Since the days of our childhood and outdated, gloomy rental rooms of our early twenties, carpet has come a long way, thanks to the industry adapting to the demand and constantly developing more attractive and performant products. Now more than ever, people are looking for a sense of cocooning and warmth within their homes, things that carpet can provide.

What’s new then since the old days of carpet and what to look for in 2021?

Well, Coco Channel said “An interior is the natural projection of the soul” and that also applies to carpets! Whether you need a calming and grounding environment or at the other end of the spectrum, a bold and stimulating one, the key here is a return to our inner selves and what we need to feel happy and supported in our environment.

We are all unique but some general trends are here to stay, others are coming (back) in force!

Natural and sustainable materials
The increased awareness is driving the overall demand for materials kinder to our health, wellbeing and environment. Carpets made of recycled materials are now much more available, think recycled water bottles and synthetic fibers, which is a great solution to address the volume of landfill created. Wool is also not anymore the only natural material dominating the market, jute and sisal, both plant-based, are increasingly popular.

Carpet tiles in residential settings
These were already widely used in commercial spaces for their ease of replacement and access to the subfloor but we are seeing an increased use in our homes, I personally love them, and for several reasons. You can very easily replace a tile or few without having to rip off and replace the entire carpet in a room, so they are great for high traffic areas and where accidental spills might happen. They also come in a variety of shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours meaning you can mix and match them and be totally creative in the way you are laying them to create unique patterns, without having to get a bespoke solution.

Patterns

Plain carpet is still very present but patterns are getting more and more popular with geometric, stripes, florals and animal prints, varying from subtle to more striking. A patterned carpet can become a statement piece and brighten up an otherwise plain room.

Maximalism
It’s all about self-expression, showing your personality, being bold and breaking the rules. It can take the form of mis-matched colour combinations or clashing patterns, either way be mindful of not overdoing it as your space might become overwhelming, both visually and energy wise.

Luxury with deep pile carpets
Best avoided in high traffic areas, these are an all time favourite for bedrooms. They help to create a soft, comforting environment whilst indulging in a hotel-style, velvety, luxurious and sumptuous feel.

Does that make you want to redo your flooring? I think no one would judge you knowing all the exciting possibilities you now have!

Julie