Creating the perfect nursery is often at the top of an expectant parent’s to-do list. While the wallpaper, furniture, and accessories can determine its aesthetic appeal, the flooring will affect its function, comfort and appearance.

If you want to create an attractive yet practical space for your little bundle of joy, read about the many benefits of carpet in a nursery.

A Cosy Space for Your Growing Baby

A soft fibre carpet will create a cosy environment for your little boy or girl, which can make the space appear much more luxurious. Plus, you can guarantee your growing baby will love nothing more than rubbing their feet against the pile. There are also many carpet designs to choose from to complement your colour scheme and taste. Contact reputable carpet suppliers in Surrey, such as us here at A Flooring Boutique, to find the perfect option for your taste and budget.

A Safer Space

Safety will be of paramount importance for new parents. Carpet is an ideal option for a nursery, as it can create a safe, comfortable environment for your little one. While your little bundle of joy will sit perfectly in your arms for the first few months, they’ll soon be crawling, cruising and walking around the home. A soft carpet can ultimately protect them from their inevitable falls, and the fabric will feel comfortable against their knees when crawling from A to B.

Better for Allergies

It might surprise you to learn that carpet is better for allergies than hard flooring. It is believed a deep pile carpet will trap allergens and dust in the material, which can prevent them from circulating across a room. A good cleaning routine can also help to prevent allergies from developing, as you can release the trapped debris and particles with vacuuming.

Greater Insulation

Most parents will worry if their baby son or daughter is chilly on a cold winter’s night. Carpet can, however, provide their bedroom with an extra layer of insulation, which can create a warmer room. As a result, you can save money on your energy bills, so you’ll have more money to spend on your newborn.

A Quieter Environment

It is essential to develop a bedtime routine for your newborn as soon as possible, which can help them to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. However, a noisy house could make it difficult for your little one to self-settle or stay asleep. Laying down a carpet will provide greater sound insulation, which could help your baby to sleep soundly in their cot every night.

Easy to Remove and Replace

Carpet is an affordable flooring option for homeowners, which is why it’s a worthy consideration for a nursery. As your little one will be prone to messy accidents as they grow, such as milk spills, food stains, and artwork mistakes, carpet is an ideal option, as it’s much easier to remove and replace than hardwood flooring.

If you would like to install a high-quality, attractive carpet in your home, please don’t hesitate to call us here at A Flooring Boutique, dependable carpet suppliers in Surrey, on 0208 673 9900.

Almost every guest will look at your flooring when they step inside your home, as it can determine your interior’s appearance and comfort. If you want to create an attractive, luxurious space, you might need to pull up your existing carpet and invest in a brand-new design.

If you are ready to transform the look and feel of your interior, take a look at these five stylish carpet ideas for your home.

1. A Burst of Colour and Texture with Stripes

If you are looking to inject a burst of colour and texture into your home, a striped carpet is an ideal option. The design and shades can pop against white walls, so you won’t need to depend on many accessories to inject personality into the space. It is for this reason that many people are opting to incorporate striped carpet and runners on their stairs.

2. Go Neutral for a Calming Atmosphere

Our experienced carpet fitters in Surrey have seen their fair share of carpets throughout the years, and they will be the first to tell you that a neutral colour scheme is ideal for those looking to create a calming environment. Choose from a wide variety of hues for your home, such as grey, beige, or brown carpet. It could make a big difference to the look and feel of your home.

3. Contrasting Colours

Prove to your guests that you have an eye for interior design by using contrasting colours in your living room, bedroom, or dining room. For example, if you want to paint your interior in a dark blue hue, you could create a lighter, stylish space by laying down a pale carpet, such as a white or cream shade.

4. Add Drama with a Dark Carpet

A dark carpet, such as grey or black, can add drama into a room and can work in harmony with a lighter colour scheme. Plus, a darker shade will be much more forgiving than the likes of white or beige, as it will hide an unwanted stain or wear and tear that can occur throughout the years. It’s a great way to make a room appear sleek and sophisticated.

5. Inject a Pop of Colour for Personality

If your interior is lacking personality, you could inject a pop of colour with a bright carpet shade, such as pink, red, or blue. It can add vibrancy and texture into your interior and can complement more minimalist surroundings. You also could create a balanced space by hanging works of art and home accessories that contain a similar shade. It is bound to grab your guests’ attention.

Contact A Flooring Boutique

If you have fallen in love with one of the above stylish carpet ideas, or you have another carpet idea in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us here at A Flooring Boutique. We are experienced carpet fitters who can expertly fit a high-quality carpet in your Balham or Dulwich home. Give us a call today on 0208 673 9900 (Balham) or 0208 693 0004 (Dulwich).

