Carpet craft
Q. We want to update our bedroom but prefer wall-to-wall carpet to hardwood. What do you suggest for carpeting that would look good with a metal bed? – Shauna
A. Wall-to-wall carpeting is back in fashion with fabulous textured designs that suit contemporary style. The trend began when manufacturers saw consumer interest for the wide selection of carpet designs in the hospitality industry (hotels and commercial buildings) cross over to homes. Hardwood and laminate floors are still high on the preference list for open-space living, but wall-to-wall is returning to the bedroom, hallways and stairs. Although the price is higher for the more complex textured designs, it remains affordable for small spaces.
“We are seeing carpet innovations using multicolor fibers to create rich patterns such as the granite look,” said Kerri McKeen, Carpet Product Manager at Shnier, a major floor coverings solutions company (www.shnier.ca). “The emphasis is on soft … the new manufacturing processes have perfected the production of fibers that are sweet and soft underfoot as well as long-wearing and stylish. Gray is the big color story, with other shades such as taupe, blue and green all having gray undertones.”
You can see in the contemporary bedroom shown here the tone-on-tone weave of Stainmaster’s Canterbury Driftwood is a perfect complement to the metal bed and floating side table (www.stainmaster.com). The variety of designs offers solutions for transitional and updated traditional styles as well. And if you find a wall-to-wall carpet design you like for other rooms in the house, it also can be cut and bound to act as an area carpet – a bonus when you require a custom fit and want the wood floor to show.
Q. We have lived in our house for 30 years and want to modernize it. There is a brick wall at one end of the living room where there was originally a wood-burning stove. We have replaced it with a gas fireplace and traditional white mantel. Would you suggest covering the brick? Any other ideas? – Judie
A. Some people love exposed brick on interior walls, while it’s not so popular with others. Both traditional and modern styles accommodate exposed brick walls, so it can stay. It’s your choice: You can cover the brick, or partially cover it so that it is not so imposing. Leave the exposed brick around the fireplace reaching up to the ceiling, and cover the rest of the wall. Drywall is adhered to the brick with drywall joint compound and nails to hold it firm while drying. (If the future owners want to expose it again, that’s doable, so don’t let that stop you.) Your choice of light-gray walls is a good one with or without the brick. Look for a contemporary wall-to-wall carpet design. This will set up your fresh style immediately. A sleek new sofa in gray or camel tones and accent seating in patterned upholstery that has a combination of shades that you like will transform this space.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.