Carpet is the go-to choice for a soft underfoot sensation. It is warmer, cosier, and can look absolutely fabulous. Unfortunately, the carpet also has its downsides, which is why wood flooring options are often preferred, at least for the main living areas.

Carpet deserves better. It has so much design potential that is currently being overlooked, and that travesty just cannot stand. Carpet has so much to offer, and with a few unique ideas and a new perspective you can enjoy the comfort of carpet and stunning design in your home.

1.   Use Carpet Tile to Create a Plush Look

Carpet tile allows you to create a unique look. Change the direction of the carpet for a minimal tile look or use different colours to truly brighten a space and give it interest. Installation can be complicated, as you don’t have the benefit of one carpet strip to keep the rest of your floor down, but the effect is well worthwhile.

2.   Use Flat Neutrals to Lighten Up Your Space

If you have a dark space, then look for bright, light-reflect as much light as possible. You may also want to look for more flat-woven carpets, rather than plush ones so that they are easier to clean and cast less of a shadow on your floor. You want the space to be bright and feel clean, which is a feature that plush carpets tend to lose over time.

3.   Look for Fun Designs to Add Décor

Laminate or vinyl is not the only flooring options that can use interesting and fun designs. Carpets are more than just one flat colour. They can have designs from stripes to polka dots and beyond. Go for a big, bold look, or choose patterns that use neutral colour schemes for a subtle, compelling look that will really pull a room together.

4.   Use Stair Runners to Breathe New Life into Your Stairwell

Stairwells typically see a lot of traffic, and if yours is losing its lustre then the best way to add design and really make it pop is not with yet another coat of paint, but with stair runners. Choose a neutral design, or make the stairs really pop. The stair runners protect your floor and add interesting design elements for something that takes up so much space in your home, amplifying its overall design.

5.   Use Carpets to Create Room Subsections

Furniture and rugs are often used to subdivide rooms, but that isn’t the only way you can get the job done. You can have half of your big living space carpeted, and the other half finished with hardwood, to subdivide the space between the comfortable living room and functional dining room. No one thinks twice when this strategy is done with tile and hardwood, but add carpet to the mix, and you can enjoy plush comfort perfect for the whole family.

Carpet has so much to offer, and with some great design ideas and the right installer, you can truly make your home pop with carpet. Enjoy stellar design and the joy of something soft underfoot.

Wood flooring is absolutely timeless. It is easier to clean and maintain, looks stunning in every home, and of course, adds value. Wood, however, doesn’t always have to be made of wood. With so many beautiful alternatives, you can have a right look at your budget.

Before you commit to anything, however, it is always important to know the pros and cons of each flooring type, so you know which option is best for your home and your family.

The Main Types of Wood Flooring Options

Laminate

Our Laminate flooring London designs can look like anything. It can look like real wood; it can have a fun design, it could be the perfect colour. With a variety of finishes that help make it look even more like wood, like planks or tiles, laminate can be the perfect budget-friendly hardwood option.

Pros

It is hardwearing, it is resistant to scratches, and doesn’t fade. It is also very unlikely to fade and great for whole rooms.

Cons

Laminate flooring cannot be rebuffed later on, so if there are scratches or dents, it will need to be replaced.

Vinyl

Vinyl is fast becoming a fan favourite amongst homeowners. It is very similar to laminate in that it can be printed to look like anything and comes in a variety of cut options, like tile or planks.

Pros

Looks great, high quality, scratch-resistant and water-resistant, making it a better option for kitchens and bathrooms.

Cons

Like laminate, it will need to be replaced if there is damage. Depending on the adhesive used, vinyl can also be tough to remove.

Hardwood

Hardwood is the most traditional of all floors and is considered to be the highest level of luxury you can opt for. There is traditional hardwood, and engineered hardwood. Both offer the same beautiful finish.

Pros

Lifelong longevity, beautiful finish, and adds character. Hardwood also tends to increase home value, and if there are scuff marks or scratches, it can be sanded down and refinished.

