Asked on Apr 02, 2014
Need help with selecting carpet and curtains.
by
Tina Franzen
+77
Hi everyone. I need help selecting carpet for my hall/foyer and living room. Although I'm not a carpet fan my husband insists we have carpet in the front of the house. Any way, i've posted before and after pictures so far and need your suggestions as to what color and type of carpet to get that will work with the taupe walls and teal accent wall/foyer. I'm leaning towards a taupe color maybe a shade lighter than the walls, but I don't want the room and hall to be a sea of taupe. I also have 3 teenagers and don't want the carpet to get trashed quickly so the lighter it is the more concerned I become.
Note, I like berber and also shag/frieze. Also note that our couch and sofa are black (for now) and I may have a red side table and some wood furniture as well.
Last, need suggestions on the color of curtains to get. PLEASE HELP! Thanks in advance!!!!
Note, I like berber and also shag/frieze. Also note that our couch and sofa are black (for now) and I may have a red side table and some wood furniture as well.
Last, need suggestions on the color of curtains to get. PLEASE HELP! Thanks in advance!!!!
accent wall. all other walls are taupe as shown on the right.
View from living room showing accent wall and foyer/hall.
living room - main color - taupe AKA Ashely Gray. Need help selecting floor color.
My bright "Sea Exposure" Foyer. I love it.
Living room BEFORE (I don't know what they were thinking!)
61 answers
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First of all, I would paint the baseboards white to match the ceiling and molding. I would get a dark taupe/mushroom color carpet so don't won't show so bad, will go with the taupe walls, be a neutral backdrop for your black and red. Bring in the teal in pillows. Can you repaint the red, a teal? That color just is standing there all on its own, it needs to flow more. I'm not sure how. I would not get teal carpet you will regret any "color" in carpet, it lasts too long and you can't "redo" your rooms later. Neutral bkgr are always best.
Vicki K
on Apr 02, 2014
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Although I am a huge fan or original woodwork, I have to agree with Vicki. The baseboards and trim would look better white because of the colors you've already cbose. In regards to carpet, a darker taupe would look good and stay with your theme. I would like to add, Id tell that husband that since he insists on carpet, HE can be the one to clean it when the time come to do so!!!
Rachelle L Leslie
on Apr 02, 2014
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Thanks. I wanted to keep the wood trim but it already had paint slopped on it. We were going to do the same as the ceiling but I didn't want the painter to be bothered with it since he's doing our whole house. I bought teal pillows the other day. :) thank you both for your help!!!!!!!!!!! :) PS I'll tell Tomass you said that, Landa. I concur. )
Tina Franzen
on Apr 02, 2014
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What about a NEW DOOR woodwork white...and I know I put this door on backwards...I'm showing you the outside but that's all I have on such quick notice...and what woodwork would freshen the room.
FOS Companies
on Apr 03, 2014
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I had not considered shades; all i know is I've ruled out blinds. I have learned to loathe blinds in a huge way. the look is nice but the cleaning is a nightmare. thanks for the suggestion. it's definitely something to think about!
Tina Franzen
on Apr 04, 2014
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As far as the carpeting, I would suggest matching the neutral wall and using throw rugs to pop color.
Lori J
on Apr 04, 2014
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In support of other comments: White woodwork. Window shades (many options). Definitely frieze carpet, not berber. Personally, I would include some teal in it or even make it primary--see example. Real estate agents have convinced the public that neutrals are the only way to go (and I understand their logic, to a point) so I think people are pleasantly surprised and refreshed to see COLOR once in a while. Go for it!