Carpeting in a home can bring comfort and warmth while also absorbing sound. It is a great choice for those looking to move away from wooden floors which can be hard and cold, especially in the winter months. If you’re still in love with wooden floors, though, there are also ways of laying carpets so that you can have a balance of both. Whatever your fancy, there are numerous options for adding carpet to your home to provide style and comfort. Keep reading for some ideas.

Stair Runners

Stairs can take a beating, and if they’re wooden, they can also be loud to walk on. Stair runners are a great solution to this as they not only provide a softer feel under foot, but they can also add significant style to the entire staircase. Experiment with bold patterns, colours, and widths to see which suits your taste and preferences.

Carpet Tiles

If you’re carpeting an entire room and want to add a bit of flair, carpet tiles are an excellent choice because you can mix and match. Whether it’s mixing up the same pattern into different arrangements, or using different patterns and colours altogether, carpet tiles give you more autonomy over the design on your floor.

Animal Print

Animal print carpet is gaining popularity these days, and can come in zebra, leopard, or even fawn designs. These work great in any kind of space, whether it’s a set of stairs, a living room, or a bedroom.

Neutral Carpet

For those aiming for a more calming atmosphere, neutral carpets are the best choice. Light beige, grey, or brown colours without any pattern can make a room feel more relaxing. Opt for soft carpeting to increase the relaxation factor even more.

Large Area Rugs

Area rugs are great for adding design to a room, but also for covering certain areas of wooden flooring. Large area rugs with borders can be great for a kitchen area, as can large circular rugs underneath coffee tables.

Two Carpets

Another creative idea is to use two different types of carpet alongside each other. This can create an interesting effect as long as the tone and colours go together. Try experimenting with contrasting patterns, perhaps by having one style of carpet on the perimeter of the room, and another style in the centre.

Striped Carpet

Striped carpet may not be to everyone’s taste, especially as it can be dizzying on the eyes. But done right, it can create the illusion of space by elongating the look of the room. There are a variety of different types of striped carpet, ranging from natural to multi-coloured.

Bright Colours

Rather than choose natural tones like beige or white, why not experiment with some bright colours to spice up a room? Bright colours can make a bold statement and can add fun to a bedroom or office

There are endless choices when it comes to carpeting a home. Whether it’s bold patterns or something understated, carpet can bring warmth, colour, and comfort.

One of the spaces that can often be overlooked when upgrading or decorating a home is the stairway. With so much traffic going up and down, the stairs can easily be neglected and dismissed as just one of those functional areas of the home. But with a little bit of creativity, stairs can be turned into a unique space of their own.

If you have a staircase that needs some sprucing up, here are eight ways to make it more interesting:

1. Lay a Stair Runner

Stair runners are both functional and aesthetic and are often used on wooden stairs. Not only do they protect the stairs from all the wear and tear they endure, but they can also add style and colour. Depending on your taste, you could opt for a plain coloured runner or one with bold patterns to catch the eye. To add further style, you may also want to add stair rods as these will also hold the runner in place.

2. Paint it Up

Wooden stairs can easily be painted into an array of different colours. Whether it’s a solid strip down the middle of a set of white stairs, or vertical panels of the stairs displayed in different colours, paint can completely transform the look of a staircase.

3. Add Lighting

If you’re after something a bit more mood-like, installing lights in the walls at the base of each stair or adding uplighters can create an elegant feel to your staircase. It can also help you see where you’re going when it gets dark at night!

4. Put Up Wallpaper

Wallpaper is another way to add style, design, and flair to the stairway. If the décor of your house allows it, try adding bold patterned wallpaper or strong colours to really make the stairway stand out.

5. Create Art or Photo Exhibits

The walls going up a stairway can be spruced up by hanging wall art or photos of your loved ones. To make it really stand out, why not create a gallery of hangings either displayed in a particular arrangement or with coloured frames?

6. Go Rustic

Wooden stairs can again be given an upgrade with a rustic feel, either by stripping back to display the original wood or by adding a log handrail. By drawing attention to the wood, you can play around with a rustic feel.

7. Display Plants

Plants can bring so much life to a space and the added green creates a soothing touch. If you have a large staircase, try arranging tall plants or trees around the base and sides of the staircase. This can create a tropical or greenhouse effect which can make for a calming space.

8. Create Storage

Staircase storage not only gives you additional places to store things, but it can become a design feature of its own. Depending on the style of your staircase, building shelves into the base of the stairway can make room for books, trinkets, or other household items.

Stairways are functional areas of the home, but they can be brought to life in so many ways. Enjoy playing around with the ideas above!

