If there's one thing you'll see almost everywhere in Japan, it's tatami mats. The traditional flooring solution, laid side by side and made of woven soft rush grass and compressed rice straw, is firm, breathable, and beautifully aromatic.

Those fragrant qualities also make them excellent natural deodorizers − something I've noticed since introducing them into my bedroom.

Not only are they an easy way to make your bedroom smell like a luxurious hotel suite, but they're also a tasteful way to introduce elements of biophilic design. Here's why experts recommend them to promote relaxation, support sleep, and fill your home with their natural fragrance.

Why Tatami Mats Are Ideal for Creating a Soothing Atmosphere

If you've ever perused Japanese-inspired interiors or Japandi bedroom ideas, you're likely familiar with tatami mats. But why exactly are they so good for creating that signature, serene, and soothing atmosphere?

Maiko Shimazaki, the founder of Revitalist15, a New York-based wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, explains, 'The top layer of tatami mats is made from woven igusa, also known as rush grass. The natural aroma of igusa contains phytoncides that help reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation.

'It shifts the body into a parasympathetic, “rest and digest” state, similar to the calming effect of forest bathing. It also helps clear the mind and helps improve focus and mental clarity.'

As a non-toxic way to make your home smell nice, igusa also helps to regulate indoor humidity owing to its naturally absorbent qualities. 'By controlling moisture, it prevents the buildup of mold and unpleasant odors,' adds Maiko, 'effectively keeping the air feeling clean and fresh.'

How Tatami Mats Support Sleep

Tatami mats aren't just an easy and design-forward way to make your home smell nice, either − they may also help you to sleep better, too. In fact, I had one of the most comfortable nights' sleep ever on a traditional Japanese futon set on them, and I find they support my sleep back home, too, where I have a bedframe which uses tatami mats to support the mattress.

'The subtle scent of igusa can help stabilize heart rate and encourage natural sleepiness, supporting deeper rest,' advises Maiko. 'Its breathable, moisture-regulating properties create a more comfortable sleep environment, while its firmness supports easier movement during sleep and reduces physical strain.

'For optimal back support, it’s best paired with a moderately thick, supportive mattress or futon.' For example, the 4" Thick Japanese Floor Mattress, available at Wayfair, is a good option.

What to Shop

If you'd like to introduce tatami mats into your own sleep space, I've rounded up a selection below, all of which are available for direct shipping straight to the US. You don't have to go the full way, either − small tatami details can bring that same sense of biophilic calm to your space, without the commitment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

If you're interested in learning more from Maiko, her Japanese sleep secrets are guaranteed to inspire better rest.

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Every time Rifle Paper Co. and Loloi collaborate on a new rug collection, we're immersed in a magical dream world, where blooming florals, whimsical motifs, and vibrant colors set the scene for rooms that feel like they belong in the pages of storybooks.

The latest iteration of Rifle Paper Co. and Loloi's collaboration is no different. Only this time around, the collection draws inspiration from the peaceful countryside – where life moves slowly, and home is as much of a place as it is a feeling.

According to Anna Bond, Rifle Paper Co.'s co-founder and the artist behind its designs, the brand has been heavily embracing a 'country aesthetic' this spring – first seen in the brand's own spring decor collection. 'I wanted some of those comforting, nostalgic motifs to live in our new Loloi collection,' she tells me. Think classic florals, nature-inspired motifs, and even pastoral scenes of grazing cows and swimming ducks. All of these details have found their way into the collection, making it feel charmingly rustic, rich with character, and full of warmth.

The collection itself is divided into sub-collections of rugs in varying styles and materiality. 'The Edith rugs, for example, are very bold, with a garden’s worth of multicolor florals,' Anna explains of these hand-tufted wool pile rugs with their wild, live edge finishes. The Thistle rugs are similar – also hand-tufted of 100% wool, these rugs feature climbing floral motifs and sweet, scalloped borders. The Orchard rugs might feel the most country-inspired with their quilted textures, stitched effects, and charming motifs. And for a more muted interpretation of the collection's theme, there are the Edinburgh rugs – subtle in design and soft in color, these rugs are quietly grounding but just as design-driven.

What unites all of these sub-collections, aside from their charmingly nostalgic mood and their farmhouse-inspired style, is their palette – composed of inviting earth tones, soft neutrals, and pops of color here and there. 'You’ll find plum, deep greens, burgundy, and warm neutrals, as we happily support the trend of more color and pattern showing up in people’s homes,' Anna tells Homes & Gardens.

This collection is one that feels particularly timely, too – especially with design trends embracing character-rich interiors and all things nostalgic right now. Plus, it draws on 'classic techniques like quilting, cross-stitch, and block printing,' Anna says. You'll see this in rugs like the Orchard Lottie Rug, with its patchwork-style design and its subtle, quilt-like texture.

There's a sense of familiarity and heritage woven into the designs of these rugs, as well as a sense of freshness and modern appeal. 'As a whole, the spring collections are very playful, and expand on the nostalgic, folk art-inspired look we’ve been loving,' Anna adds.

Building upon past Loloi x Rifle Paper Co. collections, this drop expands upon what these brands have already accomplished together, while simultaneously introducing new elements to keep the collaboration feeling fresh and exciting. Woven, wool pile textures, for instance, give the new drop an elevated feel, while unique prints and patterns add an additional layer of charm and storytelling.

Plus, this new collection boasts the collaboration's first line of washable rugs – the Orchard Collection. 'Washable rugs help remove the stress of everyday life – spills, pets, kids – and allow people to fully enjoy their space,' Loloi's co-founder Cyrus Loloi says of this innovative inclusion.

At its core, this new collection exemplifies what makes this collaboration so great: Rifle Paper Co.'s expressive and idyllic design style blended with Loloi's quality and craftsmanship. Finished with a country-inspired flair, the collection invites you to live life in the slow lane and find joy in simplicity.

These rugs, as well as their complementary pillows and wall art, tell stories in their own right, inviting you to transform your home into one that invites you to relax, unwind, and live a little slower.

If you're interested in bringing this charmingly playful, country-inspired aesthetic into your home, shop the best of the collection, below.

According to Cyrus Loloi, this collection brings 'personality, texture, and a sense of ease into the home,' and after looking at everything the collection has to offer, we couldn't agree more. So, if you've ever felt the desire to transform your home into one that feels straight out of a idyllic folk tale, this just might be the collection to help you do so.

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If stepping onto your rug often feels like a ride on a magic carpet, then it’s time to easily and quickly secure it to the floor without damage or fuss.

I have a mix of carpeted and hard floors and love adding a cozy rug to easily change up the look of my rooms and add texture to the space. However, that annoying slippage underfoot is not just a nuisance; it’s a hazard, as I have a condition that means my joints dislocate at the tiniest slip.

That’s why I always use the Gorilla Strip Rug Gripper, available at Amazon for fast delivery. Simply lay it under your rug and trim to size. It’s non-sticky, but beautifully grippy. It also makes it easier to clean with your best vacuum's high suction, and not have your floor coverings sliding around mid-clean.

I have been using these since I moved into my first home in 2012. They last for years and have survived three house moves and countless rug swaps in my home, which I share with my husband, young daughter, and pets.

Having the rugs underfoot is a big bonus for us to avoid falls and injuries, and because we have to vacuum our home daily to keep it clean with pets, we need floor coverings to stay firmly put.

Even with the most powerful vacuum, my trusted Miele C3, which we have reviewed and love, the grippers do not budge.

To install, simply clean the floor and make sure it is free of dust and debris. Arrange it in the position you need and lay your rug on top. I trim any extra that is sticking out in view with a pair of sharp everyday scissors, available at Walmart.

I use the offcuts under the slippery doormat I have in the kitchen. And the best thing is, when you no longer need it, or change your living room layout, simply peel it off the floor – there is no adhesive to leave a mark behind – and reposition it elsewhere for more years of use.

What Shoppers Say

More than 50,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased and reviewed this affordable item on site, garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.

Marquette D Evans recently added her thoughts, giving the 'great product' the full star rating. She explains, ‘I have never been disappointed by anything from Gorilla, and these pads are no exception. Easily trimmed to fit with scissors.

'Provides a nice light padding without raising the level of the rugs so that doors don't drag. Keeps rugs in place very well. Bought them for three runners, and they work so well that I got a small one for the rug at our entry door. Finally, the price is very reasonable. Great purchase.’

Another five-star write-up comes from Angela Robinson, who says, ‘This works well under a small wool rug that had been sliding all over my bedroom. It keeps the rug in place. I end up straightening the rug about once a week as the rug shifts a bit off the gripper (though the gripper stays in one place on the floor). So far, no marks on the floor or rug, but we've only had it about a month.’

I have found that sort of shifting happens minimally when the gripper is in place on top of a carpet, and not at all on top of hard floors.

Other shoppers are using it around the home, including keeping chef mats in place in the kitchen, memory foam bath mats that have lost their grip after washing, and to aid elderly pets that were slipping on rugs that moved underpaw.

Many note how useful it is to be able to trim it with scissors to fit exactly. The Gorilla Grip Strong Pad Grippers from Amazon are available in rectangular and round versions with multiple sizing options to keep manual trimming to a minimum.

What to Shop

Keeping your floors clean during the busy spring and summer seasons is no mean feat. Here is a selection of the best products and tools to keep yours fresh with minimal daily effort.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To refresh rugs without harsh chemicals, we tried a baking soda and essential oil mix and were impressed with the results.

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Never underestimate the power of a good rug. A vessel with endless perks, rugs can pretty much do it all, from zoning a room to bringing visual cohesion by connecting even the most contrasting styles. From swathing a room in warmth to acting as the final flourish of color that completes a design, it's fair to say a room isn't complete without a woven floor covering at its heart.

So, if rugs are necessary in all rooms, it's important to choose the right color for you based on your design style and your home's color palette. Influenced by this year's biggest design trends, these are the rug colors to avoid in 2026, according to interior designers who know a thing or two about decorating with rugs of all descriptions, from woven kilims to sturdy jute runners.

It is fair to say that rug trends are forever changing, so it's inevitable that some colors won't be in fashion this year. From lackluster grays to in-your-face brights, avoiding these four looks will ensure your space lasts way beyond the present.

1. Overly Saturated Colors – Choose Warm Rich Shades Instead

When choosing a rug, interior designer Laura Stephens says, 'I tend to be wary of rugs in very bright, saturated colors that dominate the entire room. While bold color absolutely has its place, I think it’s often more effective when introduced through walls, joinery, or key furniture pieces, where it can be appreciated in a more controlled way.'

'With rugs, especially larger ones, overly vivid tones can quickly become overwhelming because they occupy such a significant visual footprint, explains Laura. 'They can also limit how a room evolves over time. I generally prefer rugs to act as a grounding element, something that supports the scheme rather than dictating it entirely.'

'I think people are still a little cautious when it comes to color,' adds Bombay Sprout founder and rug expert, Zara Bolingbroke-Kent. 'So we’re seeing continued demand for our jute rugs and more muted palettes where tones feel softened and easy to live with. That said, there’s a quiet confidence building - blues, greens and rich maroons remain consistently popular, often layered with warmer accents like mustard to add depth.'

2. Cool Toned Grays – Go for Muted Green Alternatives

Neutral rugs might seem like the safest choice in some living rooms, but that doesn't mean cool-toned grays are your best bet. Notorious for lacking depth or warmth (the two qualities rugs are best known for), they're best avoided this year and onwards.

'The gray rug has had a long run, but we're firmly moving on,' says interior designer Flora Slater. 'Gray reads as flat and slightly lifeless in a room; it pulls the warmth out of everything around it.'

'A deep, slightly muted green rug does something quite extraordinary: it reads almost like a lawn, like the room is growing up from something natural,' she explains. 'It gives the saffron-striped armchairs and the deep crimson sofa somewhere to land without flattening either of them.'

'That's the thing about a rug with genuine color, it doesn't just sit beneath the furniture, it actively holds the room together. A gray rug in this space would have killed it entirely. The whole scheme relies on that earthy green base to make the other colours sing rather than clash. That's what we're looking for in 2026: rugs that look like they've lived a little. Flat, cold, synthetic tones, whether gray, cool taupe or icy blue strip a room of that quality instantly.'

3. 'Invisible' Neutrals – Never Pick A Rug That's the Same Color as the Floor

Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors is avoiding 'Rugs that disappear into the floor.' She explains, 'A rug whose color reads as an extension of the flooring rather than a layer on top of it is a missed opportunity. A pale beige rug on pale oak floors, a gray rug on gray concrete – these choices flatten a room rather than defining it. (And can make it more of a tripping hazard if it’s harder to see the edges.) A rug should create a zone, establish a foundation, give the furniture something to sit on that reads as intentional. If it blends in, it likely isn’t working as well as it could.'

Whether it's a narrow kitchen rug slotted between an island and stove, or a larger rug that sits beneath your dining table and chairs, lived-in styles woven with pattern and history are far better alternatives to 'barely there' tones. 'Bold patterns with historical precedent (Persian rugs, Oushaks, kilims, geometrics) don’t date because they were never really trends. And practically speaking, an interesting rug is one of the most efficient tools in a room, as it means the rest of the furniture can be quieter. Some of my favorite rooms have very simple, neutral sofas and seating because the rug carries the color and pattern work entirely.'

4. Flat Primary Colors – Choose Earthy Shades with Complexity

'Very bold, primary color palettes aren’t as widely embraced just yet, but there’s definitely a growing appetite for color that feels earthy and grounded rather than overly bright,' says Zara.

Jen agrees that artificially bright tones can feel a little overwhelming. 'Colors that don’t look like natural dyes. This isn’t about avoiding saturation. Some of my favorite rugs are deeply saturated and intensely colored. It’s about avoiding the synthetic brightness that reads as artificial: the kind of red that has no depth, the kind of blue that has no variation, colors that look like they came out of a commercial printer rather than a dye bath.'

'Natural dye palettes have complexity, warmth and coolness within the same hue, variation across the pile, tones that shift in different light,' she continues. 'That quality is what makes a rug last visually as well as physically. Every time, I will go with rugs with genuine color complexity, even (or especially) for a “solid” rug. I love warm oranges and golds, earthy reds that lean toward ochre or terracotta, depending on the light. Or layered chalky blues and greens.'

Colorful Rug Picks

While cool-toned grays and loud brights are best avoided for a long-lasting scheme, warm neutrals woven with color are amongst this year's biggest rug trends. 'A well-balanced, multi-tonal rug can often be the easiest way to introduce color,' explains Zara, 'as it acts as a bridge between different finishes and fabrics in the room.'

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It's a common misconception in the design industry that interior designers only shop at expensive luxury brands for home decor. From my conversations with designers, I know that many are just as keen as we are to score discounts on top-quality furniture and decor. Which is why Wayfair is a designer-favorite.

Just last summer, I spoke to several interior designers who shop at Wayfair, including Sarah Kaplan, who mentioned her appreciation for Wayfair's vast assortment of Loloi rugs. These rugs are some of the best quality styles on the market, and many of them are made in collaboration with our favorite designers like Amber Lewis, Joanna Gaines, and duo Chris Loves Julia.

These premium designer-collab rugs from Loloi are very fairly priced already, but put them on sale (as Wayfair so frequently does), and they are a steal. The Way Day sale is happening this weekend (April 25th -26th), and some of the chicest Loloi styles are already discounted. Consider it a little insider secret that in order to secure the best price on a top-quality Loloi rug, all you need to do is shop at Wayfair.

Since there are hundreds of Loloi rugs on sale at Wayfair right now, I've selected nine styles that I think are most versatile for any room in your home. So don't wait, this sale won't last forever. Get your hands on a quality Loloi rug from Wayfair, now.

Shop Designer Collab Loloi Rugs at Wayfair

These designer-collab Loloi rugs are certainly a highlight from Wayfair's Way Day sale, but if you're interested in scoring deals on other decor and furniture for your home, check out our comprehensive Wayfair sale guide – packed with 18 Style Editor-approved products that you just need for your home this spring.

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For years, accent walls dominated the conversation in interior design. Then ceilings had their moment as the so-called ‘fifth wall’. But in 2026, designers are directing attention somewhere unexpected: the floor.

Once treated as a neutral backdrop, flooring is now being used as a deliberate design feature – introducing color, pattern, material contrast, and craftsmanship that shape the experience of a room from the ground up.

Designers are increasingly treating the floor as the ‘sixth wall’, using painted boards, decorative inlays, patterned stone, and expressive timber layouts to anchor spaces and create visual harmony. Whether subtly defining zones in open-plan homes or turning transitional areas into statement moments, accent floors are proving just as transformative as any wall treatment.

Below, designers share how a carefully considered floor can completely change how a room feels.

1. Paint Your Floors to Unify a Home

Interior designer and author of Notes from a Decorator’s Life, Libby Cameron often turns to painted floorboards when she wants to create continuity throughout a house. At her family’s coastal summer home in Newagen, Maine, the floors in every room – which are more than 120 years old – are painted in Sherwin-Williams Evergreen (#6447), creating a cohesive green thread across the entire property.

‘The first floor of the house meanders about, so painting the floors connects the rooms,’ Libby explains. ‘The floors are original to the house, and they have been many different colors in my lifetime – deep red, and grey. I like the green best as it connects to the outdoors and it’s a warm colour.’

Beyond cohesion, she says color can also influence how a space feels. ‘The green is neutral and works in common spaces as well as bedrooms; it makes bedrooms feel cozy and grounded. On a staircase, the green is a nice contrast to the white spindles – the color adds character and depth.’ Painted floors like this offer a simple but powerful way to transform older timber boards while preserving their history and charm.

2. Create a Statement Entry with Decorative Floor Tiles

Entryways are the perfect place to experiment with decorative flooring, establishing the design language of the home the moment guests step inside. In the foyer of a home belonging to her assistant design director Betsy, Zoë Feldman designed a decorative floor composed of framed panels arranged in a grid, each containing delicate hand-painted botanical motifs.

‘This entry sets the tone for the home the moment you walk in,’ Zoë says. ‘Betsy wanted the floor to feel almost like a piece of furniture in its own right, so we designed a grid of framed panels that gives the surface a bespoke, crafted quality rather than reading as one continuous floor.’ Inside each panel, artist Hayden Gregg painted nature-inspired illustrations that create the feeling of a garden unfolding underfoot.

‘The palette draws from the surrounding rooms – soft greens, dusty blues and touches of earthy red – so the entry hints at the colors you encounter as you move through the house. Against the crisp white ground, the florals feel light and whimsical, while the darker wood grid adds structure and warmth.’ The result transforms a simple foyer into a decorative focal point rather than just a passageway.

3. Combine Contrasting Marbles for a Classic Checkerboard Effect

Canadian designer Gillian Segal often uses bold stone flooring to create an instant architectural presence. In this Toronto project, a dramatic checkerboard marble floor introduces a strong contrast while remaining timeless thanks to its classic materials.

‘Flooring materials are often a significant line item of any project and usually occupy considerable visual space,’ Gillian explains. ‘Making thoughtful decisions around materiality, colour, texture, and scale for flooring is critical.’

Rather than treating flooring as an afterthought, Gillian sees it as a design opportunity. ‘We like to take risks in our work and are drawn to bold choices, like this dramatic checkerboard floor. A great way to keep an accent floor feeling timeless is working with classic materials – in my opinion you can never go wrong with mixed marbles.’ The graphic pattern adds structure to the room while allowing the rest of the palette to remain calm and balanced.

4. Add Depth and Direction with Herringbone Parquet

For Hattie Hansard of Joanna Wood Interiors, flooring can play a defining role in how a room is experienced. In a converted school project, the designers used oak herringbone flooring to structure the generously proportioned space, bringing pattern and direction beneath the furniture.

‘The herringbone floor acts almost like the foundation of the room’s character,’ Hattie explains. ‘Flooring can carry just as much visual weight as the walls or ceiling.’

The angled parquet pattern also influences how the space is read. ‘The herringbone pattern introduces movement and rhythm, which helps break up what is quite a large open-plan volume. The directional pattern draws the eye through the room and subtly defines the space without the need for additional architectural divisions.’

The choice of timber was equally important. ‘We chose a natural oak with a soft, slightly aged tone so the floor would feel relaxed and lived-in rather than overly polished. Even when the rest of the palette is relatively calm, a patterned timber floor can quietly anchor the entire scheme.’

5. Go Bold with a Patterned Runner in Transitional Spaces

Rugs and runners can be just as effective as hard flooring when it comes to creating an accent underfoot. For Peter Page, founder and creative director of Peter Page rug and carpet studio, runners are particularly suited to the transitional spaces where accent floors can have the most impact.

‘Runners are naturally suited to the places that benefit most from an accent: hallways, kitchens, boot rooms, and the side of a bed,’ Peter explains. ‘In our recent collection, Georgie Hopton’s language of repetition and rhythm, created through vegetable and plant prints, produces patterns that feel organic and flowing. In a runner format, this movement naturally draws the eye along its length, guiding circulation through a space.’

‘Because the patterns emerge from natural forms rather than rigid geometry, they add interest without overwhelming a room,’ Peter adds. ‘This makes them ideal accents – present enough to animate a space and bring rhythm to it, but subtle enough to sit comfortably within layered interiors.’

Beyond decoration, rugs can also play an important role in structuring how a room is arranged. ‘Rugs help ground furniture and zone areas, and runners should always be generously sized, so they sit fully or partially beneath furniture,’ Peter says. ‘This helps draw the eye through a room and makes the space feel as expansive and open as possible.’

The growing focus on the floor reflects a broader shift in how interiors are conceived – not just as walls and furnishings, but as fully layered environments. From painted boards to patterned runners, the surfaces underfoot are becoming a powerful way to introduce character, rhythm and craft. It’s proof that the most compelling design gestures often start from the ground up.

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Ruggable’s latest collaboration with British luxury stalwart Liberty distills more than 150 years of garden-inspired heritage prints into scales, palettes, and compositions that feel every bit as evergreen as the originals.

In the States, florals are often reserved for spring – but in the Liberty universe, heirloom blooms live in the home year-round, evolving with the space. That distinctly English expression now feels newly feasible in this latest Ruggable collection, thanks in no small part to Ruggable’s washable rug construction, which allows designs to stay fresh well beyond a single season of the latest rug trends.

Devotees of the Liberty archive won’t miss the Flourish revival, available in Cream, Rose, and Teal. The vintage-inspired rug design retains its distinctive interplay between ’70s Bauhaus geometry and ’90s grunge florals, now scaled up to anchor busier rooms like living spaces and entryways with ease.

Even minimalists may find themselves smitten. Tonal iterations such as Christelle are pared back to the silhouettes of the early Indian chintz that inspired them, trading punchy color for a whisper-soft, almost ghostly effect. The eye barely registers them as floral until closer inspection – incognito, and arguably more iconic for it.

Discover my favorite pieces from the latest collection below (at this rate, some florals may prove perennial after all).

All of the updated classics above are available in Ruggable’s newer All-in-One construction, which eliminates the need for a separate pad. As a certified rug snob, I gave it a proper test: explore my full Ruggable All-in-One review here.

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I’d flirted with the idea of a Ruggable for years – largely for the designer cachet, if I’m being honest. You're telling me that I can have a 6’ x 9’ living room anchor designed by Jonathan Adler, the Hiltons – even the late, great Iris Apfel – for $599? Tempting. And as a New Yorker, I’ll take any excuse to wage war on the layer of city grime that insists on making itself at home in my apartment.

Still, I never pulled the trigger. As a bit of a wool-or-nothing rug snob, I was dubious about polyester earning any inch of real estate on my charming pre-war floors. Besides, the task-averse Aquarius in me was deeply uninterested in the idea of a two-piece system.

So it was a no – that is, until Ruggable’s collaboration with the gloriously storied, deliciously maximal Scalamandré caught my attention – and, with it, the new All-in-One Rug System. Launched back in September, it’s a single, machine-washable piece with a built-in nonslip backing, meaning no layering, no separate cover to wrestle into place. That changed things.

I briefly entertained the ombré Tigre Gold (it is, after all, a 1960s Scalamandré signature) but ultimately landed on the Zebras Black & Natural. I placed the order.

As a longtime washable-rug skeptic, here’s what actually happened once it hit my floors.

First Impressions

When I spotted the box in my building’s package area, my first thought was: that’s it? I’d mentally prepared for a hulking roll – the sort of 'investment piece' that might require me to phone a friend for assistance. Instead, it arrived in a box not much larger than one of my standard online shopping hauls. It was light enough that I stacked two other packages on top and carried everything upstairs in one trip.

As someone who equates heft with quality, I wasn’t exactly thrilled.

My wool-or-nothing bias was flaring, but I persisted, rolled up my old harlequin diamond rug, and unfurled the moody parade of prancing Zebras (Scalamandré’s 1945 motif originally drawn for Gino’s of Capri). The swap took minutes, and as I had hoped, the look of my living room massively shifted.

With a pattern this offbeat, the visual impact wasn’t exactly shocking. What was unexpected, though, was the feel. For something so slim in profile, it felt unexpectedly plush – not shaggy, but softly cushioned in a way that read far more luxe than I’d anticipated. The only tell of its thinness, really, is that crumbs and lint don’t vanish into a forgiving wool pile. You see what’s there, which means I vacuum more often now.

Objectively, that’s not a flaw – just a different maintenance rhythm than I was used to.

Washing Experience

Washing is already a sore subject for me. I don’t have an in-unit washer. I don’t even have an in-building washer. The only fluff-and-fold I trust is three flights down and three blocks away, meaning anything that needs laundering becomes no small form of cardio.

Still, the rug’s lightness made this unremarkably easy. I folded it back down to roughly the size it arrived in, slid it into my usual laundry bag, and carried it over. I genuinely didn’t notice the weight.

At the counter, I handed the rug to my favorite laundry lady and said, ‘This is a rug.’ Then I recited the Tufted All-in-One care instructions: machine wash cold with mild, non-bleach detergent. No bleach. No fabric softener. Tumble dry low. Possibly twice – or even thrice at this size (Ruggable does say smaller sizes can air-dry flat, but mine required the full cycle.)

When I came back later that evening, I asked how it went. Easier than washing my bedding, she said. Duly noted.

I brought it home, sprawled it back across the floor, and it looked exactly the same. No warping. No curling. Just zebras, calmly continuing their parade.

How Did it Wear?

Not much to report here. Even with a steady stream of city shoes crossing it daily (plus one field trip to the cleaners), the surface looks unchanged. No fading from the sun or noticeable thinning of any kind.

Earlier, I mentioned vacuuming more often to keep this area rug clean. That’s still true. Ruggable advises against high suction or aggressive attachments if you want to preserve the softness, so I kept mine fairly gentle. I suspect that has a lot to do with why it still looks so impressively… the same.

And in this case, no news is very good news.

