Wednesday 25 August 2021

2021 Carpet Trends

Carpet is more popular than ever in 2021, as people want comfort and luxury in their homes.  Here are the current trends;

Back to nature

Neutrals are incredibly popular in nature inspired interior design this year, and are set to remain so for the forseeable future.  Carpet is a big part of this trend in the home, as it makes up a large part of the colour scheme.  The term neutrals actually encompasses a wide range (including the new neutrals like lilac and greige) and they make perfect background colours.  It doesn’t necessarily mean having a light carpet (not always ideal for a busy household!), as there are so many shades to choose from.

2021 Carpet TrendsA neutral carpet is a great choice as it complements the rest of the room.  It makes it easy to change the colour scheme in the future, as it will work with anything else, as long as the undertones go together.  In addition, neutrals give a sense of calm and sophistication to the room.  Choosing a textured carpet also provides some visual interest, which looks stunning.  The New Nordic look is a great example of this.

The other side of this back to nature trend is using eco-friendly materials, as we all do our bit to cut down on waste and pollution.  Eco-friendly products mean non-toxic, with environmental and human safety considered, sustainable practices and fibres used.

Natural fibres like sisal, seagrass and organic cotton are all eco-friendly, but the most popular for carpet is always wool.  This luxury, hard-wearing material is worth the investment as it has so many advantages.  Naturally flame retardant, insulating, sound absorbent and soft, it is also sustainable, renewable and biodegradable.  Due to our climate in the UK, we have a wide range of excellent wool for manufactures, so there is no need to import it.

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Bright and bold

The effects of the pandemic have been felt by all of us and it has inspired design in many ways including colour.  Many people want2021 Carpet Trends to bring a greater sense of joy and personality into their homes, after having spent so much time in them during the lockdowns.

Jewel tones are the perfect way to inject that individuality and playfulness into a room.  They are bold colours are inspired by gemstones like ruby, emerald, amethyst and sapphire.  These stylish, richly saturated hues completely transform the look and feel of a room.

This trend uses the floor as a ‘fifth wall’, making it the dominant aspect of the room.  The deep, blue tones of sapphire lend themselves well to a living room carpet, with a modern, luxurious appearance.  Now red carpet is no longer just for Hollywood; a red stair runner paired with white walls makes the staircase a feature, giving glamour and warmth to the space.

If you don’t want to go for an entire room in a jewel tone, an area rug is a great way to bring in a bold colour without it being overwhelming.

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Patterns

Patterns are another way to make your home really unique and they can be as daring or as 2021 Carpet Trendsmuted as you like.

The demand for patterned carpet has been steadily rising for the past few years as people look for stylish, warm flooring options that reflect their personality.  Advances in technology mean that carpet manufacturers now produce an enormous variety of patterned carpet, from delicate to bold, to suit all tastes.  Often combining texture with patterns (which has the added benefit of hiding dirt and vacuum marks well), a revival is underway.

If you’re hesitant to try a whole room in a pattern, consider a striped stair runner or geometrics in the hallway.  Herringbone is popular for a sophisticated look, especially using a luxurious material like wool.

For the opposite of a subtle effect, going bold with colour and pattern is known as ‘maximalism’.  This means combining and even clashing, with a more eccentric feel, to create whatever effect you want in your home.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Wednesday 18 August 2021

The benefits of wool carpets

Wool is one of the most luxurious carpet materials available, but there are many other benefits to this fibre.  Not only do you get to sink your feet into that gorgeous soft, springy floor but it is healthier for your home, safer and eco-friendly.

Why are wool carpets so popular?

Not only is a wool carpet indulgent and soft underfoot, it will last longer than many other carpet fibres when properly maintained.  One of the hardest wearing materials for carpet, wool can last for decades.

Durable The benefits of wool carpetsand versatile with a beautiful finish, wool carpets come in a wide range of styles and patterns. Also known for their appearance retention (as they have an elasticity that means they bounce back when crushed) and colour retention qualities, they keep their stunning look for years.

They absorb sound well, which is perfect for a busy family home.  They even make your home warmer, as wool is a natural insulator.  It is a perfect carpet material for the winter in cold countries.  In the summer months, it will absorb moisture so makes the air cooler, as well as preventing any heat from rising up through the floor.

Another significant feature is that wool has natural flame retardant qualities, which is why it is a popular safety choice for public, crowded indoor areas.  Unlike synthetic fibres, it does not melt, has a slow ignition rate and is actually capable of inhibiting fire.

