Hot design trends

Just as the popularity of colours and designs change over the years, so too do flooring trends. Of course, updating the floors in your home can be a costly exercise. When it comes to selecting the right product, it’s important to invest in a material that is not only popular, but long-lasting. Interior designer and Carpet Court ambassador Darren Palmer says two trends that will go the distance include the Moroccan and botanical looks – both of which, he says, work beautifully in Australian homes.

Get the look!

We love these two products as they are perfectly suited to the botanical interior trend. Potted Grand Split Philio, Domayne, $48. Seagrass stool, $59.95, Manawee Garden Centre.

Premium Oak in Arctic White from Carpet Court 

Beautiful botanicals

Australians love indoor-outdoor living and the botanical trend translates well into our homes. “The key to making this look work is not to overfill the space – you want it to feel light and airy,” Mr Palmer says. “Choose one or two statement features, such as an oversized leaf-print wallpaper across one wall or a forest green velvet sofa. Then, add in shelves and accessories in woven rattan and blonde timber, white plantation shutters and plenty of greenery. “Finish off with touches of gold for a modern-luxe feel.”

PRODUCT TIP:
Mr Palmer says a pale timber floor with cool undertones such as Carpet Court’s Premium Oak in Arctic White creates a soft, easy-to-live foundation for this look and contrasts beautifully with forest greens.

Carpet Court’s Dreamtime carpet in Clay

Go Moroccan

Mr Palmer says the Moroccan look is exotic and luxurious. “Think bold brights, clashing patterns and earthy, rugged textures. With its bohemian edge, this look brings a sense of energy yet warmth to a space,’’ he says. “When you’re decorating a room, it’s always a good idea to start with the floor. It’s one of the largest expanses of space in a home and will set the tone for the rest of your furnishings. The Moroccan look has warm, spicy undertones and an earthy feel, so seek out flooring in a warm neutral shade with plenty of texture. “Complete the look with a medley of bright, patterned rugs and cushions, buffed leather accessories, decorative pendants and woven wall hangings.”

PRODUCT TIP:
Mr Palmer suggests Dreamtime high-low loop pile carpet or Antille Twist cut pile twist carpet as they are both textured.

TEXTURED APPEAL: To add texture to your interior, consider a chunky felted loop pile carpet in this season’s on-trend colours – charcoal, silvery-grey or sand.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: If you have children or pets, a level loop-pile carpet in a mid-tone neutral with some flecks of colour will be the most hardwearing and forgiving.

FIBRE SMARTS: Wool carpet has a luxurious, natural appeal, but solution-dyed nylon is a great choice if you’re looking for a soft carpet with superior fade and stain-resistance for a sunny room or a home with kids.

GRAB A SAMPLE: Carpet and hard flooring colours will look different from the showroom once you get them home. To work out whether a colour or timber finish is right for your interior, take a sample home and look at it at different times of day and under various light conditions.

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS: Love the look of timber but want something low-maintenance and more affordable? Why not consider timber-look vinyl planks or laminate, which give you the appearance of real wood for less and can often be used in wet rooms such as bathrooms and laundries.

THE TOUCH TEST: To assess how soft a carpet will feel underfoot, don’t just feel it with your hands – slip off your shoes and walk on it.