Final Thoughts

Before this rug, I was actively budgeting for a New Zealand hand-tufted wool rug that would’ve swallowed half a month’s paycheck. This Ruggable satisfied that craving – and then some. Not just because it looks good (though I, and every guest, have grown quite fond of those little leaping zebras), but because it’s proven itself borderline indestructible. Even after a minor match mishap (a lit one briefly hit the floor), the rug emerged entirely unscathed. Fire-resistant, apparently.

Would I buy another? Absolutely. I still have my eye on the Tigre Gold – perhaps for my stairs – but more importantly, this experience cured me of my washable-rug skepticism. If Ruggable’s All-in-One system can convert a wool-or-nothing snob like me, I suspect it might surprise you, too.

More Ruggable x Scalamandré

Even if you’re sure about Ruggable at this point, you still might be unsure about sizing – I know I was. Before ordering, I cross-checked Homes & Gardens' Ultimate Rug Size Guide and realized my previous rug was actually underscaled. I sized up, and the difference is dramatic.

Your home’s flooring is what ultimately sets its personality. Polished checkerboard floors à la the Kardashians’ original Hidden Hills home ooze old-world elegance, while ripping out the original floors of an idyllic French château in favor of grey laminate would instantly eradicate about 80 percent of its charm. No sofa, no paint color, no amount of styling wizardry can recover from that.

At Homes & Gardens, we know the only direction worth going is up. So if you’re planning a flooring swap, it should do more than refresh. It should elevate. Some materials carry that weight purely through substance, others through how they’re laid, but according to the designers we spoke to, there are three options that rise above the rest and will always make your rooms look more expensive.

1. Clay-Based Tiles

Clay is ostensibly a humble material. And yet, right now, it’s doing some of the most expensive-looking work in interiors. As the organic interior design trend wave continues to crest, flooring trends that look less than perfect imply a human hand – and therefore communicate more money than anything overly refined.

‘Beyond the usual hardwood or stone, clay-based flooring is one of the most overlooked ways to make a home feel truly expensive and deeply layered,’ notes Jennifer Beget, owner and principal designer at J Beget Designs. ‘Clay tiles, whether terracotta, zellige, encaustic, or hand-formed, bring a level of authenticity that immediately reads as high-end.’

Part of the appeal is versatility (yes, you can use them to as kitchen floor tile ideas), but also a wide-open window for customization. Clay tiles can be laid in what feels like a thousand ways – hexagons, fish scales, Moroccan crosses, octagon-and-dot – but it’s the quirks that ultimately carry the look. Subtle warping, irregular edges, and tonal variation ‘add soul and depth that mass-produced materials simply can’t replicate,’ she says.

Handmade clay tiles aren’t fast or cheap, but ‘tis the name of the game. ‘They tend to come with longer lead times and slightly higher price points, but that’s exactly what makes them feel special,’ Jennifer continues. Machine-made clay tiles do exist, but their uniformity often undermines the nonchalant, lived-in look most renovators are after.

On a tighter budget, brick flooring is likely your savviest clay-tile workaround. It sidesteps the specialty firing processes that push terracotta prices up while delivering the same warmth and grounding presence. ‘Brick flooring, another form of clay, instantly signals timelessness and confidence,’ Jennifer adds. ‘Brick has been used in homes around the world for centuries, and that longevity gives it quiet authority.’

Note that if you choose to follow the brick road, pattern choice matters. Basketweave, soldier course, or offset layouts elevate brick like a charm, as does moving past classic red into warm browns, inky charcoals, soft golds, or blended tones for nuance.

Brick, terracotta, or otherwise, all ceramic tiles will require a bit of upkeep. ‘There is maintenance involved,’ notes interior designer Camilla Masi of Otto Tiles & Design. Terracotta needs sealing before and after installation and ongoing care, much like encaustic cement tile. But the payoff is unparalleled longevity. ‘They wear incredibly well with age, and that patina only adds to their beauty.’

2. Herringbone Patterns

If you’ve ever been to Paris – or stepped foot inside a European home of a certain age – you’ve likely encountered a herringbone floor. Those tightly interlocked criss-crosses look like a lot of work to execute, because they are. Herringbone is a classic of European interiors, traditionally found in hallways and living rooms, but designers agree it delivers the same storied grandeur wherever (and whenever) it appears today.

Interior designer Lindsay Thornton, founder of Cornerstone Design Build, compares herringbone to a pair of Louboutins. ‘Laying your hardwood floors or bathroom tiles in a herringbone pattern instantly elevates the style in your home, just like a red-bottomed shoe instantly screams “I’m quality” and you know it,’ she quips. ‘While it does cost about 30% more to install due to increased labor and material, it sets you in a category above the average home.’ Unlike the sole of a well-loved So Kate, herringbone is one splurge that tends to pay you back at resale.

‘It works best with floorboards no wider than 4½ inches and favors homes that are longer rather than wide,’ Lindsay continues – great news for townhouses, row homes, and brownstones. It’s a layout trick that feels particularly at home in New York, where pre-war character is inherently more expensive than anything new.

Beyond the obvious drama, herringbone ‘welcomes you into the house and guides the eye,’ Lindsay adds, making it ideal for entryways that open into larger spaces. And it doesn’t have to stop at wood. Clay tile, stone, even cement all qualify.

Rebecca Merritt, owner and principal designer at Merritt Design Co., uses herringbone as a way to add interest without breaking visual flow. ‘If you want detail in a bathroom or entry, take the same material and change the layout,’ she suggests. Unexpected placements, such as 'herringbone wood in the laundry when the rest is straight plank, or a French-pattern tile in the powder bath’ read ridiculously luxe. ‘Same material, different format. It’s a designer move that feels custom,' she muses.

So the question isn’t whether herringbone works. It’s how far you’re willing to take it.

3. Wide-Plank Wood

Not all wood floors are created equal. Nearly everyone has some version of them now, but some read richer than others – and the difference goes well beyond laminate versus real wood. Width matters. In general, wider planks cost more, so consider five inches your new baseline if elevation is the goal.

This also happens to be one of the more budget-friendly entries on our crème de la crème flooring list. ‘To make a home feel more expensive, I personally love wide-plank wood flooring,’ says Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes. They’re often engineered (Flooret, for instance, does a fantastic seven-point-seven-inch laminate), 'which makes them easier to maintain, but they don’t look like the run-of-the-mill vinyl flooring everyone has. The wider boards take regular planks up a notch and add an extra layer of luxury.’

There’s a sprinkle of visual logic to it, too. ‘Wide planks have fewer seams, which creates a calmer, more expensive look,’ adds Michelle Accetta, founder and principal designer of Michelle Accetta HOME. ‘They also showcase the wood grain more, which immediately reads higher-end.’

But if you really want to go editorial-expensive, the best wood floors aren’t new at all. ‘I’m obsessed with reclaimed hardwood – something from an old barn with texture and history already built in,’ says Rebecca Merritt. Beyond the obvious charm, there’s a practical, surprisingly non-precious upside. ‘People are terrified of scratching their floors, but when you start with wood that’s already lived a hundred years, wear just adds to the story. It’s one-of-a-kind, and guests always ask where you got it.’

So yes, in a perfect world, the most luxurious wood floor might look like it came from somewhere decidedly unglamorous – a barn, a factory, a past life entirely. Irony, as ever, is the most expensive finish of all.

4. Harlequin Rugs

If you are looking for a speedy way to elevate your currently flooring and make a room look more expensive, the right area rug can do a lot of heavy lifting – especially for renters. And when it comes to old-money elegance, few patterns carry the same cultural weight as harlequin. And no – it’s not checkerboard.

Like herringbone, harlequin has deep European roots and long associations with classical interiors, including the theater (the pattern was once literally known as theatre flooring). In rug form, its diamond geometry brings that same sense of order and drama to a room – how theatrical it feels is merely a matter of color choice.

This design is topping rug trends, meaning there's an increasing amount of designer available. Black on white or cream is the classic and delivers maximum impact, but this pattern also benefits from a little nuance. Consider swapping black for beige, taupe, or even powder blue.

Just choose your rug material wisely. A poorly made harlequin rug will read just that. Stick to natural fibers like wool or jute to ground the geometry and give the pattern the gravitas its theatrical roots deserve.

These are diamonds, not squares, after all.

If there’s a throughline here, it’s this: flooring with a sense of history – whether borrowed from a grand château, a turn-of-the-century farmhouse, or a time-honored technique – almost always makes a home look more expensive than anything new.

Zebras leaping, cheetahs prancing, and animal print galore – that's just what's in store for us in Ruggable's latest collaboration with heritage textile brand, Scalamandré.

Having been a force in the design industry for nearly a century, Scalamandré is well known for its textile styles – its iconic prints and expressive motifs can imbue any room with elevated, maximalist energy. Now, thanks to the brand's recent collaboration with rug trend setters, Ruggable, we can get the same energy for our floors.

According to Ruggable's VP of Global Design Maria O’Brien, the team wanted to celebrate Scalamandré's design legacy and the rich history of their patterns with this collection. 'Our in-house design team focused on how to best showcase these iconic motifs on the floor: honoring their original scale, detail, and personality while thoughtfully adapting them to the unique canvas of our all-in-one rugs,' Maria explains. 'Certain animal prints and heritage patterns naturally stood out because they’re so expressive and recognizable; our role was to translate that character into rug designs that feel intentional and eye-catching, but also practical and timeless.'

With current interior design trends turning away from the refined, minimalist styles of the past to adopt more expressive, characterful, and maximalist looks, vibrant patterns are more desirable than ever. And, this collection has lots to choose from.

'Pattern is one of the easiest ways to introduce that sense of character, and rugs are a powerful starting point because they can seamlessly transform or anchor a room,' Maria says. 'This collection gives people permission to be bolder with their design choices while knowing the pieces are still practical enough to live with year-round.'

Within the collection, you'll find some of Scalamandré's most iconic motifs, prints, and patterns reimagined for the floor – including the brand's unmistakable Leaping Cheetah and Zebra prints. These rug styles, with their lively animal motifs, invite a strong sense of character, a refined sense of elegance, and a hint of playful energy to any room.

If you want to decorate your home with animal print, this collection has plenty of styles that can help you do that, too. The Tigre rug, for instance, is an ultra luxe option with its black and gold tiger print. It would make an excellent area rug for a maximalist living room. So could the Panthera rug, with its cheetah print interior and solid-colored border.

And, as with all Ruggable rugs, they're designed for real life – not just for show. 'With Ruggable's Tufted All-in-One construction, these iconic patterns finally meet the practicality families need: washable, durable, and comfortable underfoot, without compromising style,' Maria explains. If you think these beautiful rug styles won't be able to handle your busy home, think again. They were made to take on high-traffic zones and inevitable messes while maintaining their desirable looks.

'These rugs are a transformation tool,' Maria muses, 'designed for anyone looking to tie their room together with one standout, statement piece. They bring personality and joy back into the rooms we use every day, whether that’s a sophisticated living space or a child’s play area bursting with color and energy.'

For nearly a century, Scalamandré's iconic prints have aided in creating homes that look confidently stylish, feel energetic and fresh, and are anything but boring. And with this Ruggable collaboration, the brand will continue to do just that – starting on your floor.

If you're eager to bring this look home, you can shop the entire collection, below.

Shop the Ruggable x Scalamandré Collection

A rug might sit beneath your feet, but make no mistake – it does a lot of heavy lifting. From softening hard floors to anchoring furniture and zoning a space, the right rug can change how a room looks and feels.

And because rugs tend to be one of the bigger investments we make at home, it pays to know where interior design trends are heading before rolling one out.

So, whether you’re planning a full refresh or simply looking to update one key room, consider this your shortcut to what’s coming next. We asked designers and rug experts what they’re seeing rise to the top for the year ahead, and these are the seven standout ideas set to define rugs in 2026 – think texture, color, and plenty of personality.

7 Stylish Rugs Trends to Know in 2026

Rugs are a practical purchase, and of course need to remain so, but increasingly we're finding designers are using rugs as a tool to set the tone, shape the mood, and bring a little something extra to a scheme.

Think less of a filler or nice-to-have piece, and much more foundational. You want to choose your rug like you might a sofa, it's a big-ticket item after all. So to help you in finding the perfect, most stylish option, here are the seven top design styles the experts are loving for 2026.

1. Texture-Maxxing

Texture-maxxing is the natural evolution of our craving for warmth and tactility in 2026 – and rugs are leading the charge.

'In 2026, we’re seeing interiors become more warm and layered, the kinds of spaces rich with personality and a collected feel, and this trend extends to rugs too,' designer Kathy Kuo agrees. 'I’m anticipating an uptick in the use of richly textural rugs with thick braided weaves or cozy high piles.'

'Think hand-knotted wool rugs with chunky weaves, ultra-plush sheepskin rugs, and traditional Moroccan rugs that feel irresistibly soft underfoot,' she continues. 'These kinds of textiles can be styled in any area, although they work particularly well in relaxed, inviting spaces like bedrooms and family rooms.'

According to Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug, 2026 will see designers 'embracing ways to maximize this by layering rugs with each other and over carpet, over hard floors, or to effectively zone open-plan spaces.' This layered approach adds visual interest while also softening larger or more minimal layouts, creating defined areas that feel comfortable rather than stark.

2. Single, Saturated Colors

Also gaining momentum among big-name designers is color that makes its statement not through pattern, but through confidence. Single saturated color rugs are bold yet surprisingly versatile, offering depth and drama without the visual noise of added prints, trims, or borders.

'We’re seeing a strong shift toward oversized rugs in single, saturated colors, particularly jewel tones like deep emerald, aubergine, oxblood, sapphire, and inky navy,' says Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. 'These tones anchor a space emotionally and visually without relying on pattern.'

Crucially, this rug trend isn’t about contrast for contrast’s sake. 'One of my favorite moves is creating a full color moment by allowing the rug to echo the sofa or primary upholstered piece,' she continues. 'When the rug and seating live in the same tonal family, the room instantly feels elevated.'

Christina Cruz is also a fan of this 2026 rug trend, adding: 'Solid rugs are evolving too into rich, monochromatic palettes featuring subtle variations of tone woven throughout. Think layered blues, mossy greens, bright terracotta, and softened burgundies that add depth without overpowering a room.'

3. Soft Organic

For the more subtle decorators, designers are leaning into natural materials like jute and seagrass and organic shapes more and more in 2026.

'In my designs, rugs are always the quiet anchors of a room, grounded, textural, and deeply tactile,' explains designer Marie Flanigan. 'We’re seeing natural fibers, hand-knotted patterns, and organic motifs that feel collected rather than “new.”'

'Color leans warm and earthy, with subtle movement instead of bold statements. A beautiful rug should invite you in, soften the architecture, and tie the entire space together,' she adds.

Alongside natural materials, shape is also evolving. 'Organic-shaped rugs are taking center stage,' says Christina Cruz of Christina Cruz Interiors. 'With curved silhouettes that soften modern architecture and introduce a more fluid, sculptural quality. These gently irregular forms are especially effective in open-plan spaces, where they help guide movement and create zones without hard lines, as well as in bedrooms where a sense of calm and flow is essential.'

4. Vintage and One-of-a-Kind Rugs

As interiors continue to move away from perfection, 2026 marks a renewed appreciation for vintage rugs that tell a story. Vintage and antique designs add a unique warmth, patina, and sense of authenticity to any room of your home.

'We’re seeing a strong return to hand-knotted, artisan rugs with subtle irregularities – pieces that feel collected rather than curated,' says Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors. 'Softly faded palettes, earthy neutrals layered with unexpected undertones, and organic motifs are replacing high-contrast geometrics. Vintage and antique rugs, particularly those with wear and history, are prized because they bring warmth and authenticity – something no machine-made piece can replicate.'

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, vintage rugs also bring a layer of practicality and value. 'Vintage rugs add instant soul to any home and are often less expensive per square foot than their contemporary counterparts,' notes Bethany Adams.

'Besides being functional, they're works of art and conversation pieces that elevate any room,' Bethany continues. 'You can tell a good quality rug by flipping over the corner and counting how many knots there are per square inch. The higher the knot count, the higher the quality of the rug.'

'One-of-a-kind vintage rugs continue to top our list,' adds Christina Cruz. 'Their patina, soul, and sense of collected history create a magical element to a room. We’re seeing them move beyond the floor and into more unexpected placements, such as layered as stair runners, draped over benches, and even used as upholstered accents on furniture for added texture and narrative depth.'

5. Chocolate Brown

After years of pale neutrals and cool grays, this year we're welcoming a deeper, more indulgent palette – and chocolate brown is one of our favorite new hues. Rich, earthy, and quietly confident, this shade taps into our collective desire for interiors that feel grounding and comforting rather than light and airy.

'Earthy neutrals, which gained momentum in 2025, deepen further in 2026 as we see a move toward richer, more cocooning palettes,' explains Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons. 'From a design perspective, sumptuous shades of chocolate brown are set to play a defining role.'

'These tones sit naturally alongside the wellness-led colors gaining traction for 2026,' Jodie continues. 'Chocolate and caramel pair beautifully with restorative shades such as eucalyptus green, soft sage, and stormy blue – hues that help promote calmness and emotional balance in the home.'

'When combined with natural materials such as dark woods, organic textiles, and textured metallics like aged brass, the palette creates an inviting, cocooning environment that supports both comfort and wellbeing,' she adds.

6. Layering Rugs on Rugs

While more of a styling trick than a design trend, layering rugs offers a creative way to add depth, warmth, and individuality to a room and is going to be a popular trick used by designers in the year ahead.

'Layering rugs will be a fun and considered touch in 2026,' says designer Sean Symington. 'Why not use a sisal base with a kilim or classic oriental on top to take us back to tradition, adding warmth, texture, and a sense of history to a room.'

But layering isn’t about following formulas; the idea is to throw rules out the door, says Alexis Vitale of the Vitale Design Group. 'Rugs are no longer purely proportional to furniture arrangement. They are tools of spatial definition,' she explains.

'We are seeing more sculptural rugs, layering rugs and materials, and runners that feel more like an art installation,' Alexis continues. 'Scale is really out the door. There are no more rules. It’s about intent.'

7. Folk Flatweave Designs

Rooted in tradition and rich with symbolism, folk flatweave rugs offer a playful alternative to mass-produced rugs and can be sourced new or old, bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of story into your home.

'We’re continually inspired by the quiet poetry of handmade craft, and folk rugs have a special way of connecting us to the natural world,' says India Holmes, creative director of Pelican House, who recently collaborated with style guru Lucy Williams on the rug seen above. 'Their handwoven nature reflects the rhythm of the maker’s hand and the imperfections that make them so human.'

These are rugs designed to be lived with and loved over time, rather than replaced with the next trend cycle.

'As an ancient craft, they carry an enchanting quality, each motif and symbol telling a story, a language that everyone can speak,' she continues. 'Folk-inspired textiles speak to a deeper sense of comfort and continuity. They are made to last, to be lived with, loved, and handed down.'

And now that you know the biggest rug trends of 2026, if you're feeling inspired to shop, check out our edit of the best places to buy a rug. You'll find everything here from artisan makers to the most practical purchases (including machine-washable options!).

The home sets the stage for memories as much as it does for messes – often at the exact same time. A throw pillow rips and gets a patch that doesn’t quite blend; a glass of red wine performs a full-body dramatic sweep across your cream rug. Few brands understand this elegant domestic chaos better than Anthropologie Home, the blueprint for artfully off-kilter interiors, and Ruggable, the company engineered to survive the aftermath. Two stores we always turn to shop the best rugs, coming together

‘A home doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful,’ reads the press release for the newly launched collaboration, already shaping up to be a seismic one. The capsule includes ten intentionally un-precious pieces – seven Tufted All-In-One rugs and three doormats – expressed through Scandinavian florals, painterly palettes, and even a Persian rug–loving wildcat pulled from the Anthropologie archive and reimagined with Ruggable’s stainproof sorcery.

‘Our partnership with Ruggable has been effortless thanks to our shared belief that home is where life unfolds,’ says Katherine Finder, Chief Merchandising Officer at Anthropologie Home. ‘Each rug is designed to support the way our customers truly live, encouraging homes that feel effortlessly layered, warmly lived-in and authentically their own.’

So go ahead and retire the instinct to tiptoe. These washable rugs arrive pre-steeped with the charm of a very chic flea-market find, which means the room can finally loosen its shoulders. Bring in the weird lamp, the heirloom tchotchke, the macaroni art. If the floor can handle life, Anthropologie Home x Ruggable says the rest will fall in line.

White shouldn’t work with all this deliberate imperfection – and yet Pantone’s 2026 choice, Cloud Dancer, is exactly the shade that does. It’s unfussy, unexpected, and just the clean breath your pattern-lined rooms didn’t know they needed. If you want to layer in a little lightness, start with these 24 Cloud Dancer–clad homewares.

Forget the planning, the booking, and the long road trip. There's an easier way to escape to the rural, cozy countryside without even leaving the comfort of your home. It all starts with a rug – specifically, a style from Ruggable's new Kindred Cottage collection.

'The inspiration for Kindred Cottage began with the warmth and nostalgia of the Hudson Valley,' Ruggable's VP of Design Maria O'Brien tells me. 'We spent time exploring the region’s inns and storied hotels – spaces defined by layered textiles, lived-in charm, and a sense of welcome.' With traditional plaids, patchwork-inspired motifs, and floral patterns, the collection leans into the ever-appealing nostalgia-core trend, establishing a feeling of familiarity and comfort in any room.

'The collection is about slowing down and surrounding your home with pieces that feel familiar yet fresh, capturing that sense of nostalgia through texture and tone while keeping the ease and practicality of modern living,' she continues. No matter where you live, the cottage-like charm and cozy elegance of these rugs can transport you to a softer, quieter place. Their patterns and colors are as evocative as they are appealing – filling any room with the warmth and character it so deserves.

Some of the rugs from the Kindred Cottage collection capture the aesthetic stronger than others – like the Calloway rug or the Louisa rug. These styles, with their vintage-inspired, traditional quilt-like patterns, really lean into the sentimental charm that the collection has to offer. Their designs make them perfect for a cottage-core style home, and they invite a level of timeless character underfoot that few new rug styles can replicate.

Other rugs, like the Pennywood rug and the Mabel rug, offer the same nostalgia-inducing look. However, their floral motifs complement a wide range of interior design styles.

In terms of color, all of these rugs have been designed in an array of earth tones and complementary shades that can ground any room with classic, ageless elegance. Nothing's too bold, but nothing's too bland – each rug captures the warmth, richness, and inviting nature of a cozy, rural cottage with ease.

Looks aside, the rugs from the Kindred Cottage collection are practical, too. As much as we'd all love to live a slow-paced, quiet cottage lifestyle, that's just not possible – we need furniture and decor to keep up with our modern lives. These rugs certainly can. As one of the first collections made with Ruggable's Tufted All-In-One Technology, the Kindred Cottage rugs combine 'soft, vintage-inspired texture with the practicality of a fully machine-washable, non-slip rug,' Maria explains. 'The result is a collection that blends storybook charm with modern ease – pieces that invite you to slow down and enjoy your home.'

You might consider a style like the Arlen rug as your living room rug – with its soft pattern and complementary color scheme, it can set the scene for the main entertainment space in your home and will feel soft underfoot as you relax. For your bedroom rug, opt for something more cozy and cocooning, like the Tallitha rug. Its deep-colored and checker-printed design can establish a level of comfort in the space that rivals the feeling of snuggling up under your covers. Plus, its softness is unmatched.

Because of their heightened durability, these styles can even work as kitchen rugs. Try the Hearthstone rug as your kitchen runner – with its colorful design and plush feeling, it makes for the perfect spot to stand while cooking.

'Kindred Cottage is designed to bring a sense of calm the moment you walk through the door,' Maria muses. 'The collection focuses on tactile details, imperfect symmetry, and a sense that everything belongs exactly where it is – creating rooms that feel calm, collected, and lived-in.'

With their timeless motifs charming familiarity, these rugs can certainly help you create a home that never dates, and with their increased durability, you can count on these rugs to maintain their good looks for years to come.

Shop Ruggable's 'Kindred Cottage' Collection

I’ve loved RIXO for years. Their dresses have seen me through countless weddings, Christenings, 30th birthdays, and impulsive “I just need something new” moments than I care to admit.

It’s the vintage-inspired prints that get me every time – the hand-painted florals, the joyful geometrics, the bold splashes of color. So when I heard that the cult London label was bringing their style DNA home, I knew I needed a first look at the RIXO x Ruggable collection. And it certainly doesn't disappoint.

The four statement-making designs each capture a different facet of the brand’s signature style – including an iconic leopard print. So, whether you're looking to match your closet and carpet or are simply searching for a new statement piece, this collection is sure to turn the heads of the most fashionable home decorators.

If there’s one thing I love as much as a great dress, it’s great design. And RIXO's aesthetic lends itself perfectly to interiors: expressive, eclectic, and full of personality.

When the founders, best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, describe the partnership as something that 'just made perfect sense', you can see why. RIXO's expressive, artful designs bring instant wow-factor to a space, while Ruggable's washable rug system is a game-changer for busy homes – whether you have kids, pets, are renovating, or your floors seem to be a magnet for red wine, as mine are.

While it's not the brand's first foray into homewares, the maximalist's dream Casa RIXO launched last year to great success, this four-piece collection brings their vision to life on a bigger scale.

Henrietta and Orlagh describe how 'Partnering with Ruggable felt like such a natural step for us – their innovative, washable rugs are something we genuinely love, and bringing RIXO's bold prints into people’s homes in a way that was artful but still functional just made perfect sense.'

'Each rug captures a part of our signature style, whether it’s our timeless leopard print, hand-painted florals, or a playful geometric. We wanted the designs to feel vibrant, unique, and full of little details you discover over time – the kind of pieces that make a home feel like truly your own.'

Rugs can often make or break a room. But shot in founder Orlagh’s home, the RIXO x Ruggable designs to slot in effortlessly. Her interiors, much like the brand’s prints, are joyful, layered, and full of personality. Think rich color palettes, vintage treasures, unexpected pattern pairings, and that distinctly British charm.

Take the Portobello Road rug, seen above in her Ibiza-inspired breakfast nook, a striking yet pared-back design that balances soft, romantic hues with a graphic, geometric print that works perfectly to enliven a neutral space.

For the more maximalist shopper, the Lion’s Cub rug is the one that will instantly make you smile. Inspired by bohemian British eccentricity, it’s packed with painterly details like butterflies, florals, and whimsical animal motifs layered over a smoky charcoal ground to create a modern tapestry.

In the Kensington Sapphire & Brown rug, we see print clashing at its most confident. RIXO's beloved leopard print takes center stage, bordered by classic florals that soften the overall look. And if you're looking for some true RIXO flower power, the Kings Road Multicolor rug will speak to you. A vibrant floral print inspired by iconic Pucci prints brings a dreamy, Mediterranean energy to the design, making it an instant mood-booster in any space.

