Training Guide 2017
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ATRIUM POLO SILVER BLUE
Contents
Introduction Choosing a rug Materials Construction Care Tips & Tricky Questions Rug Sizing Styling your rug
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MILLER 739 WHITE
Introduction Welcome to the wonderful world of rugs! Welcome to Unitex International, Australia’s first choice for rugs. We specialize in Modern Rugs from big names such as Rug Culture, Ted Baker, Wedgwood and Brink & Campman. With over 100 collections on offer, you are sure to find the perfect option to bring glamour and joy to your home. As a family business, we have been proudly providing you with quality experience at a great price for over 20 years. Each year, we bring in 500+ containers of stock to excite your customers, with currently have over 300,000 rugs in stock and the capacity to dispatch 4000+ rugs every day! With the largest range in Australia, we are always here to assist with any questions you may have about our products. From choosing the best size for your space to selecting the most appropriate materials to how to style your rug; we have made a comprehensive guide to help assist you to choose the perfect rug!
Why rugs? Here at Unitex, we have the ideal rug for every room. A rug is the most cost effective way to completely update the look and feel of your space. They add comfort, sound insulation, and are the essential finishing touch to bring a room together. Rugs are no longer just for Winter! We have the breeziest cotton for Spring, hardy waterproof rugs for Summer, softly seasonal rugs for Autumn and the coziest wool for Winter. Whatever your needs—think rugs! Remember that our friendly staff are always available to chat rugs and assist you with any questions you may have.
With kind regards,
The Unitex team HEAD OFFICE & SHOWROOM Unitex International 53 Bourke Rd Alexandria, NSW, 2015 P (02) 9669 6317 F (02) 9669 5810 E enquiries@unitexint.com W www.unitexint.com
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SAMPLE STUDIO
Which rug is right for me? With so many options, the right rug for you can be hard to find. We recommend to first consider the “Two F’s”:
What do you want it for? How do you want to feel? What do you want it for? - Do you need a quick update for a rental property? - Do you need some added warmth and comfort underfoot? - Do you have an open plan living space, and need to create a distinction between your living spaces? How do you want to feel? - I want to feel calm - I want to feel cosy - I want to feel fresh
To find the right rug, you need some information on how rugs can work for your needs and create the feeling you want to achieve in your space.
What do you need to know? You will need to know about materials—what are the rugs made from? - If you want a quick update, you might want a rug that is cost effective and durable - If you want to feel calm, you could choose a rug that is low maintenance and easy care - If you to feel cosy, choose a rug that is warming and comfortable - If you want to feel fresh, you want a rug that is light and breathable
You will need to know about construction—how are the rugs made? - If you want to feel calm, you might choose a rug that is handmade to bring soft lines and organic shapes to your space - If you want to feel cosy, you might want a rug with a plush and dense pile You will need to know about sizing—if you want a rug to create a distinction between living spaces, what size do you need to achieve this?
Remember, whatever you style, budget and way of life—we have the right rug for you! 7
Materials - Natural Fibres Why choose Natural Fibre? Natural fibres are the on-trend choice for customers who want a beautiful, breathable rug that gives an organic look and feel to your home. From light, summer weight Cotton rugs to the warmest winter wool, we have your natural fibre needs covered! You will usually pay a little more and they require a bit of extra care and attention compared to synthetic rugs, as natural fibres will absorb spills and stains and some materials may lightly shed. Cotton A soft and strong fibre that holds dye well for bright colouration. Cotton is an easy care, low maintenance option and has a lighter weight. Perfect for warm weather! Low maintenance, easy care, soft feel, bright colours, absorbs spills and stains Living room, bedroom, kids room Price point: entry level Jute Jute is a popular choice, being very eco friendly and cost effective. This material gives an organic look and is easy to style. This material is moderately soft, and is not as durable as some other materials such as wool or heat-set polypropylene. Jute is highly absorbent, so best to avoid using this material in areas that may experience spills such as bathroom, kitchen or dining rooms. Living room, bedroom, kids room Light shedding, medium soft feel, readily absorbs spills and stains, avoid spill prone areas Price point: entry level Sisal Sisal is a popular choice for entrances and hallways as it is durable, rugged and easy to keep clean. Sisal