10 of the Most Timeless Carpet Trends
The use of carpets as utilitarian and artistic pieces dates back thousands of years. Carpets were originally woven to decorate dwellings as well as to provide a softer flooring and to insulate during cold weather. Knotted carpets originated in the Middle East, where carpet weaving flourished during the second and third centuries B.C. The migration of people across Turkestan, Persia, China and India helped to spread the art of carpeting. Because carpets are a major feature in any dwelling, they remain a central aspect of interior design. The following 10 carpeting trends are timeless and continue to add function and style to homes across the world.
Using Carpet as a Focal Point for Design
Historically, carpets were significant items and investments for households. The color and design of a carpet can dominate an interior’s color scheme. When planning a theme or a color scheme for your house, your carpeting choice is important. A traditional Turkish or Persian carpet can be the focal point for a large room. Carpets can be elegant and ornate or whimsical and eccentric. Many modern homeowners favor neutral tones in carpet and less vivid patterns. Whatever the carpet choice, it will influence the overall tone and “feel” of the interior design.
Natural Fibers
Before anti-stain synthetic carpet fabrics were invented, nature provided options. Natural fibers like wool and cotton are still used in carpet. Examples of natural fibers with a long history of use also include sisal, jute and silk. Modern carpets often include the use of one or more of these natural fibers interwoven with acrylic or polyester to add strength, pliability and durability. Another natural fiber —bamboo — is making a comeback as a popular carpet material.
Organic Design Motifs
Antique rugs and modern carpets sometimes feature organically inspired designs such as floral motifs, winding vines, leaves and paisley. Carpet and fabric designers usually look to nature for inspiration. Variations on natural themes have made up the basic design for carpeting throughout the ages.
Perfectly Plush
Plush is still popular. Carpeting can be designed with varying levels of plushness, depending on the homeowner’s taste. The plushness of a carpet is determined by the material’s thickness as well as by the installation methods and whether or not carpet pads are used.
Durable Weaves
Carpets are functional and require durability. High-traffic areas require carpet that will stand the test of time. The way the carpet’s fibers are twisted and their denseness is what determines a carpet’s durability. Some of the most durable weaves include cut-and-loop varieties of carpet, which is particularly resistant to deterioration from friction and footsteps.
Radiant Rugs
Smaller area rugs have traditionally been used to accent particular areas, such as hallways or underneath dining room tables. Rugs are still used on top of carpet for design purposes and for added durability. Jewel-tone rugs work especially well over neutral carpet — a cutting-edge design trend.
Simple Geometric Patterns
The basic shapes including circles, squares and triangles are regularly used in carpet design. A trait of traditional Persian rugs is symmetry, meaning they can be cut down the middle and can feature mirror-image designs on each side. Symmetry is based on fundamental geometry. Some of today’s more ornate carpets are highly geometric in their patterning, ranging from minimalist to highly detailed.
Nudes and Neutrals
Tones of beige, tan, cream and light-gray are included in the family of hues known to designers as “nudes and neutrals.” They are timeless because of their versatility and the fact that they won’t dominate a color scheme.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are reminiscent of gemstones. They are deep, rich and saturated hues. Classic rugs often feature deep jewel tones of magenta, ruby, emerald and amethyst. Jewel tones provide rich swaths of color and add brightness to a room.
Wool
Wool rugs are one of the most ancient forms of flooring, dating back thousands of years. Wool and other animal-hair fibers are functional, insulating and generally soft. Although modern homes usually don’t use 100-percent wool carpeting as it is difficult to clean, wool is often present in durable carpet blends.
About the Author: Phil Kearny is an expert in carpet care and cleaning. For those wishing to maintain their carpet’s beauty, he recommends COIT Professional Cleaning services. You can visit www.coit.com for more information.