Each design is available in a range of shapes and sizes, from runners to circular shapes. So it couldn't be easier to find a living room rug, kitchen rug, or bedroom rug to your liking. And of course, they all benefit from Ruggable's machine-washable treatment and are all made on Ruggable's new Tufted All-In-One style, which combines the brand's original two-layer design into one washable, slip-proof design.

It’s this fusion of design and durability that makes the collaboration feel so current. And with Ruggable’s Black Friday sale now underway, it’s a perfect moment to explore the full range. While the RIXO rugs aren’t included in the discounts, there are plenty of Ruggable’s bestselling designs on sale for a limited time only.

Shop the Collection

As someone who has long loved RIXO’s dresses for their joyful prints and Ruggable’s rugs for their washability, seeing the two worlds collide is a real treat. Be sure to check out their Black Friday offering too for up to 30% off collections like the Morris & Co collab, the Mrs Alice collection, goop, Jonathan Adler, and more.

Rugs get a lot of credit for instantly adding warmth and comfort to a space, but can they actually help to block drafts?

While experts say they are not the best solution for home insulation, they can act as a surprisingly effective buffer, blocking cold air before it reaches your feet.

Here, HVAC experts weigh in and offer some smarter, long-term draft-proofing tips to help layer comfort this winter.

Do Rugs Block Drafts?

While not the best home insulation solution, rug trends do hold some weight when adding warmth to a room.

Cory Lyons, brand president at Koala Insulation, explains, 'When it comes to blocking drafts, rugs can offer a temporary, surface-level solution, especially over hard flooring where cold air can radiate upward. They help retain warmth and make a room feel cozier.'

Cory adds, however, that if drafts persist, it is usually a sign that your home’s insulation or air sealing needs attention.

'Cold air sneaking in under doors or through floors can make your HVAC system work harder, increasing energy bills and creating uneven temperatures.'

If you are looking for stylish ways to keep a home warm all day, the trick is to pick the right rugs, suggests Jonathan Palley, CEO at Clever Tiny Homes.

He recommends picking runners for interior doors and large area rugs for hardwood floors and tiles. Be sure to also use carpet grippers from Walmart to keep the rugs secure to the floor.

Ensuring the correct rug size is also essential to feel any benefit.

All in all, however, Jonathan reiterates, 'The best long-term solution to drafts is to replace the drafty window or door. This will not only block the draft, but also provide better overall insulation as well as protection against pests and water damage.'

To make your heating more efficient, Cory suggests layering quality rugs with weather stripping from Walmart, as well as upgrading attic insulation and basement insulation.

He says, 'We encourage homeowners to not only use rugs for immediate comfort but also consider a professional evaluation of insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

'Addressing drafts at their source with proper insulation and air sealing keeps homes consistently comfortable, protects the HVAC system, and can even cut energy bills.'

Draft-Proofing Essentials

Meet the Experts

At the very least, layering quality rugs will help to make a home feel welcoming in the cold winter months, curating a cozy corner to hibernate until spring.

What lies beneath our feet is one of the first things many of us notice in a room, even if subconsciously. When we think of desirable flooring options, we often think of the enduring appeal of parquet flooring, beautiful, large flagstone floors, or the classic, seemingly effortless look of exposed floorboards. Carpet ideas at some undefinable point fell out of fashion somewhat, perhaps as some of us cringe at the '80s throwback that is deep-pile, migraine-inducing, bright carpet that smothered every room from bathroom to dining room. However, carpets, if chosen well and appropriately placed, are, in our opinion, a must.

When considering all of the carpet trends, from herringbone and Greek key to bold and colourful patterns, clearly choosing an aesthetically sustainable carpet is vital, since it's not something you will want to be swapping in and out as the years roll by.

Choosing the right brand is paramount, so if you're searching for some inspiration, we've rounded up the best carpet brands in the UK you should look to when shopping for carpet for your home, each with a style and budget to suit all tastes.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is a practical tool as much as an aesthetic one, making draughty homes less icy cold. No matter how aesthetic the flooring choice is, it's certainly not worth frostbitten digits.

Carpeted rooms are more acoustically sound and, on the whole, immeasurably more comfortable to walk on. 'I nearly always use carpets in bedrooms,' says interior designer Kate Finch, 'with a deep underlay, a carpet has a better underfoot feel in a bedroom than a wooden floor. Carpet has amazing sound absorption properties, which people often overlook.'

When it comes to which materials you should look for, there is somewhat conflicting advice on offer, but a firm favourite amongst interior designers is wool for its natural resilience and inherent softness.

'I always look for wool looped carpets for my projects,' says Kate, 'I prefer using natural wool and I think a looped carpet has a more contemporary look than a pile carpet. There is a large variety of weaves and patterns in the looped carpet sector, bringing an element of texture to the floor as well. Using a natural product like wool is environmentally friendly as it's renewable and biodegradable, unlike a synthetic carpet. Wool carpets also have many other benefits; they are durable, receptive to cleaning, and better at regulating the temperature in a room. Synthetic carpets can make rooms much warmer in my experience.'

Where to shop for beautiful carpets - the brands you should know

Axminster

Loved by interior designers across the UK, Axminster has several highly coveted collections of carpets. They're Britain's oldest carpet designers and have been creating carpets for over 250 years. Of particular interest is their carpet collection with the ultra-stylish House of Hackney - all of their carpets, rugs, and runners are woven by the Axminster team in Axminster, Devon.

Alternative Flooring

Alternative Flooring carpets come with a 5-year warranty and are ethically sourced and climate-friendly, with a tree planted in their burgeoning Alternative Forest for every sample ordered.

We particularly adore the 'Wool Iconic Herringstripe' collection. It combines a herringbone pattern with a simple stripe, creating a sophisticated fine wool flatweave. This timeless pattern looks especially smart as a wall-to-wall carpet in hallways, studies, and bedrooms.

You can find plenty of retailers that stock their carpets, and they're all easily found on their map function online.

Crucial Trading

Crucial Trading specialises in natural floor coverings such as Wool, Sisal, Sisool (which is their blend of both wool and sisal), and Seagrass. They have over 100 collections, with a seemingly unending variety of textures and weaves, and you will certainly be impressed by their extensive and inspirational options.

Sinclair Till

Expertly achieving a traditional, classic English aesthetic, Sinclair Till specialises in timeless flat-woven carpets perfect for that English country house elegance.

Their carpets can be seen and touched in person at one of their showrooms; one on Pimlico Road and the other just off Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill.

They have a small, tight-knit team of highly skilled installers who have been with them for 20+ years. They offer a complete nose-to-tail service, the person you see in the showroom will likely be the person you meet on-site to carry out measurements and give both design & technical advice.

Sophie Cooney Runners

Sophie’s handcrafted stair runners have captivated interior designers and homeowners across the UK. The handwoven wool runner collection has luxurious Kilim-style runners custom-made for staircases, ensuring durability that lasts a lifetime, and they are simply beautiful creations.

Sophie Cooney Runners have showrooms in Somerset and in London, but it's likely their Instagram page will serve as enough inspiration. Sophie Cooney has become a prestigious name that rose to the top of our interiors wishlist very quickly.

Flooring by Nature

Born from a demand for eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable flooring options, this is a great option if you wish to beautifully carpet a room in an environmentally friendly way without it being prohibitively expensive.

Flooring by Nature specialises in carpets made from natural wool, sisal, seagrass, and jute, as well as several ranges of cork flooring.

Hugh Mackay

Hugh Mackay is a renowned British brand that has been designing carpets for over 100 years. They boast some pretty daring carpet designs, too. Their wonderfully traditional tartan carpet, seemingly plucked from a medieval Scottish castle, looks wonderful in library rooms and home offices. But their animal print carpet is nothing short of fabulous.

So, how much should we be prepared to pay for beautiful carpet? Rupert Anton of The Carpet Foundation advises, 'Buy the best you can afford. Carpet is like anything else in that you get what you pay for. While it will never wear out, it will ‘ugly’ out. One is unlikely to compromise on the sofa or curtains, but bear in mind you walk on carpet every single day, so it takes a lot of use.

Carpet indeed takes a lot of flak, with a lot of daily wear and tear, so investing in good-quality carpet will last significantly longer, look better over time, and require less maintenance compared to cheaper options.

Installing vinyl plank flooring is an affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-maintain alternative to installing natural wood flooring.

Luckily, it is a relatively simple task for homeowners to complete themselves with the right tools and some patience.

Here's how to complete this DIY project to elevate your home without expert intervention – and while keeping all of your fingers in the process.

Installing vinyl plank flooring like a pro

How long it takes to install vinyl plank flooring generally depends on your skill level, and the size and shape of your room. On average, however, for a DIY-er, you can expect the project to take anywhere between two to four hours.

The same applies to how hard it is to install vinyl plank flooring yourself. This is generally considered an intermediate home DIY task as it requires precision measurements and cutting, as well as a lot of patience.

Choosing vinyl plank flooring

Before planning your project, you need to work out if luxury vinyl flooring is right for your home, and, if so, what type of vinyl plank flooring to use.

There are two faux wood flooring ideas to choose from:

• Floating: Floating vinyl plank flooring is made up of interlocking planks that do not attach to the subfloor. Most vinyl planks are floating and are easier and quicker to install.
• Adhesive: As the name suggests, adhesive vinyl plank flooring sticks down to the subfloor with either adhesive tape or liquid glue. This is often more affordable than floating vinyl plank flooring, but is more time-consuming to install.

Before you begin

Before you start installing vinyl plank flooring, you need to thoroughly prepare the space, lest your DIY home improvements devalue your property.

Vinyl plank flooring can be installed directly over the top of existing hard flooring such as wood or tiles, but you should clean the floors without streaks first. If you have carpet flooring ideas, however, this should be removed.

Luckily, vinyl plank flooring does not usually need underlayment, especially if the flooring below it is already level and smooth. That being said, installing underlayment for vinyl plank flooring can be helpful to level out uneven surfaces, reduce sound transfer between floors, and offer another level of comfort and insulation ot your flooring.

Then, to install vinyl plank flooring quickly and simply, you will need the following tools and supplies:

• A flat pry bar, availible with a grip at The Home Depot
• Pliers, such as these nail-pullers also from The Home Depot
• Tape measure. This auto-locking HART tape measure from Walmart keeps your measurements in place, whilst this digital tape measure with Bluetooth from Mileseey Tools comes in handy when working alone.
• Utility knife, from Walmart, or fine-tooth saw, such as the Craftsman fine finish cut Tooth Saw from Lowe's
• Carpenter's square to ensure clean lines, from The Home Depot
• Rubber mallet, from The Home Depot, and a thick scrap block of wood to help knock planks into place
• Your vinyl plank flooring of choice
• 1/4 inch spacers, from The Home Dpot
• Floor levelling compound such as Quikrete FastSet Self-Leveling Floor Concrete Resurfacer from Lowe's
• Optional: Kneepads, from The Home Depot, as you will be working on your knees a lot

How to install vinyl plank flooring

1. Plan the flooring layout

Before committing to your affordable DIY project, start by laying out the planks in your empty room. This will give you a better idea of which direction you want your planks to be, and allows you to stagger the planks so that all of the short edges do not line up in long lines.

Start along your longest straight wall and work outwards.

Anton Liakhov, interior designer and founder of Roomtery, then suggests, 'Let the vinyl planks acclimate in the room for at least 48 hours so they can reach their ultimate temperature and humidity level.' This can prevent warping and flexing during and after the installation.

2. Remove old trim and molding

Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build, says, 'It's much easier to install vinyl plank without baseboards or other trim at floor level,' so use your flat prybar to ease the old molding and trims away from the wall.

You might find the hammer useful to help tap the bar behind the edge of each trim. Thomas Borcherding, owner of Homestar Design Remodel, adds, 'I advise homeowners to be careful when removing their baseboards. You will have to use a crowbar resting against your home's plaster or drywall in order to pry loose the nails that secure your baseboards.

'To prevent wall damage, it's best to use a piece of sturdy cardboard secured against the wall as you tilt the crowbar into the wall.'

Don't worry, we have some tips for removing scuffmarks from walls if you need them. Remove any lingering nails from the wall using your pliers.

3. Prepare the floor

This is the most important step.

If you are installing vinyl plank flooring over the top of existing hard, level flooring, now is the time to deploy smart cleaning tips to remove any dust and debris. Ensure the floor is dry before continuing.

If you are removing carpet, removing floor tiles, pulling up wooden floors, or removing linoleum flooring, use protective nitrile-dipped construction gloves from Lowe's, to protect against cuts.

Then, Thomas says, 'You may wish to use a floor leveling product to ensure a consistent floor elevation. Such products are simple to use. You merely pour the leveling solution onto your subfloor and wait for it to dry.

'Gravity will ensure it is spread out evenly and that your floor will be a consistent grade. Make sure to caulk seams in your subfloor so that the leveling product doesn't drip into lower levels.'

The MAPEI Self Leveler Plus, from Lowe's, is designed for indoor use and is ready for vinyl plank flooring installation after three days.

Anton further explains, 'If your subfloor is not level, level it by using a leveling compound. Vinyl planks are flexible and will conform to imperfections, leading to uneven wear and an amateurish look. '

4. Test fit the first row

To start installing vinyl plank flooring, Anton says, 'Always start at the longest, most exposed wall. This is generally opposite the main door. If the room isn't a perfect square (which rarely exists), starting here will cause any slight non-levelness to be hidden along the back or under baseboards.

'Stagger the seams at least six inches apart to resemble real wood floors and increase strength.' To make this easier, start with a full plank in the center of the wall and work to either side, so that cut planks at the end will be of roughly equal length.

Place 1/4 inch spacers, available at Walmart in packs of 250, between your planks and the wall. Anton warns, 'Never skip the expansion gap. Vinyl does expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, and without a buffer zone, it could buckle or lift.'

5. Cut planks to size

Much like cutting laminate flooring, measure twice before committing to any cuts to avoid waste.

Once you have measured the length of the plank you need, use your carpenter's square to ensure a straight line at the cut point on the face of the planks (the side you will see after installation) and cut along the line with either your utility knife or fine-tooth saw. You will need to go over this line several times.

Then, turn the board over so that the finished side is facing downwards and fold the plank back on itself. The cut should snap by itself. If it does not, repeat the process again.

6. Attach the planks

^{Video credit: Getty Images / Katsiaryna Kallantai}

How you attach your planks will depend on the type of vinyl plank flooring you chose:

• For floating vinyl plank flooring: Place the next plank at a slight angle to the first plank, lining up the tongue-and-groove sections on each piece. Slide the tongue and grooves together and fold the plank down so that it lies flush to the floor.
• For adhesive vinyl plank flooring: Ensure the adhesive is sticky before pressing the plank down.
• For both: Tap the plank gently with a rubber mallet to ensure it is firmly in place.

7. Fitting around protrusions

Protrusions from walls, such as around alcoves, need to be cut in the same way as trimming planks to fit.

Again, measure twice and use the carpenter's square to ensure straight lines and even cuts. This time, instead of one cut, however, you will be making two, usually at a right angle.

8. Fitting the final planks

To fit the final plank, you may need the assistance of your pull bar, and you may need to cut planks lengthwise to fit them into smaller width gaps. Remember to once again include the 1/4 inch gap.

9. Refit moldings

With the flooring snugly in place, you can install baseboards and moldings again. You can do this manually, using a hammer and nails, or with a Straight Brad Nailer from Lowe's.

If you are installing new trims, brush up on how to paint baseboards and some painting hacks to minimize clean up to fully finish the room.

FAQs

How much does it cost to install vinyl plank flooring?

How much it costs to install vinyl plank flooring depends on the type of flooring your choose, the size of your room, what prep work the room requires, and if you choose to install it yourself or not. Typically, this project will cost between $2 and $7 per square foot.

Which direction should you install vinyl plank flooring?

Generally speaking, you should lay vinyl plank flooring parallel to the longest wall in the room to make the room feel larger and more spacious.

Meet the experts

Once your new vinyl plank flooring has been installed, brush up on how to clean vinyl floors and which cleaning mistakes to avoid to keep them looking fresh.

A vintage rug is a classic home decor item that's long been loved for its ability to warm a room with texture and pattern. But sourcing an affordable one that's in good condition can be tricky.

While rug trends change year-on-year, vintage-style carpets are a consistent winner. And luckily for us, interior designer Amber Lewis is as on-trend as ever and has launched a bespoke, antique-inspired line of rugs in collaboration with Loloi.

Made up of nine pieces, The Molly collection is super varied, spanning from neutral warm shades to deep blue hues, there's something here for every style of home. We dive deeper into the line and get to the bottom of Amber's inspiration behind the meaningful collection.

Amber's collection has provided us with plenty of living room rug ideas. She explains that the inspiration behind the collection was her love for the past and vintage aesthetic. She explains, 'I wanted to blur the line between vintage and new and this is exactly what we were able to achieve. Truly, when I say that each and every piece is so unique, it is.'

Amber adds, 'I think one of the most important things to me is getting a product that feels and looks super authentic to the vintage that I've loved and appreciated for years. With The Molly Collection, that's exactly what you've got.'

Don't worry if you are picky about choosing a rug, Amber has covered all bases by designing a varied collection that will suit a whole range of interiors.

She explains there's 'such an incredible range of tones. Some have a little bit of blue and mauve and then we have the other end of the spectrum which is very sandy and neutral.' Amber says she considered all the hues, there are 'very beautiful ivory tones that are just a little bit more muted and cool.'

Shop The Molly Collection

Love a tiled look but hate commitment? Peel and stick tiles are your answer.

Easy to apply and easy to remove, these transformative tiles are loved by DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. But, as with anything when it comes to decorating a home, they do have their drawbacks which are crucial to know before getting started.

Here, we spoke to contractors and decorating experts for their advice on using this unusual type of tile, who share the pros and cons, and give advice on which spaces this tile idea will work best in.

What are peel and stick tiles?

When it comes to peel and stick tiles, which are a quick and convenient way to improve your home for less than 100 dollars, the clue is in the name. Mark Lumpkin, construction expert at STR Cribs, explains, 'Peel and stick tiles are self-adhesive vinyl or laminate coverings meant to quickly and efficiently update surfaces, with no grout or specialized tools needed.'

As Mark explains, these tiles are backed with a peel-off material to go right on top of whatever surface you've prepped. 'For instance, they're an option to explore if you want to update a dated backsplash without a lot of fuss; ideal for more speedy renovation jobs and if you want to save money on home renovations.'

They're not just suitable for kitchens, either. As Carr Lanphier, CEO at Improovy points out. 'I’ve seen them used in bathrooms and kitchens, along with other utility areas, like laundry rooms, as backsplash, as flooring, and as wall accents,' he says.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Who are peel and stick tiles good for?

In particular, peel and stick tiles are one of the best and bold ways to decorate a rental property, which won't cause any issues with your landlord later down the line, effortlessly and easily making a rental feel like home.

As contractor Mark says, 'These tiles are particularly beneficial to renters, DIYers and anyone wanting a temporary but stylish fix without making permanent changes.

'I remember suggesting peel and stick tiles to a tenant who wanted to spruce up their rental without damaging the original fixtures – there was no risk of the tile to the owner of the home, and it was a simple solution, giving them both aesthetics and peace of mind.'

And, as paint expert Carr adds, they're also a nice alternative for anyone looking to experiment with tile trends, without the effort and expense that often goes with traditional tiling.

What are the pros and cons of using peel and stick tiles?

Of course, the main pro in using peel and stick tiles is the ease of installation.

'This simplicity about application is one of the biggest perks of adhesive back decals – they allow those with limited DIY experience to get a professional-looking result in no time flat,' says contractor Mark. They're also much cheaper than their traditional counterparts, making it easy to decorate a home on a budget.

But, as Mark points out, their easy application hinges on surface preparation, meaning it's crucial to explore how too clean walls before starting. We always recommend warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth, such as the USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon. This will ensure a strong adhesion. He says, 'Any surface that is to be covered must be properly cleaned and completely dried, as dust, grease, or moisture can greatly affect the strong adhesive properties of the tiles.

'I was once on the receiving end of this during a renovation when a tiny test patch revealed countless issues that could have deepened, and I’ve since learned – and now tell others – to always measure twice before getting too deep, and patch test first rather than spending the time applying for the entire condo.'

However, Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build, warns that peel and stick tiles have 'none of the practical advantages of tile.'

'They don't repel moisture or hold up well to heat, and they're much harder to get properly aligned,' he says.

Therefore, if you're looking for a long-term solution, it might be worth making the investment and paying pros to do the job for you, with traditional tiles and tiling methods.

Meet our experts

FAQs

How long will peel and stick tiles last?

Much like how you apply peel and stick wallpaper, the longevity of peel and stick tiles depends on how they are installed, there is no set time period. The longevity will also depend on whereabouts they are placed, in high-traffic areas and for floor tile ideas, they won't fare as well.

Do peel and stick tiles damage walls?

If applied correctly, peel and stick tiles shouldn't leave you needing to patch up holes in your walls, they should, as is said in the name, simply peel off the wall or floor surface.

It's also important to know how to remove peel and stick tiles, should the time come. Our expert guide dives into the details.

There’ll come a time when you’ll need to remove a carpet in your home and replace it with fresh new flooring ideas. It could be the carpet is old and worn, you dislike the color or pattern, or you simply want something new to match up your interior design aspirations.

But before you can admire the new you will need to get rid of the old. Removing a carpet isn’t difficult for a DIYer, but it's hard work and you’ll need the right tools and know-how to make the job quicker and easier. All of which our expert reveals in this guide.

How to remove a carpet

When removing an old carpet you’ll need to make sure that you have all the right tools ready to go. If you don’t, it can make the whole removal process much more difficult and time-consuming.

What tools will I need to remove a carpet?

Geoff Walker, company superintendent at ASAP Restoration explains, 'Removing a carpet is pretty simple in terms of the tools required to do the job easily.' So what will you need? Here Walker recommends the tools you‘ll need:

• Utility knife - from Amazon
• Pliers or gripper
• Bladed scraper -from Amazon
• Hand scraper
• Putty knife
• Hammer
• Pry bar - from Amazon
• Duct tape

Alongside the basic tools you’ll need for carpet removal Walker recommends, 'It’s wise to use some safety gear such as thick work gloves, eye protection, and a respirator like this 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator from Amazon, for dust and other airborne debris.'

7 Steps to remove an old carpet

Before you can lay a new carpet you need to pull up the old carpet and dispose of it. Here Geoff Walker from ASAP Restoration runs through the steps you need to follow to say goodbye to your old flooring.

1. Remove furniture

If you’re going to be removing the carpet from a whole room, the best method is to eliminate all of the things on top of the carpet before trying to do so. This means placing all furniture and personal items in a different location.

2. Remove baseboard

Sometimes when removing carpet, it can be more of a challenge if the base shoe or baseboard are left on the wall. If possible, and if it makes the project easier it may be more efficient to remove these materials in the same process.

3. Start in corner

It is usually best to start carpet removal in a corner, though this might not always be the easiest spot to get a good grip. A doorway sometimes offers an easier starting place for carpet removal than the corners do.

If you are going to start the process in the corner, be sure to pull up and away from you so that you aren’t working against your own body weight in the process.

4. Work along edges

It is often easiest to remove a carpet by starting the process in the corners or doorway, and then migrating along the edges of the carpet as you go. This can help because carpeting is almost always held into place by tack strips that keep the carpet stationary. Pulling the carpet off of the tack strips is critical for an easy removal.

5. Dispose of carpet

When disposing of the old carpet it is usually easiest to roll up any of the unwanted material and then duct tape or twine it. This will keep the carpet from unraveling during transport to the waste facility. If you only have a small amount of carpeting to eliminate, then it might be easier to do it in small squares which can fit into your trash receptacle without further breaking down.

6. Remove underlay

If the carpet has a vapor barrier, or padding underneath it, then you can usually just pull this up by hand. Sometimes it is glued into place, and it may require further leverage by using pliers or a similar tool.

7. Remove tack strips

If you are removing carpet and replacing it with some other type of flooring, then you will want to remove the tack strips. If you are putting new carpeting back into the room, then it may be easiest to leave the tack strips in place (if in good condition) and attach the new carpeting directly to the old strips.

Sometimes in the carpeting removal process the tack strips can get damaged, so if you do decide to keep the old ones in place, make sure to fix any needed repairs prior to installing the new carpet.

How do I prep a floor for new carpet?

After removing the carpet Walker suggests you get rid of grippers and nails, ‘If there are protrusions in the subflooring, or in the tack strips, eliminate these before adding new carpeting, or take out the tack strips entirely if you are choosing a different type of flooring to go in the same space.’

Typically, there is glue or mastic that has been applied to the flooring to keep either the padding or the carpet itself into place. Walker says, ‘It’s important to remove this layer before adding any new materials or they will reflect this irregularity in the feel of the new flooring materials.’

But how do you remove any old glue? ‘Typically it can be hammered out of place with a chisel and a little bit of force, but if this doesn’t work, then heat or solvents will usually loosen it up enough to pry free,’ shares Walker.

He adds a word of warning, 'Be careful around mastic and glue from old carpeting as it has a tendency to contain asbestos fibers which can be hazardous to your health. Wear a respirator with a P100 filter on it to be sure that you don’t unnecessarily expose yourself when cleaning up the old glue.'

FAQs

How do you install new tack strips?

If installing new tack strips, Walker shares that you first need to, ‘Prep the room by ensuring that there isn’t anything in the corners or along the edges of the room where the tack strips will go.’

Once the room is prepared, ‘Measure and cut the tack strips to the distances needed by the room dimensions. Position the strips along the wall so that they butt up against one another. This will ensure that there are no gaps where you want to put carpeting down. Orient the strips so that the tack points are facing the wall and not the inside of the room.’

Walker adds, ‘Hammer down the tack strips into place, and if nails can’t be used in the space for whatever reason, then you can glue tack strips to the floor carefully, so as not to cover up HVAC registers, drainage lines, or radiant floor heating elements.’

How to remove carpet adhesive from concrete floors?

There are a number of ways from old concrete floors. One simple DIY home remedy method Walker recommends is to, ‘Use hot water and soap. Sometimes this is enough to loosen the connection between the glue and the concrete surface.’

But what if it isn’t? Walker says, ‘You can try solvents like rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, or acetone. These solvents can work to chemically degrade the adhesive so that it can be cleaned up more easily.’

If all else fails he adds, ‘If these methods don’t work, you may be left going at it the old fashioned way with a hammer and chisel or paint scraper tool. It may take longer and be a lot messier, but it will almost always work when solvents don’t.’

How much is it to remove carpet?

If you decide that you don’t want to tackle removing carpet yourself, you can call in a pro.

Walker says, ‘Depending on the amount of carpeting, the amount of padding, and the amount of glue or tack strips that need removal, a quality carpet removal job can range anywhere from $1.00 per square foot to as much as $5.00 or more.’

