New improved weaving and printing technology is allowing manufacturers to create carpets in a limitless kaleidoscope of color and precisely printed patterns. At this year’s tradeshows designers have shown a preference for gradient designs that take full advantage of this ever-advancing technology.

Launched earlier this year at NeoCon, Shaw Contract Group’s Collective Time collection is full of color gradients that softly fade, reflecting shifts in light. In particular the new 24"x24" carpet tile collection, Flight, creates movement and defines space through interplays with color, stripe and a shifting ombre.

Inspired by the subtle color transitions found on butterfly wings, the Butterfly Effect Collection by Patcraft is made up of three different patterns in three different scales in 18 different colors as well as a coordinating solid color design. The result is a line of carpets that can be specified to create as simple or as complex a design as needed.

British designer Sebastian Wrong has created a line of digitally printed carpet tiles for Danish flooring brand Fletco. Including an optical gradient design, the new collection makes use of Fletco's new printing technology that offers designers a palette over 65,000 colors, and uses a unique laser cutting technique.

Inspired by works of art, the rugs in Tai Ping's Chroma Collection feature gradient hues and spontaneous splashes of vibrant color.

Shaw Hospitality Group’s Design Journey: Cloth and Stone Collection is inspired by the indigenous crafts of Cambodia, Laos and India. When used together, the Antiquity and Abhaneri designs, shown above, create a wonderful layered gradient effect.