PRESS RELEASE

2007-07-13

Growing demand for light – and dark – wood floors among conscientious consumers

Floor manufacturers report growing demand for a much wider range of wood floors than previously. This is a reflection of the strong current trend in interior design that everything is acceptable: minimalism co-exists with the more frivolous styles of the 1960's, 70's and 80's. But regardless of style, consumers increasingly demand that wood floors should be produced in a sustainable way.

Your home should reflect your personality. This has never been truer than at the moment, when light, fresh and soft is as acceptable as a dark backdrop counteracted by funky colours. Accordingly, floor manufacturers have noted a growing demand for light floors – as well as for the very dark hues. In parallel, demand is growing for floors treated with matte lacquer and with natural oil.

"During the last five years, the choices of wood floors of different colours and species have increased enormously internationally. An important reason is a growing worldwide interest in interior design," said Mats Skanby, responsible for marketing and design within Kährs worldwide. Kährs is Europe's biggest manufacturer of wood floors.

"Choosing a wood floor is an investment. In order to facilitate this important decision Kährs recently divided its products into different collections with regard to colours and designs", he continued.

The latest addition to Kährs' collections is the Sand Collection, with strong association to sand, beaches and summer. This type of floor is well suited for those who wish to give their home a mild and light base for decorating.

"Today, white stained wood and light species like maple and birch are in strong demand – just like floors made of dark species, or dark stained oak and other non-tropical wood species. But the growing demand for wood floors is also a reflection of an interest in choosing natural, ecological and green alternatives for your home. We have noted an increased awareness among our customers of where the raw materials come from and how the floors are manufactured," said Mats Skanby.

Kährs' floor manufacturing process has been certified by FSC, Forest Stewardship Council. This means that Kährs can offer floors produced by wood from guaranteed sustainable forestry from an ecological, social and economical point of view.

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For more information, please contact:

Mats Skanby, responsible for marketing and design within Kährs worldwide
E-mail: mats.skanby@kahrs.com