He adds, ‘Disposal may be an added charge, but typically this is included in the upfront cost provided.’

With your old carpet gone, what carpet should you replace it with? Check out our What is a low pile carpet, the best carpet colors for bedrooms and How much does it cost to install carpet guides to help you make the right decision on your new flooring.

There is nothing quite like real hardwood flooring to elevate a home. However, with such a gorgeous finish comes regular maintenance to keep scuffs, scratches, and dullness at bay.

Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to restore their grandeur, but it can be a costly endeavor that can vary wildly depending on the square footage, the type of wood, and the extent of existing damage.

Here, professional contractors break down how much it costs to refinish hardwood floors yourself or with expert help so you can make the best decision for your home reno.

How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?

While the cost of refinishing hardwood flooring varies greatly depending on the finishing method and the location, Rotem Eylor, CEO and founder of Republic Floor explains that you can expect to pay about ‘$4 to $8 per square foot. This means, generally speaking, a 150 sq ft room would be between $750 to $1200.’

That being said, there are several things that impact this final price, adds Juan Reina, director of products at RIVA Spain, luxury flooring specialists.

• Square footage of the job: Larger areas will naturally cost more to refinish.
• Condition of the Floor: Floors with significant damage may require more extensive sanding or repairs before refinishing, increasing the cost.
• Staining: If you want to change the color of your floors, this will add to the cost.
• Type of Finish: Much like restoring wood furniture, the cost varies depending on the type of finish you choose for instance oil-based, water-based, or polyurethane. Higher-quality finishes tend to be more expensive.
• Additional repairs: If there are any necessary repairs, such as replacing damaged boards or addressing subfloor issues, this will increase the overall cost.’

If you want to save money on home renovations, you can attempt to refinish hardwood floors yourself, helping to save on labor costs. However, this is not a quick or easy DIY project, and is only recommended for experienced DIYers.

Juan Reina, luxury flooring expert, explains that ‘We always recommend that an experienced professional do a proper job. It requires careful preparation, the right tools, and some experience with home improvement projects. The process involves sanding the floors to remove the old finish, applying a new stain or sealant, and then finishing with a protective top coat.

‘It's a labor-intensive job that can be time-consuming and requires attention to detail, so if you're not comfortable using power tools or dealing with dust, it might be best to hire a professional.’

That being said, if you do choose to refinish the floors yourself, Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders, says ‘Renting equipment and buying supplies can cost $500-$1,500.’ However, she reminds us that ‘mistakes are costly,’ and it is still better to err on the side of caution and hire experts.

FAQs

How often should you refinish hardwood floors?

Kristin Hintlian, seasoned construction expert, says ‘Hardwood floors should be refinished every three to five years. This prevents permanent damage from scratches, stains, and wear while resealing the wood to protect it from moisture. Neglecting refinishing leads to dull, scratched wood, visible seams, and gaps between planks. Refinishing maintains beauty, prevents repairs, and retains home value.

‘Watch for scratches, stains, dull or uneven coloration, cupping or creaking boards, and gaps. These signs indicate it’s time for refinishing to restore wood and protect your investment. Refinishing hardwood floors regularly helps them last for decades.’

To prolong the lifespan of natural wood, it is important to care for and clean hardwood floors properly and regularly, helping to maintain its shiny, natural appearance in between refinishing. From honing the best way to mop hardwood floors to picking the best vacuum for hard floors, every little cleaning tip makes a difference to longevity.

Waxing floors used to be a very common flooring maintenance step. However, if you’re reading this, you probably have never waxed yours but are wondering if you should try. Maybe your parent or grandparent used to refinish hardwood floors this way, but you are wondering whether all that effort is truly worth it. 

Who can better tell whether waxing floors is a good idea than flooring experts? We’ve asked people who have worked with maintaining and replacing floors for decades: here’s what they told us.

Is waxing floors a good idea? 

The answer is: yes, if you have a floor that can be waxed. That’s the main factor that will determine whether waxing floors is a good idea for you. 

If you do have floors that can be waxed, then waxing is very beneficial indeed. We spoke to Sean O'Rourke, the National Director of Merchandising at Floor Coverings International. He has over 30 years of experience in the flooring industry and is unequivocally for waxing floors. As Sean explains, ‘Wax is a protective shield and minimizes the absorption of spills, preventing unwanted stains.’

Properly waxed floors need less maintenance overall than unwaxed ones. You likely will be able to get away with a quick sweep or mop-up in case you do spill something, rather than having to scrub your floor to get a stain out. 

Overall, waxed floors ‘last longer than those without wax’ and look better. 'A quick buffing can restore the look of many dull or hazy hardwood floors’, says Sean. If you’ve ever wondered how someone’s vintage wood floor looks so shiny and bright, the answer is almost certainly that it’s waxed regularly.

Consistent and correct application is key. The payoff is a more resilient floor, which is what you need if your floor is exposed to heavy everyday use. According to Sean, ‘when applied correctly and at needed intervals, wax can actually harden and build up a great resistance to common household traffic.’

How do I know if my floors can be waxed? 

Generally speaking, only two flooring types are suitable for waxing: wood floors and linoleum. However, that only applies if your floor has not been finished with polyurethane. Polyurethane is a form of plastic and is now commonly used to finish floors instead of wax. You can’t wax a floor coated with polyurethane ‘because the wax finish won’t adhere correctly to the urethane’, explains Sean. 

How do you know if your hard floors are polyurethane-coated? As a general rule, the advice is that ‘The vast majority (over 95%) of all pre-finished hardwood floors installed since 1990 are almost definitely a urethane finish and perhaps 50% of job-site hardwood installed floors are also urethane.’ If you live in an old house that has original wood or lino floors, they likely aren’t coated. 

If you have vinyl floors, they almost invariably be polyurethane-coated, unless you have VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) floors, which is unlikely since they are ‘traditionally installed in schools, institutional type buildings and large department type stores like Target and Kohls.'

If you’ve recently moved into a house with wood floors and you have no way of determining when they were installed, you can test for the polyurethane coating yourself. The best way to do this is to scrape an inconspicuous floorboard with a sharp knife such as a utility knife. If scraping produces clear shavings, you have a coating that’s either polyurethane or shellac. Shellac dissolves in alcohol, so dropping a small amount on the shavings will tell you which type of coating you have.

Waxed floors can be identified by gently scraping a small area with a coin. Wax has a telltale texture and feel between your fingers, and you’ll easily be able to tell the difference between wax and polyurethane.

Note that if your floors already have a wax coating, you’ll need to strip them before refinishing.

If you have linoleum floors that ‘don't seem to ever get clean’, they were ‘most likely waxed and need to be stripped and re-waxed’, says Matthew Baratta, cleaning expert and VP of Operations at Daimer Industries. The best way to strip a waxed linoleum floor is by using ammonia, and you will need to ‘make sure the area is very well-ventilated.’

I’m replacing my floors: should I get uncoated or coated flooring? 

If you’re renovating and replacing an old floor, you may be wondering if it’s worth installing an uncoated wood floor and then periodically waxing it. Traditional wood flooring is very popular right now, so it’s easy to see the appeal of an all-natural wood floor.

Matthew Baratta recommends really thinking this one through before making a decision. He admits that waxed wooden floors ‘look great’, but bear in mind that you’ll need to wax them every 18 months, which can be ‘a pain’. By contrast, ‘a urethane-finished floor can last more than a decade and is a more common and far less maintenance-intensive option.’ Matthew himself used a water-based urethane on my hardwood floors and tells us he loves it.  

Be honest with yourself: are you prepared to wax your floors every 18 months? If not, just go with urethane-coated floors.

What are the disadvantages of waxing floors?  

Although waxing floors that can be waxed is generally very beneficial, there are few downsides. Depending on the type of wax you choose it can be difficult to apply. This is especially true of solid wax, but mistakes are possible with liquid wax products too. Sean cautions that if applied incorrectly, floor wax may change the hue of your flooring. 

Learning to wax floors may take a bit of time and patience, although once again it’s worth saying that modern waxing products are easier to apply than traditional solid wax.  

Floor wax also has a characteristic aroma some people may find unpleasant. 

Even with these drawbacks, waxing your hardwood floor is well worth the extra effort. It protects and prolongs the lifespan of your floor and gives it a well-conditioned look. Just make sure you know what type of floor your have and whether it’s been poly-coated before you attempt waxing.  

Joanna Gaines has made quite a name for herself in the interior design world – from founding Magnolia and starring on Fixer Upper to establishing a sought-after modern farmhouse style, she's become a fixture of the industry.

If you've always wanted to channel the designer's signature style in your own home, it's finally time. Magnolia Home's rug collection with Loloi, one of Joanna's best collaborations yet, is on sale for Amazon Prime Day. With deals up to 56% off, it's best to act fast – the characterful, timeless rugs are must-haves in any space.

Whether your home already leans a bit farmhouse, or you're going for a transitional aesthetic in the living room, a rug from Loloi is a fast track to design success. Here are the best picks on offer.

The best rug deals to snag for Amazon Prime Day

Loloi is known for its high-quality pieces and high-end design, and Joanna Gaines' magic touch only makes these picks more desirable. With color schemes suited to any home, these rugs life a living room, bedroom, or dining room in an instant. These are our favorite picks from the Amazon Prime Day bunch.

Amazon Prime Day ends on July 17, so the time has come to bring a bit of Joanna Gaines' iconic style into your home. Opt for bold, vibrant color, or stick with the neutrals – either way, the modern farmhouse look will come easy with the right base in place.

Home renovations can be messy and time-consuming at the best of times, and it only gets worse when laying new flooring is involved, especially if the old flooring is tile.

This begs the question, can you put vinyl flooring over tile? According to the experts, it could be the best way to complete your renovation ideas without breaking your budget or making a huge, disruptive mess.

Here, professional contractors explain why this reno hack could be the perfect time-saver that doesn't compromise on quality.

Can you put vinyl flooring over tile

If you have come to the conclusion that vinyl flooring is right for your home, leaving the original tile down and laying right over it is usually the best option, begins Jodi Peterman, CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs.

‘Installing vinyl over existing tile can save a significant amount of time compared to removing the tile first,’ she explains. ‘Avoiding tile removal reduces dust, debris, and disruption in the home and it can be more cost-effective, as it eliminates the labor and disposal costs associated with tile removal.

‘Perhaps more importantly, keeping the existing tile intact maintains the subfloor’s integrity, especially if the tile is securely adhered to and in good condition,’ she notes.

That being said, before you go rethinking all of your flooring ideas, there are several important caveats to consider before laying vinyl right over tile. Preparation is vital if you want the new flooring to last, adds Richard Ala, director at Six Brothers Contractors.

First and foremost, the existing floor tiles should be smooth and undamaged, free from cracks, with the grout lines smoothed over and any loose tiles replaced or repaired. ‘Faults show through vinyl floors over time, so you need to make the existing floor level smooth first,’ Richard warns.

‘The first step is to clean the tile surface, checking for any damages or gaps that could show through. Fill any gaps you find with a leveling compound so the floor becomes smooth.

‘Once prepped, the next step is to apply a primer before laying the vinyl. How you lay the vinyl will ultimately depend on the type you’ve opted for floor, planks, tiles, or sheets. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter to get the best results. But, if laid well, you’ll have an extremely durable floor that’ll last for years,’ he assures.

If you are concerned about the tile’s condition, or the condition of the underflooring beneath, Peter Brady, Mersey Flooring director, recommends ‘speaking to a professional about underlayment, this helps protect the vinyl from moisture and will help add a little soundproof effect,’ while also adding a cushion to cover any minor imperfections in the tile.

FAQs

Do vinyl tiles need underlay?

So long as the surface you are laying vinyl tile onto is smooth and secure, you will not need underlay. That being said, if you would like an additional layer of insulation, soundproofing, or comfort, underlay can be the perfect cushion.

Should vinyl tiles be glued down?

Most of the time, vinyl tiles will not need to be glued down – this is thanks to the click-together planks. That being said, if the room is subjected to inconsistent temperatures or the floor you are laying them over is uneven, gluing them down using the appropriate adhesive can help the floor to last longer.

‘Installing vinyl over tile is one of the most cost-effective ways to update the look of your floor,’ assures Richard Ala, contractor. ‘What’s more, it’s a clean DIY project to transform your home in a weekend that most DIYers can handle themselves. Most times, you wouldn’t need to even bring out your dust sheets.’

Carpets and rugs are two of the most popular types of floor coverings. But with so many brilliant benefits for both wall-to-wall carpeting and movable rugs, how to decide between the two for your own home?

Area rugs are a staple interior design tool for their ability to inject a shot of color and comfort underfoot. They can also be swapped out easily if tastes change. Not only that, rugs come in an abundance of shapes and sizes, in busy prints and delicate patterns all elevated by their washability.

But that’s not to say there isn’t a place for fitted carpets. In fact, wall-to-wall carpet is making something of a comeback as Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons says: 'While wooden floors have been center stage in many homes in the recent past, we have seen a dramatic rise in sales in the last few years, and in particular patterned carpets. Fitted carpets are back, and back with gusto.'

The key message is, whether it’s carpet or rugs that take your fancy, flooring ideas should never be an afterthought.

'We believe that no surface should be forgotten when creating a scheme and your floor is one of the largest areas in a room,' adds Katrina Dalley, interior design and trade sales executive at House of Hackney. 'Whether carpeting a room wall to wall or using a large statement rug, both can create impact and finish off a space.'

Let’s help you unravel the carpet vs rug debate with our designer words of wisdom.

Carpet vs rugs: the golden style rules to help you decide

Whether you want to cozy up a bedroom or zone a large, open-plan space, it’s important to explore the merits of carpet versus rugs.

'A well-chosen rug can function as a captivating focal point within a room, much like a beautiful piece of artwork,' declares Claire Garner, director, Claire Garner Interiors, 'While carpets can provide a soft and inviting surface underfoot.'

Both have their place in our homes as designer Mary Jo Major of Texas-based Rise Interiors says: 'I regularly add rugs or carpets to most places in a home with the exception of kitchen eating areas. It adds soundproofing, spatial definition and comfort underfoot. The con is that you have to vacuum pretty regularly in heavy traffic areas and get them professionally cleaned once a year. Not bad for something that brings you comfort and joy every day!'

The case for choosing carpet

Carpet will always cozy up a space

There’s nothing like stepping out of your bed and on to the plushy softness of a thick carpet – especially on a cold winter’s morning. That’s why so many of us – and so many interior designers – love using carpet in the bedroom. It’s the ultimate way to create a relaxed, cozy cocoon for sleeping, reading or simply chilling out after a long day.

'Carpets contribute significantly to the coziness and warmth of a space, providing a soft and inviting surface underfoot,' declares Claire Garner. 'They act as natural insulators, retaining heat during colder months and creating a comfortable environment for relaxation and socializing.'

'Wall-to-wall wool carpet is heavenly in a bedroom because it feels marvellous underfoot,' says Kentucky-based interior designer Bethany Adams. 'It's wonderfully sound-dampening and is naturally flame retardant which is why I usually insist on it in children’s room and on stairs.'

You can make bolder statements with carpet

While neutral-colored carpets offer a blank canvas for a decorating scheme, bold patterns underfoot are a really cool way to inject masses of personality.

So why not embrace a tartan, floral, or botanic print carpet and let your floors become the focal point of your space? It’s a 2024 alternative to using print on the walls. Or else go for both in a maximalist mash-up. Remember, busy print carpets are also an amazing way to hide a multitude of sins in a busy family home.

'Bolder statement patterns always tend to lend themselves well to hallways, stairs, and landing spaces as these tend to be high-traffic areas,' explains Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons. 'As these areas aren’t ‘lived in’, they also lend themselves to creating more of a design statement, as there is a limited amount of space for furniture.'

Why not tear up the rule book and go for what you love,' declares Katrina Dalley. 'Bringing in something bold and fun is a great option and if you truly love it, will always be a great feature in your scheme.'

Carpet is great for soundproofing

Wall-to-wall carpet is a great way to dampen sound transmission and effectively reduce noise levels within the home.

This is a bonus in upstairs bedrooms or in high-traffic areas. Also in busy households with small children running around. 'It minimizes disruptions and enhances overall acoustic comfort,' explains interior designer Garner.

Californian-based designer Mary Beth Christopher adds: 'We mostly turn to rugs for floor coverings, but there is definitely a time and a place for carpet. We like to use it in kids’ bedrooms and bedrooms that are in mountain homes because it makes a space feel warm and soft underfoot.'

'Our recommendation is to choose carpet that is 100% wool, or mostly wool, because it can be treated and easily cleaned. Wool carpet will last longer, making it a good investment in the long run.'

You can get a really luxe finish

Loop and twist carpets are a popular choice, especially in hardwearing areas such as hallways, stairs, and living rooms. However, there is something oh-so opulent about a sumptuous velvet carpet. These smooth finish carpets have a short, dense, uniform cut pile that offers top notch comfort underfoot.

As such, velvet carpets are best suited to guest bedrooms and formal lounges, any rooms with a low footfall.

'The feel of a room is important and a very personal choice,' explains Hatton at Brintons. 'Some will want a calming, relaxing bedroom to retreat to while others may want more of a boudoir feel. For the ultimate luxury and plush feel, take a look at a velvet option.'

Their are eco-friendly options too

For an ethically sourced option, why not harness the benefits of natural plant fiber carpets? In a range of different fibers and weaves, they are also comforting underfoot.

'Hardwearing and kind on the planet, there is a natural fiber flooring to suit all interior design styles, from rustic country to modern and minimalist,' enthuses Kirsty Barton of Alternative Flooring.

With glossy, yellow tones, jute is one of the most eco-friendly fibers, being fast and easy to grow. It’s one of the softer plant based carpets so better suited to low-traffic areas in the home. Sisal is a great all-rounder: incredibly strong, with dark flecks to hide a multitude of sins and can be easily dyed to different shades

Look to seagrass for a super natural choice. It cannot be bleached or dyed and is often hand spun and hand woven for a naturally crafted look. Avoid using on the stairs as seagrass contains natural oils that can be slippery underfoot.

For busy areas of the home, consider hardwearing coir. It has a fibrous and slightly coarser texture, perfect for hardworking entryways and boot rooms.

The case for choosing rugs

Rugs are less of a commitment to pattern and color

One of the major design benefits of using rugs in a design scheme is that they can inject a huge shot of color and pattern. Of course, carpeting can do the same, but a colorful area rug won’t dominate the room in quite the same way.

From bold animal prints to blowsy florals and graphic stripes, there’s a print and a pattern to suit every color palette. Not to mention different shapes and sizes.

'The nice thing about area rugs versus carpet is they can bring in pattern and color more than solid wall-to-wall carpet,' explains Texas-based interior designer Kim Armstrong. 'I love a wool hand knot, whenever the budget allows, for creating textural depth and richness. Wool is also extremely durable and will last forever.'

If budget is tight, a printed cotton and poly blend washable rug might do the trick. 'There are so many styles available, from modern, pop art to traditional,' adds Kim 'And I love how the print can replicate the textural aesthetic of a hand knotted rug.'

Don’t forget to consider the scale of the room and the repeat size of the print when choosing a patterned rug.

You can layer rugs

If you’re lucky enough to have rooms with original wood parquet flooring or limestone flags, the last thing you’ll want to do is cover them up.

That’s where the beauty of rugs comes in. You can keep hold of your original hard floors and then layer with rugs for added comfort and softness underfoot.

And why not steal a tip from the design experts by layering rugs over carpets too.

'When layering rugs, opting for a thinner pile or natural materials like sisal on top of carpeting can introduce beautiful textural contrasts and visual interest,' says designer Claire Garner. 'This layering technique adds depth and dimension to the space while infusing it with warmth and character.'

Rugs are super flexible

While wall-to-wall carpets are fixed in place, the portability and versatility of rugs is a huge plus point.

Rugs are an amazing design tool to refresh a room quickly. But they can easily be swapped out if your interior tastes shift or if the function of a room changes.

'My go-to is a rug with a sticky-backed underlay to anchor the room and provide warmth when the floorboards are drafty,' explains London-based interior decorator Olivia Outred. 'I always go for an inexpensive rug option, something that, like a cushion, can be swapped out, creating a new look and breath of fresh air for a room.'

Of course, rugs can often be an investment piece too so it’s important to consider the color with your overall design scheme and keep possible future schemes in mind.

Rugs can be much easier to clean

Whether you choose carpet or rugs – or a combination of both – it’s important to select the right material for the right space. Also, rugs have the added advantage of being able to be cleaned more easily.

'Jute or sisal is the perfect runner or area rug for a mudroom because, unlike wool, it doesn’t contain any electrostatic, which means the dirt particles cannot attach to the fiber. Any dried mud can be vacuumed up,' explains designer Bethany Adams. 'A small cotton rug is great in a bathroom because you can easily toss it into the laundry and give it a freshen up as needed.'

'This smart striped rug is actually an indoor-outdoor rug made from woven polypropylene,' she adds. 'The project was a redecoration for an active, young family with a dog and the brief was to incorporate fun colors, bold patterns and above all kid and pet-friendly materials Everything had to be easy to clean because messes were a given.'

Rugs can help zone rooms

Rugs are a brilliant design tool for zoning different areas within open-plan spaces. They can create visual boundaries without the need for physical walls. The result is defined living, dining and relaxation zones but with a cohesive flow throughout. 

'When introduced to a space properly, rugs can create cohesion within a scheme,' says Kit Kemp, founder and creative director, Kit Kemp Design Studio, 'And they are fantastic for creating a statement, or zoning areas in a large open space. I love to use a rug under a dining table. Not only does it zone the dining area, it creates a sense of drama.'

'The use of a rug or carpet can completely change how a room looks and feels. A statement rug will zone a space drawing the eye and can become the focal point of a space, whereas a carpet will create a harmonious and expansive feeling," explains Kit Kemp.

You can make either work in any space, but the key is what's most practical for the room. And think about your design tastes too. If you like to switch things around regularly a rug might be a better choice, but if you are less fickle with your design choices invest in wall-to-wall carpet, you can always layer rugs on top. And think about who uses the space too. If you have pets or children it's far easier to clean a rug, some are even machine washable. 

Ruggable is one of my absolute favorite rug brands. They always have such a vast selection of incredibly durable, machine-washable rugs, which makes them perfect for homes with high traffic (which mine tends to be). 

As well as making some of the best rugs, Ruggable is also known for all their amazing collaborations, the most recent of which is with Morris & Co., the famed brand behind some of your favorite floral designs. This is the second collaboration between the two brands, and the spring capsule is fresh and fun, using the beauty of nature, flora, and fauna to bring the joy of the outdoors inside.

‘The new collection from Ruggable x Morris & Co. continues to bring whimsical heritage designs inspired by nature, but now in a soft and springtime color palette,’ says Cassie Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable. ‘It’s meant to celebrate the beauty of nature with vibrant flora and fauna and fresh seasonal fruits, and capture the beauty of an enchanted English countryside garden.’ All the colorways are fresh, with pastel-inspired hues, juxtaposed with vintage finishes for a classic look that’ll stay on-trend for ages.

‘A sense of whimsy pervades this collection, while always anchored to our heritage as the original company founded by William Morris,’ adds Emma Shoesmith of Morris & Co. ‘The wonder of the English garden party skips across each rug in a spring color palette to accentuate each design, capturing the spirit of Morris & Co while freshly accenting the prints.’

The highly anticipated capsule features 15 timeless designs, all of which are made with Ruggable's patented water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable materials. Plus, Ruggable makes some of the best rugs on the market, so as well as looking gorgeous, these rugs are inherently practical. Here are my favorites from the collection, which will hopefully help inspire some of your own spring decor ideas.

The new Morris & Co. x Ruggable collaboration plays with print and color in nuanced ways, allowing for Morris & Co.’s vintage designs to shine through in fresh new palettes. Each piece has been designed with the goal of infusing a fresh spring vibe into the look, and the pastel hues are all perfect for updating your spring decor.

Installing new laminate floor is as exciting as it is stressful. After picking out the best design and spending money to bring it home, the last thing you need is to get the cutting wrong. 

Luckily, there are techniques to use to make sure you are cutting your laminate in the best way for your home. Of all the kitchen flooring ideas out there, laminate is one of the safest and most durable.

So, get your tools ready and grab your best cordless vacuum for the job (this might get messy).

The best way to cut laminate flooring

Cutting laminate flooring involves getting the right tools and making accurate measurements. Then, it's time to decide the best way to cut. Read on to find out how. 

1. Tools

You'll need the right tools before cutting laminate. Your best bet is a laminate cutter, like this manual Freeman Cutter at Home Depot.

You could also opt for a multi-floor cutter; they're more expensive, but you could get a great deal of use out of one over the years. The Roberts 13-inch Multi-Floor Cutter at Home Depot can cut vinyl flooring, vinyl composition tiles (VCT), luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), laminate, engineered wood, MDF baseboard and rubber and foam tiles.

But if you'd prefer to save money on your project, certain other cutting tools would also work. Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Flooring, elaborates: 'A handsaw will work fine, but to make it easier, you could use a table saw or jigsaw. Make sure you have a straightedge and measuring tool to set you up for best practices.'

Regardless of whether you have a floor cutter, power saws, in general, can be helpful for more difficult cuts. Ryan Knoll, owner of Carpet Monkey, explains: 'A jigsaw is your best friend for those tricky curves and corners, while a circular saw or miter saw will keep your cuts straight.'

Whatever cutting tool you choose, ensure the blades are laminate-friendly for smooth, straight edges.

2. Measurements

According to Ryan Knoll, the golden rule in the world of flooring is 'measure twice, cut once.' This will help make sure your measurements are spot-on every time, and will avoid wasting any laminate flooring when it's time to cut. It'll also makes a huge difference in the appearance of your new floor if everything fits together perfectly.

Rotem Eylor agrees: 'Always measure multiple times, and mark your measurements with a pencil so you can see where to cut.' A clamp will keep the laminate in place for when it's time to cut.

3. Cutting

'Laminate is installed in strips, planks or tiles, so when you're cutting it keep in mind the format,' says Rotem. 

Still, there's a lot of potential variation in the shapes and sizes you decide to cut. Full planks often look best in long, open stretches, but they can also look great in smaller areas for a more spacious feel. Mixing plank sizes can also create its own look entirely.

'When you're hopping from one room to another, consider trimming down to thinner strips or special transition pieces to keep the flow seamless and account for different flooring types,' Ryan suggests. It's also key to stagger the seams at least one foot apart to avoid creating a repetitive pattern while keeping your floor sturdy.

When it's time to cut, save yourself from any chipping by flipping the plank upside down. The side of the laminate that touches the blade is more likely to be scratched, marked, or chipped away.

Don't worry if you make any dreaded mistakes, there are ways to learn how to fix laminate floor gaps. And once it's all installed and looking spot on, make sure to avoid these common laminate floor cleaning mistakes.

