Design Guides Mohawk Group at NeoCon

Kennesaw, GA, June 22, 2006--At NeoCon 2006, a surge in vitality emanated from The Mohawk Group’s five brands--Karastan Contract, Durkan Commercial, Mohawk Commercial, Bigelow Commercial and Durkan Hospitality--and the remarkable new flooring designs they were introducing. Outside contributors were commissioned for special projects, and new technologies enlivened new products. These advancements will be represented among the newcomers on view. The showroom itself received a dramatic makeover. "This was a NeoCon of record for us," said Greg Wittlinger, vice president marketing. "Our product lineup is sensational but strategic. We've been doing our homework and listening to what designers say is missing out there in their choice of floor coverings. We've also tapped some insightful designers outside the company to collaborate with our own talented team, and the outcome is amazing. We're evolving. And, in the design world that's an absolute imperative." Wittlinger also noted that key communication in the showroom and throughout the three-day NeoCon market will underscore The Mohawk Group's efforts in environmental innovation and sustainability. In fact, much of the new lineup being introduced will reflect independent third-party certification testifying to its claims of environmental performance. "We are now submitting our products for independent review to Scientific Certification Systems," explained Wittlinger. "SCS is highly reputable and conducts its own stringent assessment to determine the veracity of recycled content claims, to analyze post-consumer, post-industrial and bio-based rapidly renewable ingredients. We welcome this scrutiny from outside experts because it adds to our credibility." Upholding its signature role as the fashion-forward standout among The Mohawk Group family of brands, Karastan Contract is taking the wraps off three collections. In a first-time collaboration with architect Robert Cox, couture influences define Continuum and the five patterns comprising the stunning series he has created. These are descendants of classic textiles-pinstripe, basket weave, tweed, but pushed to new limits by an adventuresome palette and unexpected color pairings that uproot the traditional tailored looks to deliver styles conveying a hipper, more modern attitude. The development of Continuum also represents the inauguration of a new yarn system featuring a bright metallic luster contrasted with a matte sheen. Ordinarily, the yarns are skein-dyed; but, for Continuum, they're individually dyed, and it amplifies the color clarity even more, plus adds extraordinary depth and texture to these woven beauties. Patterns include: Degree, Knotted Weave, Parallel, Succession and TwistedFields. Cox, a principal and director of design for HOK Interiors, has won acclaim for his previous floor covering designs for Karastan Contract's sibling, Lees Carpets. By his own description, he treated the creation of Continuum like a fashion collection. "The design strategy was to develop a series of inter-related products with diverse pattern scale, surface detail and texture articulations, but all fully compatible. Continuum also was designed to be in balance with a variety of woods, stone, metals, glass and other design components and furnishings of a project. And, it is meant to be a look that is not only cutting edge today, but also iconic and enduring for years to come."

Related Topics:Karastan, Mohawk Industries, Coverings

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