Flooring

Staff -- Interior Design, 10/31/2004 12:00:00 AM

Ex:inc

Sold in 1-by-2-foot sheets, KorQ water-resistant mosaic tiles adhere using a self-stick backing (or parquet-flooring glue); installation is finished using ceramic-tile grouting. Custom cork tiles with water-based colors are available by special order. 155 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-758-2593; exinc.org. circle 525

Mirage

This Canadian importer supplies sapele, a lustrous African exotic wood that's transformed into prefinished engineered flooring panels. The bolder merbau, also new to the line, showcases contrasting grain, with range of coloration from yellow ocher to dark reddish brown. 1255 98th Street, Saint-Georges, Quebec, Canada G5Y 8J5; 800-463-1303; miragefloors.com. circle 526

Constantine

The Glitterati line of hard-surface floor coverings brings playful star power to the workaday world of durable vinyl underfoot. The metallic glimmer creates twinkling points of light in a veritable galaxy scattered across the monochromatic ground. P.O Box 2399, Dalton, GA 30722; 800-308-4344; constantine-carpet.com. circle 527

BHK

Solid-looking Vision, embossed planks of simulated hemlock, beech, maple, and two kinds of oak, have a pattern sealed into the chamfered V-groove edges. Easy-to-clean panels (in 50 colors) click into place without glue and can be walked on immediately. 11 Bond Street, Central Valley, NY 10917; 800-663-4176; bhkofamerica.com. circle 529

Arpa USA

The sporty Retro Woods line displays high-contrast 1950s-style pinstriping. But modern innovations in tough, high-tech finishes ensure that it will enjoy longevity in punishing contract applications such as bar tops and elevator cabs. 13291 Vantage Way, Suite 104, Jacksonville, FL 32218; 877-277-2669; arpausa.com. circle 530

Area Code Architectual Products

Architect Carlo Scarpa's stunning Venice showroom for Olivetti inspired the Miscela system of hybrid marble flooring. Its mosaic of marble chunks is in-filled with terrazzo and then either polished, simply left rough, or acid washed. Generally a seamless surface, tiles or architectural shapes are possible. 1374 Ocean Avenue, Emeryville, CA 94608; 510-428-1917; artisanfx.com. circle 528

Tuva Looms

The cut-pile broadloom Open Plane almost appears to be Tibetan wool and silk. Indeed, the pattern exceeds Green Label air-quality standards. But it's nylon—a minimum of 25 percent postindustrial fibers—and employs rapidly renewable jute-fiber backing yarns. 44 East Third Street, New York, NY 10003; 800-575-8084; bloomsburgcarpet.com. circle 531

Ligne Roset

Block by block, cities inspired this French manufacturer's TriBeCa rug. Prolific New York–based designer Jeffrey Bernett's all-wool, color-blocked architectural composition is available in standard sizes, or it can be ordered in provocative solid-color palettes and custom sizes. 56 East Walton Street, Chicago, IL, 60611; 800-297-6738; ligne-roset-usa.com. circle 535

Martin Patrick Evan

Just what the doctor ordered: The Jekyll & Hyde collection of silk-and-wool custom rugs have stria-loop fields framed by plush shag borders. The rugs are made to order in a variety of custom sizes, shapes, and colors. 979 Third Avenue, Suite 801, New York, NY 10022; 800-734-8214; martinpatrickevan.com. circle 532

Chilewich

The durable Wicker 6-foot-wide Plynyl interweaves straw-colored vinyl yarn and a licorice-colored background. The threads are bonded to cushioned-polyurethane backing for glue-down application, with seams chemically sealed for easy cleaning. Alternate background colors include coffee, rust, fern, and blue. 7 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016; 212-679-9204; plynyl.com. circle 534

Pacificrest

Swirling Nature/Organic is among 130 choices in the Color Separations program of solution-dyed, soil-resistant, custom-colored carpets. The stock patterns require users to choose two different yarns: Select from 90 solid colors and 100 additional barber-pole twists. Custom patterns are easily created. 17111 Red Hill Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614; 800-522-8838; pacificrest.com. circle 533

