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Lauren
Silbar of Mequon poses on custom
carpeting designed by Carpets Galore to
accentuate the wallpaper.
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A
room’s focal point traditionally has not been the floor. That
was then. Today’s decorating trends start, quite literally, from
the ground up—putting emphasis on carpeting as a room’s main
focus.
What lies on the floor sets the
tone, mood and style for the rest of the room. Carpeting has
evolved from an inexpensive way to merely cover a floor into a
stylish, fashionable wall-to-wall statement made with color,
pattern and texture.
“Designers will begin with the
carpet because, though there are thousands of patterns, textures
and colors to choose from, it is easier to match a fabric to a
carpet than the other way around,” states Susie Sumichrast of
Watson Smith Carpets and Rugs. Sumichrast has noticed this year’s
trends being very sophisticated with direction toward highly
patterned and colorful carpet designs.
Steve Rubnitz, of Carpets Galore in
Brown Deer, agrees that color is essential to today’s décor and
suggests “picking out an accent color” from a decorating
scheme for carpet “because with different fabrics and textures,
an exact match isn’t always possible.” Carpets Galore has seen
its share of custom dye jobs as well as custom borders, though
right now they are not as popular. Rubnitz has seen carpet trends
waver between neutrals and colors but has seen a definitive
increase in nylon carpeting over wool. “Nylon is synonymous with
strength and resilience while at the same time being less
expensive than most wools,” states Rubnitz.
The wool versus nylon debate is
common amongst manufacturers, distributors, designers and
consumers alike. Wool is a traditional choice for carpeting
because of its natural strength and stain fighting capabilities.
Natural fibers tend to ‘release’ dirt and moisture, making
them easier to clean. However, nylon has improved to the point of
having the similar qualities to wool at an overall less expensive
price.
Buyers, however, should continue to
beware. Scott Jaeger of Mohawk Industries, a carpet manufacturer,
reminds consumers that you will get what you pay for. Jaeger adds
that “there are good quality carpets for less money, but
consumers need to know what they are looking for in quality
carpeting.” Wool versus nylon is less important than that of the
overall quality of carpeting. “Consumers should look at twist
level, weight and density of carpeting,” offers Jaeger. “A
higher twist level makes for a more durable carpet and as a
general rule, the tighter and denser weave will wear better.”
When shopping for carpeting, whether on your own or with a
decorator, make sure you go to a reputable retailer who has the
ability to help you choose a carpet that best suits your needs,
can install it and will follow up on the care and maintenance.
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