Neel Bradham, CEO of global flooring company Parador, explains why next-generation vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for high-traffic, high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Q: What can you tell us about the most recent product innovations at Parador?
A: This year, we were extremely proud to launch over 140 new articles to our current portfolio across engineered wood, laminate, vinyl and our Modular ONE solution. Since our beginnings, we have been dedicated to the practice of 'holistic' design and are proud to be at the forefront of design trends, innovation and product development. Our award-winning, in-house design teams take inspiration from everything around them – art, design, architecture, and lifestyle. These influences are transformed into innovative and contemporary flooring options, that are holistic in design and 'fit for purpose', ranging from use in wet rooms to the seamless integration of underfloor heating.
Q: What flooring would you recommend specifically for the kitchen and bathroom?
A: As extremely high-traffic areas of the home, kitchens and bathrooms require flooring that is extremely durable. As a genuine all-rounder, vinyl provides the perfect foundation for kitchens and bathrooms. Known for its resistance to moisture and climate, it is ideal for these central spaces of the home. It provides the patterns, colours, and textures of natural wood while being suitable for areas that may often endure excess moisture and spills. There are many misconceptions about vinyl, notably that it is cheap-looking and not hardwearing. Although this may have been the case many years ago, vinyl has seriously increased in its design prowess and technological capabilities.
Q: What flooring is most suitable for high moisture areas?
A: Thanks to the special core board, our Modular ONE Hydron is 100% waterproof and perfect for damp rooms. Vinyl with SPC core board also ticks all the boxes for wetrooms. Not only is it a great choice for design enthusiasts, but it also excels in resilience and technological performance. It is versatile, highly affordable, 100% waterproof, and durable, making it an ideal choice for wetrooms. Both types of design floors are available in a wide range of different formats and designs – not only in wood, but also in stone or concrete look, and offer a perfect balance between design and durability.
The foundation of Parador has always been to provide the very best quality products to our customers. Our design approach takes the best in sustainable practices and combines it with innovative approaches to offer the market a truly holistically designed product that is fit for their specific purpose.
Q: What are the latest flooring trends for kitchen and bathroom spaces?
A: This year, we have seen herringbone-style flooring gaining popularity in kitchens and bathrooms due to its sophisticated design. Despite being a classic pattern, it has recently become a highly sought-after choice once again. Sustainability is also at the forefront of design trends. However, while we take pride in staying ahead of industry trends, rather than chasing fast-paced trends, we focus on creating timeless designs and producing flooring that will be loved in homes for a lifetime.
Q: What are the latest sustainability initiatives in the flooring industry?
A: Sustainability has always been at the core of our business ethos, and our innovative Modular ONE collection reflects this commitment. The collection features resilient, plasticiser-free flooring that is both unique and pioneering. Unlike other PVC-free options, it offers the sound characteristics and comfort underfoot of traditional wood flooring, while being free from PVC and plasticisers. In 2024, we introduced our Modular ONE Herringbone flooring solution, the first PVC- and plasticiser-free design flooring in the market that can be installed as herringbone with a click-system and features embossing in register surface texture.
At each of our production facilities across Europe and Asia, we ensure the highest possible quality and know-how precision craftsmanship combined with best practice eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Our commitment to sustainability is also validated by a commitment to the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact and continued investment to maintain key prestigious certifications. We are proud to hold our Blue Angel certification, PEFC certification, FloorScore certification and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Q: What is next for Parador?
A: 2025 will be an exciting year for us, we will be launching several new collections showcasing our dedication to innovation, design, product development and our craft. We will also see further innovation in our pioneering Modular ONE collection, showcasing our commitment to sustainability as we continue to pave the way for eco-friendly flooring solutions. Watch this space!