Gu3mom
on Apr 04, 2014
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I would keep the taupe walls accenting with either darker brown or white around the baseboards and moldings. Ceiling either taupe or white but id probably go with taupe and id probably stay withthe darker moldings and baseboards then i woukd do either bamboo shade shades or roman shades but id probably go bamboo then have nice lighter brown sheer or lacey curtains rug i would go with taupe orbrown to tie room all together you coud also do a nice bamboo trim around bottom portion of wall and continue with bamboo moldings and tie room together with a nice leopard print wall paper border i would get rid if that hdeous blue wall altogether if you are going for a nautical theme there i woud o nice shade of darker blue with white accents and inorporate nice mural of an under the sea scape
Theresa Hughes
on Apr 04, 2014
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Wow! Love the teal. Makes me think tropics, beach, etc.. I think a gray, taupe and sand tweed carpet would enlarge and ground the room and be fairly easy to keep clean. I'd get bamboo roll down shades at a home/garden store and then some tropical, large leaf print drapes for each side of the windows. Paint the red table in a lime green and find/make throw pillows for your sofa in dark teal, lime green and lemon yellow... maybe a few leaf prints in the same colors also. A few large leaf plants in black pots and a teal and blue swirled glass vase or bowl on the lime table with some shells and you'll feel like you're on an island in the South Pacific!
Dona
on Apr 04, 2014
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JCP has a good drapery department on line.
Dona
on Apr 04, 2014
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You can go with aqua colored area rug.
Rugsville
on Apr 05, 2014
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Go to a Shaw carpet dealer and get the Silk style, it is soft and makes you want to lay on your carpet! Get one of the mix colors like oatmeal- it has the light taupe colors as well as dark specks to hide dirt, though it looks like taupe when installed.
Mikie S
on Apr 06, 2014
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I would definitely go with a taupe carpet - and an area rug in the middle with pops of teal in it - GREAT color choices btw ! I'm living in the middle of a gut job myself - that we plan to sell in a couple of years also :)
Simply Vintageous...by Suzan
on Apr 06, 2014
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I like Mikie's suggestion for the carpet, I love the Teal wall color, I once had that in another home of mine. I Love bamboo shades as well, but would also add drapery panels from ceiling to floor on either side in a white to tie to your ceiling color maybe with a little yellow accent to contrast the blue. ;)
Cindy@GlassSlipperRestorations
on Apr 06, 2014
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If it were me I would paint the front door. White would help brighten the space and enhance the lovely teal color. Also helps tie in the rest of the living area.
Julie
on Apr 06, 2014
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I think all white trim including the door and a softer shade of teal for the walls. A little too strong for me, but if you love it, it does not matter what anyone else thinks.
Barbara C
on Apr 06, 2014
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thank you ALL for your WONDERFUL suggestions. you've all been so helpful! The color looks much better in person, it's even more teal in person than it appears here. I love standing in my foyer. it feels like I'm immersed in the sea.. in a good way, of course. so comforting to me. I picked up some nice white frames with teal matte and beachy scenes (that I may or may not change)... they are going to look great.
Tina Franzen
on Apr 06, 2014
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How bendable is your hubby. Why not expose the wood floors with a great big area rug. Overstock.com has one that incorporates your taupe and teal/blue which I was thinking of for my goddaughter's apartment. Or, because of your kids...go for the commercial carpet or you will be redoing in 3 years...good luck
Lindy
on Apr 06, 2014
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what color are you painting the room, you want something that doesn't show dirt and nothing loud
Kayeabram50
on Apr 06, 2014
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I have Berber carpet in variegated taupe, grey and ivory type shades. This might be a good option. Plus, it doesn't show a show dirt.
Beverly
on Apr 06, 2014
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how about material on this line for the curtains with the bamboo shades...to tie the colors together..I vote for hardwood and a large throw rug too
Bonnie S
on Apr 06, 2014
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go shopping and look at shower curtains, fabric, etc, comforters---anything that can be taken home to see how the colors blend/work with each other---anything close. then find the material and make or have them made. Should be fairly simple to make
Bonnie S
on Apr 06, 2014
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Don't give up yet! You didn't mention why hubby is so set on carpeting. How about a compromise? I'd install hardwood (not laminate) and get an good-sized area rug. (Sometimes there is hardwood under carpeting.) Hardwood is tough, easy to clean, no wear patterns, can be refinished several times, looks expensive. I like area rugs, too. Can be rotated to reduce wear patterns, can be replaced without breaking the bank if you decide on a new paint colour or decorating style. And, surprisingly, I've found hardwood is less expensive than good quality wall-to-wall. If all fails, and carpeting it is, go darker than the walls to help ground the room. The red table will be an accent colour which will go nicely with the aqua and taupe shades in the room. Just my opinion, but the aqua is a strong colour so I'd limit red to a bit in a cushion, or a throw or an ornament or two. Then I'd decide on the window treatment.
