The colour evolution and revolution in carpeting:the Osservatorio Allestimenti is on the lookout for the latest trends. A glimpse into the industry with the contribution of Alma, which pioneered the colour revolution in the exhibition world with its needle-punched carpets.
Carpeting is an element that has always been present and important in Italian exhibition design. Strips of carpet have welcomed millions of visitors, facilitated their paces and furnished exhibition facilities throughout the nation with taste and imagination.
But how has the colour of carpet changed over the years?
The first carpet used in temporary installations was self-laying, thick and heavy and could be removed and repositioned. This product was only available in a few colours, leaving no scope for imagination.
A lighter, more practical and hygienic variant of carpet was introduced in the 1980s. It was similar to the one we use today and available in several colours (grey, red, green and blue) in more or less dark shades. The use of these colours was determined by their practicality.
We had to wait until the first decade of the new century to see a significant change in the trend of carpet colours. This change was triggered by incorporation of inspiration from the world of fashion into that of exhibition furnishings.
Which colour trends have characterised recent years?
Today, besides the top-ten most popular colours, every exhibition event can be distinguished and characterised by the colour of the carpet chosen specifically for the event.
One of the growing trends is that of carpets in natural colours, in lighter shades such as beige, hemp and jute.
The trend is to prefer soothing, enveloping colours to encourage visitors to linger for longer.
But the most interesting suggestions come from fashion. Not just colours, but also the typical textures of fabric, tweed and tartan, and the latest trend for lurex, with its shimmering, glittering effect, are borrowed from fashion. All these very different trends peacefully coexist, just like they do in fashion.
The exhibitor’s creativity can be expressed by finding a wider range of colours, hues and textures to choose from. The preference can follow the corporate Pantone colour or help suggest the mood – relaxing, energetic, elegant – that the designer wants to convey to the exhibition booth.
And carpet is not just used for flooring; it is used to decorate walls too!
What does the future hold in store?
The drivers for the future continue to be fashion trends and the use of increasingly sustainable materials, colours and finishes.