THE FLOOR SHOW
Get ready for a great revival — bold and uplifting carpets are on a roll, says Emma J. Page
OnCE cast aside for their oldfashioned connotations, carpets are back in demand. A new generation of pattern- rich, colour-laden designs is now doing all the talking, from dramatic monochrome geometric effects, to largescale florals in inky hues.
A striking design can anchor a space. Think of patterned carpet as the new wallpaper; paired with block- coloured walls, it provides a contemporising note.
‘Carpet is no longer an after-thought,’ says Haylee Bourne, of wool carpet specialist Brintons ( brintons.co.uk). ‘For the last 30 years, it’s been seen largely as a conservative choice, but it has now entered a new era of popularity, prized for its design credentials as well as its comfort.’
The key is to consider its impact before decorating the walls and buying furniture. ‘If you are reviewing your decorative scheme, work from the ground up,’ says Haylee. ‘A floor should be a natural focal point and a foundation for creative expression.’
Evidence of this once-traditional floor covering’s popularity can be seen in a number of recent designer collaborations, such as coveted geometric cubes by architect and interiors specialist Ben Pentreath for Alternative Flooring’s Quirky B range ( alternativeflooring.com).
Weaver Margo Selby has created some vivid, chunky stripes for the same collection, while Brintons has launched a new line with Laura Ashley, which sees archive designs from the quintessentially British brand reimagined in new colours for floors instead of walls.
Crucial to the look is to get the balance right between design and practical considerations. Wool is still the go-to choice for carpet for its texture underfoot. It is also easily maintained, resisting soiling, repelling spills and responding well to cleaning.
Its insulating properties reduce noise and condensation, while improving indoor air quality. Best of all, wool reproduces colour beautifully, ensuring clarity of design. A well- chosen pattern can showcase individuality while standing the test of time.
‘I’m seeing animal prints, bold stripes, florals and geometrics in carpets,’ says interior designer Kay Westmaas ( studiowestmaas.com). ‘Magazines, interior designers and Instagram are showing increasingly inventive ways of incorporating soft floor coverings.
‘For example, stair runners look great with bold tape fabric edging, animal prints add an on-trend touch to children’s bedrooms and carpet inlaid into wooden flooring in dining rooms provides a pop of colour, pattern or texture underneath the dining table. ‘For inspiring designs, go to Stark Carpet ( starkcarpet. and Christopher Farr ( christopherfarr. among others.’
If you are worried about pattern overload, make sure your carpet is a considered part of your scheme. ‘It offers a chance to be adventurous and creative, while providing a base that can be built upon,’ says Anna Del-Molino, buyer at Carpetright ( carpetright.co.uk). ‘But how you style the space is important. A few considered accessories can warm up, or indeed tone down, your favoured colour. Think about creating a scheme which feels cohesive not abrasive.
‘You don’t necessarily need to match prints and patterns but opting for flooring that shares a colour with the walls or the sofa will tie everything together.’
The most contemporary looks, which are also more likely to stand the test of time, combine patterned carpets with plain-coloured walls picked from one of the key hues of the flooring. And if you are hesitant to go wall to wall with bold pattern, there are some hacks.
‘It is, of course, a big commitment,’ says interior designer Louise Robinson ( louiserobinsoninteriors.
com). ‘I favour bespoke carpets with border details, that are essentially large rugs. An exception is basement rooms, such as cinema rooms, where a dramatic fitted carpet can add depth and interest without becoming overwhelming.
‘I love the Jacquard Flatweave Escargot in Red, by Hartley and Tissier ( hartleytissier.com).’
Another key trend is monochrome — a good way to embrace the look while adding timeless appeal.
‘Black is often considered a brave choice, especially on floors, but it’s more versatile than you might think,’ says Anna Del-Molino. ‘It can create a cool, modern feel or bring a smart classic touch.’
For one-of-a-kind, sophisticated appeal, try Carpetright’s dramatic Columbus Houndstooth in Mono (£32.99 per sq m, carpetright.co.uk).
Whether you opt for wall-to-wall pattern or a discreet motif, it looks like carpet is back on track. If you’re keen to make a style statement, the best way forward is to take to the floor.