Marion Nesbitt
on Apr 06, 2014
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I would use the JCP accordion type fabric shades (no cords! and insulating..and cheap) that mount inside the widow jamb so keep things simple and get them in a color that as closely match the wall color as possible. I like your idea of Berber carpet for longevity and I also like the idea of taupe color - I think you furniture will break up the color enough but the choice won't compete with other things going on. In looking at the pictures I would recommend you consider painting your wood base trim, wall cap and doors a nice trim color close to the taupe wall color as they really pop in an outdated way and I suspect are different that the wood in your furniture. If you don't go taupe carpet my next choice would be a grey like the weathered wood color and use that as your neutral for other decoration. Love the bright colors..feels beachy...I think I would run with that.
Moxie
on Apr 06, 2014
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Personally I like Berber carpet, it is tough and holds up well. It also comes in a variety of colors. Easy to clean
JoAnn Preen
on Apr 06, 2014
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I'm thinking a Clean Crisp white sheer at the window and a pattern area rug to pull the conversation together!!! ENJOY! The color reminds me of a caribbean beach retreat!! The carpet tile squares are nice…for a Geometric design
DebLynn
on Apr 06, 2014
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I vote for wood floors with area rug. Black drapery hardware and accent pieces. If you go with carpet I would say taupe.
JanB
on Apr 06, 2014
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We had a great oatmeal berber with flecks of teal blue that would be great! It held up to traffic and soil beautifully. A stenciled rug with a geometric pattern in the blue with accents in red and black or brown would be great. Otherwise I'm a big fan of dots of color- a vase, a painting, a pillow... dots! I love the teal and the taupe/grey, btw.
DonnaJo D
on Apr 06, 2014
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I vote hardwood floors w/rug also. I think my computer colors need to be adjusted because I sea a medium blue so I can't give any advice on drapes or rug color. Although I do like the geometric pattern suggested by DonnaJo D.
Susan Brown
on Apr 06, 2014
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I think that a nice engineered hardwood with area tugs would be lovely. If hubby is adamant about carpet, carpet the livingroom and tile the hall. You will not make it through mud season without tracks from the front door. For the drapery I would suggest IKEA creamy linen/cotton drapes hung on black rods from the line made by the white ceiling and the grey walls. For added evening privacy, I would suggest bamboo blinds hung above the top of the window to be left open during the day and lowered at night. One last thought, you might want to consider carpet tiles that could be changed out in case of spills or spots. Google Flor carpet tiles for ideas. Finally I would bring in some prints in teal, taupe and black and a splash of red in your pillows, throws and accessories. Good luck snd let us know how your rooms turn out.
Pam Bolton
on Apr 07, 2014
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What is it with husbands and carpet, I run into the same problem all the time. I like hardwood with a rug cut and bound to size, leaving about a foot of wood exposed around the edges. That makes us both happy, even though he still grumbles about it. After 5 kids and many dogs it gives me the option of throwing the rug away when It get so worn and purchasing a new one. Much easier than replacing wall to wall. Nice color choices and a darker taupe or multi-tweed would look great.
