain during the day, such as conservatories, which then rapidly cool at night. Over time, this can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of floorcoverings, particularly between adjacent vinyl tiles or planks. Once fully cured, temperature tolerant adhesives hold floorcoverings firmly in place, restricting these movements and ensuring that flooring installations maintain their aesthetic appearance for years to come. Where and why? The availability of temperature tolerant adhesives raises questions about exactly where they need to be used. There is sometimes confusion about why a temperature tolerant adhesive is required to install LVTs in conservatories but not over underfloor heating. F. Ball’s Technical Service Department answers calls from installers who believe it is necessary to use a temperature tolerant adhesive to install floorcoverings where underfloor heating is present when, in fact, it is not always required. This is because temperature fluctuations as a result of underfloor heating systems are much more gradual and less extreme than changes in temperature resulting from solar gain, which can result in swings of 60°C. To meet British Standard guidelines of resilient and textile floor coverings, underfloor heating systems should not exceed 27°C at the bond line. Temperature tolerant adhesives are therefore only always necessary where there are heavily glazed areas, including conservatories and areas with floor-to-ceiling window, such as extensions fitted with bi-fold doors. F. Ball’s full range of adhesives can be used over all kinds of underfloor heating. Wet-lay adhesives Where a temperature tolerant adhesive is required, there are a number of options. Wet-lay temperature tolerant adhesives are available for contractors who are installing vinyl floorcoverings in areas that will be exposed to high temperatures and are available with a range of additional properties. F. Ball’s Styccobond F48 PLUS, for example, is a fibre-reinforced, high temperature grade adhesive for installing a range of vinyl floorcoverings. Fibres in Styccobond F48 PLUS allow it to offer high initial grab to hold floorcoverings securely in place while contractors are working. It is also fast drying, and as a one-part solution, there’s no mixing required before application. Hybrid adhesives When installing vinyl tiles and planks, it is useful to have the benefits of pressure sensitive adhesives, which form an instant grab upon contact, ideal for installing floorcoverings featuring intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment. They also offer a long open time, reducing the risk of late placement. F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based vinyl adhesive with the familiar characteristics of a pressure sensitive adhesive, which develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20°C to +60°C). Whilst providing high initial tack, the adhesive allows contractors to lift and reposition floorcoverings in the initial stages of drying. Floorcovering compatibility Flooring contractors should always check that an adhesive is suitable for use with a particular floorcovering. For these purposes F. Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG). The 2023 edition of the guide lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings, produced by over 200 manufacturers. Alternatively, F. Ball’s technical service department are on hand Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm, to answer your questions about F. Ball products and how to use them. www.f-ball.com
Learn all aspects of flooring installation at the Uzin Utz Campus in Stafford. The state-of-the-art facility provides diverse training opportunities throughout the year. From subfloor preparation, LVT fitting, wet room installations, wood floor sanding and sealing, as well as resin flooring installation, each course is designed to inspire and equip you with essential skills. With prices starting at just £75 per person, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also lunch and refreshments, a certificate of achievement, a Uzin Utz Campus T-shirt, and exciting giveaways.
FITA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, providing specialist training for the floorcovering industry. Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers, FITA has two specialist training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy, fully equipped to deliver over 20 different flooring courses including carpet, LVT, sheet vinyl, wood, linoleum and subfloor preparation.
When it comes to ensuring that flooring meets standards of other design features, such as furnishings and fittings, following best practice in subfloor preparation and flooring installation is as important as the floorcovering selection itself. Tim Green, head of training at the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives, F. Ball and Co, explains how training in these areas can help achieve a design edge and how to access the best free provisions available.
BUSINESS NEWS
Carpet imports into the UK declined in April, however consistent growth for vinyl meant the overall flooring category remained nearly level, according to HMRC data compiled by The Furnishing Report. The data shows flooring imports down just 1% to £127.9m across carpet, wood, vinyl and linoleum, however carpet and rug imports specifically fell by 4.5%, down to £74.5m. The drop can largely be attributed to a 38% decline in goods arriving from Belgium, with Turkey’s carpet imports increasing 11% up to £18.6m, making it the largest single source of textile floorcoverings brought into the country. Vinyl imports saw an 8.1% rise to £37.9m, reportedly marking the eleventh straight increase on a year-on-year basis – largely driven by a continued recovery of shipments from China compared to a weaker 2024.
Cormar Carpets is pleased to announce the internal promotion of Alan Harris to the position of Sales Director, following the retirement of long-serving Sales Director Chris Isaacs.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by three points to -20 in May. All measures were up in comparison to last month’s announcement. Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ Company, says: “There’s an improvement across all five key indicators in May, led by two forward-looking findings. The measure for personal finances looking ahead for the next 12 months has moved out of negative territory, increasing by five points to + 2. There’s a similar improvement in how consumers see the coming year’s general economy, with a four-point boost to -33. “It’s also worth noting the three-point rise in the measure on major purchases for big-ticket items such as furniture or electrical goods, with May’s score of -16 marking the highest level seen since the end of 2024. Have consumers taken comfort from the Bank of England’s May 8th quarter-point base-rate cut? And have they breathed a tiny sigh of relief since April when the sudden turbulence of the Trump Tariffs was prompting dire warnings of economic damage and a return to inflation? Those dangers – especially the issue of inflation – have not disappeared but the consumer mood in the UK does appear to have improved a little.” General economic situation The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months is up one point to -46; this is seven points worse than in May 2024. Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months have gone up by four points to -33; this is 16 points worse than May 2024. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.