While modern linoleum flooring has a lot in common with contemporary vinyl floors, linoleum from decades past has a distinctly 'vintage' feel. 

Because of their varied styles and resilient designs, many households have tried to preserve these floors for as long as possible. But sometimes, even the toughest of floors still needs to go, and the removal task is something you can do yourself.

Perhaps you have floor tile ideas for your replacement, or maybe you've decided vinyl flooring is the easiest way to refresh your home. Either way, here's what you need to know about removing these outdated floors. 

How to remove linoleum flooring

As practical as it might be, sometimes the linoleum flooring has to go. Follow our step-by-step guide to tackle it properly and safely:

1. Test for asbestos

Although linoleum flooring is making a comeback, a lot of linoleum floors will have originated from around the 1950s. They're installed using great amounts of adhesive and linoleum glues, and this can create the potential for asbestos.

Use an asbestos testing kit (available at Amazon) before starting work. Although it is possible to work with asbestos, it's always best to consult a professional before continuing.

2. Prep

'Start by clearing away all the furniture and gather your tools,' advises Korey Gregory, construction supervisor at ASAP Renovation.  

You will need: 

• A pry bar 
• A floor scraper
• A utility knife
• A putty knife
• A hair dryer or some direct heat source will help, too.

If you want to make things easier for yourself, or if you're more of a perfectionist, an orbital sander (like the DeWalt Orbital Sander at Amazon) will help with the finer finishes.

It's also essential 'to wear the proper safety gear for removing linoleum flooring, especially if the floor is older than 1985,' Korey explains. This includes a respirator or face mask, as well as work boots, gloves, knee pads and long pants.

3. Pick start point

If there are parts of your floor that are already coming loose, you're in luck. This will make separating the flooring much easier.

'Typically, with linoleum, it is easiest to start in a corner or where the linoleum has already started to separate from the subflooring. This is because getting the first strip to free from the adhesive is one of the hardest steps,' Korey explains. 

4. Score the floor

Removing an entire linoleum floor can seem like a daunting task, so you can break it down into manageable sections using a utility knife. 

'What you’ll do with the utility knife is “score” the floor, which just means making cuts in the floor that go deep enough to reach the subfloor. Make multiple cuts, working in small sections (10” to 20”),' advises Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Floor.

5. Pull up the linoleum

'Once you've made a cut, use a flat-headed pry bar or putty knife to lift the linoleum away from the subfloor,' Korey explains. Depending on the strength of the adhesive, this might be more challenging than it seems.

'You may need to work slowly and carefully, especially if the linoleum is firmly glued down or if it is old. This will make it brittle, and instead of coming off as a clean sheet, it will splinter and fragment into shards that are much harder to remove.'

To streamline the process, it will help massively if you tackle the task with an extra pair of hands. As debris and old flooring start to accumulate, it’s easiest to have someone remove it as you go.

6. Apply heat & scrape

After pulling up what you can, there may still be stubborn layers left over. Heat will help to loosen the adhesive. 'You'll want to take a heat gun (or hair dryer) on high heat and go over the sections to warm the linoleum on the floor,' says Rotem Eylor. 

Then, a floor scraper will help remove the remaining linoleum layers and any residue. Once the floor is mostly clear, an orbital sander will help finish off the remaining spots.

7. Clean the subfloor

Once all of the linoleum, adhesive and residue is gone, thoroughly clean the subfloor. Unless you're cleaning a concrete floor, avoid using anything wet, as this can damage your floorboards and seep into the materials beneath.

Now that your flooring's gone, you might be thinking what to replace it with. Is laminate flooring right for your home? We spoke to experts for everything you need to know. And while replacing your flooring, you'll need one of the best vacuums, too.

Ruggable is known firstly for its incredibly durable, machine washable rugs, but secondly, it's known for all the amazing collaborations. The most recent of which is with famed designer Justina Blakeney of Jungalow.

If you know of Justina's interior design style, then you won't be surprised that this collection is a pattern lover, color lover, maximalist lover's dream. The whole collection is beautiful and vibrant, with prints featuring botanicals, animals, and modern geometrics.

‘When I was designing, my goal was to create a selection of rugs where people could really have fun,’ says Justina Blakeney of her new collaboration. ‘It’s vibrant and colorful, but you also want it to be functional.’ So, if you spill something on your favorite rug while hosting, no stress, just pop it into the washing machine and it’ll be as good as new.

‘We’re honored to work with Justina Blakeney, who has been a pillar in the interior design space for well over a decade,’ adds Cassie Leisz, Senior Creative Director at Ruggable. ‘Featuring magical and mystical blends of botanicals, animals, and modern artwork, these pieces are meant to inspire us to live freely and boldly.’

The collection features an assortment of 15 indoor rugs, two doormats, and two outdoor rugs, allowing for indoor-outdoor living and making sure you’re covered in warmer weather when you want to use some of these rugs by your pool or patio. ‘Whether you opt for warm, earthy neutrals or mesmerizing pops of color, these pieces are sure to bring a sense of fun to the home,’ adds Cassie.

While maximalists have absolutely found their match with this collection, those who like a more subtle look will be happy to know there are neutral rugs with simple designs on them as well, as Justina made sure to cater to lovers of bold prints as well as understated designs. Plus, Ruggable makes some of the best rugs on the market, so as well as looking gorgeous, they are a practical choice too. These are just a few of our favorites from the new collection...

The new Justina Blakeney x Ruggable collaboration plays with print and color in nuanced ways, allowing for Justina’s love of pattern to shine through. Each piece has been designed with the goal of infusing personality into the look, and the bright hues are all perfect for summer.

Do you want to know how to paint classic checkerboard floors? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we guide you through the process of giving wood flooring an on-trend checkerboard finish. 

It's a straightforward DIY project that will add a stylish and distinctive finish to any room. You can go with the classic black-and-white color combo or stray from the standard. Why not try a dark blue and a light gray on your bathroom flooring or a light gray and dark gray in your hallway?

And it's not just the colors you can play with. If you want something slightly different to the timeless straight checkerboard finish, try a diamond pattern to add a twist that will ooze and style and class. 

The tools you’ll need

Make sure you have the following tools ready to go before you start: 

•  Masking tape
•  Electric sander 
•  Pencil 
•  Paintbrush 
•  Roller and tray 
•  Paint 
•  Wood filler 
•  Filling knife 
•  Floor tile (to use to mark outline of checkerboard pattern) 

Step-by-step guide

With the right tools sorted you're ready to go. Here we guide you through all the steps you need to know to transform your wooden floor with a cool, contemporary look. 

1. Prepare the floor 

Start by emptying the room. A floor will need to be clear for at least a day or two, so store any furniture out of the way. Check there are no nails, staples or screws sticking up. If there are remove or hammer down so flush with the floor. If there are any loose boards, nail or screw down so they are secure. 

Check the floor for any gouges, screw or nail holes and fill with a decent wood filler like this Red Oak Hardwood Wood Filler from Amazon. Leave to dry and rub down the whole floor with an electric hand sander. If you have a large floor space to sand, consider hiring a floor sander to get the job done.  

2. Add a primer 

Before you add any paint make sure to vacuum and clean to ensure the floor is free from dust and grease. If you have sanded the floor and have bare wood the first coat should be a primer like this Zinsser High Hide Cover Stain Primer and Sealer from Amazon. This helps adhesion and will stop any stains spoiling the top coats.

Start painting from one corner and use a paintbrush to create a three-inch border around the edge of the room before using a 9-inch short pile roller on an extension pole to apply the primer to the entire floor. Remember to start in the corner furthest away from the door and work towards the door, so you don’t get stuck in the middle of the room with no way out until the paint dries.

3. Paint your base coat  

When the primer is dry (if using one) check the surface and give it a light rub down with a fine 240 grit sandpaper if needed. Now add the base coat - this will be the lightest of the two colors. 

Now follow the same process as the primer - start around the edges - and then work towards the door with a roller or paint pad. Leave to dry - again check the surface and see if it needs a sand - and add a second coat.  

4. Choose your pattern and mark out

There is a choice of two patterns: straight and diamond. If you have straight walls the straight pattern is a good choice. For less than straight walls, or you want something different try the diamond pattern. 

For ease of use, use a peel and stick tile to work out the pattern. To get an even pattern start in the middle of the room and measure in all directions to make sure there is an equal distance to the wall. Alternatively, start in one corner and work out across the floor. This will give you whole checkboards where you start, but might give half checkerboards at the opposite walls.

Once you have decided on your pattern and start point, lay down a peel and stick tile and draw around it with a pencil. Now use a long straight edge and mark out lines to the walls. Use the tile to help fill out the rest of the pattern.

Once the pattern is in place, get a good masking tape like this Scotch Painter's Tape from Walmart and place it on the outside of the lines where you are going to paint. Be warned, this may take a while and involve cutting to get neat lines.  

5. Add the top coat

Now it's time to add the darker color paint in the masked squares to get the classic checkerboard pattern. Start in the corner farthest from the door and use a 2-inch brush to add paint on the edges and then use a mini roller to complete each checkerboard.

Remove the tape paint before the paint dries completely. Do it in sections so you don’t have to keep going back over recently painted areas. 

If using a clear sealer, wait for the top coat to dry and apply across the whole of the floor in the same way that you added the base coat.

FAQs

What is the best type of paint for wooden floors? 

Ideally you want to be using a durable, hard-wearing paint that is suitable for floors like this Rust-Oleum Home Interior Floor Coating Kit from Amazon. This includes a colored paint which is applied first, and a clear paint that you can put on top to protect the previous coat.

But you can use other paints that work on wood such as this Glidden Porch & Floor paint from Walmart. This is hard wearing, washable, waterproof and slip resistant. 

Dennis Fiorilli, Director of Product Excellence at Sherwin-Williams recommends Sherwin Williams Porch & Floor Enamel, “This coating is designed for high traffic areas and provides excellent block and dirt resistance. It also has great washability, meets a low-slip rating required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is easily cleaned with soap and water.”

Alternatively, if you can’t find a color you want, you can use any wood paint covered with a clear sealer, but this may not last as long, so is better suited to low traffic areas.

What color combinations work well on checkerboard floors? 

The classic combination for checkerboard floors is black and white, with gray and white, and gray and black being alternative options. You don't have to stick to the classics, you can choose any colors you want, but the classics do work well with a host of color schemes. One tip I would suggest is to make sure that you use contrasting colors to display the full effect of the checkerboard design. 

How long do painted floors last? 

This isn’t a simple question to answer as it will depend on a host of factors as Fiorilli reveals, “How long a painted floor lasts will really depend on the amount of traffic the floor is exposed to.” It could be a year in high traffic areas like a hallway, while it could be five years in a bedroom. To prolong the life of a floor, Fiorilli recommends, “Doing proper prep  – clean, dull, dry – and choosing a quality floor coating will help extend the life of the coating.” 

How can you hide seams when painting plywood floors? 

Plywood sheeting is a popular choice for floors, but like any boards they often have a seam that can be seen when painted. But, hiding seams isn’t easy as Fiorilli explains, 'Hiding seams can be tough since the floors are likely to continue to expand and contract throughout the different seasons.  Any type of wood filler used is likely to crack and fall out over time.' He continues, 'I would suggest letting the plywood be as it is and use it as part of the design.'

But if exposed seams aren’t to your liking, you can use painters caulk/sealant to fill any gaps. This is flexible and paintable, but ideally should only be used on small gaps. And, dependent on floor movement and conditions it might need to be replaced every few years. 

The classic checkerboard pattern is an excellent small bathroom flooring idea and is an equally timeless choice for kitchen floors, too. 

As quickly as a new season comes around, so does a new collection from Joanna Gaines. And of course, with it racing toward the end of October, we've been blessed with a fall collection ready to heat up your home for winter.

The Magnolia Homes by Joanna Gaines collection is celebrating its seventh year with Loloi rugs designed by the former HGTV star. Best loved for her modern farmhouse style, Joanna has honed her signature style and brought them to life with five new rug collections and the addition of 10 vintage-inspired throw pillows.

'Looking back on my collaboration with Loloi, I really feel like we've stayed true to our aesthetic but played around with texture, pattern, and color over the years,' says Joanna in a recent video for Loloi. 'Together, I feel like we've really created this capsule of timeless, beautiful rugs.'

The good news is you can shop on magnolia.com, Amazon, Wayfair, and directly at loloirugs.com. And, be sure to keep scrolling for Joanna's guide to the 4 rooms in your home that must have a rug.

Shot in Waco, Texas at the Hillcrest Estate, Joanna and Loloi came together to create a series of spaces and schemes that reflect the warm, lived-in nature of her new fall collection. From the bedroom to the dining room, there's a rug to suit every room.

In a new video shared on Loloi's Instagram, Joanna was asked to share the top places in a home that 'absolutely must' have a rug. 'The foyer – people walk in, and it's like a welcome to a cozy home,' Joanna explained. 'Number two I would say your living room for sure. It brings everything together, it brings that space together but it's also nice and comfortable and practical and beautiful.'

'And number 3 the bedroom – you want your bedroom to feel cozy and warm. I also like to have a rug by my sink,' she suggests, referring to the kitchen. 'Because when I'm washing dishes I want to feel a soft rug [underfoot].'

‘For any design project, I draw my inspiration from nature. I love the simple and elegant way colors and light blend together,’ Joanna tells Homes & Gardens. ‘These hues that nature unveils often end up being the perfect palette for whatever it is I’m working on. For this collection specifically, the way light and shadows play together in early spring is what inspired the raised textures and tonal colors in the rugs.’

If you’re considering introducing some cozy fall vibes to your home, a new rug is my most recommended way to do so.

While I was looking through the entire collection myself, I was excited to find options that would suit any home, whether that’s a more modern look or a handcrafted, traditional design. You can also purchase the rugs in 13 different sizes to suit your own living space, and the attention to detail in each is unparalleled. Here are a few of our favorites from the Abigail collection, the Betty collection, the Junie collection, the Louie collection, and the Ruth collection.

Shop The New Magnolia Home x Loloi Fall Rugs

The new Magnolia Homes by Joanna Gaines rug collection at Loloi is a gorgeous celebration of fall, and each option is unique in its construction. If you want to keep up with interior design trends while still purchasing an option that you know will stand the test of time, these rugs are an affordable, stylish way to do just that.

Epoxy flooring is more likely to be familiar from commercial environments. But this super durable surface can be a good choice for some areas of a home – and it is becoming a more popular option in interiors.

The reason for increased interest from homeowners? Epoxy is more than a hardwearing type of flooring. It comes in a wide choice of colors, which means it can complement an interior beautifully, so it doesn’t disappoint in the style stakes.

But, along with its plus points, epoxy has some disadvantages compared to other floor types that are important to be aware of. We asked flooring and interiors experts to explain, and this is their advice.

What is epoxy flooring?

Epoxy flooring is typically encountered in commercial and industrial spaces, but it’s now seen in homes, too, considered alongside options such as laminate, luxury vinyl, or linoleum. 

‘Epoxy flooring has become more popular in residential applications over the last few years,’ says Sean O’Rourke, National Director of Merchandising at Floor Coverings International. ‘More consumers have become familiar with it through their workplace environments, new restaurants, and public facilities.’

Epoxy is not going to suit every home or every space, but it is versatile. ‘Epoxy floors have exceptional strength and many uses,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. ‘You can make epoxy floors look like sleek metals or stone flooring for high-traffic areas.’

Our guide has the details on its pros and cons, and the rooms and areas in which you might use it.

The pros of epoxy flooring

There are many upsides to epoxy flooring as a choice for certain rooms in the home:

Versatile finishes: It is highly customizable in color options and texture.

Easy cleaning: ‘The non-porous nature of epoxy makes it easy to clean and maintain,’ says Jay Sanders, owner of Maryland Contractors, a home remodeling company in Baltimore, MD. 'It resists up to 98 percent of common household spills and stains, saving you time on scrubbing.’ 

Low maintenance: Epoxy floor maintenance is easy with regular cleaning to prevent scratches. Yet the resilience of epoxy means little effort is needed to keep floors looking great.

Water resistance: Epoxy is a practical choice where moisture is present 

Durable: Epoxy flooring is known for its resilience and can withstand heavy use, making it long-lasting.

Chemical resistance: ‘Epoxy is resistant to chemicals, which is beneficial in garages or workshops,’ says Jay. ‘It can withstand exposure to oil, gasoline, and most workshop solvents without degrading.’

Installs over concrete: ‘Epoxy flooring is a coating for concrete flooring,’ explains Rotem Eylor, CEO and Founder of Republic Floor. ‘The coating is applied directly on the concrete to provide a protective layer.’

The cons of epoxy flooring

Epoxy flooring has a few disadvantages that it’s important to be aware of:

Costs: ‘Epoxy flooring is more expensive than traditional flooring options such as waterproof vinyl planking, laminate or hardwood,’ says Sean O’Rourke.

Slipperiness: Unless you use a textured surface option, it can be slippery when wet.

Installation issues: Installing epoxy floors takes careful work and a ve­ry clean base surface to avoid future peeling or cracking issues. It takes several days to cure fully, limiting space use for some time. Adequate ventilation is also essential during installation, so fumes are not trapped inside.

Yellowing: Exposed to UV, epoxy can yellow over time although this is particularly an issue when it’s used outside. The choice of color or finish can make a difference here, and there are UV resistant topcoats available.

Potential for scratches: High-gloss finishes can show scratches more easily. 

Spaces and rooms suitable for epoxy flooring

Because epoxy flooring is highly durable, it’s a sound choice for commercial spaces, but it may not be suitable for many rooms in your home. That being said, garages and basements can benefit from this robust type of flooring. 

‘Epoxy is commonly used in garages due to its durability and resistance to automotive fluids,’ says Jay Sanders. ‘It’s also a good choice for basements, especially if they are prone to moisture issues.'

‘Epoxy floors suit garages and basements,’ agrees Artem Kropovinsky. But he also suggests it could be used in a kitchen. Some homeowners choose epoxy for a bathroom. Make sure you opt for a textured option if you follow this route. 

Epoxy flooring installation

‘Covering your garage floor with an epoxy treatment could be a DIY project for most homeowners,’ says Sean O’Rourke. ‘A professional result may not be needed in your garage, but indoor residential spaces should be left to the professionals. I recommend professional indoor installation to ensure the right options are selected to fit the homeowner’s needs so that the epoxy floor can deliver the optimum performance.’

The floor is a major element in any room scheme, so the choice needs careful consideration. Alongside epoxy, there’s a huge range of kitchen flooring ideas to consider and the same goes for bathroom flooring. Epoxy is also one of the best basement floors and can be a top choice when you want to get rid of mold in a basement, too.

Over lockdown, while most of my friends were creating banana bread and trying to create home gyms in their living room, I was swayed by the opulent and lavish interiors seen on everyone’s favorite binge-worthy Netflix drama, Bridgerton.

Honestly, I wasn’t the only one: The Regencycore interior design trend took the world by storm in 2021, and now it’s back again with the Bridgerton x Ruggable collection that just launched ahead of the new season releasing in May. The collection takes note of typical regency-era embellishments such as soft palettes and ornate toile, but makes them more contemporary so that they still fit in modern homes.

The Bridgerton x Ruggable collection consists of five pieces in total, with designs inspired by the series’ highly beloved characters, alongside another six Regency-inspired designs to complement the core collaboration with luxurious looks with a hint of contemporary in the mix. The brand uses opulent patterns, Rococo-inspired embellishments, and bold colors to make a statement, but also makes sure to incorporate modern floral motifs and simple borders in order to keep up with current trends.

'As longtime fans of the Bridgerton series, we’re excited to create a collection that embodies the dreamy, opulent aesthetic of the Regency era, and bring it to the modern home,' says Emily Simmons, Senior Director of Design Strategy at Ruggable. 'With our Ruggable x Bridgerton collection, we are embracing the romance and feminine glamour of the era, with a modern twist.' 

Bridgerton x Ruggable collection

Upon perusing the collaboration for myself, I was blown away by the way in which the collection effortlessly intertwines the old and the new, and I especially love how easy these rugs are to clean. Ruggable is known for its machine-washable designs, and even though the rugs look high-maintenance, they absolutely aren’t in the least. I’ve gathered a few of the best rugs from the collection that I’m sure will add a spark of grandeur to even the most minimalist decor ideas.

Ruggable FAQ

What makes Ruggable’s machine-washable rugs so durable?

I’ve seen my fair share of machine-washable rugs over the years, and Ruggable really ups the ante when it comes to the technology used to create theirs. Unlike most rugs, the Ruggable is a two-part system where the base (also known as the “pad”) essentially functions as one giant sheet of non-slip velcro. The top part of the rug is a removable, waterproof, stain-resistant, and machine-washable cover that's ideal for messy and unpredictable households, and you can simply pop that in for a quick clean whenever it gets dirty.

Are Ruggable rugs easy to clean?

Ruggable rugs are extremely easy to clean, thanks to the fact that they can just be popped in the washing machine. Simply remove the cover from the pad, and run it in the washer (usually on delicates at low temperatures), and then leave to air dry. It's important that you don't place it in the dryer, though: It might shrink.

A ripped carpet can be unsightly and pose a safety hazard, but replacing the whole thing may be costly and unnecessary. Luckily, you can repair a carpet tear yourself in just a few simple steps.

Dealing with a ripped carpet might seem an impossible task, but fear not; fixing this problem can be surprisingly simple. Whether the damage is due to wear and tear or an accidental snag, there are several methods you can employ to restore your carpets' appearance and functionality.

Our experts explained some effective techniques for fixing a ripped carpet, helping you to seamlessly mend the tear and prolong the lifespan of your flooring.

How to fix ripped carpet

Before diving into the repair process, assess the extent of the damage. This will help you decide which repair method is most suitable.

'Identify where the rip or tear is located and how big it is. For minor tears, simple DIY solutions may suffice,' says home expert and Co-Founder of SD House Guys, Alex Capozzolo. 'However, larger or more complex damage may require professional assistance or for you to replace that section of carpet entirely.' 

For manageable rips, follow the steps below to repair your carpet:

What you will need

• A utility or carpet knife
• A straight edge or ruler
• A measuring tape
• For smaller rips: Carpet adhesive (tape or glue) 
• For larger rips: Carpet seam tape
• A carpet seam roller (optional)
• Heavy objects (such as books or weights)

1. Clean and trim the rip

Begin by deep cleaning your carpet and trimming any loose fibers or frayed edges around the torn area. 

'Create straight edges along the sides of the rip using a ruler or straight edge and a carpet knife,' advises Gabriella Dyson, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens.  'Ensuring the edges are clean and even will make it easier for the patch or replacement piece to blend in seamlessly.'

These KATA 2-pack carpet knives from Walmart are a best seller.

2. Apply adhesive to the ripped area

'Depending on the size of the rip, you can either use adhesive or carpet seam tape to fix it,' says Alex Capozzolo.

Use adhesive or carpet tape for small rips

'For smaller rips, you can apply a thin layer of adhesive along the edges of the rip and press them together firmly,' says Alex Capozzolo. 'Alternatively, you can apply the adhesive or carpet tape to the subfloor or backing material beneath the torn area.

'If you are using adhesive, follow the instructions on the product to prepare it for use. Some adhesives may require mixing with water or heating up before application.'

Use a sufficient amount of adhesive to ensure a secure bond. If you are using carpet tape, cut out a strip long enough to secure the ripped parts of the carpet. You can use the measuring tape to do this.

Use seam tape for larger rips

For larger rips, place a strip of carpet seam tape underneath the ripped edges and press them down onto the tape to secure it in place.

We recommend using this TradeUnderlay gel double-sided carpet joining tape from Amazon since it requires no heat for adhesion. However, if you have chosen heat-activated carpet tape, you will need to use a seam iron, like this one, from Amazon to bind the tape to the carpet. 

If you use the heat-activated tape, Kerry Sherin, home expert and consumer advocate at Ownerly instructs: 

1. Plug the seam iron into the heat source. 

2. Then, cut a piece of heat-activated tape to the length of the rip. 

3. Align the edges carefully and secure the edges tightly by placing the tape under the seam. 

4. Then, use a carpet seam roller to apply pressure along the repaired seam, ensuring a secure bond.

'Start the first length of tape at the seam's bottom edge to heat it. Press the seam edges down as you move the iron to the next piece. Press the edges of the seam into the heated tape by moving the iron up 8 inches after 30 seconds.' 

Keep heating the seam length while resting the iron on a safe base to avoid burning.

3. Apply pressure

'To ensure that the adhesive or tape bonds well with the carpet, place heavy objects on top of the repaired area,' recommends Alex Capozzolo. 'This will prevent any movement or lifting while it dries.' 

You can use anything from weights or books to a coffee table.

4. Allow it to dry

Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before walking on or vacuuming the repaired area. This will usually take an average of 24 - 48 hours, in which time you can leave the weight on the rip to continue to secure the bond of the adhesion.

5. Fluff and blend the carpet

Once the repair is dry, use a carpet brush or your fingers to fluff up the fibers around the repaired area. This will help blend the repair into the surrounding carpet and, with any luck, hide any evidence that there was ever a rip.

You can gently use this carpet restoration rake from Amazon and this soft SUGARDAY brush from Walmart. Also, if necessary, trim any excess fibers for a seamless finish. 

Remember, while this is a task you can DIY, if the damage is extensive or if you're unsure about tackling the repair yourself, consider consulting a professional carpet repair service for assistance to avoid causing further damage to your carpet.

Changing your floors may not be the first thing you consider when bringing a pet home, but doing so could make your house easier to manage and improve your pet’s quality of life. 

From giving your best vacuum for pet hair an easier life to improving the overall look and feel of your home, thinking about your home furnishings before introducing pets can make your everyday life easier without sacrificing the aesthetics of your space. 

These are the best types of flooring for pets – and why they make life with furry friends far less frustrating. 

The best types of flooring for pets

Trying to keep a clean home when you have pets can feel like an uphill battle. However, it can be simple to manage with the right flooring and furnishings, with no more cleaning needed than a home without animals. 

These flooring types are the best places to start, experts suggest. 

1. Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood is, overall, one of the most durable types of flooring you have in your home, making it ideal for houses with pets (and children, too). 

It might not be the most luxurious option when it comes to wood flooring, but this sturdy option doesn't scratch easily, it is easy to vacuum, and it does not absorb accidents, making it easy to maintain when you have young or older animals, says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. 

Not to mention that well-made LVP or engineered hardwood can look as good as the real thing; ‘Hence, it is a rational choice, as it takes care of both aesthetic and practical aspects,’ Artem says. 

When using harder floorings, be aware that pets may slip or skid when running around. It might be a good idea to place down washable rugs or runners in areas they frequent to make their lives a little easier and avoid injury. 