Marianne
on Apr 07, 2014
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Frieze is better than berber, which tends to look sorta ratty as time goes by. If your walls are taupe-y, and you go neutral in carpet, then the neutral has to be taupe, also. Frieze hides stains better than berber and is easier to vacuum. Carpets are easier on toddlers to play and fall on than hard floors with area rugs. Room size area rugs - I love those, but they can be very expensive, even synthetic ones. Taupe carpet is least expensive option. I just went thru this decision myself for bedroom, and opted for neutral carpet, for comfort, energy efficiency, and low cost. Stainmaster (which is nylon) and Mohawk SmartStraind (which is triexta, a type of naturally stain resistant polyester) are two good things to choose. SmartStrand is virtually un-stainable, ifyou have toddlers & pets. As for myself, in den I have hardwood floors with synethic patterned area rugs (several) I got at closeout sale. Otherwise, they would have been uber expensive. Hardwoods may have to be refinished....expensive and inconvenient (you pretty much have to move out for a few days).
Donna Bourgeois
on Apr 07, 2014
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Paint your trim a bright white or something close to Home Depot's Swiss Coffee. Stained trim is very outdated. Is your living room going to be used on a daily basis or just when company comes? If it is just for company, get a taupe colored carpet. If it is going to be an area where your kids are going to hang out, get berber, because it holds up amazingly well.
Kathy
on Apr 07, 2014
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If you have dogs and or cats, please try to talk your husband into tile or wood of some variety. My son mad his wife just tore out their 3 yr old carpeting this weekend and were horrified at how filthy the floor under the pad was. They are on a cement slab and this rug was vacuumed regularly. We put in tile in our house except for the bedrooms 6 yrs ago and I insisted we carpet the bedrooms. It was removed a year ago and I feel like the house is soooo much cleaner. I like the idea of white curtains or consider plantation shutters. I have the honeycomb blinds that open from either the top or bottom( or both) but they are looking kind of dirty and I have no idea how to clean them.....probably professionally. We have the enclosed blinds in our French door to the back deck and really like those.
Janet F
on Apr 07, 2014
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Berber with dogs and a nice beige color not to dark and not to light to show dirt. You need to steam clean it twice a year and never and I mean never let anyone put shampoo on your carpet, just steam clean your carpet only. The shampoo will NOT rinse out and will attract more dirt and screw up your carpet and it will need replacing. NO SHAMPOO, NO SPOT CLEANERS, NO PROTECTION COATS OF CHEMICALS!! If your pet has an accident use vinegar, water and steam. Blot, blot, blot and clean it up quick, quick, quick!! Vinegar gets rid of smells too. Keep it in a spray bottle. Also, buy the best pad you can afford to put under your carpet it will make it last longer too. And you will enjoy your carpet so much more and it's easier to clean and vacuum. Vacuum your carpet every week at least if not more often. Without fail!! Make your husband do it since he wants the carpet. Invest in a really good vacuum with a really good motor too. Oreck makes some of the best!! I have had carpet all my life and I am 61 years old and I have learn a trick or two so you might want to take my advice. The biggest one is don't allow any shampoo on your carpet at all!! It makes it sticky and breaks down you carpet fibers and kills your carpet.
Momcat1211
on Apr 07, 2014
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Also, don't get to many different floors thru out the house it makes it chopped up and looks smaller. I'd so with a hardwood laminate in the kitchen and some tile in the bathrooms and carpet the rest. If you have a long hallway that see a lot of traffic or entry way or utility room that needs tile or laminate treatment too. I like my living area in laminated hardwoods that won't scratch from dog's nails, they make it. Then area rugs. But, I do love carpet in my bedrooms!!
Momcat1211
on Apr 07, 2014
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I would not leave that wall that bright a color.There are ways to soften the color if that is the color you want
Angie
on Apr 07, 2014
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I love hardwood but if the hubby won't compromise try to get the silk berber. You won't regret it. It is the softest carpet I have ever put my feet on and doesn't make as much dust. I agree with everyone else. A taupe or something along that color line would look good with the color you have now on the walls and any other color that you may change it to. There are several ways you could go on the window coverings. I probably wouldn't do curtains unless I had to. White keeps it bright!