It is easy to clean, as its structure means that water based spills and stains are trapped near the carpet surface, making them easier to deal with.  A regular schedule of vacuuming keeps wool well maintained.

Although a wool carpet may mean a slighter higher initial cost, it is worth the investment as it so hard-wearing, makes your home warmer (reducing heating bills) and provides great value for money.

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Wool is eco-friendly

If you are looking for a eco-friendly flooring for your home or workplace, wool is without doubt one of the best choices.  This sustainable, renewableThe benefits of wool carpets and biodegradable natural fibre offers so many advantages.  As it is recyclable, it won’t take centuries to break down in a landfill like some man-made, synthetic fibres do.

British wool is thick and strong, due to the environment and amount of rainfall in the UK.  There are over 60 breeds of sheep here, so there is a lot of choice to suit manufacturers.  New Zealand wool is also widely used, but does come with the disadvantage of having to be imported.

Herts Carpets work with a range of wool carpet specialists to bring you luxurious, eco-friendly carpets.  We stock Axminster Carpets who support The Campaign for Wool, raising the profile of wool as a natural, sustainable fibre.  They source local wool, thereby reducing any environmental impact.  We also stock Alternative Flooring, who have a hand woven collection of wool carpets which is both ethically and environmentally friendly.

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Allergies

Many people believe that carpet is not suitable for those who suffer badly from allergies and asthma, but that is not the case with wool carpet.

The benefits of wool carpetsWhen properly maintained with a regular schedule of vacuuming, it will continue to trap air-borne dust particles, making it a natural air filter that reduces the amount of dust floating in your home

It is also antibacterial, making it an ideal choice for any home.  Hygienic and non-allergenic, it is suitable for any busy family environment.  You can also choose a hypo-allergenic carpet underlay to further reduce the amount of allergens in your home.

As it lacks moisture, dust mites cannot thrive in wool.  It is not an irritant either, as most wool fibres are too long to be inhaled.  If you are looking for a super soft, natural choice that is the ultimate in luxury underfoot, a wool carpet or rug is a great, hard-wearing choice which looks stunning.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Wednesday 11 August 2021

Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?

Interior design is heavily based on neutral colours right now, so here’s why neutral coloured carpets are also proving so popular.

What are the neutral colours?

Technically, in design neutral colours are those ‘without colour’.  In reality, the term encompasses a large range; the basic neutral Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?colours are black, brown, white, grey and beige, with a huge number of shades within these five. This expands neutrals to include off-white, cream, graphite, coffee and chocolate – the entire spectrum from light to dark within each.

Recently, neutral colours expanded even further, with what are termed the ‘new neutrals’.  These are warm, nature inspired colours like tea rose, lilac and mint.  They are great as pale, background hues and are just as versatile as the traditional neutrals.

The important thing when choosing neutrals is to be aware of any undertones.  This is a colour underneath that you don’t actually see, but if you end up with clashing undertones in a room it will be visible.  Undertones can be warm, cool or neutral.  Many shades now have undertones, for example beige often has pink or tan ones.  To make sure your carpet, paint or wallpaper and furniture will complement each other in a room, use a colour wheel (there are many available free online) to check the colours and undertones are either in the same colour family, or opposite each other on the wheel.

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What works with neutrals?

The reason that neutral coloured carpets are so popular is that they will work with anything in the home.  Whether you are picking the carpet first or last, you can easily make sure that it has undertones that will complement your decor. Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular? General rules are to have a wall colour that is two tones lighter than your carpet, or for very dark walls, have carpet that is two tones lighter.

With a neutral carpet, it is much easier to change the colour scheme of walls and/or furniture in future, as it will complement so many different colours.  There is more than enough choice in neutrals to get a colour that you love and that makes your home unique.  They have an elegant, timeless look and are perfect for a calm and homely atmosphere.  Neutrals are ideal for the New Nordic look as it is the aesthetic of a simple colour palette, inspired by nature.

Texture works really well with neutral carpets to bring in some interest, so there is no need to pick any carpet that you feel is dull and uninspiring.  This texture is created in a cut pile carpet by twisting the yarn into shapes.  Great for a busy family home, this style maintains its appearance well, hides shading and is easy to clean.

Neutral carpets are available in all materials, from luxurious wool to practical, durable man-made fibres such as polypropylene, (a very family friendly fibre as it’s highly stain-resistant) so you can have the carpet you want in the perfect shade.

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What is the most popular neutral?

Grey is by far the most in demand neutral at the moment for carpets.  Calm and sophisticated, it is versatile and ideal with pale walls, Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?such as an ivory shade, or with more vibrant paint or wallpaper.  Grey can adapt to almost any style of decor.

