At this year’s NeoCon trade show, which ran June 9 to June 11, we scouted the floors of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for the latest products and trends in the contract market. Among the green finds was a selection of flooring finishes that make use of pattern, color, and texture to add depth to spaces without stealing the show. Here, we share a few of our favorites that give sustainable-minded designers a surface on which to truly walk the walk.
Stripes, Chilewich
Made from Chilewich’s proprietary blend of phthalate-free, bio-based fibers, Stripes is an antimicrobial Green Label Plus–certified floor and wall covering that uses a planned sequence of nine colored yarns to emulate a seemingly random stripe. Offered in silver, gray, gemstone, and earth colorways.
Human Nature, Interface
The latest from the sustainable carpet manufacturer is made entirely of post-consumer recycled nylon yarn and is crafted in patterns and textures that emulate natural floor coverings, including grass fields, garden paths, forest floors, and worn wood. Available in Interface’s new 25cm-long-by-1-cm-wide plank size, Human Nature’s designs are meant to be mixed and matched to delineate space and provide subtle texture underfoot.
Why Y Tile, Mohawk Group
The Mohawk Group partnered with Mac Stopa of Warsaw, Poland–based corporate interiors studio Massive Design on its Why Y Tile, a sustainable alternative to conventional luxury vinyl tile flooring. The phthalate-free collection contains up to 24% bio-based content. Available in 14 colorways, the collection uses the Y-shape as a repeated, graphic element across the 18”-square tiles. A 0.508mm wear layer and a ceramic oxide finish protect against scratches and scuffs.
Mixed Materials, Patcraft
As its name implies, Mixed Materials gives designers the flexibility to incorporate different surface types in the same space for zoning and wayfinding. The collection is offered in Resilient and Modular (shown) versions, the latter of which is Cradle to Cradle certified and features a repeated rhombus shape. Modular comes in three textured surfaces and is constructed from EcoSolution Q recycled nylon fibers and a low-VOC, high-strength recyclable and PVC-free EcoWorx backing.
Dissemblage, Milliken
Cresta Bledsoe, a Ponte Vedra, Fla.–based designer known for her bespoke shark-tooth jewelry, created the illusory Dissemblage woven flooring for Milliken. The ribbed carpet uses light and proximity to reveal geometric patterns out of previously solid material as an occupant moves around the space. The 12’-wide-by-35’-long designs are made entirely from Aquafil Econyl type 6 solution-dyed nylon, which includes recycled materials such as discarded carpet and fishnets and post-industrial waste.
Monogram, Bolyu
Bolyu’s Monogram gives the classic pinstripe a contemporary update. Made of 70% post-consumer recycled PET and an NSF 140 Platinum secondary backing, the collection aims to provide a sustainable, high-performing solution that is softer than peer products offering similar performance.