Cons

Upfront costs are costly, making it a less than ideal choice for first-time homeowners. The type of wood will also make an impact, with some woods being soft and prone to scratches.

What to Consider When Choosing the Wood Flooring Type

How a floor looks is the most crucial consideration to make. Each option has untold numbers of varieties. Hardwood has multitudes of wood type and even design. Vinyl and linoleum can be customized to look like anything. Having a top five is an excellent place to be in when narrowing down your flooring option because ultimately you will also need to consider your budget, your lifestyle, and how long you need the floor to last.

1.    Budget

Your upfront budget needs to be taken into consideration. You don’t want to do one room at a time when it comes to flooring, because you want it all to match and waiting too long could mean your floor style has gone out of stock or has been discontinued.

There are financing options, but you still need to be comfortable with the repayments.

2.    Lifestyle

All options are ideal for varying lifestyles. Softwoods are horrible for those who are active, especially if they have dogs as their floors will get scratched up in no time. Choose the type of floor that can handle the wear and tear and still come out looking great.

There is no better way to add a sense of luxury to your home than to pick the right flooring. Often overlooked in the design process, flooring is essential to establishing the atmosphere of your home. From ensuring that your carpets feel great underfoot to choosing a chic material that will inspire jealousy in your guests, here are some of the top ways that you can make your home feel luxurious by installing the right type of flooring.

Add Luxurious Accessories

If you have already installed a carpet or wood flooring in your home and are looking for a way to spruce it up – or if you’re trying to find added extras that will make your flooring stand out –  you should consider investing in the full range of luxurious floor accessories that are available to you. For instance, floor lights are a popular option if you want to create a boutique atmosphere in your home that also has the advantage of enabling you to see where you are going at night. Area rugs can make any floor look fantastic using an assortment of colours and patterns. You can also add luxury to your flooring through stair carpet rods, which can give your stair runners added finesse.

Heat and Soundproof Your Floor

However, it’s not just how your flooring looks that makes it luxurious: you should consider ways to heat and soundproof your flooring effectively. At A Flooring Boutique, every flooring installation is fitted with an underlay that can prevent issues such as damp, as well as helping to soundproof your flooring. In terms of heat, it is recommended that you choose carpets or vinyl floors, as they give your rooms natural heat and ensure that your feet are toasty at all times. However, if you do decide to install underfloor heating to boost this natural warmth, this works best with wooden flooring, allowing you to distribute heat evenly around your home.

Choose a Luxury or Patterned Material

When it comes to a sense of luxury, material is everything. There are many beautiful flooring options that can help your room to look sophisticated at all times. Although patterned flooring, such as monochromatic tiles and grain woods, can give an aura of opulence to your rooms, you could also consider installing luxury vinyl floors and herringbone flooring for a chic look that can make you feel like royalty in your own home.

Get Your Carpets Fitted Professionally

If you want your carpets and flooring to look magnificent for years to come, you should consider getting them fitted professionally. By hiring a fitter to do the hard work for you, you will ensure that your flooring has been installed correctly, that it looks fantastic and that it will be durable enough to withstand the chaos of daily life far into the future. Professional help is particularly useful on larger projects, but whatever the size of the job, the installation experts will make sure the process runs smoothly from start to finish.

When you’re planning to transform your flooring, there are many factors to take into account to ensure that you choose the right type of flooring for you and your family. From checking its durability to ensuring that it reflects the style of your home, here are some questions that you should ask yourself before you install new flooring.

Should you choose carpets or flooring?

One of the first questions that most homeowners ask themselves is whether they should choose carpets or flooring within their home. After all, each option has its own benefits. You should install carpets if you want soft and warm flooring that your family can use without injury and if you’re going to give your family home a comfortable atmosphere that deflects noise. The carpets that we provide at A Flooring Boutique come in a range of bright colours that can rejuvenate the appearance of your home and turn your rooms into relaxing and creative spaces.

