Textures, Materials & Patterns

April 27, 2018

Making Art with the Floor: Inside the Mind of a Product Designer

How does a carpet go from initial inspiration to actual product on the floor? Unsurprisingly, it’s a very technical process. Like a finely tuned machine, Interface Global Product Designer Kari Pei and her team take in a lot of information and translate it into beautiful flooring. But it’s not as easy as it looks. Step…

February 9, 2018

Why Do We Rely So Much on Geometry in Our Designs?

Geometry is an integral part of design from start to finish. Just think about it. Architects use geometry to study and divide space as well as draft detailed building plans. Builders and engineers rely on geometric principles to create structures safely. Designers apply geometry (along with color and scale) to make the aesthetically pleasing spaces…

November 14, 2016

Inspired by the Art of Handcrafting

Even when craftspeople are working to a pattern, handspun or woven textiles are one-of-a-kind items — small variations make each one unique. Saori weaving, created by Misao Jo in 1968, celebrates this idea of random beauty. Unlike other handweaving techniques, Saori is completely freestyle with no rules, restrictions, or samples to follow, and where a…

August 4, 2016

Resurgence of the ‘70s in Hospitality Design at HD Expo 2016

Flares, platforms, tassels and shearling collar coats are filling the catwalk. It’s official – the 1970s are back! Every year the hospitality design market sees the re-emergence of a particular period. In recent years, mid-century modern inspired design has been the ruling influence, but this year the vibe is turning to the 1970s. Does this give…

March 28, 2016

Design Trends from the 2016 Stockholm Furniture Fair

We’re always on the look-out for the latest design trends, and we always find plenty of inspiration at the 2016 Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. This trade fair is the world’s largest event for Scandinavian furniture and lighting design. It’s a creative hub to showcase future trends, new concepts and the latest innovative ideas in design. Trend Spotting…

November 30, 2015

What’s Trending in Boutique Hotel Design from BDNY 2015

A boutique is any small, exclusive business offering customized service, especially one that sells fashionable items specializing in one aspect of a larger industry. BDNY is the time for boutique hotels to find the coolest, hippest design elements to enhance guest experiences. Each year I look forward to grabbing coffee and a bagel, putting on…

November 6, 2015

Hospitality Carpet: A Design Evolution

The stereotype of the business traveler—middle-aged, white, male—has given way to a new demographic that is young, diverse and grounded in a culture of work that intersects with all parts of life. In response to this shifting landscape, the hospitality industry is coming up with subtler, more sophisticated environments and a more judicious use of…

May 21, 2015

Q&A with Kari Pei, Global Product Designer for Interface

We recently welcomed Kari Pei, recognized design leader in the textile industry, as Interface’s new global product designer. She will work closely with our internal product design and development teams as well as sustainability leader David Oakey Designs. Kari is equally at home in the design studio and on the factory floor. Her extensive resume…