Solace in style for 2021

Rita Bancroft • October 24, 2020
2020 will be over before we know it, so it seems only right that we take a look at what interior specialists are forecasting for 2021 and how this translates to what interior magazines and social media platforms are dreaming about. 

This year has been tough on everyone and more than ever we look to our homes to provide the solace we so desperately need in these uncertain times. It should therefore be no surprise that restorative neutrals and calm inducing tones feature heavily in the Ideal Homes trend predictions for 2021.

Victoria Carpets design team must have had a sneak peak at what is coming when introducing a selection of soothing neutrals into their EasiCare Ultimate Impressions range back in September 2019. Honeyed gold Stately, sits alongside the blush pink Grandeur and 18 other equally luscious brother and sister shades to create a collection that is not only easy on the eye, but also feels exquisite underfoot too. This range of 10th gauge, 2 ply, stain resistant carpets offer exception quality and style.

The company has also ensured that this new gentle colour palette can also be accessed at the entry category of its product catalogue too. When their refreshed EasiCare Freedom range launches later in the month you will find delicate pastels and golds sat along with complimentary neutrals. 24 shades will be offered as a 10th gauge,
2 ply product available in two weights.

In contrast, the new Luxuria Velvet range due to be launched in the Spring will offer a rainbow of 36 sumptuous nylon 6.6 carpets. Having been awarded a Flooring Innovation Award in the man-made category, the company is really expecting great things from this new and
exciting range.


Adam Carpets have refreshed their popular Flare collection with two new colourways. Spearmint is a contemporary alternative to grey and heralds the start of a new decade, embodying an optimistic mood beyond the challenging times we are enduring. It has a cool, relaxing, futuristic tech feel but also harmonizes with plant life and nature. This on trend colourway embodies the drive towards tones that have gender-neutral appeal.

Available in 10 on-trend colourways, Flare’s chevron design is incredibly versatile as it looks sensational on stairs, in lounges, studies and bedrooms. Flare is made using 100% accredited UK wool, combined with premium nylon 6.6. The 2-ply yarn construction ensures softness underfoot with the assurance of added durability and performance. It is available in both a 4 metre and a unique 5 metre width to provide retailers with greater flexibility for larger rooms. The choice of widths means consumers can be confident there are fewer joins. Like all Adam Carpets, the Flare range is made in their own modern factory in Kidderminster and co-ordinates beautifully with their celebrated Fine Worcester and Castlemead Twist ranges.


As homeowners become increasingly sophisticated in their colour choices are we seeing a move away from the prevailing greys? Thanks to the work into trends and buying patterns carried out at its Development Centre, British carpet manufacturer
Abingdon Flooring has unique insight into the colours that are shaping the UK industry. And as its latest research reveals, UK homeowners seem to be taking some steps away from the customary greys that have been so popular over the
past decade.


When beige dominated the carpet landscape, the nation’s move into grey was first marked by transitional range palettes in tones that suitably became known as ‘greige’. These subtle tonal hues were the first sign of the colour’s future dominance and over the next few years, grey became the standard choice. Abingdon are now seeing a shift to new slate-like blues. The manufacturer’s new StainFree Olympus in Bluebell is a prime example of this new wave, but could this be the start of something bigger?

Paint trends are often the first sign of a new direction in home interiors - think of the long-running popularity of Farrow & Ball’s Dove Grey and Elephant’s Breath as this in action – and we’re seeing homes make bolder choices in their wall colours, even embracing the impact of all-over tones on woodwork too. Deep ocean blues, forest greens and millennial pink are no longer uncommon and point towards the positivity of colour being embraced in all styles of home. Of course, by its very nature, carpet is more cautious which is why true neutral ‘go with anything’ grey has proven to be such a staple. However, as colour becomes a more accepted norm elsewhere, its presence is sure to be felt in the comfort and familiarity of the nation’s favourite floorcovering.


Panelled walls add charm, texture and personality to a room – they also make the perfect partner for stylish carpets. No longer in days-of-old dark mahogany and reserved for stately homes or libraries, the new, modern styles are experimental in colour and use different designs to bring texture and warmth to a room.


Cormar Carpets interior stylist Jess Contomichalos explains: “The key to this trend is to make sure the wall takes centre stage. The end result is a feature that is stunning and dramatic – whether it’s in a period property or a contemporary home. It also means when it comes to the floor, you need to keep it simple. An understated shade looks fantastic against a statement wall. Grey carpets make an ideal base because they are easy on the eye and create the perfect tonal balance.”