rugs resist dirt particles and contains natural tannins (also found in tea and red wine) that control the growth of bacteria, fungi and dust mites. Sisal is the most coarse of the rug fibres, so may not be ideal for bedrooms or kids rooms. Hallway, living room, entryway Light shedding, coarse feel, readily absorbs spills and stains, avoid spill prone areas Price point: mid range Wool Wool is a popular choice for being naturally flame retardant, durable; warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool holds colour well, while maintaining it’s natural look. New wool rugs will shed lightly in the first three to six months and be low shed after this time. Shedding renews the fibre and keeps your wool rug looking fresh and new for many years. Higher quality wool will experience less shedding and be softer to the touch. Living room, bedroom, hallway, kids room Warming, holds colour well, absorbs spills and stains, shedding for first three months, will shed less over time, high quality (wholesale $250+ for 230X160 size) = less shedding & softer feel) Price point: mid range to designer Hemp Hemp is a versatile fibre that is very ecofriendly, durable and stylish. Hemp fibre can be coarse or soft depending on the treatment the material receives, but all hemp will soften over time. Living room, bedroom, hallway, entryway Medium coarse feel, light shedding, softens over time, rugged and durable Price point: mid range 8
Materials - Synthetic Fibres Why choose Synthetic Fibre? Synthetic materials can be the perfect choice for the customer who wants to look of a natural fibre rug at a more competitive price point, and may want an easy care option. These rugs can re-create the look and feel of a natural material such as wool or silk, and can also be completely waterproof and UV treated for outdoor use! Acrylic Acrylic is a super soft fibre that holds dye extremely well, allowing for a wide variety of colours from the softest pastel to the boldest brights. It is an excellent choice for kids rooms, living room and bedrooms. As with wool, the pile will shed slightly in the first three to six months and reduce after this time—choose a low pile acrylic rug if you want the benefits of acrylic with less shedding. This makes acrylic best suited to low traffic areas. Living room, bedroom, kids room Soft, holds colour well, shedding for first three months, will shed less over time. Low pile = less shedding Price point: mid range to designer Microfibre Microfibre is a term for a synthetic fibre which is extremely thin—about 1/10th the size of a human hair! It is used to make super soft materials and is non-shed. Living room, bedroom, kids room Soft, non-shed Price point: entry level Polyester Polyester is a soft and shiny fibre that is usually found in shag rugs and is a low shed material. Living room, bedroom, kids room Soft, shiny, some shedding Price point: mid range BCF Polypropylene BCF polypropylene is a durable and cost effective material. The fibres are non-shed, resistant to stains and spills and can be recycled. Living room, dining room Cost effective, durable, attracts hair and dust, can flatten over time Price point: entry level Heat Set Polypropylene This type of polypropylene can be finished in many different ways to recreate the look of a natural fibre at a competitive price—from soft and shiny silk to a matte, rugged Berber wool. To be created, two strands are twisted together and then heat set to become permanently fused together for added strength and durability. The fibre is not only easy care and non shed—but also waterproof! Most of these rugs have a jute backing which will absorb moisture—so any spills simply need to be absorbed away from the backing. Outdoor rugs have a heat set polypropylene backing instead of jute, making them completely waterproof. All our Outdoor rugs are also UV treated to stay looking bright and fresh. Living room, dining room, bedroom, hallway, entryway, kids room Outdoor rugs for the above areas and also outdoors, bathroom, kitchen Non shed, durable, stain and spill resistant, will not attract hair or dust, can flatten over time Price point: mid range 9
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VISIONS
Synthetic Fibres Viscose Viscose is a super soft and shiny fibre that can be used on its own or to add soft, shimmering touches to natural fibre rugs. Viscose will shed slightly, less so if the viscose has a loop pile construction (Twilight). Living room, bedroom, kids room Soft, shiny, some shedding. Loop pile = less shedding Price point: mid range to designer
Mixed Materials You can also mix materials to achieve different effects. Two materials can be used separately to highlight design elements of a rug, or you can blend the materials together to make a blended fibre. Most often, viscose will be added to wool. The viscose will be used on it’s own to highlight elements of the design, as the viscose will make the design “pop” with it’s softness and shine. It can also be blended with wool, creating a softer fibre with a warm glow under lights.
