CHOOSE THE RIGHT CARPETS & RUGS

Even at the budget end of the market, carpets and rugs are a long-term investment, so soak up our experts’ knowledge and get it right every time…

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The right flooring can make – or break – a room scheme, and there are certainly some bold choices out there when it comes to carpet and rugs. But it’s not just about colour and pattern, as our three experts – an interior stylist, an interior designer and design director – share…

DO YOU USE CARPET PROFESSIONALLY, OR HAS IT HAD ITS DAY?

‘Never!’ says interior stylist and set designer Diana Civil. ‘It’s an extremely versatile part of a decorating scheme. It also looks and feels wonderfully tactile. Patterned carpet is set for a massive revival. After the gloom and doom of 2020, maximalism continues – it’s all about self-expression. You can imagine how much neutral carpet I’ve used on shoots over the years, but I get so excited to see new colours and patterns – to me, the more bold, imaginative and innovative, the better. It does take courage to step away from neutrals. Perhaps transform your stairs, giving personality to a functional through route?’ Interior designer Amy Jones admits she hasn’t used carpet in many recent projects, with clients requesting wooden flooring, and is more cautious: ‘There is a trend for jewel colours and maximalist patterns, but I prefer a neutral carpet in a jute/wool mix, layering on interest with a rug.’

SHOULD I PUT THE SAME CARPET EVERYWHERE, OR IS IT OK TO MIX IT UP?