Posted by
Abigail Pugh
Friday, September 28, 2012 3:00 PM EDT
The Wall-to-Not-Quite-Wall look, pictured via Houzz
Sinking one’s bare toes into rich, tufty carpeting is a sensual experience. But for the best luxy-luxe effect, it has to be the real deal: in-your-face, nailed-to-the-ground broadloom.
As with the Matchy-Matchy look, the flat-out carpeted look is making a comeback. I’m not saying kilims-and-pine aren’t great (because if I thought that, I’d be hating my entire house right about now). What I’m saying is, the stylish will be embracing what we in the U.K. used to call the “fitted carpet,” very very soon. (Just not literally, I hope.)
Read on for 5 ways to make the fitted look work spectacularly for you.
Uptown Swellegant (pictured, below left)
The word “swellegant” should be more common. Sometimes no other word will quite conjure that inviting combo of brassy, fabulous, fun-loving and maybe a little boozy. A swellegant bedroom would, like the one pictured here, have plenty of cushy, matte broadloom in a pale, supersaturated and entirely impractical colour such as dove grey.
The Uptown Swellegant look (left), via Houzz; the Hallway as Room look (right), via Houzz
Hallway as Room (pictured, above right)
If you’re lucky enough to have a hallway wide enough to accommodate things like chairs, bookshelves and even a daybed or two (yeah, right), then wall-to-wall carpet would be a great way to add cosyness. It says, “I know I’m a hallway, but stay awhile anyway.”
Rooms for Cute Horizontal Children
If I were a crawling or toddling infant, I would adore the chance to romp on a deliciously forgiving carpet that covered the entire room. Sort of like the ball-room at IKEA but without the balls and that annoying chart that says kids have to be, like, 12 to get in.
The Rooms for Cute Horizontal Children look, pictured via Mohawk Flooring (left) and me (right; that’s my niece!)
Wall-to-Not-Quite-Wall (pictured, top of post)
Here’s a rare way to do carpeting — but it works really well and more people should try it. It’s a clever look that’s partially area rug, but actually fitted into place for that special, cosy feeling. This would be great for a room that already has decent wood floors you don’t want to entirely cover up…and using less carpet means you can go for super-high quality for not much extra cost.
Here’s another great example of wall-to-not-quite-wall, at Elle Decor.
Whole Hog Carpeting
Who says you have to stop at the floor? This look brings a whole new meaning to “wall-to-wall” because it includes the wall. In the real world, the risk with this approach would involve having your space look like a padded cell. But in the right hands, with the right carpet (and not much furniture to, you know, mess the place up), this is a stunning look.
The Whole Hog Carpeting look, pictured via The Mohawk Group
When you think about it, fitted carpeting offers a wider range of looks than wood. What’s next: trompe-l'œil wood-print carpets? Smart carpets that heat up on cool days? The sky might be the limit...