However, if you want your home to be more of a professional space, you should consider swapping your carpeting for wooden, vinyl or laminate flooring. Not only can this flooring look luxurious, but it is also easy to clean and maintain over its lifespan. Wooden flooring is also the best option if you intend to have underfloor heating and can even increase the value of your home when you come to sell it.

How will you fit your flooring?

Although some homeowners decide that the best option is to fit their carpets themselves, you should consider booking a carpet fitting, as this will help you avoid many of the common issues that crop up when installing your flooring, such as uneven treads. Additionally, instead of spending a lot of money to rent out equipment for the duration of the project, hiring professional carpet fitters enables you to access all the correct equipment to fit your carpet and integrate this seamlessly with the rest of the flooring in your home. They will also be able to sand and re-varnish your floor to a high standard, as well as provide you with the care instructions that can help you to maintain the appearance of your flooring in the future.

How can you choose durable flooring?

Flooring is usually one of the first parts of your house to get damaged because it is used every day. To ensure that your floor lasts for a long time, you should choose durable materials.

How do you keep your floors clean?

However, it is essential to ensure that you install flooring that is easy to keep clean at all times. Wooden flooring is one of the best options when it comes to floor care, as all you have to do is to wash it with soap and water and leave it to dry. You can also invest in different types of floor cleaners to help you to maintain your wooden flooring for many years to come. That said, the carpets that we offer are just as easy to clean: all you have to do is vacuum them regularly and deep clean them twice a year, and they’ll look as good as the day we installed them.

Whether you are thinking about updating the carpets in your home for the new season ahead or even if you just like to stay informed about the latest home interior design trends, you have come to the right place.

Discover more about natural materials that encourage mindfulness in your home and eco-friendly carpets that will help towards your substantial efforts. You might be intrigued at finding the best luxury fabrics that will be the envy of all your friends. If this has piqued your interest, keep reading to discover the top 4 carpets trends for 2020 that will have you ripping up your own flooring in anticipation.

1.   Go au Naturelle

With people wanting to become more connected with the natural world around them, home interior trends such as embracing natural light and filling your home with air-improving house plants are suddenly all the rage. The carpet industry has also jumped on this bandwagon, which has resulted in an abundance of carpets made of natural fabrics such as wool, sisal, and jute.

This carpet trend has the added benefit of making your home a perfect sanctuary for some much-needed R&R.

2.   Embrace eco-fabrics

Did you know that many of the younger generations will now pay more for products that have environmental or social credentials? Other age ranges are sure to follow suit.

Sustainable and environmentally-friendly products are becoming more and more sought-after, and the carpet industry has adapted to cater to this demand with a variety of fabrics that will appeal to the eco-warrior in you.

Think natural fibre carpets that are made of materials like wool, jute, sisal, cotton, and coconut husk.

3.   Opt for opulence

However, just because people are more aware of how their carpets are made and what they are made of, that doesn’t mean that they don’t still long for opulence, which is why luxury carpets are very much on trend this year.

Pure woollen carpets are set to be extremely popular in autumn 2020, as are velvet styles, both of which are fabulously soft underfoot.

This carpet trend is ideal for those who are wanting to practice mindfulness in their home and improve their overall wellbeing.

4.   Go bold or go home

If you think of your home as an extension of your personality and want your carpets to reflect your outgoing and sociable nature, then this is the trend for you. Bold colours and highly expressive styles of carpets will be hugely popular in 2020, with homeowners wanting to tailor their rooms according to their tastes.

Patterned carpets are a good option, or if you are worried about taking the plunge and fitting a bold carpet throughout your home, why not simply choose a colourful rug or carpet runner for a more muted effect.

For more information on carpet fitting services in and around the London area, please get in touch with one of our experienced team members who can advise you on all your flooring options, plus our fitting services.