Linda Carroll Hall
on Apr 07, 2014
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I agree with the majority of putting in a wood floor with a sand colored area rug that covers all but a foot of space around the perimeter. However, if you must go with wall to wall, I would recommend a sand color. Someone mentioned the wall color reminding her of a beach retreat. The sand colored carpet stays on that same design. I would tone down the wall color a bit and paint the trim a crisp white as someone else suggested. You could install bamboo roll up shades the same color as the carpet with beautiful off white ceiling to floor drapes just on the outside of the window frame making the window appear even larger! My theory is based on the black furniture you will be bringing in as that will make the room even darker. Bringing in lighter accents will help to alleviate the darkness.
Donna
on Apr 07, 2014
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Love the wall color. Where can I get Sea Change? I think it would look outstanding with Sisal, but then I'm allergic to all the nasty stuff that gets trapped in standard carpeting like berber and shag.
Grace Gleason
on Apr 07, 2014
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Definitely don't understand carpeting in a foyer, it's just going to have to be replaced, whereas wood & tile can last forever. However, if hubby really insists then I'd consider sisal carpet, or sisal tiles, which at least you could replace just the part that needs replacing rather than the entire thing. Sisal is natural and would look really good with that bright blue. Looks like you're going for a beachy/carribean/island vibe and sisal is a good fit. Sisal is a neutral that actually goes with pretty much everything since it's a natural material. It will warm up your taupe, too. I just bought some sisal look rugs that are actually indoor outdoor. But hard to tell them from the real thing. Had to do it because I have a new dog that just destroyed my lighter area rug within a couple of months. I'm amazed at how pristine they look, nothing seems to show up on them, compared to the lighter area rug I had. That could be an option for you...seems like it'd be easier to maintain in a foyer than regular carpeting, especially with boys. White curtains would look nice, or find a fabric you like that picks up some of the other colors in the room, keeping in mind whatever you have on the floor and in the furnishings must work with it. There are some lovely ikats or prints that have both blues and grays in them that could be pretty if you want to create a bit of interest in the room. Like this one below. I have a whole pinterest board of blue fabrics if you want some inspiration: http://www.pinterest.com/centrd/fabric-blues-bluegreens/
Centrd
on Apr 07, 2014
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Don't know about the old colors. UGH. But the new colors are all beachy. Anything beachy, blues, tans, light greens, throw in some pink to add some color or yellow. Love the change. As to carpet, there is a tan carpet, a shag, and it has all colors in it. It's so subtle you can't really tell, but it is beautiful and goes with anything or any color that you would choose at a later date.
Susan Alkire
on Apr 07, 2014
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I would go with a large print black and white geometric grommet drapes. I would use a taupe carpet. I would then get a few different black and white geometric print throw pillow. I may paint the red accent table a bright yellow and also get a yellow throw and a yellow accent pillow. Red may work, but I think I prefer yellow.
Nboodey
on Apr 07, 2014
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To keep the focus on the Teal coloured accent wall, the carpets can be taupe coloured shaggy - with silver highlights- same for the 2 areas. The curtains can also be Taupe (wall) coloured Raw Silk with Teal coloured border (facing) and Tie backs.
Vanshri
on Apr 07, 2014
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As a compromise, you could do a neutral wall-to-wall then add a LARGE area rug in your color scheme and take it with you when you move! :)
Gu3mom
on Apr 08, 2014
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Curtains, I would go with a taupe geometric fabric, if your lucky enough you might find one with a small amount of teal.
Marianne
on Apr 08, 2014
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You have all been awesome! thank you so much!
Tina Franzen
on Apr 08, 2014
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I'm sorry I didnt mean to change the color
Angie
on Apr 08, 2014
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I apologize for the hideous comment i didnt mean to offend you by it glad you like the bamboo shade idea wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to go with
Theresa Hughes
on Apr 08, 2014
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When we built we had carpet, vinyl, and laminate (hip breaker material). We are getting ready to downsize and build again. I plan on hardwood everywhere but bathrooms. Snap together plan's, Bella brand can be bought on sale cheaper than carpet. Cuts down on dust and allergies in the home. You can buy large throw accent rugs if desired. As far as the curtain goes, I would go with white and really thin vertical brown and teal (to match the walls). On Pinterest there is a board where they show you how to paint your own curtains.
