New Year, New Carpet: How to Know if Carpeting is a Good Choice for Your Home
It’s a brand-new year. And that could mean time for brand-new flooring. But how do you know what is the best choice for your home? Flooring has come a long way since the last time you shopped for it. Don’t feel overwhelmed; we’re here to help. We’d be thrilled to assist you as you start looking.
Form follows function
That was the philosophy behind architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and his mentor, Louis Sullivan. So, what does it mean? It means that beauty is more than skin deep in interior design – something can look great, but it might make you crazy if it doesn’t function.
Design shows, featuring drool-worthy interiors are all over television networks these days. Most of them are clad with clean, white walls and hard-surfaced floors and accent rugs here and there for decoration. But good designers won’t create that look for just anyone. Why? Because the home is the heart of any family and those with two or three dogs, some kids and busy parents need designs to support their activities and daily functionality.
Homes with Pets
Homes with hard floors present challenges for those with pets. Dogs bark, and hard surfaces like stone, tile, and even wood, amplify sound. That amplification often leads to a chaotic vibe in the home rather than the warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere most homeowners are trying to create. Carpeting absorbs sound, and you’ll be glad you have it when friends come to visit or packages are being delivered. Further, excited dogs running to the door or playing with a toy can easily injure themselves by sliding on hard-surfaced floors.
Homes with Kids
Let’s talk about those homes on HGTV with the area behind the sofa where the kids can store their toys and play. Really? Most parents would agree on the utter illusion of such nonsense. Homes with kids, especially young children, are whirlwinds of activity. The glass of juice that gets spilled on the floor wipes up ever so easily, but so does the hand-blown glass vase that’s lying broken on the floor because a kiddo slid into it. Carpeting is a safer option for managing a home with children and more comfortable for the little ones who spend a lot of time on the floor.
Homes with Elderly or Differently-Abled Residents
Slick floors and area rugs can be trip-and-fall hazards for the elderly or impaired. Carpeting can make it much easier for individuals to get around, help prevent falls altogether, and make them less severe if they do occur.
Homes Designed for Function and Comfort
Anyone who has lived with concrete, tile, or stone floors probably knows this. Those hard surfaces are hard on the joints, muscles, and tendons, especially for those with sports injuries, bone injuries, or osteoarthritis. If you have a lifestyle that has you mostly on your feet, carpeting is the best option for you.
Technology has come a long way when it comes to carpeting textiles, which are now more durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean and sophisticated than ever. Gone are the days of carpet being cheap and dated – carpets today range from plush and soft to taut and textured, and there are hundreds of selections to accommodate any home décor.
Most importantly, carpeting can bring great design along with ease of function to your home. That’s why good designers are featuring homes with carpeting increasingly.
When you’re ready to start shopping, Sloane’s is prepared to help you – whether with an in-person or virtual appointment.