Wherever you look in the world of interior design: Carpets of all kinds are currently popping up big time. Of course, we see them quite a lot in private homes, where our interior design team loves to work with them. But our partners and architects also use modern carpets a lot in the hospitality sector — and for good reason!
From rich colours and geometric patterns to velvety-soft surfaces, carpets offer a wide range of design options. Contemporary designs are reminiscent of knitwear or feature three-dimensional patterns that add a special touch to any room. But from the beginning: we take a closer look at the phenomenon.
As a company, our heart beats for living textiles. Our Design Centre in Mils is considered a fabric paradise, and understandably so. Carpets are a part of this. No wonder we are delighted about their comeback.
In the 1970s, carpets were an essential part of interior design, both for private living and for the hospitality sector.
Much like deep sofas, plastic furniture or wallpaper with eye-catching colours and patterns. An era when everything was shiny, shimmering and loud. At the same time, people had a strong desire to bring nature into their homes. And this was done with fluffy flokati carpets, fabrics made of wool or linen and furniture made of rattan and raffia. The colour range ran from creamy caramel to brownish orange.
It's no secret that the 70s have been on the rise recently. Rattan furniture is trending once again, as are interior design items made of polished stainless steel, smoky glass or mirrored surfaces. So it was just a matter of time before carpets saw a revival, too. Today, however, it is no longer the same shaggy carpet that we see. Rather, they come in rich colours, with geometric patterns and velvety soft surfaces. Cool and cosy all at once — that's exactly what we want in 2024.
Regardless of their design or material, carpets play a central role when designing rooms.
They provide for a warm atmosphere — both real and imagined. And another major advantage: they absorb sound and can define zones in open-plan layouts. All in all, carpets are a key element of cosy rooms. They can create inviting islands in the room and provide for areas to relax and recharge your batteries.
Modern carpets open up countless options and can match any style. They may be integrated smoothly into many rooms and ambiences.
There are rugs that suit organic shapes, those matching straight lines, but also some with traditional designs made from natural materials. As always, it depends on how you use them. For example: a combination of a luxurious, high and maybe slightly wild 70s pile and a smooth, plain, barely patterned fabric. The styles play a subtle, individual game right below conscious perception. And that's how they manage to create a new atmosphere in an interior environment.
Along with the modern look and feel of carpets, technology is becoming increasingly important.
Many modern carpet qualities are made from fully recyclable materials. Which reduces their ecological footprint. Innovations like these add value to carpets both aesthetically and ecologically.
Often, carpets simply are nice to the touch. But there are also objective arguments for and technical advantages of using carpets in interior design. A carpet absorbs sound and improves the acoustics in a room. This is of particular benefit for families with children or neighbours who are sensitive to noise.
In addition, top quality carpets are durable and sustainable, since they are often made from natural fibres and can be recycled. They make for a pleasant indoor climate and absorb fine dust, which is beneficial for people with allergies.
The coin always has two sides — we know that. Admittedly, carpets also have a few disadvantages, which should not be ignored.
Carpets do not belong in damp spaces such as bathrooms. In comparison with plain floors, it is harder to remove stains from carpets. And anyone living with a dog or cat will be aware of this: Pet claws and fine carpets are not exactly good friends.
“Fitted carpet” — this refers to a floor covering that is sold in the form of rolls or cuttings of a roll. The carpet is then fitted to the room by cutting it on site to precisely cover the whole floor area of the room.
Fitted carpets can come in various materials, colours, patterns and textures. Unlike carpet tiles, i.e. individual and modular squares, fitted carpets create a seamless surface that covers the entire room.
An “area rug” is a carpet that is used to define or accentuate a specific section of a room.
As opposed to fitted carpets, an “area rug” is not permanently fixed to the floor. It can be placed anywhere in the room and moved around as required. Area rugs are available in various sizes, shapes, materials, colours, and patterns. They help to create a more private atmosphere in certain areas of the room, particularly in open-plan living. Which also applies to lounges or reception areas in the hospitality sector, to name just a few.
Carpet tiles are mostly rectangular carpet pieces in various sizes. They are sold as individual, modular units.
They are quick and easy to fit and form a seamless surface. Since they can be replaced easily, they are usually the first choice for high-traffic areas. They are available in an array of materials, colours, patterns, and textures.
Carpets work wonders in a room, creating a pleasant atmosphere, zoning the space and improving the acoustics.
Their diverse designs, from floral to geometric, are perfect for adding a personal touch to any room. Modern carpets are often easy to care for and can simply be cleaned with water, while natural materials such as wool offer a sustainable option.
Images: home INTERIOR, Naturhotel Forsthofgut