Explore the trend with dark panelled walls in moody blues or charcoal greys to create a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Keeping the panel design uniform, this suits social areas – just add smart sofas and ambient lighting to complete the look. Use a carpet such as Primo Grande in Cloudy Bay or Inglewood Saxony in Peak Frost for a contemporary look.
Alternatively, a softer shade of paint on a panelled wall can add a touch of colour without overpowering a room. It contributes to a distinctly fresher, low key feel that is complemented with a more modern panel design. Use a lighter coloured carpet such as Malabar in Balm with Scandi-style furniture and cool plants for a more pared back look.


Galaxy is a new handwoven cut and loop carpet in type 6.6. nylon from
ITC Natural Luxury Flooring. The antiqued look and the fine lustred effect in conjunction with a carefully chosen palette of colours, gives a carpet that reflects pure luxury together with the practicality and benefits of utilising a very durable fibre.

Galaxy along with all other Campeone and Connoisseur collections is available in made to measure rugs in sizes up to 500cm wide. A selection of tape finishes, which are exclusive, chic and co-ordinate with ITC‘s carpets is offered.


For architects, interior designers, and specifiers, seeking a new product that looks fabulous, and is practical too, then Galaxy in 4&5 metre widths and 8 stunning colours, will tick all the boxes.


A chic patterned floor has long been a classic design feature, but is now a trend at the forefront of modern interior design which looks set to stay.
Harvey Maria are really excited to introduce two brand new collections this year - Northmore & Pattern by Dee Hardwicke, which have been hugely inspired by mid 19th century encaustic floor tiles. Featuring unique decorative patterns, heritage colour pigments and authentic patina, they’ve found that customers are looking for a traditional aesthetic, but with all the benefits of floor tiles that stand up to the demands of modern home life.


Flooring is perfect way to create zones for home working. Many Harvey Maria customers are creating unique spaces using their rustic MSeries woods to border or complement one of the stylish patterns from their Design Series. This type of zoning and defining of areas is perfect for modern open-plan living, especially with many of us working from home more at the moment. You can create a stylish home office, breakfast nook, cooking area or family play space.

We’re all starting to choose products and materials that improve our indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption, pollution, and waste. Harvey Maria have identified the trend for organic sustainability, so are particularly proud of their MSeries collection as it is recognised for its low impact on the environment. This collection of authentic wood planks also reflects the ongoing trend of using organic, textured materials in our homes, to create warmth and bring the natural world into our homes. These beautifully hand-crafted designs with ultra-realistic wood grain textures and a unique matt, tactile finish means that they look and feel like real wood but are massively practical and durable.


“It’s no surprise that the popularity of herringbone flooring is showing no signs of waning and with new Van Gogh designs available in a rigid core fixing type, it is set to become more convenient than ever,” explains Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager of
Karndean Designflooring.


“We love its highly flexible design options that allow home decorators to introduce pattern and character to any room. With a wide range of wood hues available in small plank sizes, the classic style of herringbone flooring is the perfect way to create a natural feel and sense of flow throughout your home.


Choosing a rich, warm wood design will introduce a touch of traditional elegance into a contemporary home while a cool, grey tone will add a modern vibe to a period property,” she adds.

For those looking to achieve colour continuity throughout their home, a combination of laying patterns can add extra character and interest, allowing each room to develop its own distinct personality.


In response to this desire, Karndean Designflooring’s new multi-format Van Gogh collection introduces Grey Brushed Oak, Warm Brushed Oak and Golden Brushed Oak in a matching full-length plank and herringbone design. They also feature a new, natural wood grain emboss, accentuating the natural texture and aesthetics of the individual wood that inspired it.


The idea of researching flooring online has been a growing trend for many years. However, our use and reliance on technology is one trend that has been fast forwarded this year. At a time when visiting a retail shop is more difficult, it is vital that consumers can make their decision with confidence when they go instore.

The new Invictus room visualiser does exactly that and more.
AW recognised that they needed to do more than provide a nice website for consumers to browse and select samples. Instead they give consumers the tools to visualise and shortlist their Invictus Luxury Vinyl Flooring from the comfort of their home.


Consumers can even take a photo or upload their 3D render, making their project come to life. What’s more is that retailers can also use this App to help consumers instore, by comparing how different styles will look and recommending the right specification for the area being floored'


AW has always been a trailblazer when it comes to branding, but they now bring the Invictus experience onto every desktop or mobile screen at a time when we are using technology more than ever.

For more information contact:
Abingdon Flooring   
T: 01274 655 694    www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
Adam Carpets 
T: 01562 822247    www.adamcarpets.com
Associated Weavers Invictus   
T: 01422 431100    www.invictus.co.uk
Cormar Carpet Company   
T: 01204 881234    www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
Harvey Maria   
T: 0330 330 1231    www.harveymaria.com
ITC Natural Luxury Flooring 
T: 01622 534041   www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com
Karndean Designflooring 
T: 01386 820100   www.karndean.com
Victoria Carpets 
T: 01562 749300   www.victoriacarpets.com


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