If you're seeking a floor covering which is inexpensive and beautiful at the same time, then you're going to love all the colors and styles available in carpet and vinyl flooring. These materials can be found in every color of the rainbow, every degree of durability, and in patterns to suit every taste. As if that weren't enough, they are some of the most affordable flooring options on the market!
Here, we'll take a look at some of the newest flooring trends in these materials, including color, pattern, and the materials themselves. We'll also review what can be accomplished as a DIY project, and when it's best to call in the professionals. If you should determine that your project requires a professional's expertise, we'll go over some tips for finding the right worker for the job, as well.
Carpeting Trends
There have been many carpeting trends over the years, some more memorable than others. Many of us can remember growing up in a home featuring shag carpet, which was wildly popular in the 1970s. While many trends are regrettable in a few years, there's no reason why you can't keep up with trends and have carpet that you'll still be proud of in years to come! Today's trends are varied and broad, meaning that you don't' have to be a trend slave in order to have a stylish home. This variation means that no matter what your taste might be, there is a carpet trend that's right for you.
How to Choose?
In order to select the best carpet for your home, there are a few key questions to ask yourself. These questions will allow you to determine your needs as well as the needs of your household.
- • Do you have young children?
- • Do you have pets?
- • Will the carpet be in a high-traffic area?
- • What colors will complement the room where the carpet is to be installed?
Answering these simple questions before you go carpet-shopping will make it much easier for you to make your selection. Your answers will also help you avoid making the wrong decision, which could cost you time, money and frustration. If you're unsure about anything, simply ask a carpeting professional or a knowledgeable salesperson for their advice.
Trendy Styles and Textures
Color is one of the biggest trends in carpet lately. Whether you prefer a bold primary color or a deep dark hue, you'll find it with no trouble. Some companies are offering more color choices than ever before, realizing that consumers are no longer satisfied with the old standbys like beige and taupe.
Eye-catching, bright colors are suitable for anywhere in the home, as long as they complement your home's interior. However, they're extremely popular in living areas, children's' rooms and smaller areas such as walk-in closets. A walk-in closet allows homeowners to “try on†bright carpeting without a large commitment. In children's' areas, they're just plain fun, and the same applies to family areas.
With the exception of a children's' area, a good rule is to keep furniture and paint colors muted when using a bright carpet. However, always remember that it's your home, and following what looks good to you is what will bring your personality into your dècor.
Texture is another big trend lately. That shag rug we all remember has been revamped: manufacturers have made it even longer, while still being easy to clean. They've also thrown in some truly unique touches like multi-colored strands! Dramatic, multi-colored shag carpeting is a statement all by itself, so be certain of your choice before you buy. However, once its' installed, you'll have a unique room that reflects your personal style in a fun and stylish way.
Patterned carpet, considered outdated, for many years, is making a comeback! Some very luxurious brands are offering patterns on low-pile and textured carpeting, allowing your floor to be a work of function art. Think palm trees for a screened-in porch, or romantic flowers in a guest bedroom suite. With patterned carpet, your only limit is your imagination! A few fun tie-ins like decorative lighting fixtures can really make the pattern come alive, as can coordinating window treatments or bed linens.
Carpet squares are yet another way to bring the hottest trends into your home with minimal effort and maximum creativity. These small panels of carpeting (one square foot is the most common size) come in an array of colors and textures, allowing you to create your own unique look. Why not try out a checkerboard pattern, or create a dramatic border by using a darker color along edges? Whatever you can imagine, you can create.
Once you've determined the look you want to create, remember to pay close attention to “unseen†details like padding. The right padded backing for your carpet can make it much more comfortable to walk on, as well as extend the durable life of the carpet itself. Ease of cleaning and stain resistance are also important considerations.
Vinyl Flooring
In the past, vinyl flooring got a bad reputation. This is because some of the earliest vinyl floors were, to put it mildly, not the most attractive options. They had a tendency to peel at the corners, and they came in a very small, limited array of not-so-attractive colors.
Today's vinyl flooring couldn't be more different! These days, the advantages of vinyl (extreme durability, ease of installation, minimal maintenance) are combined with designer colors, patterns and textures. No matter what look you're trying to attain, vinyl flooring can help you get there.
Depending on the room in which you want to install vinyl flooring, you'll have a vast array of options. For a kitchen, you may want to take a look at some of the wood- and stone-look vinyl patterns available. These “mimics†are extremely durable, and they allow homeowners to enjoy the luxurious look of more expensive flooring materials at a much lower cost.
Installation
When it comes time to actually install your new carpet or vinyl floor, you'll see several similarities between these two common materials. Both come in either large bolts or rolls, as well as in easier-to-install individual squares.
If you're attempting to install your new flooring on your own, most experts recommend individual squares. There are many advantages. Going square-by-square allows you to see your progress as you go along, instead of discovering much too late that a pattern is off-kilter. You can also cut a small square of material much more easily than you can cut a large bolt, meaning that working around corners and other obstacles becomes a simple task instead of a big headache.
If you're still unsure if you want to tackle your flooring project yourself or hire a professional, simply ask yourself a few questions. Do you need the project done in a hurry? Do you have the basic tools needed to do the job properly? Will your nerves get in the way?
If you have serious doubts, don't' hesitate to hire a professional. You can have the entire floor professionally installed, or you can have a professional take over some of the more intricate jobs, such as installing carpet padding or the proper backing for vinyl flooring. Once the “basis†of the job has been done professionally, you may feel more capable to finish the job yourself. Either way, remember that this floor is designed to last. You don't want your own lack of expertise to compromise the durability of your new carpeting or vinyl floor, so don't' let pride keep you from calling in the experts. That's what they're there for, after all!
When finding a professional to install your carpeting or vinyl flooring, always look for somebody with experience in the field. The handyman who does your yard work may have a great work ethic, but if he's never installed carpet in his life, he may not be the best man for the job.
Take the time to look through websites which connect consumers with professionals. These sites are wonderful, because they allow you to see the references, licenses and areas of expertise for many different professionals without making a ton of phone calls. You can even read through first-hand reviews, written by consumers just like you! These reviews can be invaluable when making your hiring decision, since they can help you discern a good carpet installer from a truly great one.
As with any home-improvement job, be sure to ask (even if it's specified online) about licensing and insurance. Licensing is not always required for flooring, but if it is; your contractor should be properly licensed to ensure compliance with all local laws. Insurance is just as important. It ensures that if an injury should occur, it will be treated promptly, properly, and without any liability on your part. This can take a lot of the worry out of any home improvement project.
It's also a good idea to review your entire project with your chosen professional before the work gets started. This ensures that you're both on the same page when it comes to expectations, and can help to avoid some inconvenient delays later on. Hire somebody that you feel comfortable with, who is properly licensed and insured, and who has applicable experience and good references. If you follow these simple guidelines, your chances of a pleasant installation are much higher.
Posted by: DianeSuggested Reading For You
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