Tracing Landscapes, originally launched in 2018, has proved to be one of Milliken’s most popular carpet tile collections. Leap forward 6 years’ and so much has changed in the world of work and colour trends that Milliken’s design and marketing team decided to take a fresh look at the collection and relaunch it with a new palette of colours.
Here we delve deeper into the thinking behind the new colour choices and how they relate to workplace trends.
1. Inspired by nature
The benefits of biophillic design are now well known: Incorporating nature into design to bring the outside in, has positive benefits for the users or inhabitants of the space.
The new, more relaxed colour palette of Tracing Landscapes, features warm neutrals, natural pastels in peach and mint, as well as earthy browns and calming contemporary greens.
Laura Perryman, colour and materials designer and trend forecaster, reviewed the collection and observed: “This collection is a real colour evolution. It expands on ‘Tracing Landscapes’ with some really fresh new colour areas. There is a sense of a colour symphony that connects references from nature with nature’s ability to create stunning connections with colour.”
Find out more about how to design a more biophilic workplace in our related Blog: HOW TO USE THE FLOOR TO CREATE A BIOPHILIC WORKPLACE INTERIOR
2. Designing for neurodiversity and creating comfortable, supportive office spaces
Milliken commissioned research which culminated in a White Paper on ‘Designing for Neuro-inclusive workplaces.’ Amongst the findings the author (HCG) stressed the importance of colour and the definition of spaces. We all work differently and thrive, or struggle in different environments. Colour can support the range of choices for office workers, by defining spaces that can be used in different ways: quiet spaces or more vibrant areas for short meetings and brainstorming. The colour range enables designers to create zones and provide choice within the workplace.
Ultimately supporting different ways of working comes down to offering people choice in their working environments. Colour can also help us to feel or behave in different ways. Colour can have a calming effect or it can be stimulating.
Talking about the new colour palette of Tracing Landscapes Laura Perryman explains: “The broadness of greens and blues and the exploration of warm neutrals - in addition to more ‘powerful neutrals’ - offer contrast and the ability to soften spaces and create neutral environments. This can be very powerful in supporting neurodiversity and creating comfortable, supportive office spaces.”
Tracing Landscapes - Moorland Paths
3. A growing trend for softer, more tactile interiors
A strong interior design trend for 2024 is a focus on comfort, with tactile textures and curved lines. According to Online Fabrics “This year's colour palette combines bold and pastel shades, reflecting optimism and calm. Inspired by nature, earthy tones will see a resurgence, symbolising a connection to the environment.”
Laura Perryman talks about how this trend is seen in Milliken’s Tracing Landscapes: “Flecked and irregular textures are a key characteristic of this collection’s aesthetic. These echo the natural inspiration of the range, as well as providing visual softness that supports the touch of the yarn. There’s an artisanal quality, especially in the soft oranges and reds of Footbridge, Rocky Ground and Viewpoint, that speaks to a growing trend for softer, more tactile interiors.”
This “softening” of the colours and textures, inspired by the natural environment is said to be in response to changes in workplace design, where the office is starting to feel more like home. In an attempt to encourage a return to office-based working more “homely” elements can be seen in workplace designs.
4. Sustainability informs design and colour choices
Sustainability is now the starting point for designers and manufacturers when creating a collection. The choice of materials, the manufacturing process inform the whole process. Tracing Landscapes carpet tiles are Carbon Neutral, made from 100% regenerated ECONYL® yarn and the cushion backing has 90% recycled content.
Sustainable design is also about creating spaces that promote the well-being of their occupants. Colour plays a significant role in influencing mood, productivity, and overall psychological health. Natural, earthy tones can help to create a calming and inviting atmosphere, reducing stress levels and enhancing productivity in office spaces. With this in mind, Tracing Landscapes has several colour “families”: warm grey / beige, cool grey / black, peach / rust / red, green / teal / brown and blue / blue grey. These colours can be used separately or in combination with each other to recreate the positive effects of our natural environment.
5. Locality and colour choices
The Tracing Landscapes collection was created by Milliken’s in-house design team from the company’s UK base in the North of England. The two designs, Field Study and Geography Lesson, are informed by beautiful vistas, undulating hill-scapes and rugged cliff lines. We cannot underestimate the deeply rooted associations we have with colour. Different cultures attach specific meanings and connotations to colours. There will inevitably be local preferences and cultural nuances.
There is a balance to be struck between drawing on local influences and choosing colours that resonate with a wider global audience. It is clear that Milliken designers took some inspiration from their local natural environment, while other colour themes are more all-encompassing. Locality also affects the quality of light and how we perceive and interpret colour through this prism.
