Flooring of a space, even if done well, might not garner much attention. But, when it doesn’t meet the needs or purpose of space, it can quickly become a nuisance—and not just aesthetically. Carpets in a hotel lobby could be a sponge to allergens, in restaurant kitchen floor tiles could be a task to clean and maintain, and in homes, poor quality LVTs could jeopardise the acoustics of a room. At the end of it, the quality of a space is compromised, and the reason might elude the inhabitants. Flooring is an inconspicuous element, but certainly one that cannot be relegated.
Design is essentially problem-solving, and selecting the right flooring is part of completing a puzzle. Flooring products ought to be easy on the eyes, high-quality, well-suited for the purpose and sustainable. With interior design projects in the Middle East getting quirkier, finding and stocking the right flooring products could be challenging for manufacturers.
From left to right: Flooring Supplied by Truelux at White & Case Office, Dubai; Photography Credits: Chris Goldstraw| Flooring Supplied by Office Solutions at The Bureau, Dubai; Photography Credits: Chandan Sojitra Photography & Mohammad Lotfian
To understand what is topping the charts in the region at the moment and where there are gaps, we spoke to Asif Chohan, General Manager, Carpetland; Laurent Messara, Managing Director & Partner of Messara Living; Dawood Ali Mirza, Business Development Manager of Office Solutions and Amal Barreto, CEO, Surface 11.
Trends
A) Corporate Projects
Acoustic quality and easy maintenance are two of the biggest concerns in office projects. Dawood and our other experts unanimously elected Carpet tiles and LVTs as the most preferred choice. Asif shared his reasoning: “Their popularity can be attributed to their adaptability and ease of installation. Carpet tiles offer a versatile canvas for creating unique patterns and designs, making them an excellent choice for office spaces where functionality and aesthetics are crucial.”
Laurent adds, “Carpet tiles offer easy replacement, durability against heavy foot traffic, and simple cleaning. On the other hand, for high-end applications, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) tend to be the top choice.”
Talabat Office, Dubai – Flooring by Messara Living; Blubay Tower – Flooring by Messara Living
“Carpet tiles offer easy replacement, durability against heavy foot traffic, and simple cleaning. On the other hand, for high-end applications, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) tend to be the top choice“
– Laurent Messara, Managing Director & Partner of Messara Living
However, Amal says an overlooked material is catching up with the others. “We have seen a rising demand for cork flooring due to its acoustical properties and sustainable element.”
With flooring brands like Interface, Ege Carpets and Shaw Contract constantly improving their sustainability quotient by accruing certificates while expanding their range, it could be interesting to see how the simplicity of cork flooring would fare in the upcoming years. On the other hand, LVTs are a mark of luxury; could a grounded material like cork replace its charm?
From left to right: Surfaces Supplied by Surface Eleven at Oliver Wyman Office, Dubai; Photography Credits: Yasser Ibrahim| Flooring Supplied by Surface Eleven at Department of Finance – ADIB, Abu Dhabi; Photography Credits: Chris Goldstraw
“We have seen a rising demand for cork flooring due to its acoustical properties and sustainable element.“
– Amal Barreto, CEO, Surface 11
B) Residential Projects
Amal evaluates that the choice for homes depends on whether the end client has bought the house as an investment or for inhabitation. “If they like to live in the house then, then hardwood floors would be the most popular choice”, she opines. “It’s warm and comfortable—perfectly homey. They are also a great investment that increases the property’s value over time.”
Villa Tressor, Al Barrari; Flooring Supplied by Messara Living
“If they like to live in the house then, then hardwood floors would be the most popular choice. It’s warm and comfortable—perfectly homey. They are also a great investment that increases the property’s value over time.“
– Amal Barreto, CEO, Surface 11
Laurent offers a more cost-effective take, “The trend here leans towards parquet-style flooring options such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), and Laminate. Small natural rugs like Sisal or plush plain carpets complement these materials.” He attributes the popularity of these choices to simple maintenance, high resistance to colour fading, and water spill resistance. He says, “Particularly, LVT in Chevron and Versailles shapes is favoured for its ability to impart an elegant castle-like appearance to any space.”