With the imminent arrival of spring, many people’s thoughts turn to spring cleaning their homes. There’s nothing quite like blue skies and abundant sunshine to motivate you to tackle all the household tasks that you may have neglected over the cold winter months, with carpet cleaning being on most homeowners’ must-do list.

It is recommended that you need to clean your carpet every 6-12 months, or at least once every 6 months if you have young children or pets.

That being said, removing stubborn stains and odours can be a challenge, especially if you are unsure about what substances you can and cannot put on your carpet.

Therefore, before you embark on your carpet cleaning mission, keep reading to discover how you can restore your floor coverings to their original glory with minimal effort and maximum results.

Thoroughly vacuum

You should try to vacuum your carpets regularly, at least once a week, or more if you have the time to do so. However, if you have neglected them, then the first step in your deep cleaning process should be to vacuum all the carpeted areas in your home thoroughly.

Make sure that you move any furniture so that you can ensure total coverage and do not miss any hidden nooks or crannies.

Tackle any stains

The next step you need to take should be to identify and deal with any stains that you have located on your carpets. In an ideal world, of course, you would have dealt with these stains immediately, but unfortunately, real-life can sometimes get in the way, and even with the best intentions, some stains will be left to deal with another day. Well, today is that day.

The most common stains that occur on carpets can include:

• Pet stains
• Coffee stains
• Bloodstains
• Ink stains
• Wine stains

Each of the above requires a different treatment, although, with each, you should never rub the stain with the cleaning solution you choose; instead, gently blot it.

For more general stains, you can create a simple and chemical-free cleaning solution yourself by mixing white vinegar (one part) with water (two parts). Then using a cloth, dab the solution onto the affected area, wait 15 minutes and then rinse by blotting with a cloth that has been dipped in warm water.

Bring out the steam cleaner

Again, if you are not a fan of chemical cleaning products, then simply add equal parts water and white vinegar to your steam cleaner, as well as a few drops of essential oil to ensure your home smells fresh and then get steaming.

If you do notice any areas of carpet that are beyond repair, spring is the ideal time to invest in some new carpet, as you can find some great deals at this time of year. Look for local and trusted carpet suppliers and fitters who have positive online reviews and experience in your area.

Plan ways to keep your carpet clean

Some top tips for keeping your carpet clean all year round include:

• Not wearing shoes in the home
• Using welcome mats
• Vacuuming regularly

Not using too much water when removing stains, always blot instead of rubbing

When the time comes to re-carpet a room, many people shy away from dark, rich colours. Some people might believe that dark carpets are a somewhat old-fashioned look, while others may be concerned about making the room appear smaller. It’s true that dark carpets can be a daring choice, but there are several scenarios in which dark carpeting can bring a variety of tones, moods and depth to a room. If you’re drawn to the idea of making a bold statement in your décor but are not yet convinced by the idea of dark carpeting, here are 6 reasons that might just change your mind.

1. Purple magic

It may seem an off-the-wall suggestion to start off with, but purple is a wonderful colour in home décor. Depending on the shade you choose, it can add drama, cheer, energy or even relaxation. It will also bring a level of depth which can be particularly useful in large rooms where you want to make it more cosy.

2. Make your staircase a feature

Choose dark coloured luxury carpets in London for your stair runner to create a statement stairway that will have a big impact on your guests. When placed alongside pale walls, a dark carpet can accentuate the length and height of a staircase while creating a contemporary look. It will also mask a lot of marks, debris and dirt, which are bound to accumulate in high traffic areas.

3. Soothing depth for relaxation

A dark blue can be a soothing and serene shade for a bedroom carpet. Some carpets also include a light and subtle shimmer, which adds a hint of luxury. Include a range of soft and complimentary throws and cushions, and you’ll soon have the perfect den for relaxation and recuperation.

