Global Influences Expressed In Diverse Portfolio
Exotics, Contrast and Movement Enliven Woodgrains

Temple, Texas (August 31, 2009) – Wilsonart Flooring introduces a new series of dynamic woodgrains for residential and commercial applications. Given the new consumer exposure to global cuisine, culture and décor, these influences can be found everywhere: in fashion, home furnishings and retail environments. Wilsonart Flooring’s new exotic woodgrain portfolio gives the starting point to create an international, eclectic flair in any setting.

“At a time when many laminate manufacturers are scaling back on new design introductions, Wilsonart Flooring is forging ahead with stunning new designs and finishes for Fall 2009,” said Wilsonart Flooring Marketing Communications Manger Tammy Weadock. “These new offerings will strengthen the High Pressure Laminate (HPL) value proposition by providing bold new reasons to select HPL laminate flooring – long-lasting performance and durability combined with compelling design expression. Consumers now can incorporate these exciting woodgrain looks into their homes and workplaces.”

Two major trends influenced the new designs. In the Styles collection, inspiration was drawn from the rare exotic woodgrains of places such as Hawaii, Africa and Honduras in a range that creates an environmentally friendly feeling of a global retreat without sacrificing precious trees. The Contrast and Movement designs create dramatic, natural woodgrain accents that enhance the visual impact of home or office décor. In the Red Label collection, a weathered and homey Hand Scraped design lends a feeling of warmth and comfort.

A total of seven new designs in a 5” beveled format along with a new Fine Grain finish round out the offering: a refreshing display of prevailing global influences that provide a launch pad for the new directions in interior design.

EXOTICS: CREATING A HOME/OFFICE GETAWAY: Three New Silken Finish Designs
Exotics can create settings reminiscent of a treasured vacation spot, or simply bring a special flair to any space. Unique and valuable, Exotics take you away from the everyday world.

Halona Koa
A native species of the Hawaiian Islands, Koa wood evokes a sense of peace, friendliness and a casual lifestyle. The random meandering of the graining and the subtle cross-fire give this predominately straight grained style visual movement and interest. Light to medium toned brown with yellow, amber and red undertones.

Angola Blackwood
Global décor and the African Safari inspired this look, ideal for casual or formal décor. An eclectic accent, it works well with heavy-textured accessories and sleek furnishings such as a leather slipper chair; it is also the perfect complement to accessories with an artisanal, handcrafted look. Beautiful cinnamon undertones glow next to the warm coffee-brown tones.

La Tigra Mahogany
This Honduran mahogany, named after the country’s first national park, salutes the preservation of natural treasures. The design is so versatile it is equally at home with a neutral palate and texture, or colors from nature such as banana yellow, sunset reds and other energetic tones. Grain structure is a balanced mix of straight and subtle cathedral, with quiet color play amid a mid-toned brown with amber highlights.

CONTRAST & MOVEMENT: TEXTURE AND JUXTAPOSITION: Three New Fine Grain Finish Designs. The refined ticking of the new Fine Grain finish offers an overall smooth appearance while enhancing the natural quality of the design.

In fashion or home décor, the use of one dominant color with pops of others creates contrast and interest. In nature and the home, contrast creates movement by inviting the eyes to travel.

Honeygold Apple
Natural contrast and movement are achieved in an apple design that can satisfy many styles and tastes: country and urban loft; traditional with a touch of classic modern. A fruit wood can lend the look of a pine or cypress, ideal with stainless steel, weathered metals, colored glass and artisanal tiles. The sap wood is golden honey with red touches; the heart wood is brown with primarily amber undertones.

Natural Walnut
Elegant and beautiful in its natural state, walnut here is preserved through a product that conserves trees while providing wear resistance and easy maintenance. The taupey grey tone of the designs speaks to the trend of grey as the new neutral: perfect for combining warm browns and cool grey tones. Hand-glazed pottery enhances the natural, handmade theme. Featuring light to medium browns and in a mix of taupe and grey highlights, Natural Walnut is a “cool” brown.

Fireside Maple
Contrast and movement are achieved here by the color and grain structure of this stained driftwood. Versatile enough to work in contemporary, clean-line kitchens as well as traditional settings, it especially enhances decor mixing metals both cool and warm. Deep brown-toned red moves in gradations of red-orange, yellow and yellow-green, punctuated by chocolate brown accents.

Ranch House Oak: Hand Scraped, Red Label collection
The weathered, time-worn look provides a sense of history to both floor and décor, creating a character and texture that lends warmth and comfort. With the growing desire of consumers to “get back to basics” with their homes, families and lives, this design reflects a “less is more” lifestyle. The hand scraped finish is ideal with interior looks such as wine country, Country French or eclectic country and perfect with mid-century modern pieces and folk art. Warm honey color with red highlights and chocolate grain features.

MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
The update kit for Synergy retailers will support the Fall design introduction with new samples and “NEW” dangler tags and a full-line retailer brochure, as well as graphics and in-store signage for the industry-first Residential Impact Warranty and Clarilyst™ Enhanced Technology.

For more information, call the Wilsonart Customer Service Hotline at 800-435-9109. Consumers can also visit www.wilsonartflooring.com.

Wilsonart International was founded in 1956 and has since grown to become the leading producer of High Pressure Decorative Laminate in North America. The company has achieved success through a combination of outstanding service, high-quality products and a focus on continuously redefining the laminate surface through improved performance and aesthetics. Wilsonart Flooring was introduced in 1995 and has continuously earned top honors for quality by floor covering retailers. All Wilsonart Flooring products are manufactured in the USA in Temple, Texas.