Even Asif agrees with Laurent. His findings also show a resurgence in using broadloom carpets and parquet flooring in residential projects.
“The trend here leans towards parquet-style flooring options such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), and Laminate. Small natural rugs like Sisal or plush plain carpets complement these materials. Particularly, LVT in Chevron and Versailles shapes is favoured for its ability to impart an elegant castle-like appearance to any space.“
– Laurent Messara, Managing Director & Partner of Messara Living
C) Hospitality Projects
In Dawood’s experience, carpet tiles remain popular even in hospitality interiors. “Their quick and hassle-free installation ensures seamless renovations without business disruption”, he says. “Plus, their aesthetic appeal aligns perfectly with contemporary design themes.”
Opulent aesthetics are unavoidable in Middle Eastern hospitality projects, especially hotels. Keeping that in mind, Asif ventures, “Broadloom carpets, particularly Axminster and tufted variations, are often chosen for their ability to withstand high foot traffic and maintain their visual appeal. Hand-tufted carpets are favoured for lobbies due to their luxurious texture and the opportunity to create bespoke designs that leave a lasting impression on guests.”
“Carpet tiles’ quick and hassle-free installation ensures seamless renovations without business disruption. Plus, their aesthetic appeal aligns perfectly with contemporary design themes.“
– Dawood Ali Mirza, Business Development Manager of Office Solutions
From left to right: Flooring Supplied by Carpetland at Vida Hotel, Dubai; Photography Credits: Natelee Cocks Photography| Flooring Supplied by Carpetland at Zenon Restaurant, Dubai; Photography Credits: Cris Alandino Bernabe
“Broadloom carpets, particularly Axminster and tufted variations, are often chosen for their ability to withstand high foot traffic and maintain their visual appeal. Hand-tufted carpets are favoured for lobbies due to their luxurious texture and the opportunity to create bespoke designs that leave a lasting impression on guests”
– Asif Chohan, General Manager, Carpetland
In juxtaposition, insights from Amal lean towards restaurant designs, “For the F&B environment, operators are most concerned about spillage of food and drink. Porcelain tiles have a low absorbency factor and are highly stain-resistant. Porcelain tiles also have the largest variety of design and size options, giving designers the freedom to play and create a unique stamp for that project”, she propounds.
Amal also raises a caution; anti-slip tiles might be a misfit for some purposes. “Designers need to remember that the trade-off to an anti-slip tile is its cleanability. A higher Anti Slip (R) Rating means more texture and grit on the tile. Dirt gets trapped in the crevices of the tile relief and is, therefore, more difficult to clean. It’s advisable to remain conscious of this detail”, she says.
“Designers need to remember that the trade-off to an anti-slip tile is its cleanability. A higher Anti Slip (R) Rating means more texture and grit on the tile. Dirt gets trapped in the crevices of the tile relief and is, therefore, more difficult to clean. It’s advisable to remain conscious of this detail.“
– Amal Barreto, CEO, Surface 11
On the other hand, Laurent’s extensive experience in supplying outdoor spaces influences his stance. “Outdoor rugs and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) materials are commonly used in open spaces to create a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere,” he confers.
Asif also provides his two cents regarding outdoor flooring, “One common mistake specifiers occasionally make is selecting tufted carpets for outdoor areas. Tufted carpets are designed primarily for indoor use and unsuitable for outdoor conditions. Exposure to moisture and harsh weather can quickly degrade tufted carpeting, leading to premature wear and costly replacements. Instead, specifiers should opt for outdoor-specific materials such as outdoor-rated carpeting, artificial turf, or outdoor tiles when designing open-air spaces.”
Flooring Supplied by Carpetland at Sonder Hotel – JBR, Dubai; Photography Credits: Cris Alandino Bernabe
“One common mistake specifiers occasionally make is selecting tufted carpets for outdoor areas. Tufted carpets are designed primarily for indoor use and unsuitable for outdoor conditions. Exposure to moisture and harsh weather can quickly degrade tufted carpeting, leading to premature wear and costly replacements. Instead, specifiers should opt for outdoor-specific materials such as outdoor-rated carpeting, artificial turf, or outdoor tiles when designing open-air spaces.”