4. Sophisticated style

It can be difficult to decide how to decorate a formal area of the home, such as a dining room, but here dark carpet is a good choice yet again. Dark colours are effortlessly sophisticated and stylish, but there are practical benefits to them, too. In areas where food will be served, it’s best to opt for a darker shade to make any potential stains less noticeable. A short pile that is easy to vacuum is the best choice, and you can include artwork that complements the colour of the carpet to give it a classy edge.

5. Highlight your statement furnishings

A dark but neutral carpet is perfect as a backdrop for your feature furniture, floor lamps, a feature wall or a wall of art. The darkness of the carpet is a great way to offset a pale item or wall and increase its visual impact, particularly if there is a strong contract between them.

6. Plenty of practical benefits

Dark carpets cover a multitude of sins when it comes to the spills and dirt, which are part of everyday life, especially in children’s bedrooms or high traffic areas like hallways. The dark carpet gives a stylish finish, and if you choose a light paint for the walls, it shouldn’t make the hallway feel too small.

People who work in the carpet industry can see the difference in quality between carpets very easily, but for the average person, they can all appear to be very similar. In reality, carpets vary greatly in quality, and there is no one metric which differentiates them. There are several aspects of a carpet that need to be considered before you make a choice, not least of all, what works for your budget and style preferences. This guide won’t turn you into an expert, but it should help you to understand more about carpet quality than the average person. In order to identify a high-quality carpet, you need to use your senses of touch and sight to get up close and personal. What are you looking for? Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a new carpet for your home.

Face weight

Broadly speaking, the higher the face weight of a carpet, the better the quality. The face weight is how much a square yard of the carpet weighs in ounces. While a higher weight is often associated with quality, there are several other factors that need to be taken into consideration when assessing carpet quality.

Density

The density of a carpet is the angle at which the fibres are stitched into the carpet backing, i.e., the closer the fibres are stitched or tufted together, the denser the carpet. The denser a carpet is, the more comfortable it will feel underfoot and, arguably, the longer it will last.

Fibre twist

You may never have been close enough to a carpet to notice, but the twist of the fibres in a carpet is a key indicator of quality. The twist or the TPI (turns per inch) is how many times the strands have been twisted together across a vertical inch of fibre. The greater the twist, the better the quality and the longer its durability. For luxury carpets that will stand the test of time, and do so in style, contact carpet fitters in London.

Synthetic or natural

The choice between synthetic and natural fibre carpets will often be a personal choice as both options carry their own pros and cons. Synthetic carpet fibres include polyester, olefin, nylon, triexta and polypropylene, while natural options such as wool, jute or seagrass are also becoming popular. Natural fibres are more environmentally friendly but generally more costly, while synthetics are more durable.

Manufacturer’s warranty

The manufacturer of the carpet will usually include a warranty with their product, which will indicate how much confidence they have that the carpet will stand the test of time. Some will also offer additional guarantees such as texture retention, while some will stipulate that the warranty is void if the carpet is fitted in a bathroom or kitchen or high traffic area, such as a hallway.

Style and performance

It’s also important to consider the style of the carpet. The most popular styles for domestic fittings, for example, are saxony, freize, berber and cut and loop styles, but some are better suited to certain environments. Carpets in hallways should be durable, while bedroom carpets may be denser and more comfortable.

Are you currently trying to decide what type of flooring to place in your home? There are many factors to consider that extend well beyond aesthetics. For example, you will want to think about how much of a difference the flooring that you select will make when it comes to locking in warmth within the interior of your home during wintertime, ultimately keeping you snug and saving you money on your heating bills. Below is a list of five different types of flooring that you’ll be thankful for when temperatures start to plummet.

Carpet

It comes as no surprise that carpet is top of the list. Carpet acts as a natural insulator and is the ultimate go-to for anyone whose main goal is to keep their living space warmer throughout the colder months. Just remember that not all carpets were created equal in terms of the added warmth that they are able to provide. The thicker the threads the better. A wool carpet underlay also helps to enhance that cosy carpet feeling underfoot.