Sierra Composites

Racy carbon-fiber twill-weave veneers are a high-tech, mirror-finish composite surfacing that flexes around curves and is secured with adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Four sizes of sheets can be ordered in four sizes and custom colors and weaves. 10601 Eagle Falls Way, Reno, NV 89521; 562-256-4529; sierracomposites.com. circle 536

Amtico

Once, architects employed common plywood as flooring because of its low cost. Alder Plywood vinyl tiles revisit this era—thankfully leaving behind the high-maintenance worries of natural wood in hard-wearing commercial interiors. The tiles are 12 or 18 inches square. 6480 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30328; 800-370-7324; amtico.com. circle 540

Altro

Maxis safety flooring offers excellent color retention and ease of cleaning. Based on their popularity in other Altro lines, 12 colors are being offered. But durability and ease of welding are what make Maxis ideal for high-traffic health care, education, and hospitality settings. 6390 Kestrel Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T 1Z3; 800-565-4658; altrofloors.com. circle 537

Nova

Raw cork-oak bark, the surface for this manufacturer's high-density fiberboard panels, is finished in 28 colors. Naturally insect-repellent, these cork floating floors are extremely resilient, and have approximately 100 million air cells per cubic inch. 1710 East Sepulveda Boulevard, Carson, CA 90745; 866-576-2458; novafloorings.com. circle 539

Nora

Whether purchased as rolls or tiles, the pastel Astro and darker Logic contain high-quality rubber, mineral fillers, and environmentally friendly color pigments. The material's extraordinary wear and slip resistance is achieved without any PVCs, plasticizers, or halogens. 94 Glenn Street, Lawrence, MA 01843; 800-336-5096; norarubber.com. circle 538

Mark Shilen

This rare 1920s dhurrie from northwest India is madder red, undyed white, and indigo blue cotton in two shades. The striped carpet is part of the gallery's extensive collection of hard-to-find antique dhurries custom made for floors in the palaces of subcontinental maharajas. 457 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-3394; markshilengallery.com. circle 541

Shaw

No attic for attic stock? The No Rules collection's Shadow Play tiles in 16 colorways install without a predetermined layout. Because of the pattern's layered colors and shapes, different dye lots will blend undetectably for reconfiguration or selective replacement. 410 Old Mill Road, Cartersville GA, 30120; 877-502-2429; shawsc.com. circle 546

Emma Gardner

The Wild Checkers carpet complements lemony op-art ovals with an equally strong foreground of "tadpoles." This eccentric new collection is hand-tufted to a 5-by-7-foot rectangle of cropped New Zealand wool on triple-cotton backing; other sizes are available. 33 Marsh Road, Litchfield, CT 06759; 860-567-2290; emmagardnerdesign.com. circle 542

Groundplans

Plastic-coated fiber-optics in Jody Harrow's Celestial Night rug pick out Ursa Major and the surrounding constellations against hand-tufted wool. (Relax, no heat or electricity is emitted). The designer found the bear in a German cartography book dating from the 1700s; the carpet is offered in various sizes and shapes. 136 East 56th Street, New York, NY; 212-888-9366; 10022; groundplans.com. circle 543

Hewitt Marx

These colorful abstract rugs are finished in a clean, contemporary manner. Weavers in Turkey produce Cha, shown 8 by 10 feet, though many sizes and colorways are possible. The company guarantees that no child labor is used. 428 28th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131; 415-731-1306; hewittmarx.com. circle 545

Abet

Parqcolor Gold is realistic faux-wood laminate flooring that boasts resistance to heat, bacteria, intense impact, and UV rays. Selling for half the cost of wood-strip flooring, the planks are just under 8 inches by 4 feet, and are offered in 45 colors that mimic various wood species. 60 West Sheffield Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631; 800-228-2238; parqcolor.com. circle 544

