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To learn more divergent influences in style and design, Shaw developed its annual “Visions Retreat,” a workshop of prominent interior designers. Each summer, Shaw’s research and development team invites renowned interior designers from across the country to the company’s headquarters in Dalton, Ga. for a two-day retreat.

Shaw’s research and development team works with the designers to conduct in-depth research on the most up-to-date fabrics, accessories, furniture and colors. This feedback allows Shaw to develop vibrant collections of flooring products that will bring any room to life. With a goal of setting the Shaw design team’s styles apart from others in the market, the retreat allows designers to create concept boards with fabrics, textures, color pallets, photographs and other ideas inspired by their day-to-day design experiences. The concepts inspire new flooring design ideas for Shaw. Designers also provide feedback on existing Shaw styles.

“The opinion of the designers during the Visions Retreat is invaluable,” said Emily Morrow, Shaw’s director of color, style and design. “These experienced designers are working daily with today’s discriminating consumer and, therefore, provide educated, knowledgeable input on how to ensure that Shaw’s products offer cutting-edge style, color and quality.”

Designers compete with each other for the Shaw Visions Design Award, given to the designer whose ideas and concepts are most exciting, applicable to floor covering and well-executed. Shaw uses many of the designers’ concepts in new flooring styles, reflecting design trends across a broad spectrum of demographics. Recently, Shaw has funneled the designers’ opinions into Shaw’s Anso® nylon Inspired Spaces collection.

The Inspired Spaces collection is a fashion-forward ensemble of carpets made of level-cut-loop patterns. Patterns range from classic houndstooth to funky zebra stripes to natural fern-leaf designs. And since Shaw feels that the outdoor environment is just as important as the indoor environment, all Shaw Anso nylon products now contain recycled content and can be recycled back into new carpet over and over again- carpet to carpet™.

“The Inspired Spaces collection communicates to the consumer that she doesn’t have to sacrifice style in order to purchase an environmentally-friendly floor,” said Morrow. “The Visions Retreat is a playground of ideas and design techniques, and retailers will see the exciting results of Visions ’07 this winter.”



For more information, visit Shawfloors.com.