You decide! A customer wants a really soft, low maintenance rug for her lounge room. What material would you recommend? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ A customer wants something warm and comfortable in her bedroom, and doesn’t mind vacuuming a few times a week. What material would you recommend? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Our last customer needs something bulletproof for her dining room, she has a three kids and a tradie husband who forgets to take off his boots! What specific material would you recommend? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ YOU need a rug for your home! What specific material would work for your space - and why? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Construction - Handmade Rugs Why choose a Handmade rug? Handmade rugs are a beautiful addition to your home, with subtle variations that reflect the artistic creation of their makers. The organic look and less uniform sizing is a great option for some customers. As with natural materials, you may pay a little extra for the quality. Hand Braided Materials are braided by hand and stitched together into the desired shape. This results in a desirable organic look and feel, and allows for a variety of textures. Hand braided rugs may appear less uniform in shape than other hand made rugs, as they are not made on a fixed loom. They will be flat woven and reversible. Price point: entry level Hand Knotted A skilled weaver will work from a loom, individually tying each knot through the backing. Hand knotted rugs are the most prestigious rug style, and are of the highest quality and durability with some pieces taking several years and a team of artisans to complete. Price point: designer Hand Loomed The fibre is woven by hand onto a loom. This gives the rug more structure and a more uniform size. Price point: mid range Hand Woven These rugs are woven by hand. These rugs will be flat woven, and often reversible. Hand woven rugs will usually have a thinner texture, so some of our products have an additional cotton backing for extra strength. Price point: mid range to designer Hand Tufted Hand tufted rugs have their design hand drawn onto a backing, then the fibres are punched through the backing with a tufting gun. This type of rug is often hand carved to give texture and interest, with the creator using large scissors to define parts of the design. Price point: mid range to designer
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Construction - Machine Made Rugs Why choose a Machine Made rug? Machine made rugs are made on a fixed loom, with a complex system of threads being mechanically woven onto a strong yet thin backing. Also known as “Power Loomed” or “Machine Loomed” rugs, they come in a huge variety of colours and styles. The machinery stretches across huge factories, making production quick and cost effective. This results in a product with a more uniform and consistent size. Loop Pile Most rugs with a pile begin as loop pile rugs, which are then trimmed so the fibres separate and form the pile we are used to seeing. Loop pile rugs are not trimmed, giving a looped finish. If made from a material that sheds, a loop pile rug will be low to non-shed. Price point: entry level to designer Flatwoven These rugs have a flatweave construction, and will be thinner and less soft than other styles. Price point: entry level Machine Braided This type of rug is braided using a machine, which gives the hand braided look at a more competitive price. Price point: entry level Axminster Loom Axminster-loomed rugs are a special and rare type of machine loomed rugs, made in a single factory in the Netherlands according to a traditional process, resulting in a sturdy rug with a short pile that lends itself to digital printing. Price point: designer Technique - Dropstitch Dropstitch is a special technique used to give the look of a hand carved rug, but the carving is done by machines to lower the cost of the product. This adds texture and interest to the piece. Price point: mid range
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ZULU
Care Tips General Tips Rotate your rug every six months to reduce uneven wear and tear Use a rug pad to extend the life of your rug, prevent sliding and to protect your floors Have your rugs professionally cleaned every three to six years, depending on the level of use Vacuuming Lightly vacuum once or twice a week. Use the hard floor attachment and the lightest possible setting. Avoid powerful vacuums that may pull fibres loose from the base of the rug Vacuum the base of your rug occasionally, as dirt can accumulate here as well Spills and Stains Blot spills with a paper towel or colourless cloth, and do not wipe or scrub. When spills may cause a stain, you can immediately apply a small amount of mild soap and warm water (except for jute, sisal and seagrass rugs). Blot excess liquid with paper towel or colourless cloth, removing as much soap as possible as residue can act as a magnet for dirt Make sure you choose a very mild soap free from any bleach or hydrogen peroxide In most cases, warm water and a small amount of soap will take care of spills if attended to quickly. Always check care instructions on the back of your rug first For further cleaning tips, please contact your rug cleaning professional Easy Care Options For an easy care option, choose a low maintenance material • •
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Non-shed (less vacuuming): microfibre, polypropylene Low shed (less vacuuming): short pile acrylic (<6MM), vintage wool (see Handmade catalogue for more information) Spill and stain resistant (less cleaning): polypropylene, acrylic Dirt resistant (easy to clean): sisal
Allergens & Chemicals Please ask the customer to advise which materials they are allergic to, and you can recommend an alternative. Generally anti-allergenic rugs include wool, heat-set polypropylene and sisal. Regarding chemicals used in the manufacturing process, know that all our rugs meet strict Australian guidelines. Please ask the customer which specific chemicals they are looking to avoid, and we can contact our manufacturers directly to obtain that information.
