Dark Skies from Mannington Commercial Inspired by Nature’s Abstractions
Dark Skies, a modern new series of modular plank from Mannington Commercial, looks to nature and its dramatic and countless abstract configurations as the basis and inspiration for its name. The collection, created by Mannington’s in-house design studio, was derived from a journey to Northern Michigan to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City. In this vast forest spanning 550 acres, the natural darkness is protected from light pollution and creates a sense of infinite depth and protected surroundings.
Storms during the trip produced an inky blackness at night and eerie light by day, magnifying the landscape’s shadowy remoteness. The designer, captured her experience in paintings and sketches, translating them into three styles of modular plank found in Dark Skies, which are aptly named, Coast, Drift and Haze. The designs contemplate the aura of nature and look to the wooded landscapes, sloping hills, snow, water and rocky coastlines as abstract sources of inspiration.