Decorating Q & A
1) I am confused as to which size rug we need for the dining room. The room measures out to be 11 feet 10 inches long and 12 feet 7 inches wide. The dining room table is 5 feet 10 inches long and 3 feet 6 inches wide without the additional leaf. I am not sure the size of the rug that would sufficiently cover the entire table and chairs pulled out.
Lyda
Rocky Face, GA
That's a great question that seems to baffle most people.
The rule of thumb is that you want to leave at least 2 feet per chair to pull out. Some rooms don't allow for that type of luxury but it's just one of those handy rules that sometimes applies. If you wanted to get some of that "blue painter's tape" and make an outline on your floor, it would be a great way to see the proportion of the rug you are considering and how it works in your room, prior to purchase.
2) We're building our new house with lots of natural wood (oak), stone and forged iron accents. I would like to do some rooms in an "oatmeal" tone carpet. (i.e. flecks of browns and neutrals.) What Karastan carpet would fit this description? We also have a "slight shedding" boxer and a visiting grandchild (age 1 1/2) Thanks, I love the product and insisted on the brand to my builder.
Chris Moyer
Ridgewood, NJ
Your new house sounds gorgeous! The mix of wood, stone, and iron offer a backdrop of rich tones that would pair wonderfully with a Berber-flecked carpet. Karastan makes a number of Berber styles in cut-pile and loop-pile textures. Not only would they work well, they would mask shedding hair and withstand the mishaps bound to happen when grandchildren visit! Check out Cabarita, Catalina, and Alamitos Bay.
3) I have wall-to-wall carpet in two rooms on the 1st floor and up the stairs. The carpet in the front room is in perfect condition. The carpet on the stairs is also in good shape. The carpet in the middle room (same room open stairs) needs replacement. The carpet is beige. I would like to have darker carpet in the middle room, which is used all the time. The one there now is stained with drinks, etc. Will it look terrible to put a different color carpet in that room, since all the rooms are pretty much opened up? Do you have any other suggestions?
Mary Kay
Pittson, PA
Why not try a patterned carpet in a brown/black color with a slight beige pattern? That way you tie in the darker color needed in your heavy traffic area with the existing beige tones. Some Karastan options that would work great are: Gingham Stitch and French Check.
4) I want to carpet my split-level home with a light color that is neutral in tone. I am single and nearing retirement. I also need new living room furniture, so I am not using furniture to guide my carpet selection. I'd appreciate any suggestions for carpet color/style. I'm imagining a light, maybe sort of Japanese or Zen-like atmosphere... (I'm thinking of bamboo, light green for accents). I want a soothing room with a mix of textures and comfort -- not stark modern. I don't want the carpet to have a yellow undertone or be too pink or Khaki...I haven't bought carpet since the mid-80's, so I'm a little lost and get overwhelmed in the stores. I'd appreciate any advice.
Norma
Redmond, WA
Norma, some Zen-like carpets that come to mind are Agave, Nevis, and Worsted Stria. They are neutral with a twist, which is what I think you are looking for. It would be best to get some samples and see how the light in your space affects the overall color of the carpet. You also might want to consider some colors besides beige. Light greens are soothing to the eye and have a peaceful feeling.
5) I live in a 2,400 square-foot slab, on-grade townhome. I would like to replace my carpet with a plush texture that is dense and thick with fibers .50 high. What do you suggest?
Annette
Eden Prairie, MN
For a slab installation, I would recommend one of Karastan's trademark products--Eloquence. It is luxuriously thick with a heavy texture. What's more, it comes in 60 colors so you're bound to find the perfect shade for your townhome.
6) How do I choose between short and tall, dense-pile carpet? What is the actual difference when walking on it?
Ilse
Boynton Beach, FL
The answer to your question is really a matter of preference. A shorter pile feels tighter underfoot and presents a more tailored look. If you are considering a taller cut-pile (versus a shorter cut-pile), it may look thicker, more velvety and have a sumptuous feel. If you are looking at a frieze or shag-like texture (where the yarns are a little looser in style), the taller pile height will have a more casual look with a feel that you can really dig your toes into. I would suggest going to a carpet store and walking on some carpet samples. Take your shoes off to get a real feel for the carpet before you make a final decision. You can find your nearest Karastan retailer by visiting our store locator section.
7) My foyer wallpaper is in excellent condition and I love it. It's a medium scale floral design (18th century Winterthur style). However, it is 18 years old. I am shopping for an area rug and runner for the foyer, but I do not want to be locked into a color or pattern if the wallpaper should change. What are your thoughts?
Eileen Karwaski
Media, PA
I think a pattern like Karastan's Captiva from the Samarkand Collection would work very nicely. This pattern is interesting enough to blend with your present medium-scaled floral wallpaper and rich enough to blend with a new paper should you decide to change it. Beige and neutral, this pattern will add warmth to your foyer without being overpowering. It seems a bit "old world" and could fit in beautifully with a classic setting.