With two 50-year-old flooring stores in Idaho, Elizabeth discusses what makes the operations tick—including how Roomvo technology has helped the retailer succeed across the board.
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FCNews’ Steven Feldman and Ken Ryan recently caught up with Artivo Surfaces CEO, Sunil Palakodati to discuss his role. 
We believe consolidation will continue, and it’s largely driven by fragmentation in the industry and benefits of scale and evolution of technology. Customers today expect deeper inventory, faster fulfillment, national reach and integrated digital and logistics capabilities, which are increasingly difficult for smaller, fragmented distributors to deliver efficiently.
Scale enables centralized shared services, stronger investment in technology and data platforms and more resilient nationwide supply chains—along with broader and more sophisticated product portfolios. When done well, consolidation doesn’t just create a larger organization, it results in a higher-performing partner that can deliver more consistent value to customers.
Integration is an ongoing journey focused on building long-term capability. We’re aligning our shared services: brand strategy, marketing, sales support, products, technology tools and logistics while preserving the unique strengths of each company.
By integrating thoughtfully and prioritizing the customer experience at every step, we’re creating a platform where each brand performs better together than it could on its own. As we are integrating change is inevitable; however, we are focused on improving customer service levels as well as protecting and preserving our culture.
We lead with a clear, long-term strategy and stay flexible in how we execute it. Our tactics evolve based on customers’ needs and realities, but our direction remains consistent while the path is negotiable.
Most importantly, our culture and the people who embody it drive momentum. By investing in our people and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, we give teams the tools, clarity and support to lead through change and drive progress together.
We will continue to evaluate opportunities that strengthen capacity, capability or market reach where it aligns with our strategy. We will remain opportunistic and remain long-term fit oriented with our targets.
While no one can predict the market, we are assuming that in 2026 the residential business will remain soft in the first half with improvement expected later in the year, resulting in performance that’s likely flat overall. We’re cautiously optimistic that demand will hold, but the overarching priority is staying agile as the market evolves.
The industry is navigating turbulence with economic uncertainty, tariffs, evolving technology, shifting supply chains and fluctuating consumer confidence. In times like this, what matters most is staying committed to serving customers, investing in and developing our people and preserving a strong culture.
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Las Vegas–Coverings, North America’s largest international showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone, has released the top 10 tile trends for 2026 in honor of National Tile Day. The newly announced trends offer a glimpse of the inspiring tile product displays that will be featured at Coverings 2026, scheduled to take place March 30 to April 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The unveiling of the popular tile styles celebrates National Tile Day, Feb. 23, 2026, honoring the beauty and versatility of ceramic and porcelain tile across a vast array of residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, indoor and outdoor designs and installations. National Tile Day also highlights the many beneficial traits of tile, including durability, sustainability, safety, cleanliness and more.
The tile trends were selected by Coverings’ three leading sponsors and international tile associations—Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain (ASCER)/Tile of Spain and Tile Council of North America (TCNA)—to spotlight the most favored and chic product designs from the global tile industry.
“National Tile Day is an outstanding opportunity to spotlight the tile trends that will define this year’s surface design—starting with the tile holiday’s big trends reveal and continuing with must-see displays at Coverings 2026,” said Alena Capra, Coverings spokesperson and owner of Alena Capra Designs and certified master kitchen and bath designer, who worked closely with the associations to identify this year’s trends. “The trends highlight tile as both a creative medium and a high-performing design-build solution, pairing bold visual expression with the real-world demands of durability, hygiene and sustainability. Above all, it is a celebration of the talented global tile industry driving the business forward—and the remarkable possibilities it provides.”
Capra, alongside a panel of industry experts, will discuss the annual tile trends at Coverings 2026 during the “Global Tile Trends” session, March 30, 11 a.m. to Noon PDT. The panel will dissect the freshest aesthetic, technological and sustainable innovations emerging from the world’s tile powerhouses, revealing the key looks that are defining contemporary design. Attendees will gain a sneak peek into the materials, designs and techniques that are shaping the tile industry in 2026.
Additional trends-related activations, education sessions, panels, presentations and live demonstrations will be available at Coverings 2026 for interior designers, architects, contractors, installers, fabricators, distributors, retailers and other tile and stone professionals. The program includes a variety of AIA–accredited courses on March 31.
