carpet
The feel: “Soft and warm, carpet creates a luxurious feel,” says Anthony
Carter, national product manager of Carpet Court (carpetcourt.com.au).
The options: “Synthetic [usually nylon] carpets are great for families
with young children or pets,” says Anthony. “They’ve become
increasingly popular due to advances in fade and stain resistance.”
Wool carpets are pricier but are “worth the investment as they’re
exceptionally hardwearing.” High-quality brands, such as Cavalier
Bremworth (cavbrem.com.au), “possess thicker, softer yarns, and
create a sense of luxury,” says Anthony.
Pile style is important when choosing your carpet, too. “A cut-
twist pile gives a textured appearance, and is perfect for high-trafic
areas, such as hallways,” says Anthony. “A plush pile is luxurious
with a velvety appearance, and great in bedrooms and living areas.
It requires maintenance though, so is not ideal for young families.
Textured pile and loop-pile carpets are made from uncut yarn.
Strong and wear-resistant, they give a modern look.”natural floor
coverings
+ Sisal: “Sisal is a natural fibre
harvested from the Agave
sisalana cactus plant,” says
James Trowbridge, director
of Floorspace (floorspace.
com.au). “It’s durable and
a great eco-friendly option.
It’s also soft underfoot and
competitively priced.”
+ Coir: Made from coconut
husk, this carpet “has a firmer
feel than sisal and gives
a rustic look,” says James.
+Jute: Made from fibres
of the jute plant, it makes
a softer – although less
durable – carpet than sisal.
+Paper: These carpets, made
mainly from conifer trees, have
a lifespan of about five years.
+ Marmoleum: A dur able
linoleum with a linseed-oil
base, it’s biodegradable
and made from 43 per
cent recycled materials.PHOTOGRAPHY: (OPPOSITE & THIS PAGE) DEREK SWALWELL, (THIS PAGE) STYLING: (OPPOSITE & THIS PAGE) RACHEL VIGOR. DESIGN: (OPPOSITE) AUSTIN DESIGN ASSOCIATES, AUSTINDESIGN.COM.AU, (THIS PAGE) KENNEDY NOLAN, KENNEDYNOLAN.COM.AU. ARTWORK: (TOP SHELF, FROM LEFT) MOOFUS AND TIM SUTHERLAND; PHOTOGRAPH (ON FLOOR) JACK SHELTON