Wooden flooring, otherwise referred to as ‘hardwood flooring’, is celebrated the world over for its timeless beauty and uncanny ability to add value to practically any interior. The question is, is this the right flooring choice for you and your family?

Here is a look at some of the most prominent pros and cons, as well as a where to find a wooden flooring supply and installation company in London that you can count on.

The pros

Few flooring options are quite as beautiful as wooden flooring. They promise a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic that can fit in seamlessly with most approaches to home décor. They are also a long-term investment. With proper care, most wooden floors can last up to 100 years, contrary to many other flooring alternatives which need to be replaced every 20-30 years, depending on the amount of foot traffic.

The great news is that even if your wooden flooring starts looking a bit worn or damaged, a complete replacement is rarely necessary. In most instances, it is possible to simply re-sand and refurbish the wood to restore its natural lustre.

Another notable benefit of hardwood flooring is the fact that you have a vast variety of options to explore regarding finish and style. There are many different types of wood to choose from and many different coloured stains with which to experiment if you are looking for a specific hue. Some of the most sought-after wood types include teak, oak, hickory, and Brazilian cherry.

Finally, wooden flooring is relatively low maintenance from a cleaning perspective. A gentle vacuuming and a daily dusting are usually all that is required to keep them looking good. A floor cleaner made specifically for wood floors can be used monthly to get rid of persistent dirt, and re-finishing is recommended every three to five years.

The cons

The main reason why some owners might hesitate to invest in hardwood flooring is the fact that it is a lot more expensive than many other options. As mentioned above, it might be more costly to start out, but it lasts a lot longer and can add a significant amount of value to your home. In short, it usually ends up paying for itself faster than expected!

Another disadvantage is the fact that you need to be very cautious about how you clean these floors. For example, you can cause long-term damage if you mop with too much water, and the surface of the wood can be negatively affected by harsh cleaning products.

Wooden flooring supply and fitting

If you have made up your mind to proceed with wooden flooring, you can rely on London flooring company, A Flooring Boutique, for assistance. We specialise in hardwood flooring, as well as in a variety of other alternatives from carpets and vinyl to laminate floors and stylish stair runners.

For more information about wooden flooring supply and fitting, or to request a quote, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Carpets are a popular flooring choice in many UK homes for several reasons. For starters, they are incredibly soft and comfortable underfoot, and they are simple both to install and replace. They are versatile from a style and décor perspective, too, making it easy to find a design that fits in with your home’s already-existing look and feel. Finally, they are particularly low maintenance and require minimal care to remain in tip-top condition.

However, while this type of flooring needs limited TLC, it is still important to familiarise yourself with the strategy necessary to preserve your investment. Here is a guide on how to properly care for your carpets to maximise their lifespan.

Vacuum frequently

A powerful vacuum is every carpet’s best friend. It helps eliminate persistent dust and dirt to keep your carpet looking clean and fresh. You can vacuum almost immediately following installation to remove the residual short fibres and continue to do so regularly (about every 2-3 days) after that. The more foot traffic your carpeting sees, the more frequently you will need to vacuum. The required vacuuming frequency will also be determined by whether you have pets and if any of your family members suffer from allergies.

Spot-cleaning

Accidents happen. Luckily, they don’t have to result in the need for a complete carpet replacement. If you accidentally spill wine or juice on your carpet, or your pet has an accident, the key is to deal with it quickly and with the right stain removal products. You can buy special carpet stain removal chemicals at the shops, but there is also the option of going the more natural route and making your own. The best ingredients for this include lukewarm water, dishwashing liquid, and/or vinegar. Always remember to gently blot the stain to absorb any excess moisture before trying to remove it.

Professional cleaning

Vacuuming will only get you so far. Eventually, you will need to bring in a professional carpet cleaner to conduct a deep cleaning on your behalf. This service will include steam cleaning, deodorising to get rid of unpleasant odours, and a high-pressure rinse, which keeps the carpet’s pH neutral. Most flooring experts recommend professional cleaning at least every 12-18 months. If you want to cut costs and take on the labour yourself, there is also the option of hiring professional carpet cleaning equipment.

Invest in mats

A clever way in which to preserve your carpets is to enforce a ‘no shoes’ policy indoors. The next best thing is to invest in a few water-absorbent mats, as well as a coarse doormat for the entrance of your house. The latter will aid in removing any dirt and debris from everyone’s shoes before they step inside, which can play a huge role in keeping your floors clean.

Where to buy carpets?

Now that you know how to care for them properly, you can confidently invest in carpets for your home. When looking for a carpet in London, A Flooring Boutique should always be your first choice. We specialise in carpet supply and fitting for a complete, cost-effective, and convenient solution.