The following 10 tile trends of 2026 are summarized in alphabetical order as follows:
1.) Articulated Accents: The Articulated Accents tile trend celebrates the synchronized harmony of graphic precision and outward design articulation, crafting tiles that engage the senses. Advanced glazing and contour-detailing techniques create surfaces that evoke the feel of anything from soft leather to textured sandstone, complete with stitching-like details or pitted striations. The result is a layered, immersive experience that responds dynamically to light and touch, bringing warmth, visual depth and subtle sophistication to interiors.
2.) Brutalish Sanctuary: Brutalish Sanctuary merges stripped-back materiality with refined restraint, reimagining Brutalist influence through concrete looks, terrazzo textures and matte stone looks. Celebrating material honesty, some tiles are left unglazed, allowing the material to speak for itself. Rejecting all-white predictability, this trend embraces authentic texture and inherent character, creating spaces that feel quiet, grounded and protective.
3.) Gilded Age: Metallic details have resurfaced, becoming a quintessential design element among contemporary tile collections. These iridescent details transform ceramics from purely functional surfaces into sophisticated focal points. Gold, bronze, copper and silver ornamentation take shape among both large- and small-format pieces, creating shimmering contrasts against matte, textured or neutral backgrounds. These accents are designed to interact with light, to emphasize architectural features and enhance spatial depth, all while adding quiet luxury to projects.
4.) Haptic Experience: Ceramic surfaces are evolving beyond visual appeal into interactive, multi-sensory experiences that respond and engage with the senses. Textures now range from subtle ridges and embossed patterns to deeply undulating surfaces, inviting touch and creating a human connection with materials. Advances in glazing chemistry and digital production add reactive qualities, allowing finishes to subtly shift with light, perspective or angle, lending to walls and floors with a dynamic almost living quality. These tiles not only enhance aesthetical range, but also elevate interiors to immersive, tactile environments.
5.) Jade Terrain: Inspired by the precious stone, this trend captures the serenity, sophistication and luxury of jade green as it translates into ceramic and porcelain tile. Jade green, positioned near the center of the green color family, showcases a wide array of hues in jade-inspired tiles, ranging from soft pastel greens and vibrant turquoises to deep, earth-toned mossy shades and saturated tones with subtle shadows of black. With product selections such as monochromatic subway tiles, two-toned mosaics, large-format tiles with shades of jade veining and much more, this trend offers designers and installers remarkable versatility and lends itself equally to calming interiors and bold architectural statements.
6.) Micro-Illusions: Small-format tiles have reached their mighty peak, achieving immense design effects by mimicking large-scale surfaces or intricate mosaics. Techniques such as precision scoring, digital printing and color-matched grout allow these tiles to replicate expansive mosaic murals, create optical illusions or produce layered dimensional effects. The result is high-impact design that is both cost-effective and installation-friendly, perfect for feature walls, accent areas and floors that demand detailed artistry without complexity.
7.) Organic Minimalism: Evolving to a cooler, more minimal aesthetic, this season manufacturers are emphasizing tranquility, texture and lasting stone effects. This trend represents a collective return to structured, quiet spaces, desaturated tones and the integrity of durable materials. This approach elevates raw elemental surfaces, such as concrete and ivory stone looks, into refined, tactile expressions of calm, sophisticated design.
8.) Surface Technologies: Manufacturers continue to pioneer new surface technologies, redefining the experience of space through touch, texture, light and function. Sculptural reliefs, bas-relief textures and glossy-matte contrasts create richly tactile walls, while advanced technologies add dimensional depth, slip resistance and silky touch-effects. From new integrated induction cooktops to engineered shower trays and backlit-effect surfaces, tile is redefining the relationship between material and technology.
9.) Tailored Craft: Function meets nostalgia in a way that is as playful as it is practical. Tailored Craft draws inspiration from fashion’s enduring motifs, blending tailored elegance with skilled craftmanship. These looks imbue a quietly luxurious aesthetic that feels curated, tactile and timeless-perfect for designers who value character and considered design over fleeting trends.
10.) Tile as Art: Tile is shifting from simple cladding to an immersive design statement, with manufacturers positioning it as a sophisticated alternative to wallpaper or art. This season’s collections introduce bold graphics, optical illusions and continuous murals that create decorative storytelling, ranging from geometric and metallic identities to refined scenographic patterns and hand-drawn, narrative-driven scenes.
