From the Dance Floors of Wigan, To Clerkenwell Design Week, Milliken Introduces Northern Soul
Up-tempo, fast paced and funky, a carpet tile collection influenced by the music and dance movement of the 1970’s. Bold typographic elements combine with intricate patterns inspired by the musical rhythms, lighting effects and the distinctive fashion of the day, to celebrate the mood of Northern Soul. The colour palette is evocative of the time and includes retro colours of the ‘70’s as well as bright colours and a pastel range. The addition of strong black outlines give the designs a contemporary feel.
Like the music and dance scene that inspired it, the Northern Soul collection is vibrant, full of life and colour. Milliken’s unique Millitron® patterning technology makes possible the detailed patterns and nuanced colours. Northern Soul cushion back carpet tiles (in a 50 x 50cm format) are fun and upbeat; capturing the rhythm of music through mark-making, patterns and colours.
The collection began its life as part of Milliken’s partnership with The School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University. Design and textiles students worked on a project to design carpet tiles for commercial briefs set by Milliken. Student Charlotte Devereux based hers on the heritage of Wigan (where Milliken’s factory and headquarters are based). Charlotte focused her work on the Northern Soul movement, born in the North of England in the late ‘60s in venues such as the renowned Wigan Casino.
As part of the research for the collection Charlotte spent time watching a visual representation of the music on a modular synthesizer which captured the Northern Soul music through the screen, this inspired the form and shape of the patterns and forms found throughout the collection. Inspiration was also taken from nightclub lighting effects, typography seen on tickets and posters, dance movements, spinning records and the fashion of the Northern Soul movement. To turn Charlotte’s concept into reality, Senior Milliken Designer, Helen Lloyd, took up the next stage of the process. Refining and developing Northern Soul into a fully realised, commercial flooring collection.
There are four designs in the collection, the first, Soundtrack, is inspired by retro prints and record labels of Northern Soul from the 70’s. Millitron® patterning technology is vital to being able to produce the precision pattern and colour seen in Northern Soul. Geometric shapes are created from vinyl records and the movement of spinning records and dancers is represented. Soundtrack can be used as a statement design or softened with more neutral patterns. The design works well to define walkways, in circulation areas, break-out spaces and can even be used as a “feature rug”.
Next is Night Flyer, inspired by Northern Soul club flyers, posters and tickets. Retro colouring, typography and graphics taken from the era. Textures capture the essence of movement. This design provides a bold statement pattern to create a showcase feature.
The third design in the collection, Strobe Light, is inspired by club culture lighting. Millitron® patterning technology is crucial to creating the precision pattern, texture and movement combined. It denotes linear patterns cast through strobe lights, with playful and contemporary modern herringbone effect and ease of fitting.
And finally, Floor Filler, inspired by Northern Soul dance floors. Contemporary commercial tones can be varied from tile-to-tile to replicate the changing light effects seen on a dance floor. Where required it can be used to give the appearance of one overall colour.
When it comes to the impact of sound, flooring has an important role to play. Northern Soul uses Milliken’s innovative cushion backing which not only ensures underfoot comfort but also absorbs up to 60% more ambient sound than hardback and reduces impact sound by up to 40%. Northern Soul is available with TractionBack 2.0 adhesive free installation: a more sustainable, healthier and more efficient method of carpet installation.
The Northern Soul collection is made from Econyl® yarn, which uses 100% regenerated content. As part of Milliken’s M/PACT™ Programme it offers impressive Green credentials from recycled content to responsible end of life re-use. It is made from 60% recycled content by product weight and has the following third party certifications: A+, TUV, EPD, CRI and C2C Silver.
About Milliken Milliken is a leading supplier of floor coverings, with a rich history of delivering dynamic carpet and luxury vinyl tile collections from its award-winning design studios and manufacturing facilities in Wigan, UK. Combining global insight with national expertise and proprietary technologies, Milliken is at the forefront of innovation and design, offering high-performance, expertly-engineered products. Founded in 1865 Milliken has achieved an amazing 157 years in the textiles business and is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the world, providing expert solutions across a range of disciplines, including specialty chemicals, floor coverings, and performance materials. With over 100 years of environmental stewardship, the Milliken family of companies is one of the world’s most responsible manufacturers. Designing innovative products and solutions for our customers is of the utmost importance. Through meaningful design, deep science, and unique insights, we advance product development to the next level, while supporting Milliken’s efforts to increase sustainable results and minimise environmental impact of all products. Milliken’s holistic approach to innovation encompasses all stages of the life cycle - from material sourcing and manufacturing practices to end-of-life management. Our commitment to transparency, health, safety, quality, and sustainability allows us to put our customers, associates, and communities first. In 2023, Milliken was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the seventeenth year running.