The desire to be different, to express one's individuality at many levels is one of the big contemporary trends. This trend is particularly evident in interior design. Dr. Andreas Gruchow, member of the Board at Deutsche Messe AG, explains: "People pursue the aim of self-realization by creating their own individual style, and this is especially evident within their own homes. That is why we are calling the central theme of DOMOTEX 2012 Customized Living." The international floor covering sector will gather from 14 to 17 January 2012 to showcase design trends in carpets, home textiles, resilient floor coverings, parquet and laminates in an exciting display that embodies this keynote theme.

"Carpets and floor coverings offer almost unlimited design opportunities", says Gruchow. "Today, customers not only have a wide choice of materials, colours and designs - they can also find more companies offering customized products. The customer has a greater say in colour and design now, and this leads to the creation of unique flooring that matches the personal lifestyle and tastes of the client."

Customized Living is a concept that can be applied to every product segment represented at DOMOTEX. The design options are endless - silk or wool, traditional patterns or futuristic modern design, vibrant colours or subtle hues, modern carpets woven to customer specifications or carpets and carpet tiles arrayed in different colour combinations and shapes. It is easier than ever to achieve an individual, stylish effect. Laminate flooring, designer vinyls and other modern materials also lend themselves to a wide range of styles. Similarly, wood, stone, ceramic and cork floors are attractive and versatile. New materials and products open up a host of imaginative and daring solutions, while parquet flooring remains hugely popular and versatile. No wooden floor is identical - the wide choice of different woods, colours and types of wooden flooring allows for unusual combinations and designs that suit diverse styles and enable the realization of original, customized directions in interior design.