Attendees will have the opportunity to discover in-person the top 10 tile trends and other global tile, stone and installation offerings at Coverings 2026, North America’s largest international tile and stone exposition and conference. For more information and to register for Coverings 2026, visit coverings.com.
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Livonia, Mich.—Virginia Tile announced it is now an authorized distributor of Uzin installation systems and Wolff Tools throughout Michigan and Illinois.
“Adding Uzin and Wolff to our portfolio in these markets, alongside the continued growth of Artivo Surfaces, reinforces our commitment to delivering comprehensive installation solutions for our customers from subfloor to surface,” said Jon Youngberg, vice president of installation supplies for Artivo Surfaces.
The partnership expands Virginia Tile’s installation solutions portfolio under the Artivo Surfaces umbrella. It also strengthens the company’s ability to support contractors, dealers and design professionals. The company now offers complete flooring systems that cover subfloor preparation through final installation.
Uzin is known globally for flooring installation systems, adhesives and surface preparation technologies engineered for durability and long-term performance. Wolff Tools complements these systems with precision-engineered equipment used by professional installers to improve efficiency and jobsite results.
Virginia Tile distributes tile, stone and installation products for residential and commercial markets across the Midwest. The company emphasizes service, product expertise and strong industry partnerships.
Artivo Surfaces, backed by Transom Capital Group, is a national flooring and surface solutions company that unites several industry brands. Its portfolio includes hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, natural stone, slabs and installation materials for residential and commercial applications.
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Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) released a new “Tuesday Tips” this week. In the series, WFCA experts present short video tips for improving customer service and optimizing staff performance. In the end, it’s all about understanding the importance of doing 100 things just 1% better than your competition.
In this week’s Tuesday Tips, Tom Jennings emphasizes the power of finishing strong. While avoiding mistakes throughout a presentation is important, the closing moments are what customers remember most. A confident, polished ending can leave a lasting impression and reinforce your message long after the conversation ends.
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Las Vegas—Behind every innovative hard surface floor or coordinating accessory that clicks into place is a specialty firm driving those innovations. Such is the case with four leading manufacturing technology providers—Bjelin, i4F Technologies, Unilin Technologies and Välinge Innovation—who demonstrated their technical prowess at Surfaces last month. From advanced locking systems to digital printing enhancements to AI-based technologies, these partners in innovation are looking to raise the bar for the manufacturing community at large.
Following is an overview of some of their latest advancements:
With the growing popularity of square stair nosings in the U.S. market, Bjelin took the wraps off its own iteration—including both an open and closed version. A benefit to retailers, distributors and consumers, according to the company, is the product aligns perfectly with Bjelin’s accompanying flooring products.
“The product is made in the same factory as our flooring plant in Croatia, so you’ve got the same veneers and the exact same stains,” said Kelly Owens, director of marketing. “It’s a perfect match.”
Another plus is the locking system, Valinge’s 5G Dry, which is utilized in the stair nosing. As Owens explained: “It locks in with our 5G Dry ends on the long end, so with the open stair noses it’s actually locking in on the tread, but remains open on the riser. So it’s locking in on the tread and the riser for a completely flush look on both ends.”
Bjelin also showcased its new Woodura Herringbone 3.0, an upgrade over the 2.0 version launched at Surfaces last year. The update includes two options: a Classic format measuring 3 x 13 for a more traditional herringbone look, and a modern format, which features larger 3.5 x 21.5 panels for a bolder visual statement. Moreover, the collection coordinates with Woodura Planks 3.0, allowing designers to maintain consistent color across connected spaces.
The 3.0 range features square edges without bevels, creating a clean, seamless appearance.
i4F is going high tech and riding the artificial intelligence wave with the launch of ai4F, a new artificial intelligence strategy designed to strengthen product performance through data-driven insights and scientific analysis. The ai4F strategy marks the start of a long-term initiative focused on continuous improvement. The program relies on structured data collection, analysis and ongoing learning. A core element centers on locking and decorative panel composition analysis. This work is supported by a new digital process that enables optimal profile selection and optimization for each licensee’s product. This approach reduces the need for extensive on-site and off-site milling tests.
