PLAN THE PERFECT: Carpets & rugs

LOOKING TO MAKE MORE OF YOUR FLOORING CHOICES? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS TO SHARE THEIR CARPET AND RUG DESIGNER EXPERTISE

- JENNIFER MORGAN

MAKE YOU BLUSH Update a neutral scheme with a blush pink carpet, which will become the hero of your new-look space. Cosmo Twist carpet in Pink Blush Heather, £27.99sq m, Carpetright

MEET THE EXPERTS

RUPERT ANTON, SPOKESPERSON FOR THE CARPET FOUNDATION 'I love to see carpet providing the unexpected, such as a pop of colour or pattern.'

ALEXANDRA FOX, HOME DESIGN STYLIST, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS 'I would always recommend laying rugs on hard flooring, but they can work equally well over carpet, too.'

LOLITA COLENSO, LOLITA COLENSO DESIGN 'It's easy to forget that these days carpets can be a key form of artistic expression and are no longer boring.'

Carpet and rugs have so many benefits, from sound absorption to adding colour and style, yet we often leave decisions about such an important element of our homes to last, confused by the jargon, let alone working out the price. We asked an interior designer, a carpet expert and a home design stylist to share their expertise.

THE CARPET COMEBACK

'Carpet has enjoyed a buoyant two years,' says Rupert. Due to the pandemic, there was a move towards cosiness. People also realised that hard floors are noisy, especially with everyone at home all day. Carpet can also help cut energy costs - it's heat retentive and, teamed with underlay, is an excellent insulator."