When it comes to giving your home a facelift, most Kiwis focus on walls, furniture, and décor. However, there's another key element that can make or break the ambience of a space: the floor. Picking the right carpet or flooring choice can revolutionise your room, making it cozier, more elegant, or even more practical. Here’s how to nail your flooring choice in true Kiwi fashion.
Understand the Room's Purpose
First up, think about the primary function of the room. If it's a lounge where the whānau gathers for movie nights, a plush, soft carpet might be your go-to. For kitchens or bathrooms where spills and moisture are the norm, you might lean towards tiles or vinyl that are both stylish and easy to clean.
Match the Mood
Every room tells a story. Maybe your dining room's all about those classic Kiwi dinner parties, or your bedroom's a sanctuary where you unwind. Light-coloured carpets can make a small room feel more spacious, while dark tones can give a large room a cozier vibe. Meanwhile, wooden or laminate flooring can offer a modern, chic look perfect for an office or contemporary lounge.
Durability is Key
With our active indoor-outdoor lifestyle, Kiwis know the importance of durable flooring. High-traffic areas like hallways and entranceways might benefit from tougher materials like hardwood or tiles. And if you’ve got tamariki or pets racing about, look for carpets that are stain-resistant or floors that can handle the odd scratch.
Factor in the Climate
In Aotearoa, we've got everything from balmy Northland summers to frosty Otago winters. If you’re up in the Winterless North, cooler tiles might be a blessing. Down South? Thick carpet or underfloor heating paired with wooden flooring could keep those toes toasty.
Don’t Forget Underlay
It might be out of sight, but it shouldn't be out of mind. A good quality underlay can make your carpet feel plusher, reduce wear and tear, and provide that extra insulation, which is perfect for those chillier nights.
Test and Try Before You Buy
Before making the big decision, get some samples. Lay them out in the room and see how they look in different lights throughout the day. Walk on them, test their feel, and try to visualise how they'd fit into your space.
Seek Expert Advice
Last but not least, have a yarn with the experts. Local carpet and flooring businesses will have a wealth of knowledge about what works best in New Zealand homes.
Want some expert blind advice for your home? Get in touch with us here at CarpetMe and we will be more than welcome to assist you in any way we can!