How it works: The AI systematically analyzes large volumes of data related to compositions, locking profiles and performance results. As the database expands, the system continues to learn and refine its insights. The system generates actionable, data-driven recommendations, including composition and process adjustments aimed at improving performance outcomes. In short, the AI-driven format adapts content based on visitor preferences and allows users to access information more efficiently and engage with technologies at their own pace. To showcase the innovation, i4F installed AI pods at its booth for users to try out.
“We have brought in all our test results from the last 12 years of our locking or composition in a consistent database,” said John Rietveldt, CEO of i4F. “With our new ai4F strategy, we are laying a strong foundation for how data and analytics will shape future technology developments in the global flooring industry.”
Unilin Technologies used Surfaces as a platform to educate new and existing customers alike on its range of locking system solutions. More importantly, to help customers understand that not all locking systems are created equal.
“It’s important to show visitors why the Uniclic and the Unidrop locking systems are different from what’s out there,” said Floris Koopmans, sales and marketing director, intellectual property (pictured above). “We explain that with testing samples, explaining the features of the click systems and why that makes such a big difference.”
This re-education, according to Koopmans, is becoming more critical given the growing number of flooring formats available across different hard surface categories. “We’ve seen a huge change in recent years where many customers who tried other systems all came back to the Uniclic system, the angle/angle system,” he said. “People had bad experiences with some other systems, and they go back to their ex, so to speak. They know they can rely on the system known for its reliability.”
Unilin also showcased its technical capabilities in digitally scanning planks in order to optimize a particular locking system. This non-destructive system allows clients to determine the best locking mechanism for their needs. “Using this system the manufacturer doesn’t need to make cuts in the plank anymore; now they can just put it under a laser and the computer will tell them exactly what they need to change on the milling machinery,” Koopmans added.
Unilin also demonstrated the sound-deadening attributes of the company’s popular Comfort Core technology and teased the launch of an innovative new locking system for stair nosings and risers.
Välinge Innovation displayed the full range of its locking system and green technologies at Surfaces last month, but the one that stood out the most was its new HB-1 (short for Herringbone-1) innovation. Curious onlookers flooded the booth to see real-time demonstrations of the technology and had the opportunity to try it for themselves.
“With the one-panel technology there is only one side, an “A” panel, unlike the A and B panels featured on original herringbone rigid core designs,” said Stina Leire, marketing and communications manager. “The original format made it more difficult to assemble and take apart. Here you only have one piece and they all connect together.”
Not only does HB-1 enable simpler, faster installation and dismantling—according to Laetitia Kimblad, director, business unit, flooring technology (pictured above left)—but it also provides improved vertical strength. “Because of the improved vertical strength, you can reuse the planks, or put them in another place if you need it. You just click it together and it’s perfectly locked. We also provide a special dismantling pin to make it easier to take the planks apart.”
More importantly, the new HB-1 system gives the installer more flexibility in terms of where he/she begins to lay down the planks. “The great thing about the one-panel solution is you can also work backwards with the installation,” Kimblad explained. “Let’s say you’re coming to the corner of the kitchen island or you’re doing the installation from the middle of the room—you want to be able to work backwards. Essentially you can go in any direction, which is very good for installers.”
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Just as affluent consumers—the top 10%-20% of earners—are propping up the U.S. economy, accounting for nearly half of all consumer spending, the residential carpet segment is being supported by the well-to-do.
While the overall residential carpet segment has been in the red for the past few years, or since the COVID-19-inspired surge in 2020/21, brands competing in the upper-end/luxury space have enjoyed year-over-year gains.
“During the last few quarters, we’ve gained market share [at the high end],” T.M. Nuckols, president of the residential division of The Dixie Group, said of the high-end Fabrica brand. “To use a football analogy, over the last 16 quarters our record is 15- 1. The economy is still strong at the high end, and the high-end consumer is still active, which is why our Fabrica business grew.”
Mill executives agree the strength of the soft surface flooring industry has been centered around the higher-end segment for several years, and that trend should continue for 2026 and beyond. “There is no dispute that the affluent consumer is fueling our economy in general and the growth in the floor covering industry specifically,” said Len Andolino, president of Couristan. “Homeownership, re-sale and new construction have been steady in this segment, as have the purchases of second and third homes. The luxury market is well insulated from many factors. Couristan has served that community for a century, and we continue to serve that community with fashion-driven styles.”
