The Challenge
The second-year design studio was charged with designing a carpet for Mohawk that will be implemented in a commercial application to positively impact the natural environment and the human experience. The carpet design translates my design forecast into a new carpet design that reduces, reuses, or recycles waste to create a more sustainable future.
Trend Forecast
I looked deeper into how the Covid-19 pandemic caused people to go outdoors more and reconnect with nature. Individuals were not the only ones going outdoors; art exhibits, fashion shows/installations, and businesses were also making a move outdoors. These are great starters, but we need an increase in immersive outdoor experiences. The outdoors are great for relaxation but also ignite curiosity and enthusiasm, which has been dulled due to the increase in social media overstimulation. Studies have shown that spending time in nature allows for a decrease in stress and an increase in overall joy, along with a sense of feeling connected. Reconnecting with the outdoors improves many areas of one’s mental health.
The Outsider Collection
Winter
Winter Rug
Winter Rug Tiled
Spring
Spring Rug
Spring Rug Tiled
Summer
Summer Rug
Summer Rug Tiled
Autumn
Autumn Rug
Autumn Rug Tiled
Visual Positioning Board
Sustainability
MOHAWK x L.L. Bean
L.L.Bean has been working for over a century to find new ways to lessen its environmental impact. They look at the creation of their products and the efficiency of the buildings the products are made in and strive each day to do even more for the environment.
L.L. Bean, along with their recycling partners, utilizes recycled polyester and nylon in their products and hope to use them for 100% of their products by 2025.
Mohawk will be working with L.L. Bean to use the same recycled nylon material in their upcoming collection.
Along with that, we will be donating 10 cents for each square foot sold to the L.L. Bean Outdoor Access Fund. This contributes to organizations across the U.S. that help increase access to the outdoors and promote environmental stewardship.
Concept
Studies have shown that nature brings an overall feeling of joy and connection to individuals and also decreases stress. This rug was designed for those times when you can’t be outdoors but still want that feeling of being connected to nature and its calming sense. This rug/tile collection can be used in both commercial and residential applications; made from nylon fiber, it will withstand populated areas. The four unique patterns were inspired by the shadows cast by the tree’s leaves and branches. Each pattern is meant to represent a different season; Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. This collection can be purchased as a rug in two sizes, 6 x 9 or 9 x 10. It can also come in 3 x 3 tiles for a more customizable experience.
Specifications
Product Type: Rug or Tiles
Size: 6’ x 9’ or 9’ x 12’ rug or 3’ x 3’ tiles
Manufacturer: Mohawk Group
Fiber Material: Recycled Nylon
Construction Type: Tufted
Dye Method: Solution
Pile Height: 1/4” to 3/8”
Backing: Non-slip Latex
Color Ways
The colors chosen for this collection were inspired by each season, specifically the colors that come to mind when you think of each season. The colors are meant to be fun and playful to make the space feel more lively yet inviting. The multi-level loop allows for texture within the rugs while still being subtle enough that it will not be a tripping hazard and is still wheelchair friendly.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Installations
Winter Rug
Spring Rug
Summer Rug
Autumn Rug
Promotional Video