2. Tiles

Porcelain tiles for kitchen flooring, entryways, and mud rooms, or bathroom flooring is a great heavy-duty option that is easy to clean, scratch and stain-resistant, and cooling in summer when thick-furred pets need a place to cool down, begins Mark James, pet expert at Pet Keener. He warns that it is important to be mindful of grout lines for animals with stubby claws, as it may crack or scratch them.

One way to prevent this and prevent grout from absorbing bad odors is to seal your grout and regularly reseal it to keep it looking its best and banish pet odors.  

The floor types to avoid if you have pets

It should go without saying that, generally speaking, carpets should be avoided if you have pets – and for several reasons, cautions Ali Smith, CEO and founder of Rebarkable:

‘Not only are carpets easily dug up and pilled by bored claws, but they also absorb animal dirt and accidents and can be tricky to clean.’

If you must have carpets in your home, be it personal preference or a requirement for comfort, opting for a low-pile carpet that you vacuum regularly can be a good compromise. The shorter the pile, the less likely it is that claws will cause pilling or that fur will become stuck firmly in amongst the fibers.

The same goes for natural hardwood, too, Ali continues. While these smooth surfaces are excellent for vacuuming pet hair, they scratch easily and can absorb liquids, leading to permanent staining unless you can promptly clean them up. What’s more, such a hard, slippery surface can be problematic for older animals with joint issues, Ali adds.

FAQs

Is LVP or laminate better for pets?  

LVP, LVT, and vinyl floors are all great choices for pets, especially if your animal is clumsy, accident-prone, or tends towards destruction when bored or over-excited. These flooring types can come with varying levels of durability and realism, so be sure to weigh up the different variants available to you and your demands of this flooring (are you more focused on aesthetics or practicality, etc.) before purchasing.  

How do I stop pets claws scratching flooring? 

One of the best ways to stop a pet's claws from scratching flooring is to pick a flooring type that is scratch-resistant. When a remodel is not an option, however, trimming and filing your pet's claws is your next best bet. Make sure you don't cut the nails down too far to cause your animals pain (going to a professional groomer can help with this), and never declaw animals. Not only is it inhumane and causes your animals significant pain even long after the procedure, but will likely lead to behavioral issues that are far more concerning than a few cosmetic scratches.  

Just because you opt for hard flooring around your home to accommodate pets and cleaning doesn't mean you can have comfort underfoot. Using rugs is a great way to soften up your space when you have pets, giving your feet a comfortable place to land and your pets a softer place to lay down. Picking washable, low-pile rugs with a comfortable rug pad is the best option to keep household cleaning simple.  

Gaps in laminate floors are unsightly and are the ideal place for debris and moisture to accumulate, which can ruin your flooring over time. Thankfully, you can fix such spaces in just a few minutes, with a few basic tools, and without completely rebuilding your flooring. 

It's reasonably common for laminate floors to develop gaps over time due to various factors, from fluctuations in humidity and temperature to improper installation. However, there are solutions you can use to address this issue and restore the beauty of your flooring.

The best way to fix gaps in your laminate floor is by using a simple DIY solution. It involves using a laminate floor repair kit, which can be easily purchased online or at any home improvement store. Here's how to tackle the issue effectively, according to our experts.

How to fix laminate floor gaps

Whether gaps are spread across your floor or localized to a specific area, this technique can be used to move the boards back into place.

1. Identify the cause

Laminate floor gaps can occur for several reasons, and before attempting to fix them, it's important to determine the cause to find the best solution.

'The reason behind the gaps can include poor installation, changes in temperature and humidity, warped or damaged boards, or movement of the floorboards,' explains Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services. 

If the issue is caused by the movement of the floorboards, skip to step 2. If another of the other reasons apply, consider the tips below before moving on.

If you are unsure of the issue, consult a flooring contractor. They can accurately assess the situation and recommend the most effective solutions for repairing the gaps, whether it involves repositioning planks, using specialized fillers, or adjusting the subfloor.

Dealing with humidity

Laminate floors can expand and contract with changes in humidity. If your gaps are seasonal or due to humidity changes, consider using a humidifier, such as the LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier available at Amazon, or a dehumidifier to maintain consistent indoor humidity levels. The KLOUDIC Small Dehumidifier available at Walmart is an affordable, popular pick.

'Additionally, consider installing expansion strips if changes in humidity cause the gaps,' advises Arpit Jain, interior designer at McLine Studios. 'These strips allow the floor to expand and contract naturally without causing gaps and are typically installed in doorways or other transition areas.'

Dealing with poor installation

Check the installation of the laminate flooring. Gaps may occur if the planks were not properly installed or there was insufficient expansion space around the room's perimeter.

'In cases where gaps are extensive or due to poor installation, it may be necessary to reinstall the affected planks,' explains Arpit Jain. 'This ensures a tighter fit and eliminates gaps.

'Addressing laminate floor gaps promptly not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also prevents further damage.'

For any smaller gaps or cracks, caulk can be used, such as the bestselling DAP Alex Plus Caulk available at Walmart.

Damaged or warped planks

If damaged or warped planks cause the gaps, you may need to replace them. Carefully remove the damaged planks and install new ones in their place. Be sure to leave the necessary expansion space around the edges.

2. Get a gap fixer tool

For issues related to the movement of your laminate floorboards, you will need to purchase or create your own gap fixer tool. We recommend the Floor Gap Fixer Tool, available at Amazon, for this.

'Storebought gap fixer tools resemble a handle with suction cups,' explains Shlomo Cherniak. 'You use this tool to grip the laminate planks and slide them back into place.'

'You can make your own gap fixer tool by obtaining a solid piece of wood that is large enough to serve as leverage and applying double-sided tape to one side. When you have prepared the floor, you will stick the other side of the tape to the board you want to move.'

You will also need a mallet and wood glue, such as the Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue available at Amazon, or filler to complete this task.

3. Clean the surface

Start by cleaning the laminate floor's surface to remove any dirt or debris in the gap using a vacuum cleaner and a knife if needed. The Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner available at Walmart is great for this task, or you can also use a DIY floor cleaner

4. Position the wood tool

Then, place the wood tool with the double-sided tape or suction tool onto the laminate plank that needs to be moved, ensuring it is positioned to apply pressure to the plank.

5. Use fillers and sealants

Use fillers and sealants specifically designed for laminate floor gap repair. These products come in various colors to match your floor and are easy to apply. The ROBERTS Repair Putty available at Amazon is a popular pick.

'If the gaps are small, you can apply a small amount of wood glue into the open tongue and groove gaps,' recommends Shlomo Cherniak. 'Use a toothpick or a low-viscosity glue to ensure it reaches deep into the joint.' Apply a sufficient amount to ensure a secure bond.

After doing this, quickly move on to the next step.

6. Use the wood tool to slide the plank into place

Step on the adjacent flooring to prevent it from moving. Slide the tool along the gaps to push the laminate planks back into place. You may need to use a mallet, such as the Hyper Tough Rubber Mallet available at Walmart, to knock it into place gently. 

7. Clean excess glue

'After closing the gaps, immediately wipe off any excess glue on the surface using a damp rag,' recommends Shlomo Cherniak. 

Allow the glue to dry out completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before sanding down any excess glue using the sandpaper included in the kit. If yours didn't come with any, we recommend the Gator Premium Sandpaper, available at Walmart.

Ensure the sealant is completely dry before walking on the floor.

8. Remove the tool and check other boards

After the plank is back in place, remove the suction cup or use a flat bar with Double Sided Tape, available at Amazon, to remove the wooden tool, being careful not to scratch your floor.

Check other boards along the same row for any new gaps that may have opened.  Repeat the process of gluing and closing the gaps as necessary.

If you wish to seal gaps in areas where the laminate floor meets another type of flooring, such as tile or carpet, install transition strips to cover the gaps and provide a smooth transition between surfaces. Choose those that best suit your preferences and floor style. Walmart has a wide range of transition floor strips.

There is nothing quite like the burst of energy and enthusiasm for sprucing up your surroundings that comes with the announcement of guests. While there are some things that you can quickly edit to elevate your space (be it for guests or just for a lift), a fitted carpet is not something we can rip up and replace in a moment – no matter how good our DIY skills may be. 

A dated carpet, however, can have a detrimental effect on otherwise gorgeous design efforts. Marks and stains are likely to appear over time and worn areas where traffic is higher too, and while we are all for rustic, characterful interiors, a seen-better-days carpet is never the way to aesthetically 'age' your home.

So if you know that your carpet is not in top shape but ripping it up isn't on the cards right this second, there are plenty of simple ways to ensure the flooring is never the main feature of the room. When it comes to updating an old carpet, designers say it's in fact all about distraction. 

How to distract from a dated carpet

There are many carpet mistakes to avoid, but if the aesthetic of the fitted carpet simply was not your choice, and if you cannot change this in the foreseeable future, there are workarounds say designers: 'Fear not – there are creative ways to distract from it and breathe new life into your space,' says designer Jennifer Davis. From choosing the perfect rug to clever layout techniques, this is what to try.

1. Be strategic with rug placement

'One effective strategy is to layer thin rugs strategically over the carpet,' suggests Jennifer. Not only will a living room rug add gorgeous texture and color to the space, but in the right position, it will cover imperfections so that the fitted carpet will appear a little more renewed. 'Loloi makes a great line of affordable, thin rugs that look like vintage rugs that work perfectly for this. 

'Look for rugs that create a visually appealing contrast with the existing carpet,' continues Jennifer. 'This will not only cover up the dated carpet but it also adds texture and warmth to the room.' If you're really in a hurry, Loloi actually has many of its rug collections on Amazon. Be sure to choose the right size rug for a living room too as this will add to the overall feel of the space.

2. Distract from a dated carpet with a fashionably dated rug

A fitted carpet that is hard to clean or too worn will not enhance a room in the right way. Vintage rugs, however, can be an asset in themselves bringing endless charm and character. So distract from a dated carpet with a fashionably dated rug. 

'There is no need to distract from an old rug! Embracing a dated rug can infuse a sense of history and character into a home, making it a focal point rather than an eyesore,' says designer Kati Curtis. 'Vintage rugs possess a timeless appeal, telling stories through their unique patterns and weathered textures. Instead of viewing an older rug as a drawback, homeowners can celebrate these pieces as anchors for a room's decor, blending them with both modern and classic furnishings to create an eclectic and personal space.'

3. Use artistic statement pieces to distract

Investing in iconic wall decor, art, and interesting furniture can bring style and timelessness to a home. And if an old fitted carpet is dampening the mood in your living room, go above and beyond to find pieces that will bring beauty and be the center of attention. 

'Additionally, consider incorporating furniture and decor elements that draw attention away from the carpet. A statement piece of furniture, vibrant wall art, or eye-catching accessories can divert focus and elevate the overall ambiance,' Jennifer assures us.

Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight agrees, saying that good-looking furniture is sure to capture guests' attention instead. 'Bring out bold furniture such as an extraordinary sofa or coffee table to divert people’s eyes from old carpets.'

4. Create surrounding visual interest with color

Color in particular will bring a certain mood to a space. Choosing paint colors thoughtfully will go especially far in a room that features a tired-looking carpet, and is a fine opportunity to add warmth, energy, and design interest. 

Apply bright wall colors or textured wallpaper for visual interest at the eye level,' says Artem. Using the walls is not the only place capable of recouping what is lost in a shoddy floor covering. Injecting color into a living room large, entryway, or other space can be done with soft furnishings and decor pieces too. 'Make focal points in the room by using accessories such as cushions and throws.'

5. Emphasize architectural details with lighting

The importance of good living room lighting need not be explained, and in a space that has a particularly unhappy-looking fitted carpet, layered lighting will work double-duty to highlight the good bones of your home. 'Utilize strategic lighting to create an emphasis on art or architectural details, subtly redirecting attention away from the floor,' adds Artem.

Combining a cleverly chosen chandelier, with floor lamps, and sconces will bring endless ambiance, and you can employ specific task lighting to accentuate picture rail or crown molding trim, kindly drawing attention away from what is underfoot. 

6. Use mirrors to add a clear focal point

Mirrors lend us a hand in accentuating space and bouncing light around a room. They can also serve as the perfect distraction to dated carpets, providing expansive interest and framing the space with much more visual focus, drawing the eye up and around the room. 

'Use large objects such as artwork or mirrors to redesign the area and accentuate the space,' suggests Jennifer. It is all about anchoring the room whilst dispersing light for visual interest that is above floor level. Knowing all of the best living room mirror placements will see yours delivers an essential spark to your scheme too.

The art of distraction can be truly rewarding in the world of design. Naturally, it can feel frustrating to not have perfected a space as you have in mind, but being bold in your other decor choices, will help you (and guests) see beyond dated carpets. Your best bet is always going to be a large area rug which will help cover the majority of the eyesore in question, however, tweaks around the rest of the room to ensure the flooring is not the focus is also a good idea. 

When selecting the best type of flooring for your home, it’s important to balance aesthetics with practicality. You may want the warmth of hardwood, the elegance of stone, or the statement look of ceramic tiles, but does your budget allow for these materials, and are they practical choices for your lifestyle?  

With luxury vinyl flooring, you can achieve the same look as a high-quality hardwood or natural stone floor at a fraction of the cost and with minimal upkeep. Though often overlooked in the world of interior design, luxury vinyl is an extremely versatile choice that can be made to fit almost any space and style.  

Whether you're currently renovating your home or simply replacing a tired carpet, this guide will help you decide if vinyl floors are right for your space and design aspirations.

Is vinyl flooring right for your home? 

Vinyl flooring has earned a bad rep over the years, mostly due to the misconception that this material is akin to cheap and sticky linoleum floors. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Today, luxury vinyl is a versatile choice that can mimic almost any surface style, from the intricate grain of oak to the smooth sheen of marble, making it perfect for almost any interior design scheme. 

We think it’s time luxury vinyl got the recognition it deserves, but this is what you should consider before you take the plunge:

What is vinyl flooring?

'Many people have misconceptions about vinyl flooring, notably that it is cheap-looking and not hardwearing,' says Neel Bradham, CEO of Parador Flooring. 'Although this may have been the case many years ago, vinyl has greatly improved its design prowess and technological capabilities. Not only is it a great choice for design enthusiasts, but it also ticks all the boxes for resilience and technological performance.' 

At its core, vinyl is made from a durable plastic known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The process of manufacturing this type of flooring combines mixing, shaping, and detailed printing to achieve a product that’s both beautiful and built to last. A top layer protects against wear and tear, ensuring the floor looks newer for longer. Just beneath, a print layer uses high-quality images to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or other designs with remarkable accuracy. 

Luxury vinyl is designed to offer the realistic look of natural materials with added benefits like ease of cleaning and resistance to damage, all at a more affordable cost. 

Aesthetics & Versatility

'Effortlessly blending form with function, vinyl is available in a versatile selection of designs, colors, and formats to suit all styles,' says Neel Bradham. Whether you are after the natural charm of stone floors or something uniquely contemporary, vinyl has you covered.

'If you haven’t been in a flooring showroom in the last seven years or so, you might not know that the technology for creating realistic wood looks in luxury vinyl has made enormous strides in beauty and appeal,' explains Courtney Wollersheim, Interior Designer at Floor 360. 

'The misconception is that each vinyl plank has the same design print, giving it an unrealistic and repetitive look when installed in a large room. But the top design layers on the planks are now highly varied and realistic, much like hardwood with graining, grooves, and realistic variety, so it’s easier than ever to achieve hardwood flooring looks with luxury vinyl planks.'

Luxury vinyl flooring would fit just as easily into a modern farmhouse as a mid-century modern aesthetic.

Durability & Longevity

Vinyl flooring is incredibly resilient and low maintenance, making it a great choice if easy upkeep is an important factor in your decision-making. With proper care, vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the material and the thickness of the wear layer.

'The appeal of vinyl planks is the durability factor,' says Courtney Wollersheim. 'Active households with children, pets, and a high volume of entertaining should consider these floors because they offer the beauty of hardwood but with easy maintenance, not to mention the added peace of mind related to higher scratch resistance and durable wear layers.'

Neel Bradham agrees, adding: 'Luxury vinyl provides 100% waterproofness, making it ideal for damp rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. The material also pairs wonderfully with underfloor heating and is suitable for large rooms, conservatories, and in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.'

How to maintain vinyl floors over time

'Laminate and luxury vinyl plank are extremely durable but not indestructible,' continues Courtney. 'You can protect these floors from extra scratching with furniture pads – such as these affordable super sliders from Walmart – and area rugs or runners placed near doors to the outside.' 

'Don’t drag heavy furniture or appliances over these floors, as that can cause noticeable scratches through the wear layer. It’s also recommended to use window coverings to prevent sun damage to the floors. Use vacuums without the beater bar and appropriate cleaning solutions. Always consult the manufacturer's website for specific maintenance and care steps.'

Costs

Compared to hardwood or stone, vinyl flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on appearance. The price of vinyl flooring can vary based on style, quality, and installation costs, but it generally offers significant savings, especially for large projects.

Luxury vinyl flooring typically ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the quality, design, and thickness. Installation costs can add $1- $5 per square foot, depending on the project's complexity and local labor rates. 

Installation

Another plus for vinyl flooring is its ease of installation. 

'Many people mistakenly believe that vinyl is complicated to lay,' explains Neel Bradham. 'However, these prejudices are mostly based on experiences with vinyl of the “old” generation – vinyl as a cheap sheet material for gluing down.'

Today, most vinyl products have a click-lock design that allows floating installation over existing floors, making them a DIY-friendly option. For those who prefer professional installation, the process is quick and efficient, reducing overall costs.

'With the right underlay, vinyl can be used on any subfloor: wood, screed, concrete, tiles,' continues Neel. However, with floor tiles, care must be taken to ensure that vinyl with an SPC backing board is used, as the joints of the tiles underneath may show through with other variants. Vinyl is not suitable with old carpeting.'

Sustainability

Advancements in recycling and production methods have improved the environmental impact of vinyl, and some manufacturers now offer vinyl flooring made from recycled materials. 

However, many vinyl products may still pose environmental concerns due to their synthetic composition and the potential for non-recyclable waste. Lower-quality vinyl may also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time, impacting indoor air quality. 

When exploring your flooring options, you may wish to enquire with the supplier about the use of recycled materials in production, the product's recyclability, and any certifications for low VOCs. 

Flooring Comparisons

Luxury vinyl is a versatile and affordable option, but how does it stack up against other popular flooring styles, such as carpet and hardwood floors?:

Vinyl vs. Laminate

Appearance: Both floor types can mimic natural materials like wood and stone, but vinyl offers a slightly more realistic and varied texture due to advanced printing technologies.

Durability: Vinyl and laminate are equally durable, but vinyl has superior moisture resistance, making it better suited to bathrooms and kitchens.

Maintenance: Both are easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl edges out with better resistance to water and stains.

Costs: Both are comparable in price and offer budget-friendly alternatives to natural materials. However, quality laminate planks can sometimes be cheaper.

Comfort: Vinyl tends to feel softer underfoot due to its composition and installation methods. Laminate can feel harder and noisier without an underlayment.

Vinyl vs. Hardwood Floors 

Appearance: Hardwood offers timeless beauty and can increase a home's value, but if your budget doesn't allow for wooden floors, vinyl can provide an appealing alternative.

Durability: Hardwood is prone to scratches and water damage but can be refinished. Vinyl, on the other hand, is more durable against moisture and wear but cannot be refinished.

Maintenance: Hardwood requires more care when it comes to cleaning, including refinishing over time. Vinyl is easy to maintain with regular cleaning.

Costs: Hardwood is significantly more expensive in terms of material and labor, so vinyl is a more cost-effective choice.

Comfort: This all comes down to personal preference. Hardwood feels natural and warm, but vinyl can also offer warmth (especially when paired with underfloor heating) and is softer underfoot, especially with an underlay.

Vinyl vs. Tile Floors

Appearance: Tile offers a unique, classic look, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl can effectively mimic this look, but it won't necessarily offer the same tactile experience. 

Durability: Both floor tiles and vinyl are extremely durable and water-resistant. However, it's worth noting that tiles are prone to cracking if anything heavy is dropped onto them, and this can be costly to repair. 

Maintenance: Tile requires more maintenance, including grout cleaning and sealing. Vinyl is much simpler to maintain and more forgiving with spills.

Cost: Beautiful tiles can be expensive, especially with complex installations. Vinyl is generally more affordable and easier to install.

Comfort: Though beautiful, tiles can feel hard and cold underfoot. Vinyl is warmer and can be made even more comfortable with the right underlay. 

Vinyl vs. Carpet 

Appearance: Carpet offers a warm, cozy look and comes in various colors and textures. Vinyl provides a different aesthetic by mimicking hard surfaces.

Durability: Carpet can show wear and is susceptible to stains. Vinyl, on the other hand, is more durable and resistant to moisture and heavy traffic.

Maintenance: Carpet requires regular vacuuming and professional cleaning. Vinyl is easier to clean and manage, needing only sweeping and occasional mopping.

Cost: Carpet varies in price but can be comparable to vinyl. However, the long-term maintenance cost of carpet can be higher.

Comfort: Carpet is unmatched in softness and warmth underfoot. Vinyl is softer than hard surfaces but doesn't offer the same coziness as carpet.

Hopefully this guide to luxury vinyl has dispelled some common misconceptions about this flooring type. Vinyl is an incredibly versatile option that is ideal for homes with young families, pets and high traffic areas. Of course, few materials will ever compare to the rustic charm of hardwood flooring or designer tiles, but when upkeep and affordability are your main concerns, vinyl may be the perfect choice for your home. 

Choosing the right flooring for your home is an important investment, and while both carpet and hardwood flooring are beloved for their aesthetics and functionality, both options carry tradeoffs and strengths that distinguish each option. 

Determining which is the best flooring choice for your home will depend on a range of factors, including your personal style, budget, and the specific needs of each room in your home. But ultimately, the decision will come down to the aspects that are most important to you. 

In this comprehensive guide, we look at everything you should consider when choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring to help you make the best choice for your home.

Carpet vs hardwood flooring

'Where does one begin when considering comfort versus cleanability, cost versus longevity?' says Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors. 'Both flooring options have their pros and cons that homeowners must carefully consider based on the areas of the home and their individual lifestyle.' 

In this guide, we will cover:

• Maintenance and cleaning
• Aesthetic appeal and versatility 
• Lifespan and durability
• Comfort and insulation
• Room suitability
• Cost and installation
• Resale value
• Allergies and indoor air quality
• Environmental impact

1. Maintenance and cleaning

Both carpet and hardwood floors require specific maintenance to maximize their lifespan and appearance. 

Hardwood Floors

Cleaning hardwood floors is usually easier than with carpets. 'Hardwood maintenance involves sweeping, dusting, and promptly addressing spills to protect the floor's finish without using too much water, which can damage wood,' says Keely Smith. You can also easily make DIY wood floor cleaner to make this process simpler.

Hardwood floors can handle more foot traffic and spills without showing any damage than carpets. 'However, it can be a challenge to maintain consistent humidity levels to prevent gaps and warping while preventing or repairing scratches, stains, and potential water damage,' says FLOOR360 interior designer Courtney Wollersheim. For hardwood, you might need to factor in a dehumidifier or humidifier, depending on your region's climate.

An added benefit of hardwood floors is that they can be sanded down and/or refinished if they aren't looking their best. 

Carpets

'Carpet maintenance involves regular vacuuming to prevent dirt buildup, as well as periodically deep cleaning the carpet to remove allergens,' says Keely Smith. 'Heavy furniture and foot can impact the fibers over time in a way it will not with wood, requiring more frequent and thorough cleaning sessions.'

On the other hand, carpets are affected less by humidity, but it's crucial to clean red wine, food, or coffee spills promptly to prevent staining or mold from developing. 

The Verdict

While cleaning and maintenance requirements can vary based on the specific type of hardwood or carpet, overall, hardwood flooring is a much simpler surface to clean and maintain. 

2. Aesthetic appeal and versatility

Hardwood Flooring

'Hardwood floors bring a timeless elegance to any space. Their natural grain patterns add a unique character that complements modern and traditional décor,' says Kenny Klinger, CEO of Go Flooring.

They come in numerous natural wood varieties, such as oak, maple, cherry, or bamboo, and wood can be stained in virtually any shade depending on your preference. 

Hardwood floors offer plenty of versatility because you can refresh the look of a room with a large area rug every season (in contrast to fitted carpet). 

Carpets

'Carpets come in a vast array of colors, patterns, textures, and pile heights, allowing for immense creative freedom in interior design,' says Kenny Klinger. 'From bold geometric patterns to soft, muted tones, there's a carpet for every aesthetic.' 

However, carpet trends can quickly become dated, and while carpets can be replaced to suit your changing style, this can become an expensive bit of upkeep. 

The Verdict

The best option, according to aesthetics, is highly subjective, but for most people, hardwood flooring tends to be more pleasing than carpet, which is important to keep in mind if you are considering selling your home anytime soon.

3. Lifespan and durability

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is renowned for its durability and longevity. These floors can also be refinished multiple times, extending their lifespan. For this reason, hardwood is the ideal flooring to use in high-traffic areas compared to carpets. 

While hardwood is susceptible to stains, you can purchase refinished options with protective coatings that offer extra protection and stain resistance. However, it's worth noting that hardwood may dent or scratch more easily if heavy furniture is moved across it without lifting. These floors can also be damaged if exposed to moisture and high humidity levels.

Carpets

Certain types of fibers – like nylon or polyester – are ideal for handling heavy foot traffic and will resist crushing or matting. 

Though it is possible to purchase stain-resistant carpets, most styles of carpet will show stains and signs of wear more visibly than hardwood floors in high-traffic areas. 

The Verdict

When it comes to long-term durability, hardwood floors have an edge over carpets. 

4. Comfort and insulation

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors can be cold during winter, requiring underfloor heating, underlay, or additional rugs to absorb sound and provide warmth. Hardwood floors may also have cracks that will allow cold air to rise through the floor.

Carpets

Carpet, in contrast, has a soft texture that provides a comfortable and cozy feel underfoot. 'Carpet retains heat, making it a cozy choice in cooler climates or for homes with drafty rooms,' says Kenny Klinger. 'It can also act as an insulator, reducing energy bills during colder months.'

'Carpet also absorbs sound better, muffling footsteps and creating a quieter, more serene environment.'

The Verdict

Carpet provides a comfortable walking surface, as well as better insulation, and reduced noise levels, if you are seeking to soundproof a room. Overall, this makes it the superior option in regards to comfort and insulation. 

5. Room suitability

Hardwood Flooring

'Consider hardwood for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or dining room since it's less prone to staining and easier to clean after spills,' recommends Kerry Sherin, home expert at Ownerly. 

Carpets

Carpet is favored in bedrooms and living areas for its warmth and comfort. It is also more desirable in spaces where acoustics are a consideration, such as upstairs rooms, movie rooms, or music rooms. 