– Asif Chohan, General Manager, Carpetland
Unique Demands and Upcoming Trends from the Middle East
Teracotta, Tailor-made and More
Suppliers work closely with a large cross-section of design firms. Their technical expertise and on-site experience can aid in forecasting trends and recognising the future. Additionally, they can also spotlight the distinct demands in the Middle East.
“In the Middle East, there is a consistent demand for thick wall-to-wall carpets that can withstand high traffic, especially in guest rooms”, Laurent says. “Parquet floors with sound reduction and heat insulation properties are also sought after for indoor areas.”
There is also an unfavourable practice of making cuts in the budget that Laurent wishes he could eliminate. He says, verbatim, “Sometimes, to manage cost, quality of products could be brought down due to low-end installation. Ideally, flooring should be fire-treated.”
Accor Head Office; Flooring Supplied by Messara Living
When it comes to commercial projects, the UAE maintains its stance of delivering top-notch luxury restaurants and hotels. “The Middle East market constantly seeks tailor-made designs that give projects a signature touch”, Dawood says. “As a global business nexus, the Middle East also attracts international brands, raising the bar for high-end, trendsetting designs.”
Dawood also sheds light on designers’ demands to meld different products and designs. “Among these emerging styles, patterns like terrazzo and microtopping introduce an industrial edge to interiors”, he explains.
Amal shares a similar experience, “We get a lot of requests for custom-pattern flooring tiles, including bling metallic options. We are also seeing an increasing demand for traditional Terracotta tiles but with a high durability and low absorbency factor.”
Flooring Supplied by Office Solutions at FitnGlam Fitness Center, Abu Dhabi; Photography Credits: Yasser I Photography
“The Middle East market constantly seeks tailor-made designs that give projects a signature touch. As a global business nexus, the Middle East also attracts international brands, raising the bar for high-end, trendsetting designs. Among thes emerging styles, patterns like terrazzo and microtopping introduce an industrial edge to interiors.“
– Dawood Ali Mirza, Business Development Manager of Office Solutions
Market Gaps: What Manufacturers Must Look At
Details, Specifics and Sustainability
The UAE is known for their hospitality and adaptability, making the interiors and products market a mix of demands. For manufacturers (both local and global), predicting what designers want is not straightforward.
Asif concurs, “To meet the demands of designers in the Middle East, manufacturers should focus on producing sustainable products. Designers and clients in the region are increasingly seeking eco-conscious materials and practices that align with global sustainability trends. Flooring brands prioritising initiatives, such as utilising recycled materials and adopting other environmentally responsible manufacturing processes, are better poised to satisfy the evolving preferences.”
“Sound reduction parquet, marble-like LVT, and water-resistant flooring are commonly used in living rooms for their aesthetic appeal and practicality. For outdoor spaces, there is a preference for high-quality full solid WPC decking (rather than hollow) and artificial grass that can withstand varying weather conditions.“
– Laurent Messara, Managing Director & Partner of Messara Living
While Amal senses a market gap in the flooring supply with high tonal variations, Laurent makes a pertinent case for the Middle East’s regional nuances. “Sound reduction parquet, marble-like LVT, and water-resistant flooring are commonly used in living rooms for their aesthetic appeal and practicality. For outdoor spaces, there is a preference for high-quality full solid WPC decking (rather than hollow) and artificial grass that can withstand varying weather conditions.”
The demand for well-planned outdoor areas has surged. Yet, the climatic conditions and lifestyle swerve this region towards an easy-to-maintain set-up. Laurent continues, “Artificial grass is a popular choice for outdoor spaces, providing a natural look while withstanding high temperatures and strong sun, especially during the summer. The preference is often for low-maintenance grass that doesn’t require frequent replacement and watering.”
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Date added:
28 February, 2024
