Pantone’s controversial announcement of its 2026 Colour of the Year ‘Cloud Dancer’, a simple shade of white, has certainly ruffled a few feathers in the world of interiors. Like it or loathe it, there is no doubt that stripped back, bleached out, natural aesthetics are a big trend for 2026. Described as ‘a calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection’, Pantone’s sentiment undeniably resonates for today’s turbulent world.
When it comes to commercial flooring with sustainable attributes, it doesn’t get much better than Milliken’s much loved Major Frequency modular carpet collection. Now in its 2nd generation, the collection has recently been streamlined to focus on the Distortion design featuring an extended and refreshed palette of 25 colours.
In the face of the escalating climate crisis immediate action is essential. Our current “throwaway” economy will continue to cause irreversible damage unless we are able to close the loop on material consumption. Moving towards a more circular future requires completely rewiring the linear systems of production and consumption that are harming the natural systems that support life. Alarmingly, global material extraction has surpassed 100 billion tonnes, more than three times as much than 50 years ago. Without much needed change this is set to rise by a further 60% by 2060[i]. This blog details the actionable steps Milliken’s taking to advance the circular economy and mitigate climate change.
The WELL Building Standard (WELL) combines design and construction best practices with proven, evidence-based strategies for improving health and wellness. According to WELL, this is the "first standard of its kind that focuses solely on the health and wellness of building occupants". The standard features 10 core concepts and clearly maps out the preconditions that are required and optimisations that are encouraged for each facet.
In the fight against climate change, it is vital that every organisation does what it can to reduce its carbon footprint and find solutions that support our planet and communities. Milliken’s N/XT Life Circularity Programme includes carpet re-use initiatives where installed carpet tiles are recovered, renewed and re-installed in social housing and other community settings. This case study features some N/XT Life projects, in partnership with carpet re-use specialists Uplyfted, where ultra-low-carbon flooring has improved living conditions for people in social housing.
With concern over the climate crisis growing, it’s more important than ever to adopt circular strategies that reduce environmental impact and support our planet. Milliken’s N/XT Life™ Circularity programme works with several partners across Europe to facilitate the take back and reuse of carpet tiles. This case study explores how re-use specialists Orak recover, re-condition and re-install Milliken carpet tiles, giving them a second life.
When choosing flooring options, it is important to check not only the VOC levels of the products, but also to consider installation and maintenance. Will leveling compounds and adhesives need to be used as part of the installation process? If so, what will be the effect on indoor air quality as these evaporate and off-gas in-situ? Post-occupancy, will topical treatments need to be applied or reapplied as part of maintenance regimes to prolong the product? For example, wood floors and linoleum may need varnishes and floor sealants.
In today’s evolving work culture, prioritising employee well-being is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic priority. Financial management firm EFG International embraced this attitude in its ambitious office redesign, aiming to minimise the environmental impact and create a flexible, productive, wellness-focused workspace that would attract and retain top talent. Milliken’s modular flooring was chosen by the design team to help bring their vision to life.
When selecting new carpet, you're weighing various priorities depending on your client's needs: aesthetics, budget, longevity and practical requirements. If your client's top priority is creating a long-lasting space, then selecting the most durable carpet available is essential. But what affects carpet durability, and how do you know the carpet you've chosen will continue to perform well and look beautiful in years to come?
Research shows that the physical and social environments we live in have a major influence on our health and well-being. As we spend of our time spent indoors the material health of the products and flooring in our homes and workplaces play crucial roles.
