Some people love the idea of carpet. We salute those people! Meanwhile, the rest of us would prefer the epic hardwood floors that grace the pages of design magazines. So, what do you do if carpet is all you have to work with? If you’re stuck with carpet that you’re not crazy about, here are three simple solutions to ensure your space is just as stylish as any other.
1. Relish in Rugs
A layered rug will draw your eye away from the carpeting, and allow you to create a foundation for your space that you actually love. Even with hardwood, our philosophy is the bigger the rug, the better–but this rule is especially applicable for carpeting. If you have dark carpeting, a textured white rug (moroccan style, or shag), will brighten up your space and provide a luxe feel. If your carpeting is lighter, you have lots of possibilities when it comes to color and pattern. And don’t forget—raw hides are always great for odd-shaped rooms or corners like dining nooks.
[Image via Oh Joy!]
[Room Design by Havenly]
[Image via Matt Herrer]
2. Embrace the Beige
The primary challenge with carpeting is the giant expanse of one single color—usually boring ole’ beige. It can make your space feel one-dimensional, empty, and dull. Perhaps this is a good time to lean in! Select white or neutral bedding, and light wood furniture to create a monochrome masterpiece that has a fresh, modern look. We especially encourage this rule of thumb for those living in small apartments. The less color you use, the more simple, elegant, and spacious your apartment will feel.
[Image via Bashi HQ]
[Image via Decor Pad]
3. Make The Best of What You Have
Our best advice for dealing with wall-to-wall carpeting is simple: make sure it’s professionally cleaned before you move in. There’s nothing worse than wall-to-wall carpeting WITH stains. If you’re moving into a rental, ask your landlord about his/her professional cleaning policy. Most property owners guarantee a cleaning in between tenants. On the rare occasion that this isn’t an option, we think it’s worthwhile to invest in the cleaning yourself. After all, you never know what the previous occupants did on that carpet!
[Image via Marcin Wichary for Flickr]