It’s not all about wood. Bring on the stylish stone…
Herringbone is undoubtedly one of the happiest success stories in growing the market for vinyl but designers across the sector know that it’s not all about wood. Stylish stone in creative decors and formats is addressing a key demographic that is looking for something different and distinctive.
Tiles are never the best sellers overall in any collection, LVT or otherwise. Some distributors don’t even bother to include them in their ranges. Is that changing? Well yes actually, in the home sector, it is, says Tarkett.
“I think it’s driven by the higher end of the market for sure, and we’d always assume an older demographic. Well, the population is getting older and it’s the mid to high end which is remaining stable, so these designs are more important than ever today,” says Tarkett’s UK marketing manager Steve Urwin.
Steve highlights two key trends: “Finally the smooth, sleek concrete tiles are here, I mean they’ve always been here thanks to our continental colleagues, but now they are selling.
“Well, the population is getting older and it’s the mid to high end which is remaining stable, so these designs are more important than ever today,” says Tarkett’s UK marketing manager Steve Urwin.
“And large formats too,” he continues. “50 x 100cm or larger are going well. These clean lines long popular over there are now working here, partly thanks to this desire to bring the outside in, smooth porcelain or concrete tiles outside, bi-fold doors and something similar in the kitchen.”
Tarkett also notes the success of the classic retro look, Victorian type entrance halls in mono, kitchens in cool trend colours which look more accessible than ever now. Even the borders and corners are coming back, definitely a trend which will prevail for some time, thinks Tarkett.
Keeping a close watch on the trends and innovations in terms of colour and textures, Invictus succeeds in standing out from the crowd with creative and contemporary flooring, their stone tile collection is no exception to this.
These distinctive designs offer plenty of character and elegance whilst also providing excellent wear resistance thanks to the Scratchmaster top layer and waterproof properties, meaning it is never out of place, not even in your kitchen, bathroom or hall.
Groovy Granite Shadow Parquet, an eye-catching stone look tile that echoes the natural nuances of granite, will be the focal feature of any room. A striking laying pattern that works alongside the distinctive features of this tile has become a go-to design inspiration for many.
Groovy Granite Alabaster is a classic stone design which adds elegance whilst still providing outperforming wear protection, perfect for high traffic areas. Also available in 3 other colours.
Stella Coyle, head of retail sales at
Karndean Designflooring, said:
“Nature has always inspired our designs so it comes as no surprise to us that home trends are very much focused on the wellbeing benefits of the natural world. With LVT, home decorators can get the look of the real thing without any of the practical drawbacks.”
Take the quiet luxury of Karndean’s Palazzo Marble from its popular Van Gogh gluedown range as an example. Available in both full size 18” x 24” and 7” x 28” herringbone tiles, this design was inspired by Calacatta marble sourced in the Apuan Alps. Karndean’s renowned craftsmanship has authentically replicated the varied white tones and distinctive silver veining to produce a modern flooring suitable for any room, whether used simply on its own, with design strips to emulate grouting or even in combination with wood design tiles.
Stella added: “Lightweight, flexible, warm underfoot and easy to keep hygienically clean, Karndean flooring offers outstanding versatility to create a unique home full of joy. With over 100 stone designs and a choice of formats, there’s a floor for every taste and situation. What’s more, as we speak our designers are curating a new collection of beautiful stone designs that will soon join our Art Select range.”
With trending stone looks, the Moduleo Roots luxury vinyl tiles collection inspires people to create living spaces that express their personality.
Matthew Brook, national sales manager, explains more:
“Few brands do stone quite as well as Moduleo: it’s about choice.
“Our designers have explored the latest trends to create a beautiful and diverse collection of stone looks that traverse every mood – in Roots there really is something for any interior style. Whether the decadent dark stone of Meteora, vibrant and characterful Fiastra terrazzo, marbled Luzerna and York Stone, concrete Volterra or sleek Nublo; consumers are free to explore stone in all its variety to find their unique look,” he says.
“Designed and made in-house in Belgium, these are looks you simply can’t find anywhere else, and our designers have also made sure that they complement our wood plank design and herringbone design luxury vinyl floors too,” adds Matthew.
“Consumers can mix and match to their heart’s content,
using the beauty of stone to create a unique aesthetic, maybe highlighting the kitchen area in open plan living, or creating a luxurious, tropical infused bathroom that feels fresh and modern.
And with a choice of sizes, including the impressive XL tile,
it’s the distinct and wide range that marks Moduleo Roots
as the collection for those serious about their stone.”
The Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Illume collection brings refined design and premium quality to stone effect LVT.
Featuring underlay attached, a 100% waterproof construction, Scratch & Stain Guard and a lifetime warranty, there’s no doubt that the Alpha Vinyl Illume collection delivers on quality and performance. Equally impressive is the originality and design integrity of its stone effect designs.
Quick-Step’s designers have created a range of beautiful and
refined designs that explore stone and concrete effects. In Pebble
and Oyster Concrete, Sandstone Concrete, and a range of soft
tonal interpretations, Illume is a sophisticated response to stone, removed from typical limestone, sandstone and slate, instead looking at the nuances and imperfections of materials for inspiration.
So, if your customers are looking for a stone collection that offers something less ordinary, then Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Illume is certainly worth recommending.
Harvey Maria has been creating luxury vinyl tiles since 1995. Their floors are incredibly durable and easy to maintain - completely waterproof, slip resistant and compatible with underfloor heating.
Authentic stone and concrete flooring has been trending for the last few years, and so an ultra-realistic LVT is a great choice for many consumers who are looking for something more budget-friendly. Harvey Maria's collection, Nuance Stone, is a contemporary and practical choice for kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and boot rooms - the tiles look and feel like real stone. These extra large tiles are textured, giving an authentic concrete look and feel, so are perfect for creating modern rustic styling.
This collection is also recognised for their low impact on the environment, both indoors and out. Nuance Stone is available in a gentle palette of six stone designs - Off Grey, Charcoal, Duck Egg Blue, Off White, Blue Grey & Greyline. Feature strips can be added between the tiles to give the appearance of traditional flagstones - a classic style that is easier to achieve than installing a real stone floor.
“These exciting designs have been a great addition to our
award-winning MSeries collection. We are proud that MSeries
is recognised for its low impact on the environment in all aspects - production process, product composition, emissions & indoor air quality and sustainable construction.”
explains Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Harvey Maria • T 0330 330 1231 • www.harveymaria.com
Karndean Designflooring • T 01386 820100 • www.karndean.com
Invictus • T 01422 431100 • www.invictus.co.uk
Moduleo • T 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk
Quick-step • T 028 3025 0477 • www.quick-step.co.uk
Tarkett • T 0800 328 2115 • www.professionals.tarkett.co.uk