Contact us today for details!

Making the decision between fitting carpet or hardwood flooring in your home can be challenging, to say the least, as each material has its own set of benefits and its own drawbacks.

Although we cannot make this decision for you, we can provide you with all the information regarding each flooring option so that you are armed with the right knowledge to make an informed and practical choice for your home.

Carpet

Walking into a home with carpets is instantly warm and welcoming. When you slip off your shoes, your feet will sink luxuriously into the soft fibres of the carpet without a single sound being heard.

Best for bedrooms and recreational spaces; let’s take a look at the pros and cons for laying carpet in your home.

Pros of carpet:

• They are more affordable, often costing less than half of hardwood flooring
• They come in a variety of patterns and colours
• They can be used in most areas of your home
• They are comfortable to walk on
• They are warmer
• They offer a softer look

Cons of carpet:

• They usually do not last longer than 10 years
• They do not add value to your home
• Stains can be hard to remove
• They require more maintenance
• They can go out of fashion more quickly
• They can trap pollen and dust

Hardwood flooring

Wooden flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years, with homeowners using this material to create an open plan living space that is both functional and stylish. Wooden flooring is extremely versatile and can work with nearly every type of home décor.

Pros of hardwood flooring:

• It can last a lifetime (100 years or more)
• It is easy to clean
• It is more hygienic
• It is better for allergy sufferers
• It can be sanded, refinished, and restored to its natural beauty
• It is a natural rather than synthetic material
• It can increase the value of your home

Cons of hardwood flooring:

• It is more expensive
• It can be cold in the winter
• It is more difficult and costly to install
• It can be noisy to walk on

Are there any other alternatives?

If you are not sure if either carpets or hardwood flooring are the right choice for your home, you should know that there are other options for you to choose from.

Laminate flooring

This is the best option for those that love wooden flooring but have been put off by the expense. Laminate flooring mimics the look of real wood but does not actually contain any, which is why it is a cheaper option. However, you should make sure that you buy high-quality laminate flooring as poor quality ones will become damaged easily.

Vinyl tiles

Vinyl tiles are made to look like either wooden flooring or stone tiles and are an attractive option if you are looking to save money but still enjoy an authentic look in your home. Often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, vinyl tiles are durable, resilient, and easy to clean.

Whether you are already sold on the idea of a runner, but you need a little help picking the right one, or you are not yet entirely convinced about this method of covering your stairs and want some more information, you have come to the right place.

In the below blog, we will unearth everything you need to know about choosing a stair runner for your home. From why to add a stair runner in the first place, to the different types of runners you can choose from, to the importance of underlay, we’ve got you covered.

What is a stair runner?

A stair runner is a long piece of carpet that runs down your stairs but does not cover the full width of the stair. It is usually fitted over hardwood or tiled stairs, and you can find options in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and styles.

Why choose a stair runner?

You might choose to add a runner to your staircase for a variety of reasons. The most obvious one is for safety. If you have very young children or elderly parents, wood or tiled stairs can be quite slippery, and there is always the danger that they may have a fall.

A carpet stair runner is also a lot softer underfoot than wood or tiles and can absorb noise much better.

Finally, the right stair runner can add a sense of style and cohesion to your staircase. Fortunately, it should be easy to find one that complements the rest of your interior décor.

How to choose a stair runner

Once you have decided to purchase a stair runner for your home, you now have several more selections to make. This includes:

Runner width

A standard stair runner is usually between 2-3 feet wide, but this will be dependent on the exact width of your stairs. You do not want a runner that is too narrow as this will be difficult to walk up and down, but neither do you want one that is too wide as this can overpower your staircase.

If you have a custom-made staircase that falls outside the standard staircase sizing, you may want to consider investing in a bespoke stair runner.

Runner pattern

There are so many different patterns to choose from when picking a stair runner, from simple, single colour designs, to stripes, to more intricate styles, and what you choose is completely up to you.

However, if you do not have a standard straight staircase, it can be a challenge to match up precise patterns such as a diamond or geometric design.

Custom runner

If you do not want a pattern on your stair runner or you have a specific shape or size in mind that is not available pre-made, you may want to consider purchasing a custom made stair runner.

Custom made stair runners are not necessarily more expensive than pre-made ones as you may not require a lot of material to cover your stairs, so it is always worth checking to see if this option could be more cost-effective for you.

How to choose an underlay for your stair runner

If you want your stair runner to last a long time, then underlay is essential. You should look to purchase high-quality underlay that will reduce noise and help protect your runner against high foot traffic.

