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Fitted carpets are a quintessential trademark of any British home going as far back as the 70s, keeping most houses warm and insulated in varying shades of soothing beige and grey.
However, an interiors expert has revealed that rather than being charmingly retro, a sea of wall-to-wall fabric is making houses feel ‘dated’ and stuffy.
The elevated ‘posh’ choice, rather, now is rugs.
‘In my experience, across the last four projects I have completed, not one client has opted for carpet, even in bedrooms, which I found surprising,’ Jordana Ashkenazi, Design Director and Founder of Element One House, told the Daily Mail.
‘Instead, they have all chosen wood flooring or tiles, which really reflects a wider shift in how people want their homes to feel and function.
‘Nothing dates a home quite like a worn carpet, particularly lighter tones like beige or cream. However easy to clean they claim to be, stains almost always show over time.
‘Once that happens, a carpet can very quickly make a property feel scruffy and old, which is the opposite of what people want.’
Jordana said that ‘what we are seeing instead is a move towards more timeless, flexible flooring’.
‘Wood remains a classic, whether laid in chevron, herringbone or planks, and there are now so many high quality alternatives available,’ she advised.
‘I recently installed a herringbone tile floor that looks exactly like wood but is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. There are also beautiful natural stones and wood effect tiles that give the same warmth visually, especially when paired with underfloor heating.’
Meanwhile, she added, ‘rugs have become the more elevated, posh choice in many homes’.
Jordana explained: ‘They feel more design led and intentional. While layered rugs are often talked about, in reality we are not seeing that as much.
‘What we are seeing is multiple rugs being used together in a more considered way, with different shapes, sizes or colours sitting alongside each other to create a cohesive look.
‘Rugs also give you far more flexibility. They add warmth, texture and personality, but crucially, they can be changed as trends evolve or as wear and tear sets in.
‘You can update rugs, cushions, throws and even artwork at a relatively low cost, which allows you to refresh a space without major expense. ‘
However, she added, the dilemma between carpets versus rugs can still be ‘quite a tricky one’.
‘You are either committing to wall to wall carpet, choosing hard flooring like wood or tiles, or using rugs to soften the space,’ the expert revealed.
‘There are more options than ever, and clients are becoming far more considered in how they approach it.’
A big part of changing mindsets, Jordana thinks, is the increasing popularity of underfloor heating.
‘It is becoming far more common and more affordable, and it completely changes how hard flooring feels,’ she shared.
‘Wood and tiles are no longer seen as cold, they can feel just as comfortable as carpet.
‘It also allows people to remove radiators, which, no matter how designer they try to make them, are still bulky, take up valuable wall space, and can feel quite clunky. In smaller homes especially, that space is much better used for storage or furniture.’
‘There is also a more lifestyle driven shift happening,’ Jordana added. ‘Underfloor heating is now seen as a more elevated and considered way to heat a home.
‘People like being able to control their heating from their phone, turn it on before they get home, adjust it remotely, or manage it while they are away.
‘The systems now are very sophisticated and can work in zones, meaning you are not heating the entire house unnecessarily. When installed properly, they heat up quickly and are easy to control, either from an app or a simple wall panel.
‘In contrast, radiators can feel more high maintenance, they need bleeding, they are tied into the boiler, and they are always visible.’
Ultimately though, Jordana said it’s important not get caught up in trends; and know what works best for your house.
‘Interiors are almost having a fast fashion moment now. Trends are moving quicker than ever, whereas before they would last for years,’ she said.
‘Not everyone wants to follow that, but for those who do, the key is having a timeless base and then updating the layers.
‘Being able to switch out rugs, soft furnishings and accessories means your home can evolve with trends, without the cost and commitment of replacing something like carpet throughout.
‘Ultimately, a classic floor paired with rugs gives you the best of both worlds. It keeps the base of the home timeless and practical, while allowing you to refresh the look over time.
‘With carpets, once they start to stain or wear, you are often stuck with them, and that is when a home can start to feel dated very quickly.’
Stylish rugs to help your home look fresh