The Verdict

The choice between both options will depend on how you intend to use specific rooms in your home. However, hardwood is seen as a more universal flooring solution, whereas carpet is typically utilized for a specific purpose (such as sound absorption or insulating a space). 

6. Cost and installation

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are undeniably the more expensive option, costing between $7 to $25 per square foot. However, since they are durable – lasting 25-100 years, especially if they are refinished every 7-10 years – the cost to install hardwood floors can be viewed as a worthwhile investment over time. 

Carpets

If you're watching your budget, carpets are the cost-effective choice, with prices ranging from $2 to $12 per square foot, including replacement costs and installation. However, carpets won't last as long as hardwood floors, with a typical lifespan of around 10-15 years.

The Verdict

It's essential to consider your budget for installation and future maintenance when choosing between carpet vs hardwood flooring, remembering that the cost of hardwood flooring may be offset by its longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.

7. Resale value

Hardwood flooring

'Hardwood flooring is the gold standard in providing beauty and satisfaction, ensuring high resale value and return on investment to any home where it's installed,' says Courtney Wollersheim, interior designer.

Carpets

'Carpet, on the other hand, may not have the same impact on resale value, as it is more subject to wear and tear and may need to be replaced before selling a home,' says Kerry Sherin, home expert.

The Verdict

'When it comes to improving selling potential, nothing beats the look of real hardwood,' concludes Kerry Sherin. 'It's often a selling point for potential buyers, making it a smart, long-term investment. Carpeting usually adds little real estate value because it is seen as an inexpensive, short-lived flooring material. However, new carpeting will undoubtedly be regarded as an improvement over shabby old flooring.' 

8. Allergies and indoor air quality

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a great option for those who have pets or allergies, as it's easy to clean and does not trap pet dander, dust, and other allergens like carpets do. This also makes it the superior choice when considering indoor air quality.

Carpets

Carpets can trap allergens and require regular deep cleaning, which might be a concern for households with allergies or respiratory issues. You can, however, find carpets made with more hypoallergenic materials, such as wool, which act as an air filter, trapping allergens in the pile. 

If you opt for carpets, you will likely want to invest in the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair. 

The Verdict

Hardwood flooring is far superior for anyone concerned with allergies or indoor air quality. 

9. Environmental impact

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood is a natural and renewable resource, and many manufacturers follow sustainable forestry practices. When in doubt, try to do your research or reach out to the flooring provider to learn more about their ethics. 

Carpets

Carpet, on the other hand, is often made from synthetic fibers and may contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

'A sustainable option for carpeting is wool, which is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, fire resistant and wears much better over time than its polyester and nylon counterparts,' explains Courtney Wollersheim, interior designer.

Natural carpets are also a great option to consider, with options such as seagrass, coir, and jute proving to be popular choices for green homes. 

The Verdict

'Currently, the biggest edge hardwood flooring has over carpet is sustainability,' says Courtney Wollersheim. When it comes to the environmental impact, hardwood flooring is generally considered a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

The choice between carpet and hardwood should ultimately be guided by personal preference, lifestyle, and the specific needs of your household. While flooring trends can influence your decision, don't overlook factors such as comfort, functionality, and your overall vision for a space. 

If you want to go for hardwood floors but the price and maintenance are putting you off, consider modern Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and laminate options, which could be a great alternative. As well as being more affordable, they are designed to closely mimic hardwood's appearance and are often more resistant to scratches and moisture, making them a practical choice for busy households.

The key to ensuring your basement is a space that seamlessly blends durability, moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal, is finding the right flooring.

Basements can be susceptible to a number of moisture and foundation issues due to being below ground level, which must be considered when choosing the right flooring, in addition to its installation and how the space will be used. With careful planning, you can choose the basement flooring type that balances your personal style and is the most suitable option for your basement's specific structural needs. 

Our experts have explained what to consider when choosing basement flooring and the best basement floors that will stand up to the test of time, while elevating the design and comfort of your basement.

The best basement floors

Whether you are converting your basement or installing new flooring due to damage, moisture concerns, or a desire to upgrade its appearance, it's essential to discern the key features that can withstand the challenges of below-ground spaces.

Consider the features to prioritize

Understanding the specific requirements of your basement allows you to choose the features and materials that can address these challenges, ensuring you choose a basement floor that meets not only your immediate needs but also withstands the ongoing challenges of a below-ground space. Here's how to choose the right one for you, so your household can really make the most of your basement. 

1. Moisture resistance

Basements are inherently prone to moisture, making waterproofing a basement a critical factor in selecting the best flooring. When choosing basement flooring, consider moisture levels, as they'll determine if subflooring and moisture barriers are needed.

Opt for flooring materials that withstand moisture and potential water exposure common in basements. Additionally, sealants and moisture barriers are key in preventing water damage. Epoxy flooring, laminate, and vinyl are great options.

It's also advisable to invest in proper basement drainage systems to further safeguard the space.

2. Evaluate installation and maintenance

Some options require professional installation and specific maintenance routines, so factor these into your decision-making process, ensuring you select flooring that aligns with ease of installation and maintenance. 

Interlocking vinyl planks or tiles are easy to install and DIY-friendly.

Maintenance is a significant aspect of any flooring choice, especially in basements where moisture and potential flooding can occur. For instance, sealed concrete floors or epoxy coatings provide a smooth surface that can be effortlessly cleaned, and are resistant to water damage.

3. Foundation considerations

Understanding the foundational structure is pivotal in selecting the right basement flooring. A solid foundation ensures the longevity of any flooring material. 

It's crucial to address any existing foundation issues before installing new floors. Consult foundation and waterproofing experts to assess and resolve any underlying concerns to prevent future damage to the flooring materials.

Materials such as engineered wood or laminate flooring, which can accommodate minor shifts in the foundation without compromising integrity, are great options if this is a concern.

4. Durability and longevity

Choose flooring that can endure heavy foot traffic and any other potential impacts.

Durable options such as porcelain tiles, luxury vinyl flooring, or engineered hardwood are resilient while maintaining an aesthetic appeal.

5. Insulation and comfort

Consider flooring materials that offer insulation properties to maintain a comfortable environment.

Carpeting or cork flooring not only insulates against cold but also provides a cozy feel underfoot.

6. Aesthetic considerations

When it comes to choosing the best basement floors, aesthetics play a crucial role in enhancing the overall appeal of the space, and coordinating basement flooring with your interior design is essential for a cohesive look.

You can choose materials with customizable designs such as sealed concrete, or those that offer a versatile range of styles, including materials like luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), stained concrete, or ceramic tiles.

'Opting for flooring materials that complement the existing interior design of the home is essential,' says Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers. 'Choose flooring colors that complement the overall color scheme of the house. 

'Neutral tones are versatile and timeless.

'Additionally, maintain a consistent design style from upper floors to the basement. This creates a harmonious flow throughout the home.'

Best flooring materials

When considering basement floors, the choice of material is crucial. Here are some tips on different flooring options:

1. Vinyl Flooring

Known for its resilience and water resistance, vinyl flooring is a practical choice for basements, especially luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), due to their durability and appealing designs. 

'Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is an excellent low-cost alternative that should not be overlooked,' says Jonathan Warshaw, home improvement expert and founder of Simple Woodworker. 'I particularly favor solid vinyl tiles over composite ones as they're more flexible and forgiving during installation, and they offer greater durability.

'They're also refinable to a certain extent. Plus, you get a variety of color options, though a classic black-and-white checkerboard pattern can be a timeless and appealing choice.'

'Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for basement floors. It is highly resistant to moisture, making it suitable for basements prone to dampness,' explains Michael Campbell, owner of SAT Stained Concrete. 

'LVP comes in a variety of styles, mimicking the appearance of hardwood, tile, or stone. It is durable, easy to clean, and can withstand heavy foot traffic. 

'Additionally, LVP provides warmth underfoot and can be installed as a floating floor, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.'

'Sheet vinyl has come a long way, and a lesser-known variant with a fiberglass backing deserves attention,' says Ritika Asrani, founder at St Maarten Real Estate. 'The fiberglass backing not only adds durability but also enhances the waterproofing capabilities. It provides a seamless and moisture-resistant flooring solution, making it an excellent choice for basements with occasional water exposure.'

These floors have DIY-friendly installation, are easy to clean, and are durable, making them the ideal option for families using the space for activities. 

2. Ceramic or porcelain tile flooring

'Tile flooring is an excellent option for basements as it is highly resistant to moisture and easy to clean,' advises Michael Campbell. 'Ceramic or porcelain tiles are durable and can withstand the test of time.

'They come in various styles, colors, and patterns, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic. 

'However, keep in mind that tile can be cold underfoot, so consider using area rugs or installing radiant floor heating for added comfort.' 

George Alvarez, owner of expert Epoxy Flooring adds, 'Installing a moisture barrier beneath the tiles can further protect against any potential water seepage.'  

3. Epoxy flooring

'Epoxy flooring is a resilient and waterproof option for basement floors. It consists of a resin and hardener mixture that creates a durable, seamless surface when applied,' explains George Alvarez. 

'Epoxy is resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for basements that may be prone to spills or dampness. It also provides a smooth and glossy finish that can enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.' 

'It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your basement,' adds Michael Campbell. 'However, professional installation is recommended as it requires proper surface preparation and application techniques.'

4. Engineered wood flooring

'While solid hardwood flooring may not be the best choice for basements due to its susceptibility to moisture, engineered wood flooring is a suitable alternative,' says George Alvarez.

'Engineered wood consists of a top layer of real wood veneer bonded to layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, offering a more stable option for varying basement conditions. It provides the warmth and aesthetic appeal of real wood without the risk of warping or cupping.' 

'That extra stability also means each flooring plank can be longer and wider than traditional solid wood, so you’ll see more trend-forward looks in engineered hardwood flooring,' says Jennifer Meska, head of merchandising at LL Flooring.

'Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is constructed with multiple layers, making it more resistant to moisture and less likely to warp or buckle,' explains Michael Campbell. 'It can be installed as a floating floor or glued down, depending on the manufacturer's guidelines. 

'However, it is essential to ensure the basement is properly sealed and moisture levels are controlled to prevent damage to the wood.' 

'For a touch of eco-friendly luxury, consider reclaimed wood tiles with a marine-grade finish,' recommends Ritika Asrani. 'These tiles not only bring the charm of reclaimed wood but also boast a specialized marine finish that enhances waterproofing. It's a sustainable and unique choice for homeowners looking for a basement floor with character and resilience.

'Additionally, while bamboo is known for its sustainability, a lesser-known innovation is bamboo flooring with a nano-coating. This coating adds a microscopic protective layer, boosting its resistance to water and spills. It's another sleek and eco-friendly option for homeowners seeking a durable and water-resistant basement floor.'

5. Laminate flooring

'Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood or stone and is a popular choice for basement environments,' says George Alvarez. 'It consists of layers of compressed fiberboard with a photographic image of wood or stone on top. 

'Laminate is resistant to moisture, easy to clean, and comes in a wide range of styles. It provides a budget-friendly option for achieving the look of more expensive flooring materials.'

Offering a wood-like appearance, laminate is affordable and easy to install. Ensure it has a moisture barrier to prevent issues in damp basements.

6. Seal concrete flooring

Polished, sealed concrete emerges as a durable and naturally water-resistant option. It provides a solid and stable foundation that can withstand heavy foot traffic.

For those who appreciate an industrial aesthetic, concrete floors can be left as is or enhanced with various finishes such as epoxy coatings or decorative overlays to add aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

Final tip: You can improve ventilation in your basement by using raised subfloor systems that allow air circulation, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. 

As the cold season enters full swing, our daily experiences of our homes change. When you get out of bed in the morning, you’re tempted to reach for those fuzzy slippers and warmer gown. And when you step out of the shower in the morning, suddenly you’re really feeling those cold tiles under your feet in a way that’s no longer cooling and pleasant as it was in the summer.

Naturally, you might be asking yourself at this time of year, ‘Do I need underfloor heating in the bathroom?’ Maybe you’ve experienced the pleasant warmth underfoot while staying in a nice hotel, or maybe a friend or family member has this type of bathroom heating in their home. 

However, as with any type of home improvement, bathroom underfloor heating comes with pros and cons. If you need help balancing the benefits with the cost and effort involved in installing this type of heating in your bathroom, read what heating and flooring experts have to say about it. 

 Do I need underfloor heating in the bathroom? 

The simple answer is ‘no’. As Todd Saunders, CEO at FlooringStores, explains, underfloor heating is not ‘a necessity’ in your bathroom. Dominic Lees-Bell, heating expert at Only Radiators, adds that ‘most people will brave their frosty bathrooms just to save money.’  Indeed, from a purely financial perspective, it’s obviously cheaper not to have underfloor heating – or any type of heating, for that matter – in your bathroom. 

Particularly if you’re moving into an older home that already has traditional bathroom radiators, you may choose not to install underfloor heating. It is expensive (anywhere between $10 and $40 per square foot) – Todd Saunders says that ‘you should expect to pay at least $600 for this project.’ And digging up the existing floor in a bathroom you weren’t planning to remodel can be more trouble than it’s worth, especially if the bathroom is large. 

If, on the other hand, you’re planning a new bathroom or a complete bathroom remodel, or are self-building a home, it’s a completely different story. In these situations, not only is underfloor bathroom heating a good option, it may well be the best option. Here are some of the reasons:

1. Underfloor heating is cheaper in the long run

Dominic Lees Bell explains that ‘while the cost of installing underfloor heating can look quite steep in the short term, the long-term savings can be high, making it a solid bathroom investment.’ That’s because underfloor heating is ‘highly economical thanks to its large surface area; you won’t need to reach temperatures as high as a radiator or towel rail as the heated bathroom floor warms up and keeps the room at optimum temperature.’

Also, underfloor heating is more efficient at heating your bathroom because there are no ‘protruding objects’ in the way of the heat, as is often the case with radiators and heated towel racks. Between radiators that are blocked by bathroom furniture and underfloor heating, underfloor heating wins the efficiency battle hands down. 

2. Underfloor heating is healthful and enhances comfort

This is pretty straightforward: stepping out onto a warm floor is just that much more pleasant than onto a freezing-cold one. ‘With underfloor heating, you can step out of your warm shower onto a warm floor and enjoy a much more pleasant start to the day,’ Dominic points out. 

But it’s not just about the immediate comfort of stepping onto a warm floor. A warm bathroom is a healthier environment, unlike a cold bathroom that will, if left cold and damp over long periods of time, will almost certainly grow mold. Leaving your bathroom to freeze over is a big no-no, according to Dominic, who warns that ‘a cold bathroom will lead to dampness and the potential for menacing growth on your walls.’

Todd Saunders adds that a bathroom with underfloor heating can be safer to use, because this type of flooring ‘can help dry your bathroom floors more efficiently, reducing the risks of slips and falls.’ Wet rooms and all-tile bathrooms especially benefit from this feature, as they will have wet and slippery floors all the time otherwise.

3. It may even add value to your home

Regardless of whether underfloor heating in a bathroom is a necessity, it is an increasingly coveted bathroom flooring option that is ‘gaining popularity, especially in new and self-build homes’, according to Dominic Lees Bell. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, it can ‘modestly increase your home's value’, according to Todd Saunders. Bathroom underfloor heating is perceived as luxurious and desirable and is perceived as a nice bonus by home buyers. 

Of course, you have to be realistic here. Underfloor heating will increase the value of your home if done as part of a complete bathroom remodel, or as part of a bathroom installation in a new home. If you’re thinking of retrofitting bathroom underfloor heating with the sole aim of reselling, it may not be worth it. 

FAQs

Whichever option you choose, be mindful of the specifics of your own bathroom. The rule of thumb both our experts agree on is: if retrofitting underfloor heating seems overcomplicated, it probably is and you don’t need it. But if you are embarking on a total bathroom remodeling project or are building a brand-new home, go for it: it’s worth the investment. 

An entryway sets the first impression upon entering the home, so it's important to pay as much attention to the decor of this space as much as other rooms in the home.

It can be difficult to know where to start with decorating entryway ideas: they are more often than not lacking in natural light and most likely need to be functional to store practical items. But with the right decor, entryways can set the tone positively for the rest of the house. 

'Central to most homes and often overlooked, entryways can be a great place to be experimental,' says Andy Guard, Creative Director at Roger Oates Design. And and important part of your entryway decor is the carpet, which can aid in making the space feel cozy and welcoming whilst reflecting your preferred interior style. 

What color of carpet is best for an entryway? 

‘I think that entryways are such an exciting space in the home and yet I find that they are often overlooked where carpets are concerned,' says Emma Mellor, founder of Emma Mellor Handmade Rugs. 'Practical concerns regarding these areas often take precedence over exciting and inviting colors.' 

As Mellor explains, there's no reason why you shouldn't see entryway flooring as an opportunity to experiment with your carpet color, whilst of course making a practical decision to ensure it has longevity for years to come. 

With so many carpet color trends to choose from, we spoke to the interior design experts to round up the best colors for your entryway carpet ideas; whether you're looking to bring a pop of color or a more pared-back style for a classic look. 

1. Rich blues and greens

'Be bold with design and experiment with color,' advises Guard. 'Stair runners and entryway rugs carry color throughout the heart of the home from opening the front door right up into the bedrooms.'

If going bold with color appeals to your design tastes decorating with green is a chic and calming option. Forest green in particular is an undeniably elegant and timeless color that will create a striking effect in the entryway as Guard explains: 'Forest green alongside contrasting black and white allows the color to take center stage creating a smart, sophisticated look for an entryway.'

Alternatively, Guard also recommends opting for a deep shade of decorating with blue, which will create a similar look: 'Dark blue is emerging as a go-to dark neutral. Deep midnight, soft indigo, or royal, blues aren’t cold and can be rich and sophisticated.'

2. Bright hues

To create an uplifting and welcoming entryway, experts suggest opting for a splash of bright color. Mellor explains: 'The entryway is an area which can take a strong punch of color such as a rose pink or a warm, spicy ochre.'

'Anyone who is apprehensive of using strong color within their schemes should consider the entryway as a starting point. The floor grounds a strong color and can be used as the inspiration for the rest of your scheme,' continues Mellor. 

Guard also suggests opting for a bright hue for the entryway carpet, saying: 'Keep entryways light and bright and add color with a stair runner that will carry color throughout the house. Bold colors can add impact and transform a space into something creative, exciting, and personal.'

3. Pattern

An alternative option to one singular color for your entryway carpet is to instead opt for a patterned design. This means you can experiment with a few different colors from your overall scheme and create a statement in the space. 'Pattern has a playfulness that is exciting to work with and can inspire color choices, making it the perfect starting point for any scheme,' says Guard.

Lorna Haigh, Creative and Marketing Director at Alternative Flooring also suggests opting for a patterned carpet, saying: 'Entryway spaces play well with patterns, which can add movement to transitional spaces within the home and hide foot traffic marks very well.' She notes that 'stripes in hallways create length and interest against solid-colored walls.' 

If you are considering a patterned carpet, Jeremy Grove, Managing Director at Sibley Grove highlights that it's important to consider the shape of your entryway, saying: 'If your entryway bends or curves, ensure your pattern is random rather than a regimented or linear pattern otherwise joins at corners can look clumsy or out of place. This is typically an issue on spiral staircases or right-angled hallways.'

4. Beige

If you prefer to keep things classic and like decorating with neutrals, a beige-colored carpet in the entryway can be just as effective. 'Shades like beige or light taupe provide continuity, ensuring a fluid connection to neighboring spaces,' says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.

Designer and founder of LS Projects Ladina Schöpf also recommends opting for a classic neutral-colored carpet in the entryway, saying: 'Neutral colors like light brown or taupe can make the hallway feel warm and cozy.'

5. Earthy hues

For an earthy look in the entryway, experts say that warm, nature-inspired colors can establish an inviting feel. 'Tones inspired by the outdoors, from understated greens to deep terracotta hues, offer entryways a classic allure that never fades,' says Kropovinsky.

Mellor agrees, saying: 'Opening the door to a warm inviting color such as a deep tobacco or sage green gives an entranceway a welcome and inspired feel.’

For a different take on working with these warming hues, Guard advises that you can opt for an earthy-colored runner for added interest: 'For those who like warm neutral tones and a feeling of nature, try a runner in rich, earthy organic tones.'

FAQs

Deciding on a carpet for your entryway can be even more important than choosing the entryway colors since carpets can be a costly investment that cannot be so easily swapped. While you may be inspired to experiment with bold colors, make sure that your chosen carpet heavily aligns with your overall interior taste to ensure it remains timeless and avoids making common entryway mistakes.

Carpets form a large part of living room decor and can play a big role in setting the overall tone of the room, so it's important to take time to consider the carpet options that are best for your space. 

Since the living room is a primary room in the home and will likely be used every day, you will want to choose a practical carpet whilst still making sure it reflects your own interior taste.

While there are many different carpet ideas to choose from, settling on a color is arguably the biggest part of the decision-making process. We spoke to the carpet experts to get their take on what the best carpet colors are for the living room, to help inspire you with this investment decor piece. 

What are the best carpet colors for the living room?

'The right floor covering is an investment, so the color choice should be enduring and not date too quickly,' advises Andy Guard, Creative Director at Roger Oates Design. 

When beginning to think about which color is best for your living room carpet, Emma Mellor, Founder of Emma Mellor Handmade Rugs suggests: 'I always think it is best to start with the colors that you are naturally drawn to, that you enjoy living with. It’s important that you choose a palette that you don’t get bored with or because it is fashionable at that moment.'

'The color of your carpet will set the ambiance and feel of any living room,' continues Guard. 'Consider whether you want your flooring to be the focal point or quietly complement other elements such as furnishings or artwork. Collecting images, color swatches, and textile samples can help you to settle on a color scheme.'

1. Warm neutrals

Most definitely the most popular of carpets, decorating with neutrals such as beige is a great choice for the living room. 'Selecting a neutral color carpet for your living room is a great idea as it will allow you to be more adventurous with colors elsewhere,' suggests Alexandra Hindle, Marketing Manager at Cormar Carpets. 'Whether that is on your walls, your sofa, or styling accessories, a muted color carpet is a great foundation to begin your interior scheme.'  

Lorna Haigh, Creative and Marketing Director at Alternative Flooring agrees that neutral carpets make a strong choice in beige living room ideas, explaining: 'For living room floors, consider incorporating neutral shades so that your more punchy interior design elements – such as art, furniture, or flowers – have something to pop against. Neutrals also provide a warm and cozy feel to a living room that creates a welcoming environment for friends and family.'

If you like the idea of having some bright color underfoot but want to ensure the carpet color remains practical for years to come, Guard recommends: 'Consider a neutral tone carpet and introduce dramatic color and pattern using living room rugs, which can make a real statement and can be changed more easily.'

'Large-scale feature rugs surrounded by pale tones and natural finishes can create dramatic focal points in any living room,' continues Guard.

2. Greige

For an alternative spin on neutral-colored carpets, experts also suggest embracing the color trend for 'greige' instead. Similar to classic neutrals, greige is an understated color that simply combines beige and grey together, which can work well if your living room furniture is slightly more cool-toned. 

'Over the last five or six years, a new carpet phenomenon has become popular: greige. This color of carpet will feature intertwined yarns of grey and beige colors. For the most part, beige, grey, and neutral colors are great for living rooms,' comments Sean O’Rourke National Director of Merchandising at Floor Coverings International.

3. Stripes

For an added point of interest to the living room carpet, opting for a striped carpet is another option. While this can of course choose bold-colored stripes, you can also opt for neutral colors, for a more subtle look, as Hindle explains:

'A striped carpet is another popular trend this year, allowing homeowners to inject personality, visual interest, and style into their homes. A neutral-colored striped carpet has timeless appeal and is impactful and interesting but still subtle enough to not dominate the space.' 

Another way of opting for stripes but in an understated way, is pinstripes, as Guard explains: 'Fine pinstripes in subtle neutral shades will appear as a simpler expression of color for those seeking a quieter more restrained palette.'

For a more playful look, opt for brighter stripe colors, as Haigh suggests: 'A minimalist living room scheme can always benefit from a statement patterned carpet in brighter shades. This can be a great way to add personality and character to a living room, without cluttering surface and wall spaces.'

4. Terracotta

If you're looking for a carpet color that's brighter than neutrals yet still looks timeless and doesn't overpower the living room, Rudolph Diesel, interior designer and founder of Rudolph Diesel Interiors suggests opting for a terracotta shade. 

'When picking an appropriate carpet for the living room, a warm terracotta usually does the trick. The sandy biscuit-like coloring channels exotic energy into your living room,' says Diesel.

When styling the rest of the living room around terracotta decor, Diesel advises: 'This type of carpet goes nicely with rustic wooden living room furniture, feeding into the overall homely atmosphere. Terracotta carpeting is typically rich in organic materials such as coir and therefore provides the perfect balance of color and texture.' 

5. Charcoal

To complement a dark living room, opting for a charcoal-colored carpet is another expert-approved option. 'Charcoal is a very underrated carpeting option,' suggests Diesel. 'A lot of people automatically associate dark greys and blacks with misery but this isn't always the case.'

'If chosen carefully, an inky charcoal carpet can be very tasteful. It is a brilliant choice for anyone looking to add some drama to their living room and goes well with emerald green, ruby red, or other shades of grey.'

Diesel warns, however, to make sure to decorate with lighter, brighter colors elsewhere in the living room if opting for this dark-toned hue across the carpet: 'Whatever the case, a splash of color is essential when it comes to accentuating a charcoal carpet.'

6. Multicolored

When choosing your carpet color, you don't have to settle on just one color. You may find this too restricting to the rest of your living room decor, and could instead benefit from opting for a blend of complementary colors across the carpet, as Mellor suggests: 

'I always think that rugs with a neutral background and soft pops of color such as burnt oranges, persimmon, and soft greens are warm and inviting and create a space which is serene and yet interesting.'

Mellor continues to provide her advice for styling the room with a multicolored carpet, saying: 'It’s important to have a rug with a number of colors as you can pick your favorites out and use them to accent the rest of the room with fabrics, cushions, throws, and ceramics. If you work the other way around and start with your fabric choice it is important to pick one of the colors from that palette and not necessarily match it but choose a tone which compliments it.'

'I get a lot of people who want to embrace color within their living spaces but are nervous about introducing strong rich colors and patterns to their rooms. I think the floor is the perfect place to inject color and pull an interesting and inviting living space together,' concludes Mellor. 

Choosing the color of your living room carpet is as important as choosing your living room paint color. It will be just as dominant in the space, so really think about the overall look you want to create, do you want to go soft and light or use your carpet to ground the room and go with something deeper. Of course, practicalities come into play too, so do consider the high traffic that living room flooring faces when making your choice too. 

Summer has officially ended, and with it comes some of the best end-of-season sales on home decor. If you want to cozy up your space for the fall season, it's a great time to shop for rugs. 

That''s because right now you can find washable rugs for less. The the Boutique Rugs End of Summer Sale and get an additional 20% off at checkout with promo code SUMMER20.  