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Rug Sizing Choosing the right size rug is just as important as selecting a design style or colour palate. Whether rectangle, round or runner; the perfect size and shape is critical. The size and shape of a rug can help define sitting, dining or accent areas of a space by emphasizing groupings of furniture. Area rugs can be used to define space in a room. Smaller rugs can be used on their own or layered together to create a warm and homely environment. The main rule for all spaces, where you are considering placing a rug is that the size of the rug doesn’t overpower the space but still provides comfort and practicality. The Living Room Don’t be afraid to choose a larger sized rug for your space. For a grander statement in larger areas; choose a 280x190cm, 320x230cm or 400X300cm rug. Make sure your rug will accommodate all four legs of your coffee table. You may want to choose a rug large enough to accommodate all of your room’s furniture, or simply the front legs of your furniture grouping. If the rug is to be the focal point, a large design element should be used to draw the eye down toward the space. If a piece of furniture or an architectural feature is to be the primary focus of the room, an all-over or repeating pattern should be considered. Dining Room A good rule of thumb is that area rugs should be 1 – 1.5m larger in length and width to the dining room table—you should be able to pull a chair out and sit at the table without the chair legs falling off the edge of the rug. Placing a rug under the dining table defines the dining area without confining it. If spills are a consideration, choose materials that are spill or stain resistant such as heat set polypropylene for carefree dining. Bedroom Choosing a rug large enough to accommodate the room’s furniture, with a symmetrical border of exposed flooring on all sides of the bed to create a sense of grand splendour. You can also choose a smaller rug to add an accent to your bedroom—large rugs will create a sense of space, while smaller sizes will create a cosy sensation and can make your setting appear smaller as well. As many average sizes rooms, the bed will cover the majority of the rug, so you may want to choose smaller rugs to be placed around or at the front of the bed instead. Kitchen, Laundry and Bathroom Using rugs as an accent in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom is increasingly popular. Popular choices are waterproof indoor/outdoor rugs; handmade vintage rugs for the bathroom; or runners in the kitchen to be placed along the edge of a kitchen island or as a mat in front of the kitchen benches. Cotton flat woven rugs are also a great choice for laundry and bathroom; as they are lightweight, colourful and easy to clean.
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Rug Sizing Outdoors Rugs have the ability to personalise and add comfort to any outdoor setting and are becoming increasingly popular. All our outdoor rugs are waterproof, UV stabilised, washable and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fade or warp under the harsh Australian sun. Many outdoor rugs are beautiful enough to be used indoors, especially in areas where spills are a concern such as kitchen, dining and bathroom areas. Choose a rug large enough to allow for a symmetrical border of exposed decking or patio material on all four sides or, in smaller areas, a size that will provide equal borders top and bottom and side to side. You may want a rug large enough to accommodate all of your outdoor furniture, or simply one that allows for the front legs of your furniture grouping to rest upon it.
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ORIENTAL HANDMADES
Styling Your Rug Style Guide Rugs, cowhides, sheepskins, cushions and ottomans can be used to complement your existing décor or as the foundation from which to draw inspiration for the entire room. You may choose one piece as the centre point of your home, or use rugs of different styles and materials throughout to create a flow of movement from one area to the next. Area rugs can be used to define space in a room. Large rugs are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting for creating moveable living spaces that are easy to update, especially in open plan living. Most popular in living room and bedrooms, this size can be used as a statement piece or neutral base to create a décor island while maintaining a sense of openness and space. Smaller rugs can be used on their own as an accent piece in space conscious settings, or you can layer multiple rugs together to create a warm and homely environment. We recommend achieving the layered look with rugs of a similar palette, with varying textures and materials to create interest and appeal. This works especially well when incorporating non-traditional floor coverings such as cowhides and sheepskins.
Style Trends
We pride ourselves on being first to market with the hottest trends in floor fashion. The best way to stay up to date on is to keep in touch with us via social media and our newsletter, where we feature the latest trends and new product arrivals. Generally, most rugs will fall into the following styles: traditional, transitional, modern or contemporary. Traditional rugs are faithful reproductions of genuine hand knotted pieces. They are perfect for a classic setting, or you can use them to add old-world charm to modern décor. We also have the real thing - contact us for a Handmade Catalogue! Transitional rugs will work in both classic and modern settings, and often feature unique finishes like a vintage wash look to recreate the style of a hand knotted piece at an affordable price. They will usually feature a colour palette that aligns with todays fashion trends. Modern rugs are a broad category, from delicate neutrals to bright geometric patterns. This style features every size, texture and material you can think of! You can style a modern rug with décor of a similar style. Contemporary rugs are ultra modern, with bold patterns and modern production techniques creating a stylish product that is best suited for fashion forward customers looking for a statement piece. A block colour rug can also be considered a contemporary style, when the materials create interest by incorporating modern fibres such as art-silk to create subtle variations for a minimalist look. When it comes to styling, every designer has a different opinion and aesthetic. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours, designs and styles throughout the home based on your own imagination - all our products have been selected to bring quality style to any setting. 19
Unitex head office & showroom 53 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, NSW, 2015 PO Box 7314 Alexandria, NSW, 2015 P (02) 9669 6317 F (02) 9669 5810 E enquiries@unitexint.com
W www.unitexint.com
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