Kea

Dealer Azy Schecter derives her bold palette from the antique Kurdish tribal carpets she sells. Her new 5-by-7-foot Harmony rug showcases jazzy black shadowed with white and taupe on a chartreuse ground. The New Zealand wool is hand tufted in all-cut pile, and icustom sizes are available. 477 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217; 718-222-8087; keacarpetsandkilims.com. circle 547

Asha Carpets

The juxtaposition of hand-spun and machine-made wools gives the Chinese-made flat-weave Tron rugs an unexpected texture. The same pattern is also available in a hand-knotted version; in green, taupe, and mocha. 94-98 Nassau Avenue, Suite 360, Brooklyn, NY 11222; 914-645-1262; ashacarpets.com. circle 552

Vicki Simon

This one-of-a-kind entry rug is from a suite of several compositions for a Seattle resident who was allergic to grays. The designer's development process for such commissions requires four to six months from initial renderings to a finished product. 5701 6th Avenue South, Suite 240, Seattle, WA 98108; 800-400-6636; rugsbyvickisimon.com. circle 551

J.Milo Design

Artist Jessica Miller's Waterlillys rug in orange is the picture of a pond at sunset. A hand-knotted 6-foot square with very low pile—though alternate sizes and colors can be commissioned—is made in Nepal of New Zealand wool with silk details. P.O. Box 882527, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80488; 970-870-3030; www.jmilo.com. circle 548

Tufenkian

Traditional Armenian weavers known primarily for Oriental patterns have begun viewing design in a more modern light. The low-clipped, supple ombre pile of the Modern Armenian collection's TwilightMoonshade carpet can be commissioned in custom colors and nonstandard sizes. 902 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10010; 800-475-4788; tufenkiancarpets.com. circle 550

Edward Fields

The Leaf Shadows pattern of spiky star maples deftly brings shadows to light. The enlarged, Japanese-inspired silhouettes of sprays are cropped sharply at the edges, making them easily adapted to rugs of any size, shape, or custom color. 232 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-310-0400; edwardfieldsinc.com. circle 549

Liora Manné

Hand-made in New York City, the detailed Lamontage process transforms bespoke designs and raw fibers into splashy custom-dyed felted fabric of many colors. These exotic textiles are durable as rugs, or they can be employed as striking upholstery and wall coverings. 91 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-965-0302; lioramanne.com. circle 553

Odegard

Himalayan wool is hand carded for the Dusk III carpet in Grass, from the Nima Collection. The carefully hand-knotted pattern takes inspiration from the look of fields after the monsoon season. Standard rectangles, runners, or custom sizes are available. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1206, New York, NY 10016; 800-670-8836; odegardinc.com. circle 557

Karastan

New Zealand wool Cabo del Sol cabana-style broadlooms and rugs suggest a laid-back, barefoot style. Color descriptions tell the story: Beach Umbrella is buttery yellow; Seashore is soothing sage; Fiesta showcases red and blue; Harbor Blue offers a mixed bag of blues; and Chris Craft is muted coffee-brown with red. 355 Summit Road, Eden, NC 27288; 800-234-1120; karastan.com. circle 556

Tibetano

From this manufacturer's otherworldly Moon collection, the Fisheye rug (no, they're not martini olives) is Tibetan wool in a 100-knot weave. Rugs are hand-knotted in a Nepalese factory that claims to supply living quarters, clean water, child care, and health benefits to its employees. 1 Grand Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631; 800-995-5784; tibetano.com. circle 554

Blue Ridge

The new Viewers' Choice collection offers six coordinating carpets for lobbies, corridors, general office areas, and private offices. Antron Legacy nylon is multicolored to hide stains and traffic patterns. Custom colorways are available for a minimum of just 60 square yards. 1546 Progress Road, Ellijay, GA 30540; 800-241-5945; blueridgecarpet.com. circle 555