Like Couristan, Nourison is dedicated to serving the upscale, designer-driven segment of the soft surface market, offering both luxury wall-to-wall carpet and an extensive assortment of pre-made area rugs in North America. The company has historically been less sensitive to economic fluctuations as the luxury consumer tends to purchase based on desire and design goals rather than broader economic conditions. “Recent economic headwinds have often favored the high-end market,” said Don Karlin, vice president of broadloom sales for Nourison. “Many affluent buyers—particularly those with significant stock market investments—have benefited from strong portfolio performance in recent years, resulting in increased net worth and continued confidence in discretionary, design focused purchases.”
Andolino suggested that the luxury market could really take off if the economy started to pick up. “The luxury market does well when we can attract and convert aspirational consumers,” he said. “If the economy picks up, affordability concerns ease, the ability to borrow improves, then we should have many opportunities in 2026. There is pent-up demand in this segment. Consumers have sat on the sidelines and are waiting for things to ease. Once they do, the luxury market can see some historical growth in 2026 and beyond.”
Few names in flooring speak to the high-end/luxury market quite like Stanton Design. Once again, its introductions at Surfaces were cited by dealers for their excellent styling.
A few notables: Latitudes, with its hand-tufted texture and softly overdyed wool in warm natural tones; Alexandra, which is crafted from solution-dyed UV-stabilized acrylic that resists fading, staining, pilling and the wear of active family life. Hobart, a machine-tufted wool/polysilk blend noted for its craftsmanship and elegance.
For nearly 100 years, Karastan has stood as a premier American brand synonymous with luxury, pioneering high-quality, machine-made oriental rugs that rivaled expensive imports. Now a full-service flooring supplier, Karastan has never lost that high-end look. In 2025, it debuted the Black Label collection (wool or SmartStrand), which impressed with its striking looks, color options and high-end quality. Introductions this year include Torres Beach, a Kashmere XTRA introduction featuring a multi-level loop box pattern and a soft, understated palette to subtly embrace color.
Godfrey Hirst is enhancing its portfolio with six additions that feature a mix of wool and synthetic constructions. Standouts include Cotswolds, a loop construction with a unique heathered pattern in 79-ounce New Zealand wool; and Xpressions, a trellis pattern using SmartStrand. The brand is also enhancing its nylon offerings with EverLux XTRA, featuring styles like Versailles, an all-loop herringbone pattern.
Anderson Tuftex, the premium carpet brand of Shaw Industries, is deepening its portfolio of luxury goods with five new collections. As Bailey Walton, vice president of Anderson Tuftex, explained, “From the beginning, we set out to serve eco-conscious, luxury consumers and residential interior designers, and we remain firmly committed to those audiences.”
The brand debuted five carpet collections: Harmony, Rooted, Still Life, Modern Artisan and Nova. In addition to performance, durability and elevated comfort, all Anderson Tuftex carpets are Cradle to Cradle Certified and carry the CRI Green Label Plus certification.
Aran Island is a Couristan Premiere hand-woven, 15-foot-wide carpet using 100% New Zealand wool. “This is a classic lattice style in beautiful colorways, using a very specialized hand weaving technique to achieve the pattern,” Andolino said. “We feel Aran Island will become an instant classic for us because it will work so well for both wall to wall installations and beautiful custom fabricated area rugs.”
During its first decade, Engineered Floors focused on solution-dyed polyester products that served the commodity to mid-range market. But over time, through its residential DreamWeaver brand, has been growing its profile. Its new Dreamweaver Select, an outgrowth of twistX, is positioned as a premium collection that includes high-definition PureColor offerings in 60-, 75- and 90-ounce weights. Additionally, Spectrum I/II/III, also Dreamweaver Select products, define luxury through softness and vivid color along with permanent stain protection. This type of visual was only offered in traditional piece-dyed carpets, but now Dreamweaver Select brings color through its solution-dyed fiber.
Masland, a premium brand in TDG’s arsenal, debuted Lisbon, the latest addition to its 1866 collection. With six neutral shades, Lisbon is a handloomed product made from 100% premium wool. “The affluent is willing to pay for a high-end differentiated look,” TDG’s Nuckols said.
From its Fabrica brand, Valencia is a new wool loop flooring offering exceptional quality and a soft, inviting texture.
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