As someone with a dog and many craft hobbies, I am personally in need of a stylish kitchen rug that can withstand a ton of wear and tear and is easy to clean due to inevitable accidents and spills. I love Boutique Rugs because they offer some of the best rugs in different patterns, sizes, and shapes, so you can easily find the best option for your space.

The Best Washable Rugs on Sale at Boutique Rugs

Rugs are un utterly underrated part of your interior decor. A rug can make or break a space, either adding a little texture and interest and elevating a room or completely derailing a color scheme and mood. They can be a comfortable, soft base for a coffee table or a scratchy scrap of fabric detracting from the rest of your style. That's why we put so much effort into covering the best rugs for every space. We've also covered the best outdoor rugs, because these have very different materials and needs than indoor rugs. If none of our choices work for you, we've also covered all of the best places to buy rugs so that you can shop around for yourself. 

Anyone who knows anything about interior design will notice that the love for carpet is waning, it's being replaced by sleeker, hard floors that lend themselves better to the wear and tear of everyday life. 

We understand why carpet has been the go-to flooring choice for such a long time, carpets are cozy, they add warmth and it is so nice to feel a soft surface underfoot, but it's also not a super practical choice, it can be expensive and doesn't work all that well with the interior design trends of today. So it's no surprise its reign is slowly coming to an end. 

We spoke with interior designers about their favorite flooring choices, and what they think is replacing carpet. From sleeker natural carpet ideas that look more like a hard floor than traditional carpet to classic wooden options, to new trends like concrete and terrazzo, here are some more practical and on-trend alternatives to carpet.

What is replacing carpet?

We are all aware carpet is no longer the way to cover your home's floors, in fact, carpet has been getting a bit of stick recently for not being the chicest of options. So if carpet, the once go-to choice for most bedroom flooring and living room flooring, is on the out what's on the in?

'In the ever-evolving world of interior design, traditional carpets are increasingly being replaced by a combination of sustainable flooring options and creative alternatives,' explains designer Jennifer Davis. 'We always love the timeless beauty of hardwood floors or engineered wood floors. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) has come a long way with its design and options.  It has become increasingly popular due to its quick installation, great price point, and durability. Tile and concrete flooring are also options that shouldn’t be overlooked.  They are incredibly durable and easy to care for.  Just don’t forget the rugs crafted from natural fibers like jute, sisal, and wool to add warmth and texture to layering over the hard surfaces.'

'Wall-to-wall carpeting, although once celebrated for its warmth and comfort, is increasingly being recognized for its health and hygiene drawbacks,' adds designer Kati Curtis. 'The vast expanse of fibrous material provides a haven for dust, allergens, and bacteria, trapping these particles deep within its weave. These trapped particles not only mar the carpet's appearance but can also contribute to a deterioration in indoor air quality, potentially triggering allergies and other respiratory issues. Humid climates or accidental spills can lead to the retention of moisture within the carpet, fostering a perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. The shift towards other flooring options signifies not just a change in style, but a change in how we perceive our own health and utilize our living spaces.'

1. Polished concrete

Concrete sounds very industrial, and yes it does lend itself well to that unfinished, edgy vibe, but there are so many colors and finishes available now it can work really nicely with other styles too. In this beach house designed by Raili Ca, the hard flooring makes sense practically, but aesthetically it also lends itself to that laid-back, bohemian bedroom vibe. As with any hard flooring you can soften the look with a large area rug too.

'In our projects with extremely hot weather, salty air and sand, polished concrete is the go-to. In this Baja home, we poured concrete throughout, and added as many washable rugs as possible throughout to warm up the spaces.' explains the studio's founder Raili Clasen. 

2. Area rugs

You get the same softness and coziness as a carpet but with an area rug, you have far more flexibility and versatility. A colored or patterned carpet for example seems like a bit of a commitment, and there's the potential it will overwhelm a room, but with a rug, you have the opportunity to bring in some character on a slightly smaller scale – like a feature wall or a large piece of artwork. Plus, you can always pull it up and switch it out as rug trends or your style changes. 

Rugs are also more flexible in terms of the shapes and lines that they can add to a room. A wall-to-wall carpet is just that, wall-to-wall, but with a rug, you can create 'zones', allude to more space, and play around with a room's floor plan. Yogesh Chaudhary, director of Jaipur Rugs explains that 'As well as having the advantage of being able to be moved and rotated around a home, rugs are able to define a particular space, whereas carpet fills a room, rugs can segregate one space from another.' You can also ground furniture by placing it on top of the rug and using a rug to anchor a room, which can be ideal if you are dealing with a small square footage.

'A popular look in many bedroom designs right now is to place a large area rug under a bed in a bedroom space with wood floors,' explains designer Kathy Kuo. 'An area rug that's slightly larger than the bed itself helps to ground the bed as an anchor piece, and it's also a great way to add color, texture, and warmth to a room without the somewhat dated look of wall-to-wall carpeting.'

If you love the sink-in feeling of a carpet, recreate that by going with a hile pile rug, or something like sheepskin – these feel so gorgeous underfoot when you step out of bed. Or for something more hardwearing, choose a classic jute rug and then layer it with a smaller softer rug if you want to up the coziness.

3. Tiles

Tiles have of course been a popular flooring choice for softer spaces if you live in warmer climes forever since they can keep a room feeling extra cool, but we are starting to see them seep into homes the world over. It may seem like a slightly unusual flooring choice for rooms that you want to feel soft and inviting, but we aren't talking ay old tile here, you want tiles that have texture, and warmth or add a touch of the unexpected to a room.

Designer Tamsin Johnson often uses tiles in the bedrooms and living rooms of her projects, they are such a chic alternative to carpet and are the perfect contrast to all the soft furnishings going on elsewhere in the room. The terracotta, almost brick-like, tiles used here work wonderfully to add even more texture to the neutral living room. If you are after a less rustic look we have also seen some very cool spaces that use checkerboard tiles or you could choose a very simple slightly glossy terracotta tile for that Med-vibe that everyone is after right now.

4. Hardwood flooring

Wooden flooring is as classic as carpet, it's more durable, easier to clean, and gives a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing finish. Plus, you have so much choice in terms of tones and patterns. We are seeing more and more parquet flooring being used in bedrooms and living rooms – you get far more interest and texture than you would with a carpet.

'The shift from carpet to wooden floors isn't just a passing fad; it's a dynamic transformation that offers homeowners a multitude of benefits,' explains Jen and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox. 'Not only does it provide a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic, but it also allows for greater flexibility in design choices. You can easily change the look of a room with area rugs, while still showcasing the sleek flooring choice underneath.'

'Patterned wood flooring is fast overtaking carpet as a flooring choice,' agrees designer Gray Walker. 'My favorite is the chevron because it’s clean and classic.' We very much agree – chevron is the perfect layout for wooden flooring in a bedroom or living room because it adds that extra layer of texture and pattern but doesn't dominate the space. 

Designer Irene Gunter adds, 'My ‘go-to’ for flooring is always natural materials, such as engineered oak. I never use laminates and when clients choose wooden flooring for their bedroom, we usually recommend underfloor heating and some perfectly placed rugs.' Yes, always throw down a rug to add that layer of warmth if you go for wooden flooring in a more lived-in space like a bedroom or a living room.

5. Natural carpet

Not exactly replacing carpet, more the most on-trend way to do carpet. We see these natural carpets made from jute, coir, and boucle to be more like hard flooring anyway they are such low piles. This style of carpet is hardwearing, easy to clean, and obviously very aesthetically pleasing – it would work perfectly if you are after a rustic, minimalist style. Plus you can layer them up with rugs just as you would do with wooden flooring. 

'Carpet may have been a  perennial favorite in bedrooms, but flooring options like cork, sisal, or jute are frequently being used instead of traditional wall-to-wall carpet,' explains designer Bethany Adams. 

Kathy Kuo agrees that 'There are always going to be homes where carpet makes sense, whether or not it's 'on trend.' That said, I think in more modern homes, you're seeing less and less when it comes to wall-to-wall carpet; and when you do see it, it's usually in a flat weave that has a more rustic or bohemian feel than a high pile or a shag.'

FAQs

It seems that carpet is being replaced in favor of more long-lasting hard flooring options like stone, tile, and wood. We are sure this is in part down to practicalities, but as with anything in interior design trends, it has a lot to do with aesthetics too. Carpet can be a bit fussy, a bit heavy almost, and most on-trend styles lean towards clean, more minimalist spaces, so naturally it is getting moved out in favor of these sleeker flooring options.  

Just when you thought you'd found the best Amazon Prime Day deal, Martha Stewart came along. A beautiful, handmade rug that would normally cost you $1,280 dropped to $280.49 yesterday, but to our surprise, it's still available. 

Martha Stewart launched World of Martha, her homeware collection, on Amazon five months ago. Her aim is to offer you beautiful, simple, and functional items from your home. We saw some pretty big reductions on Amazon for Prime Day, and we thought those deals would run out at midnight last night. However this incredible rug still has an unbelievable $1000 discount. 

Prime Day might be over, but after spending the last couple of days scouring Amazon for the best Prime Day deals, this one is definitely the best. 

Martha Stewart partnered with Safavieh to bring a line of premium rugs to the market. They're all hand-woven, hand-looped, and utterly unique. Martha's a self-confessed rug collector and has been for a long time too. She says 'to me, they help define and harmonize a room's decorating scheme, much like a carefully chosen piece of art. A rug's color, texture, and scale can guide the choice of other elements in a room, providing the foundation for a truly personal style statement'. 

The beauty of this rug is in the tone. The neutral hues are sure to pair with any décor, whether you like muted tones or brighter colors. The color scheme is subtle, but the geometric pattern offers an elegant, elevated look for any room. It's as practical as it is pretty. Martha made sure that this was backed with canvas, so that it'll be durable too.

Martha's team offered some style tips for a rug of this size. They suggest that you 'ensure placement allows a minimum of 18" of bare floor from the edge of the rug to any wall'. That way, you'll ensure that your space looks luxurious and lounge-worthy. If you have a couch, they recommend overlapping the front feet with the rug's outer edges so that your room looks spacious and your couch stays stable.

If you like this look, but don't think it's quite your décor, fear not. Martha has an entire collection of rugs in this year's Prime Day sale, so take a look at some alternative designs. I'm certain that there will be one for everyone.

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Open plan spaces are wonderful, particularly in small homes where space needs to be exaggerated, but flooring can be a sticking point design-wise. Thankfully, Shea McGee from Studio McGee took to Instagram to share the 'flooring transition tips to always abide by' – so open plan renovators: take note.

In case we've lost you, a flooring transition is when you have a room with more than one flooring type: perhaps tile under your bath and wooden boards across the rest of the bathroom, as in the room above, right.

It's a practical technique that can look fabulous, but which is also so easy to get wrong. Here, we take you through Shea's invaluable flooring ideas for transitional spaces, and add in a few of our own. 

Shea's rule #1: Consider the transition

Shea shows off an entryway into living space; in entryway, there is tile floor; in the living space, wood flooring.

'When you're selecting mixed flooring in an open concept space one of the most important things to consider is the transition,' says Shea.

'You can see that we did this wide stained board piece in the transition between this open space and the entryway. If we has just butted them up next to each other it would have felt a little cheap. We do these flooring transitions in every flooring change that we design.'

Shea uses a wooden board that is the same texture and shade as the rest of the floor, but is larger and echoes the wooden arch that separates the entryway from the open space.

'Finding flooring that breaks the divide between two flooring choices yet is consistent with the tone and materiality of the two can be a great way to elevate your flooring transition,' says Jo Bailey, Homes & Gardens' Deputy Editor and style guru. 'It can be as subtle has having a slightly wider, darker board, as Shea has picked here; it's all about creating a pause.'

Shea's rule #2: Choose toning flooring that's appropriate to the zones

'The other thing to consider is how the tones work together,' continues Shea. 'It would not have looked good to do a white flooring in this entryway. It probably would have looked good for, like, two seconds, but you're going to get a lot of mud and snowy boots into this home, and so going with a darker floor you've got an easier transition of the eye between the wood tone and the stone,'

Shea repeats her matching tones rule in an entryway in her house (below), where she picks a lighter shade of grey tile which seamlessly transitions to a lighter wood floor.

'This can work for any flooring type, whether carpet and tile, or tile and hardwood,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor and design expert. 'The important step in the process is to bring large samples into the room and to lay them next to each other, with a strip of dividing material between them for the transition.'

Our rule #3: Use flooring transitions to zone a space

Lucy Searle, editor in Chief at Homes & Gardens says, 'Using transitional flooring within an open plan space is a great way to create subtle zones: perhaps you might have a tile floor in a kitchen, transitioning to wood flooring in the adjoining dining or living area. 

'This can be a particularly useful trick in a smaller home, where you might not want to, or have room to, use large pieces of furniture to create that visual divide.'

It works, too, in a single room, such as a bathroom or kitchen where a hardwearing floor is a must-have beneath the wet areas, but a plusher flooring will work in a dry area.

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There's no limit to the transitional flooring designs you can use: 100 years ago, it was often a simple strip of wood or tile; today, those classic designs are just as favored. The key is to consider whether you want the three flooring types to tone, as Shea does, though you could consider contrast to shake things up a little.

Carpet is back where it should be, at the heart of the home. It not only offers good looks, seductive warmth, and softness underfoot but has heat-insulating qualities too, which is good to know in these days of rising fuel bills. 

The carpet trend today is to use carpeting more selectively than simply wall-to-wall, to add coziness, or to muffle noise. But, as well as the material you select, it is worth considering the color of your carpet in the same breath. 

Color really can be transformative in interior design, so choosing the right hue for a carpet can present endless choices to understand and overcome, but if you've been following certain color trends and rules religiously you could be doing more harm than good. 

Choosing which colors to decorate with for any room color ideas can be a daunting process as there are so many to choose from, but becoming your own color consultant is easier than you think, and we are on hand to help you pick a carpet color with confidence.

Carpet colors to avoid

Fashions in flooring come and go, but few floor coverings can match the vast choice of color, pattern, and texture offered by carpet. 

Although the vast majority of us still opt for carpets in a neutral shade, subtle changes are beginning to appear. Traditional gray and stone tones are currently being replaced by beige, taupe, and golden shades, while strong color is now being used in the same manner as wallpaper and paint, to create an accent or feature. Plum tones are popular at the moment, while some collections, even include black.

1. Swap overdone gray for a contemporary beige

At H&G, we've been singing the praise of beige for a while. After all, it is said to be the color that is replacing gray. Of all the neutrals, gray is the one that always held the most gravitas with designers and decorators, however, gray is slowly being replaced by beige – the new neutral. Not to be confused with the colder palettes that were popular in the early noughties, these new neutrals, such as beige and taupe, are warm by nature.

Plains in soft tones can be used to create a timeless, long-lasting base to a room scheme. 'A neutral is not overpowering and does not demand attention. Instead, it brings a sense of calm and functionality that no other shade can,' advises Emma Cassidy, head of creative design, at Brintons.

Below, Becca Casey of Becca Interiors has used a jute rug overlay to warm up the living room in New York. Available in an assortment of natural shades, jute has a silky luster with a softer feel than some other plant fibers.

'There is a growing trend for natural floor coverings with subtle pale accents of color, texture, and pattern for adding individuality to a room scheme,' says Becca Casey. 'If you don’t want to cover the whole floor, consider a made-to-order rug. There are several natural options to choose from, each with its own characteristics.'

2. Avoid white if you have young children

White is one of the most important shades in interior design, but while we often sing the virtues of white room ideas, if you regularly entertain or have young children, you will be wise to steer clear of white carpets. 

Not only will white carpet show unsightly spills and stains, but it can make a home feel clinical and cold. ‘When working with neutrals, my only rule is to steer clear of white floors,’ says interior designer Rachel Chudley. ‘They work well in galleries for the very reason that they create a blank canvas, which is perfect for focusing on one piece of art, uninterrupted by anything. However, in a living space, you need a touch of color to add a bit more depth and reflect the light around the room.’

However, if you do prefer a paler carpet, try something more hard-wearing. Sisal is a great option in a busy household. The large fleshy leaves of this agave plant produce fibers that can be dyed and woven into many different styles, making this a versatile material. Sisal floor coverings are hard-wearing with a subtle sheen.

3. Do away with stressful red in favor of earth tones

When choosing a carpet color for your home, it is important to think about the context. 'When you use a color in the wrong context, you will create undesirable behaviors,' says Karen Haller, color psychology specialist, and best-selling author of The Little Book of Color. 

'Red is a good example of this theory. It's the one color that we are unable to live in large quantities. It helps to be mindful of the visceral impact color can have on our mindset, and think about what color is good for health. For this reason, I would avoid red flooring, and only use this stressful color in small doses, unless, of course, it is a color that truly resonates with you.' 

If you do love red but are concerned about its negative associations, why not try something a little more subtle instead? 'With their earthy tones, taupes and chocolate browns are a subtle nod to nature and complement beautifully with natural materials such as wicker, rattan, and stone finishes, all very popular as we continue to look to embrace the beauty of the natural world in our homes,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

4. Switch out all-over black for a subtler accent

Black may seem like a good option for your floor, but you'd be mistaken. The opposite of white, you may have been led to believe that black carpets are good for busy households, but the truth is black highlights just as much debris, if not more, than white carpets, especially if you have pets.

While it might seem a strong option to disguise dirt, black carpets tend to accumulate grime over time, too. It also makes it tricky to know which areas are actually clean. 

If you do love decorating with black, try using this shade in smaller accents. In this contemporary black room (below), designed by Shea McGee of Studio McGee, a striped black and white rug is the star of the show. 

There’s a lot of interest in striped flooring and in surface design in general, believes Mark Findlay, founder of vinyl flooring specialists Harvey Maria. ‘Floors are no longer an afterthought; they’ve become an integral part of interior design and are now seen as a key feature,’ he says.

Until recently, carpets tended to be plain, neutral and for the bedroom only, but patterned carpets are now coming back into favor, and moving into the living room and dining room, too. 

In the right hands, patterned carpet designs are akin to introducing a work of art into a room and setting a strong design tone. Think of the floor as the room’s main canvas, says Shea McGee. ‘We believe that a design scheme should start from the floor up, with the carpet being the basis for all the design choices,’ she says. ‘Pattern and color have been brought to the forefront to create a statement.’

5. Ditch outdated purple in favor of cool blue

If you love bold color schemes, choose a carpet that sings instead of shouts. Purple flooring might have been a pivotal trend in the nineties, but this statement color only has surely had its day. 

Homes & Gardens editor-in-chief Lucy Searle adds a word of caution: 'Purple is quite a defining color – and once you have committed to a carpet, you are equally committed to the limited number of colors you can use to complement it. When it comes to choosing a purple carpet, especially for a living space, I would advise investing in one that's much nearer to classic beige than vivid purple, which will be easier to coordinate and redecorate around.'

That is not to say we should shy away from strong, decorative designs on our carpets. 'A heavily patterned design is a bold decision, but if you love it, go for it, recommends Jessica Bennett, owner and designer of Alice Lane Interiors. ‘It will withstand room renovations for years to come because you can pick out different colors and design details to carry through to the wider scheme. Patterned flooring can successfully be used for zoning and defining of areas, and this is particularly useful in schemes that focus on one large open-plan, multi-use room.'

Blue is a great color if you want to make a statement. It can be loud enough that it makes a room come alive, but its calming qualities mean it doesn't overpower or overwhelm. Dark blue can aid focus and concentration, while a paler option is believed to reduce mental stress and relieve tension.

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Your carpet color choice is, of course, completely up to you, and should be one influenced by your taste and sense of style. However, there will always be certain shades and carpet finishes that prove utterly timeless in interior design, and avoiding colors that will overpower or dominate a room will only lead to a more long-lasting and successful scheme.

If we are to trust anybody to design our new rug, it would be Iris Apfel. The famed businesswoman, interior designer, and all-around fashion icon has an unmatched textiles career – including a contract with the White House (that spanned nine presidencies, no less). 

It is welcome news, therefore, that Iris has released a new collection with Ruggable – the 'washable rug' that is 'stain-resistant, water-resistant, and designed to fit conveniently in your home washing machine' (yes, really). 

In true Iris Apfel style, the rugs are beautifully maximalist – paying homage to her 'more is more' style through eclectic patterns, ornate prints, and vibrant colorways. These maximalist pieces are set to top rug trends for 2023 (as maximalist decorating ideas show no sign of slowing down) – and despite the 'trend' label – we're sure these designs will stand the test of time. 

The daring rugs make it easy to 'have fun, take chances, and be bold,' as Iris says – but they also allow you to tap into one of the audacious interior design trends shaping our space in the coming months. 

Forecasters (and social powerhouse) Pinterest say that demand for maximalist decor with a vintage twist (particularly) is up +350% this year – as more people look to create a 'Hipstoric Home' that combines vintage and heritage pieces with modern styles. Decorating with antiques is one way to do so – but investing in a maximalist, vintage-style rug such as this is (arguably) even more impactful. And it's Iris Apfel approved – so we are certainly not to disagree. 

Similarly, Pinterest forecasts the rise of 'eclecticism and individualism' – two themes that are equally evident in Iris Apfel X Ruggable's pieces. 

'In a dissent from the uber-minimalist trend popular in recent years, consumers are shifting to a more eclectic collector's approach to designing their spaces,' they explain. 'Looking forward, this year, we predict consumers moving towards a more decadent, collected home.'

Inspired? You can shop for our favorite rugs below.

Nothing beats the cozy feeling of soft carpet underfoot, and many of us embrace the plush feel and tactile texture that carpet can provide in our homes – but do you know how often your carpet should be replaced? 

There is, of course, no exact answer on how often you should replace your carpet, it can all depend on your chosen carpet ideas and elements such as your carpet's age, cleanliness, material and location – to name just a few!

However, we have spoken with a collection of designers, carpet experts and cleaning professionals who share with us which factors can affect how often you replace your carpet, as well as signs to look out for and helpful tips on how you can lengthen your carpet's lifespan.

How long does carpet last?

'Carpet usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 years, so with such a big range it's important to learn the signs on when it's time to replace,' says Chris Kehl, owner, of High Country Flooring. 

Interior designer and founder of Arsight, Artem Kropovinsky says, 'in general, if your carpet is older than 10 years, a replacement is probably in need. Your carpet's fibers may deteriorate over time, making it less aesthetically pleasant and more uncomfortable to tread on. Yet, if your carpet has received outstanding maintenance and is still in wonderful shape after 10 years, there's no immediate need to replace it.'

Whether you're considering replacing the carpet in your bedroom or would like to find out more about how you can make your existing carpet last longer, read on as we explore, how often should you replace your carpet.

When carpet color is affected

If your cream carpet has started to look brown, or your deep blue carpet is fading into a light blue, this discoloration may tell you that it's time to look into replacing your carpet.

Carpet cleaning expert, Lily Cameron from Fantastic Services says, 'some carpets will lose their color over time because of exposure to sunlight. If your carpet has become discolored and you can't get the stains out, it’s time to replace it.'

When it comes to choosing the right colored carpet for your home, neutral colors, such as brown, beige, cream and gray, are often the most popular picks, as these will not only seamlessly coordinate with a range of different interior styles, they are often best for masking dirt and stains.

If the footfall has changed or increased

If your carpet is in a busy, transitional space, such as for hallway carpet ideas or stair carpet ideas, then it may need replacing quicker compared to the carpet in a room such as a bedroom or a study.

Lorna Haigh, creative director at Alternative Flooring says, 'you must consider footfall. A busy family with animals has different flooring needs than smaller families who have a ‘no shoes’ policy in their homes. A no-shoe policy is always worth consideration for many homes no matter what your floor. Fewer and softer footfall leads to longevity of the textile floor covering. Be kind to the floor.'

Interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, also supports this and says, 'the kind of room your carpet is in may also affect how long it lasts. You might need to repair your carpet more frequently in high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways than in a bedroom or sitting room. This is because frequent foot activity can cause the fibers to deteriorate more quickly.'

If the material is worse for wear

Artem Kropovinsky shares, 'some materials are more resistant to wear and tear than others, allowing them to last longer. For instance, with the right maintenance, a high-quality wool carpet can last up to 25 years, whereas a nylon carpet may only last 10-15 years. When considering if it's time for a replacement, it's crucial to take the carpet's substance into account.'

Lorna Haigh from Alternative Flooring also suggests, 'think carefully about your carpet choices. The quality, fiber, construction and area in your home will all play a big part in how long the carpet will last as will your lifestyle. On average a good-quality carpet has a lifespan of around five-ten years and high-quality carpets have even longer. Wool is always a great choice. It is easily cleaned, retains its shape and bounce and is sustainable fiber for floors that lasts. Sisal is also hardwearing, and tightly woven sisals are ideal in hallways and stairs.'

If you no longer love the style

Of course, it is completely up to you what style of carpet you think will work best in your home, but carpet can be a big investment, and choosing the right type of design that grows with your space for years to come is key.

For example, a more grounding, neutral carpet in a cream color is, more likely, going to stand the test of time and work with changing interior styles over a busy, printed carpet influenced by the latest color and pattern trends.

Claire Kimble, senior design manager at Crucial Trading says, 'there is now a need for the rejection of transient trends within our interiors, and longevity and investment are key to how we intend to move forward here at Crucial Trading.

Investment in flooring, lighting, or furniture with a color palette that works with all patterns and styling is key, with the thought that we create a base layer for longevity within the interior.'

If the carpet is looking past its best

Julian Downes from Fibre Flooring says: 'a good quality carpet can last for years, and there are some easy tell-tale signs for when it might be time to replace. The most obvious one is visual signs of wear and tear. Have your carpets started to look thin or worn on the paths where people walk? Whether this is in the middle of a stair carpet or a well-trodden route between rooms, this is a sign that your carpet fibers have lost their inherent ability to bounce back and are starting to leave bare areas.'

Chris Kehl, from High Country Flooring, also supports this and says: 'a good way to tell when you should replace your carpets is by their condition. If you've tried everything under the sun to get stubborn stains out then you're better off replacing it. The same goes for smells since old carpets can hold onto odors and give off an unpleasant musk.'

If you are starting to show signs of an allergy

Another sign that you may have never considered when deciding whether your carpet needs replacing is if you have had an increase in allergy symptoms. 

Carpet cleaning expert, Lily Cameron says, 'carpets can trap dust, dirt, pet fur and saliva, and other particles, which aggravate allergies and asthma. If your carpet is causing allergic reactions or has an unpleasant smell, it’s time to replace it.'

Julian Downes also explains, 'wool is a great carpet to choose as its fibers can hold on to common allergens such as pollen and dust and prevent them getting airborne, but as a carpet wears, this natural retention property will weaken. Any increase in these reactions could be a strong sign that it’s time to replace your carpets for better air quality.'

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