Monterey

Grande Illusions' broadloom Hologram is one of nine fresh colorways that feature combinations employing Antron Legacy 6.6 fibers to highlight multicolored stripes beneath a contrasting checkerboard overlay. For LEED points, the LIFESPAN backing uses some postconsumer fill. 3030 South Susan Street, Santa Ana, California 92704; 800-678-4640; montereycarpets.com. circle 558

Architectural Systems

The vibrant colors for Maax Architectural concrete tiles are available for nosings, stair treads, and modules as large as 2 by 4 feet. The tiles can be finished with high or low sheen after installation. 150 West 25th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 800-793-0224; archsystems.com. circle 559

Fort Street Studio

Broadband in khaki is a painterly new rug by designers Brad Davis and Janis Provisor. This hand-knotted silk carpet is available in standard dimensions starting at 6 by 9 feet. But, naturally, you may commission custom sizes. 578 Broadway, Suite 506, New York, NY 10012; 212-925-5383; fortstreetstudio.com. circle 560

Peddada

There's no drought of fresh inspiration in the dry humor of the Bihar rug. The cracked-earth motif is rendered in cut-pile New Zealand wool just under 3/4 of an inch thick on standard sizes. 508 East Lincoln Avenue, Des Plaines, IL, 60018; 847-298-3611; peddada.com. circle 563

F.J. Hakimian

Who says vintage abstract carpets aren't supposed to feel just as modern as new ones? This circa 1950 modernist pile rug from Sweden shows the initials of two pioneers: AB MMF BN (which stands for AB Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom and Barbro Nilsson). 136 East 57th Street, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10022; 212-371-6900; fjhakimian.com. circle 561

Durkan

Printed plaid Circuitry draws inspiration from pre-digital styles. Whether you're of the Arts & Crafts or prairie design school, this rug is from a collection consisting of eight field patterns, two design borders, two corridor patterns, and an area rug. 500 Town Park Lane, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30144; 800-554-6637; durkan.com. circle 562

Terrazzo & Marble Supply

Rustic Mayan limestones and travertines are sourced in Mexico for the new Aztec collection. Walnut brown Noce comes as tumbled tiles or honed slabs, while Durango is a light-cream travertine, and Mexican limestone exhibits a cooler shade of beige. Coordinating stone mosaic borders are mesh mounted. 77 South Wheeling Road, Wheeling, IL 60090; 877-867-5227; tmsupply.com. circle 564

Looplife

The exotic beauty of dancing brushwork on white paper invests Sumi with mystery. An 8-by-10-foot version is handmade in chocolate and hot-pink silk floated over an ivory wool background; different sizes and colors are available. 100 Jane Street, Suite 9F, New York, NY 10014; 917-531-5168; looplife.com. circle 569

Interface

Pictorials carpet tiles showcase flowers, sunbursts, geometrics, and various other motifs in solution-dyed nylon. 1503 Orchard Hill Road, LaGrange, GA 30241; 800-336-0225; interfaceflooring.com. circle 565

Photo-Form

Digitally translate graphic photography into ceramic or gypsum-based polymer wall tiles using a Photo-Cast process. Ceramics in 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch squares are standard, with custom sizes available. Metal powders add bronze, brass, nickel, or copper to the polymer tiles, which appear as metal. 15440 North 71st, Suite 322, Scottsdale, AZ 85254; 888-744-3676; photo-form.com. circle 567

Bentley Prince Street

Brand-new and ready to coordinate with the broadloom Rhythm & Blues (around since 1997), Percussion (shown on top) is available as both a broadloom and a carpet tile. 14641 East Don Julian Boulevard, City of Industry, CA 91746; 800-423-4709; bentleyprincestreet.com. circle 568

Zoe Luyendijk

Meticulously manufactured by Tibetan rug artisans in Nepal, Aquae Deep is the designer's memory of tides. Conjured from hand-spun wool, refined silk, and bleached hemp, the 8-by-10-foot rectangle is an ocean of peace and warmth. 9161 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V3N 4G7; 604-524-8383; zoeluyendijk.com. circle 566