Tarkett Invites Designers to 'Express Freely' at Design Days 2026

By Matthew Richardson

CHICAGO, IL – May 20, 2026 – As Chicago prepares to become the global epicenter of commercial interior design this June, flooring giant Tarkett is positioning its newly revamped showroom as a must-visit destination. From June 8–10, during the increasingly influential Fulton Market Design Days, the company will open the doors to its 10,000-square-foot space, inviting architects and designers to explore, experiment, and engage with its portfolio in a highly tactile and interactive environment.

Running concurrently with the long-established NeoCon trade fair, Fulton Market Design Days has rapidly carved out a vital niche in the industry. Annually drawing over 40,000 professionals, the event is celebrated for its experiential, collaborative, and social atmosphere, transforming the vibrant Fulton Market District into a sprawling campus of design innovation. Tarkett's participation underscores a broader industry trend: the move towards creating immersive, real-world brand experiences that foster deeper connections than traditional trade show booths can offer. The company's message for the event is a direct appeal to the creative core of the design community: "express freely."

A Reimagined Hub for Creative Expression

Tarkett's invitation is backed by a significant overhaul of its showroom at 215 N. Peoria Street. The space has been reimagined as a series of distinct zones, each designed to inspire and facilitate the design process. Central to this experience is the Tarkett Solution SPECtrum™, the company's comprehensive portfolio of flooring solutions, which attendees can explore in unprecedented ways.

"Creative expression is personal—and powerful. It's how you shape the world. It's how your spaces come to life, connecting with and caring for the people who use them every day," said Omoleye Simmons, Tarkett's vice president of design. "At Tarkett, we're here to help you express freely. Explore, experiment, express your vision."

This philosophy is put into practice at The Tarkett Solution SPECtrum™ Palette Studio. This interactive, rotating display allows visitors to physically handle products, build custom palettes with the help of Tarkett designers, and order samples on the spot. The studio prominently features the new Johnsonite® 2026 Colors of the Year, showcased across Millwork Wall Base® and rubber tile, demonstrating a holistic approach to color from floor to wall.

Attendees will also get a first look at several new and upcoming collections. These include Transcribe™, a feature carpet tile and Contour® 3.0 mm LVT collection; In the Making™, a versatile collection of carpet tile and Powerbond® hybrid carpet; and Living Contours™, a specialized carpet tile and Powerbond collection thoughtfully designed for senior living environments. These introductions aim to provide designers with a broader toolkit, empowering them to create unique, purpose-driven spaces without limits.

Weaving Sustainability into Every Design

Beyond aesthetics and creative flexibility, Tarkett is placing its long-standing commitment to sustainability front and center. The showroom features a dedicated 'Every Step Matters' installation, designed to articulate the company's holistic approach to environmental stewardship and its Human-Conscious Design® philosophy. This approach focuses on creating products that support the health and well-being of both people and the planet.

This commitment is not merely conceptual. The company highlights its industry-leading ReStart® take-back and recycling program, which accepts and repurposes or recycles flooring from any manufacturer, tackling the critical issue of end-of-life waste in the construction industry. Furthermore, Tarkett's near-term science-based carbon emissions reduction targets have been validated by the prestigious Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning the company's goals with the Paris Climate Agreement's objective to limit global warming. This third-party validation lends significant weight to Tarkett's claims, setting it apart in a market crowded with green messaging.

Another innovative showroom feature, a custom water installation, serves a dual purpose. While providing a tranquil focal point, it also highlights the Powerbond® collection's exceptional durability and moisture management capabilities—a practical demonstration of performance-driven, sustainable design.

The Strategic Power of the Physical Showroom

In an era where digital tools and virtual meetings are commonplace, Tarkett's substantial investment in its physical showroom is a strategic statement on the enduring power of in-person connection and tactile experience. For designers and architects, the ability to see, touch, and combine materials is an irreplaceable part of the creative process. The reimagined Chicago space is built to amplify that process.

"Our reimagined showroom is designed to put creativity center stage—giving every visitor the space, the tools and the inspiration to make it their own," explained Sonia Serrao, vice president of brand marketing for Tarkett. The strategy is to move beyond a static product display and create a dynamic innovation hub where collaboration and problem-solving can flourish.

This approach is perfectly aligned with the ethos of Fulton Market Design Days, which prioritizes authentic engagement over passive observation. By creating a compelling destination complete with a lounge area featuring Tarkett Hospitality rugs and a rooftop patio for networking, the company is fostering an environment for building relationships, not just showcasing products. This investment in experiential marketing helps solidify Tarkett's brand identity as a partner in the creative process, a resource for innovation, and a leader in sustainable practices within a key industry event.

Design professionals attending Design Days can visit the Tarkett showroom from June 8–10. The company will host a cocktail reception on the building's rooftop patio on Monday evening and a happy hour within the showroom on Tuesday afternoon, providing ample opportunity for the design community to connect and explore.