Cork

Cork is the second most popular type of flooring for braving the winter chill. This is due to the fact that cork is filled with small air pockets that prevent warm air from escaping. The only issue is that cork flooring is much less resilient than many other options out there and isn’t suited to areas in the home that are exposed to heavy foot traffic.

Engineered hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is surprisingly winter-friendly. However, it is recommended that you opt for engineered hardwood as opposed to solid hardwood. The latter is likely to shrink when it is cold and expand when it heats up again, ultimately enhancing the risk of warping and cupping. Engineered hardwood floors are much more stable and are sure to last longer. Having said that, both promise similar levels of warmth.

Vinyl flooring

You will need to give it a bit of a boost, but with the right underlay, vinyl flooring can be a great winter companion. Experts recommend installing a padded underlay made out of naturally insulating materials, such as cork or foam. Vinyl flooring is quite thin, so this padding is certain to make all the difference. Vinyl is a great option to consider placing in rooms of the home where carpet or hardwood flooring simply isn’t viable, like your kitchen and bathroom. You will still be able to enjoy maximum warmth throughout your home, but won’t have to worry about damage caused to the floors by humidity and spills – vinyl flooring is waterproof and easy to clean!

Rubber flooring

This naturally insulating flooring is a top choice for keeping your garage cosy. It’s weatherproof and acts as a barrier on top of the icy concrete. It is also rather effortless to maintain and comes with impressive longevity.

When choosing the right flooring for your home, it is always worthwhile to consult with flooring experts for advice and guidance. Remember, you don’t have to settle on just one variant. Often, a combination of two or more is a much better idea, especially when looking for floor solutions for your entire household.

Deciding which type of flooring to install in your home is one of the biggest and most important decisions that you will ever make as a homeowner. As such, it is a good idea to do your research before picking an option based simply on the way it looks or on how much it costs. Here is a general break down of the top five most popular flooring options in the UK, along with their various pros and cons.

1. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is amazing because it gives you plenty of freedom to decide how you want your floors to look without the worry of the associated price tag. You can opt for a hardwood aesthetic or a stone-y sheen. The options are practically endless. Plus, laminate flooring is waterproof is very easy to clean and maintain. The only drawback is that damaged laminate flooring cannot be repaired. In most instances, it will need to be replaced, which could possibly mean higher costs in the long term.

2. Hardwood flooring

From a resale value and a general aesthetics point of view, you cannot beat hardwood flooring. It is a classic choice for a reason. Furthermore, when properly maintained, hardwood flooring is generally the most durable and long-lasting of all of the available types of flooring. However, these floors definitely do not come cheap. They are an investment and make long term sense, but are substantially harsher on the pocket than any other option on the market today.

3. Carpet

Many homes in the UK have been fitted with carpets. This is usually because carpet acts as a natural insulator, thus helping to lock in warmth during the chilly winter months and save homeowners money on their heating bills. Carpet is also naturally cosy and offers an unbeatable soft, cushioned feeling underfoot. Plus, it has made a big comeback in recent times. The only con is that it can be more challenging to keep clean as it tends to hold onto dust and pet dander. However, as long as you vacuum a few times a week and call on the professionals for a deep clean a couple of times a year, you shouldn’t have any problem.

4. Vinyl flooring

Contrary to popular belief, vinyl floors are not outdated. They can look quite stylish, in fact, and are said to be making a comeback in the interior design scene from 2020 and beyond. They offer an attractive matte finish and are durable. Just like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is effortless to keep clean and is waterproof, making it a good choice for rooms in the home that see higher levels of humidity.

5. Cork flooring

Cork flooring is particularly trendy in the UK at the moment. It provides a home with an eco-friendly, modern look and feel and also acts as a natural insulator, helping to keep homes snug when temperatures start to drop. The only issue is that cork is easily damaged by pets and heavy foot traffic.

The best way to decide what type of flooring is right for you and your family is to consult with flooring experts. They will be able to advise you in terms of the best way forward so that you can enjoy your floors today and every day thereafter!