Belgotex International has now wholly acquired Lano, one of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturers, The Furnishing Report has revealed. Belgotex International describes itself as Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer, and it also owns Associated Weavers as well as Balsan Carpets and Tiles. The company acquired 60% of Lano’s shares in 2022, and has now purchased the remaining 40%. The group has reportedly appointed Olivier Decouttere as Lano’s new chief executive following the takeover. Decouttere previously worked as Managing Director of Mattex Fabrics in Dubai, where he also led global sales for carpet backings. According to The Furnishing Report, Belgotex has announced the Lano name will remain in place, with no change to the customer-facing process. The African group reportedly praised Joe Lano and the Lano team for their historic efforts.
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has added to its team of experts who deliver industry-leading training courses at the state-of-the-art F. Ball Centre of Excellence, with the appointment of Adrian Barker as training officer. Working alongside F. Ball head of training, Tim Green, Adrian will promote best practice in flooring installation by delivering free training courses at the purpose-built facility and further afield according to customer requirements. Adrian brings nearly four decades’ flooring industry experience to the role. Starting his career in 1987 on a youth training scheme with a small family-run flooring contractor, where he worked for 10 years installing textile and resilient floorcoverings in commercial settings, he later founded his own business installing carpet and LVTs in retail locations. He also began delivering training for flooring apprentices for a construction industry training provider. Adrian said: “I developed a preference for F. Ball products throughout my career – my local technical representative always supported me with answers to queries and solutions for projects. I have also attended training courses at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence and was impressed by the standard of provisions and the overall culture of the organisation – they even helped with the development and delivery of my own courses. So it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to join the team.” All flooring professionals can attend courses covering all aspects of subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation at The F. Ball Centre of Excellence for free, including specialist courses for both apprentices and seasoned professionals, involving practical demonstrations and exercises using high-performance F. Ball products. 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.com
Imports of soft flooring including wall-to-wall carpet and rugs were up 8.8% to £74.75m in March, according to HMRC data compiled by The Furnishing Report. With this increase, imports of carpet grew faster during the period than alternatives like vinyl.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased by four points to -23 in April. All measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.
Likewise Group, the UK flooring distributor, has announced its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2024.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by one point to -19 in March. Two measures were up, two were down and one was unchanged in comparison to last month’s announcement.
The prices of carpets and other floorcoverings fell 1.8% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. This is the second consecutive month of falling prices, with carpets seeing a drop of 1.7% in February, down from 2.5% growth in the same period last year.
It has been quite the year for Klipboard, formerly known as Kerridge Commercial Systems.
Karndean Designflooring is expanding its bestselling Knight Tile collection with a fresh, curated selection of wood and stone designs launching summer 2025. Introduced to offer sought after tones not yet available in the range, these new classics reflect the rising trend of restorative, nature-inspired spaces while maintaining the practicality and affordability the collection is known for. The extended Knight Tile collection includes six new wood planks, four matching herringbones and three stone designs – all ideal for homeowners looking to upgrade their interiors with design-led, budget-conscious flooring. The new additions are available in Karndean’s classic 36”x6” gluedown plank format, with four designs also offered as slim 18”x3” herringbones. Stone looks come in 12”x18” tiles, ideal for brick bond layouts and seamless transitions across open-plan spaces. Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Knight Tile has always been about offering great design at an accessible price. These new additions reflect emerging home trends and colour stories, particularly the move towards restorative, nature inspired interiors. Whether it’s a compact hallway or a full renovation project, this collection makes it easy to achieve a stylish and hardwearing finish without compromising on budget.” He added: “It’s perfect for any stage of living, from first time buyers putting their stamp on a space to empty nesters looking for a fresh update. It continues to be a go to in new build homes, offering on trend, durable floors that work with modern lifestyles.” Wood looks reimagined Inspired by nature and informed by interior trends, the new wood designs span a wide range of tones and styles – from the soft, natural grain of Norfolk Acacia to the rich, espresso tones of Cocoa Limed Oak and the striking multi-toned Duxbury Acacia, inspired by traditional shipbuilding timber. Planks can be laid straight or in full-plank herringbone for a contemporary twist, while coordinating 18” x 3” herringbones in Nutmeg Limed Oak, Cocoa Limed Oak, Wells Acacia and Duxbury Acacia allow for more intricate designs in smaller spaces or clever zoning in open layouts. The characterful Russet Character Oak draws on reclaimed wood from an Amsterdam sawmill, bringing a sense of heritage and warmth to both modern and traditional interiors. Also new to the Knight Tile range are three versatile stone-effect designs – Lunar Limestone, Natural Limestone and River Marble – all available in 12”x18” tiles. From the subtle elegance of pale limestone to the soft veining of marble inspired by flowing riverbeds, these tiles provide a chic alternative to traditional stone, with the added benefits of warmth underfoot, underfloor heating compatibility, and easier maintenance.
Through Unilin Flooring’s wood, vinyl and laminate floors, project interiors benefit from a high-quality waterproof floor that can withstand heavy traffic.
Comfytex Deluxe Max is a brand-new collection from LeoLine, bringing unbeatable all-round performance and supreme style to every home.
The new and improved Flex Pro Pure is the fast and easy way to install Moduleo design floors.
Thanks to premium wood, laminate and vinyl floors, Quick-Step is the brand that has it all.