Never underestimate the power of what’s underfoot. Carpet can completely transform a home, bringing warmth, comfort and a sense of luxury to everyday spaces. But if new carpet has always felt like a ‘one-day’ dream, reserved for big budgets and brand-new builds, think again.
As Art and Matilda Green have found in their Warkworth renovation, making smart flooring decisions can help create a high-end look without the premium price tag.
We spoke to Candice Lenssen from Carpet Mill about what to consider when choosing new carpet.
CONSIDER YOUR SPACE
“There’s more to choosing new carpet than just picking a colour you love. It’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle,” says Candice. “Ask yourself: How much foot traffic does the space see? Is the room flooded with natural light for most of the day? Do you have children or pets? These answers will shape every decision.”
When choosing carpet for their stairs and playroom, the Greens had these considerations in mind. Three children, a dog, busy hallways, and a playroom exposed to strong afternoon sun mean durability is just as important as aesthetics.
“The family really needed something that is stain-resistant and wouldn’t fade. They also mentioned wanting to avoid carpet beetles, which only affect woollen carpets, so that influenced the fibre choice,” says Candice.
The Greens opted for an Econyl® fibre carpet. This sustainable solution-dyed nylon is made from regenerated nylon products and offers fade and stain resistance.
WHERE TO INVEST
Carpet Mill says one of the smartest investments is what goes underneath it. “Although we are carpet manufacturers, we always say to invest in good underlay,” says Candice. “You get more out of your carpet that way. We always encourage people to go for carpet built from a durable, densely constructed fibre. Something that won’t fade or flatten quickly or is prone to staining.”
WHERE TO SAVE
Creating a luxe look doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the heaviest or most expensive carpet available.“A way to keep costs down is to opt for a lighter-weight carpet. A mid-range carpet in the 32–40oz range, made from a high-quality fibre, can be a great choice – offering solid fade and stain resistance, a comfortable feel and a lifespan of 15 years or more,” says Candice. “You don’t always need to go top-of-the-range.”
CLEVER COMPROMISE
For homeowners wanting a more luxurious feel while staying mindful of budget, Carpet Mill recommends tailoring carpet choices room by room.“If you’re set on the feeling of a thicker, more luxurious carpet but need to manage the budget, consider varying the weight across rooms,” says Candice.
“Opt for a higher density in spaces where you spend the most time – the living room, for example – and a lower weight in the bedrooms, where it sees less wear. Same look, smarter spend.”
Creating a warm, elevated home isn’t necessarily about spending more. It’s about making informed decisions and choosing products that work for your lifestyle.
The Carpet Mill team can help you achieve a luxurious look for less. To browse the range or book an in-home consultation, head to carpetmill.co.nz. Your Home and Garden readers, mention this article to receive 10 percent off any quote.
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