Sharon
on Apr 17, 2014
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I have a similar turquoise wall color, with beige drapes (similar to your other wall color). I installed a charcoal gray carpet from Lowes. It has a 'waffle' pattern in it. It grounds the turquoise and is a neutral like the beige.
Cheryl Brouwers
on Apr 17, 2014
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When I say "hip breaker", I mean we could not walk on ours in SOCKS without risking a fall (when referring to laminate.). Anyone whoever walked on our laminate slipped and fell, or caught themselves, resorting to shoes or bare feet. It also just has a fake look. We bought top of th he line, but still does not look like the real thing. If you shop around you can find Bella Wood just as reason as blue as good quality laminate and Bella is the real McCoy and will be the next I buy in the not too distant future. Laminate might have been a good thought but I now have runners down for my own piece of mind.
Sharon
on Jul 21, 2014
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I was going to suggest chocolate brown carpet ( ie: teenagers), maybe white/ off white curtains to brighten up the space more.
Sue Myers Case
on Jan 03, 2015
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What did you end up doing, Tina?
Gu3mom
on Jan 04, 2015
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Taupe would be great. Go with the lighter taupe not the darker. You want nice thickness as well. The cheap thin will look cheap, not last long and wear down.
Ltt834476
on Jul 27, 2015
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I would love to see some after photos as well.
Lisa House
on May 19, 2016
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Can you send a picture of the floor as well? Look 1 - Would advise a Taupe shaggy carpet with gold highlights if there is a wooden flooring. The gold can then be picked up in accessories. The curtains also can be Taupe shade with gold highlights. Look 2 - A Teal and Taupe striped carpet with cream and chocolate brown as additional colours. The curtains can be cream with a taupe + chocolate brown lower seam. Walnut wood frames, with some plain cream space around the print, on the Teal wall can tie everything together.
Vanshri
on May 26, 2016
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You can have off-white and black colored carpet. It will look great and go perfect with the taupe and teal accent walls. And, for the curtains you can choose light pink color that will compliment the walls and also gives a fantastic look to your room. Try this colored curtains https://www.rajrang.com/home-furnishing/curtains/pink-georgette-striped-dyed-door-curtain-set-of-2-pcs.html
Shweta Sharma
on May 27, 2016
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Well, I'm the lone wolf voice on the carpet...given where you live and the weather, I'd skip carpet altogether, especially in the hallway. I put a beautiful wide plank laminate flooring in my home that you can use over radiant heat panels that can go in easily over the concrete or ? slab you have. Much cheaper way to go in both cases (heat from floor rises, more efficient. You can add area rugs if you like over time and they can be easily cleaned and/or replaced over time - again cheaper than carpeting. If you insist on carpet, go to a carpet store to get INITIAL advise on type of carpet...for example berbers are tigher weave, bit more modern look, MUCH longer life than shag carpets. You'll vacuum 70% less often. ciao for now! Mary Kay
Mary Kay
on May 29, 2016
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re-read your post again, paint out red table, use drapes that blend with walls but have some of your blue in them. Consider buying a small paint sprayer and painting out the doors and woodwork in the foyer (all of house eventually) - again will update and give a much more modern look which your colors all suggest you are trying to achieve. I'll try to add a pic of my laminate flooring - i LOVE IT, doesn't scratch, fade fr. sunlight, or any of the other things hardwood does and is cheaper for sure than hardwood and definitely less than decent carpet. Buy cheap carpet and you will end up replacing it much sooner. My flooring is the FIRST thing ppl comment on when they enter/see my home.
Mary Kay
on May 29, 2016
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Would not put carpet in the foyer - I'd tile. Am thinking a creamy white for your woodwork would go really well with the blue.
Marion Nesbitt
on May 29, 2016
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