Due to the structure of stairs, it can be hard to balance the thickness of underlay with the practicalities of fitting it, so it is always best to hire a professional fitter.

Everyone has their routine when it comes to household chores and cleaning your floors is no different. Vacuums, mops and brushes are all perfectly reasonable to use for regular cleaning, but they’re not always suitable for certain types of flooring. Even deep cleaning your carpets, while you can do that yourself, is sometimes best left to professionals to avoid damaging the fabric.

Below are some top tips for cleaning different types of floors properly and keeping them in good condition.

Carpets

A good quality vacuum cleaner used regularly will help keep your carpets clean from dust and dirt that gets caught in the fibres. Any spills should be dealt with quickly either with store-bought stain remover or homemade remedies.

Spray your stain remover onto a separate cloth instead of the stain itself to avoid making the carpet too damp. Also, dab at it instead of rubbing it — the latter will only spread the stain into the carpet further. With another clean and damp cloth, dab the stain again to help lift the stain remover solution and then place damp paper towels or clean tea towels over the spot for a few hours/overnight. Let your carpet airdry.

For deep cleans, invest in a top-quality steam carpet cleaner to freshen your carpets, and rid them of any lingering dirt and bacteria. If you don’t want to do this yourself, call a professional carpet cleaning service at least once a year.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring should be a little easier to keep clean than a carpet for obvious reasons. Therefore, people tend to choose this type of floor for rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. Our London flooring company has plenty of high-quality vinyl flooring to choose from if you’re looking to restyle these rooms in your home.

However, like anything, some products for cleaning your vinyl floors are better than others. Another homemade cleaning solution idea for your vinyl flooring is a mixture of cider vinegar and hot water, which will deep clean the floor without leaving a build-up of residue like other soaps. You can both sweep and vacuum vinyl flooring to pick up any excess dirt and dust.

Hard Wood Floors

Some people might choose to vacuum their wooden floors but it’s better if you don’t. Vacuum cleaners tend to scratch wooden floors, causing damage and making them dull. Instead, purchase a microfibre mop to pick up the dust particles, as this is far gentler on wooden surfaces. To clean up any spills or sticky spots, you can use the same vinegar and water solution as you do on vinyl flooring. Just make sure you’re not making the floor too damp to avoid the wood absorbing excess water or ruining the finish.

Having a clean and tidy home helps make the space feel relaxing and fresher. Having clean carpets and floors is just another part of the process, but make sure you’re cleaning the different flooring in your home properly to avoid damage and for best results.

When you’re remodelling your home there is a lot to consider. From the colour of the walls, the furniture and all the other little touches to bring it to life, it can be a lengthy process. Choosing the right flooring is equally important; not only does your new carpet, wooden flooring or laminate have to match the overall look of a room, it also needs to be practical. These are the things you should keep in mind when you’re choosing new flooring for your home.

Purpose

For example, a bathroom floor should be vinyl, laminated or tiled for easy cleaning. A carpet in a bathroom isn’t the best idea as the fabric will absorb any moisture in the air and this could lead to problems with mould and damp. The same goes for a kitchen floor: carpets will only trap grease, dirt and other by-products of cooking.

For a cosier feel to a room, carpets are a good choice and tend to keep the heat in better which is why they are a common choice for bedrooms and living rooms. While your floor needs to match the style of a room, you should also consider its purpose and what will be the most effective type of floor.

Durability

It’s important to invest in flooring that will last and be able to withstand constant use. If you live with children or even pets, consider the increased likelihood of wear and tear to a carpet. The most durable types of flooring include vinyl, laminate, stone or ceramic. You can find top-quality laminate flooring in London provided by A Flooring Boutique if this is your preferred choice. These types of flooring should certainly be used for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and entry halls.

Quality

The durability of your flooring will also come to down the quality. Although having new flooring laid in your home can be expensive, it is worth buying the best you can afford to make sure you’re getting the best floor possible. It will be a lot more cost-effective in the long run, as a low-quality carpet, vinyl or any other type of flooring is more likely to succumb to damage and become worn-out more quickly. You can ask for sample tiles or carpet and test them at home before you buy to check the quality and how easy they are to clean, etc.

Style

Finally, it’s important to get the style right for the room. Although you might be trying to match your flooring with the rest of the décor, think about how long you want it to last. Choose a floor that will match most interior design looks to avoid having to replace a carpet every time you want to redecorate. Neutral tones are the safest choice, but this will all depend on your tastes.

You’d be surprised at how much your choice of flooring can change the look and atmosphere of a room. This is why it’s important to choose wisely to make sure your interior design fits with your desired look as well as making sure you have made practical, cost-effective choices.