Popular grey hues include silver and taupe, which have a contemporary look.  For a family home that has high foot traffic, a specked or medium to dark grey carpet is a good choice for the living room as it will hide dirt and stains well.

Grey flooring is also in demand, like luxury vinyl tile (LVT).  For gorgeous flooring and carpet that flows well throughout the house, grey is a perfect choice that looks stunning in a range of materials.

Lighter shades of grey go well with pastels and light colours, whilst darker shades complement bright and bold colours.  It’s always a good idea to try a sample of the carpet in your home first, to see how it changes with natural and artificial light.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Thursday 5 August 2021

What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?

What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?  Around one in three of us in the UK, 21 million people, live with allergies and 8 million with asthma. If you are a sufferer, or live with one, you want your home to be as healthy as possible in order to reduce allergens.

What to consider

In the home, there are three common triggers to be aware of.  Firstly, there is the house dust mite which thrives in humid conditions.  It is their droppings which can cause reactions in those who suffer from asthma, eczema and hay fever.  Whilst you cannot entirely get What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?rid of them, you can easily reduce the risks by regular ventilation of rooms and washing all bedding at a high temperature.  If you have carpet in your house, it is essential that you have a regular schedule of vacuuming (twice a week at least) with the right vacuum.  It is also a good idea to have them cleaned on a regular basis as well.

You want to avoid having any mould in the house, which can be common in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens.  It produces tiny spores which are a trigger for asthma and eczema.  Again, ventilation is key and keeping the rooms as dry and clean as possible, including hard to reach areas like behind cupboards.

Household pets are the third common trigger, and they can also carry airborne allergens.  Regular and very thorough cleaning is the best defense, from vacuuming to dusting.  It is best to choose carpet carefully if you have pets and suffer badly from allergies, and consider keeping them out of any rooms that do have it.

Regular and rigorous cleaning is so important, but also consider the cleaning products that you are using.  Non-toxic ones are the best for anyone who sufferers from allergens, and you should also request non-toxic if you are having your carpet professionally cleaned.

The flooring that you choose makes a huge difference, and there is a good range of hypoallergenic options to pick from that are easy to keep clean and as free of allergens as possible.

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What is the best flooring to choose?

Solid wood is one of the top flooring choices for allergy sufferers as it does not harbour dirt, dust mites or otherWhat is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers? allergens. It is natural, eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.  It is important to also keep it as dry as possible so that mould does not have a chance to grow.  Many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating if temperature is an issue, and a wool area rug is perfect for added warmth.  For a timelessly elegant floor that is hypoallergenic, wood is a popular, long lasting choice.

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There are also many other options for a hypoallergenic floor if you don’t want wood or if you want a more budget friendly option.  Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with a built in anti-bacterial surface is a great alternative and easy to clean.  This durable flooring is also slip and spill resistant, has excellent soundproofing qualities and has warmth, making it a great choice for family homes.  An added benefit is the wide range of design options so you can have a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.

Laminate flooring is another option, the best type for allergy sufferers is the higher end anti-bacterial laminate.  Easily maintained, hypoallergenic and stain resistant, it is also comfortable underfoot as it has shock absorbent qualities.  It does not absorb moisture which means no mold or bacteria can grow.  Scratch and dent resistant, this is also ideal for busy family homes and for achieving a realistic wood, ceramic, or stone look.

Can I still have carpet?

Carpet is still a good option if you suffer from allergies or asthma, but it is wise to be more careful when choosing the material it is made from, as you want it to be What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?hypoallergenic.

Wool is a natural, (and also eco-friendly) option, which has hypoallergenic properties.  In addition, it absorbs common pollutants which improves air quality in the home, and is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew.  When properly maintained, it is beneficial to a healthy home.  As it lacks moisture, dust mites cannot thrive in it and as most wool fibres are too long to be inhaled, it is not an irritant.  For a soft, natural choice which always feels luxurious underfoot, a wool carpet or rug is a great choice and looks stunning.

Synthetic carpets, which use man-made fibres, are also good. Short cut pile is the best as allergens will not be able to build up in the carpet as much.  Nylon is a common fibre used to manufacture synthetic carpets, which has mould, mildew and dirt resistant qualities.  It is easy to clean, so irritants can be quickly removed by vacuuming.

Hypo-allergenic carpet underlays are worth investing in, as they reduce the amount of allergens.  These are also available with moisture resistant qualities.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

 

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