“Wall-to-wall carpet has gotten a bad rap as being dated and the antithesis of sophisticated, and while there’s some truth to that—ugly carpet is always ugly!—the reality is that when done well, carpet is a calming, cozy, and luxurious flooring,” says designer Bethany Adams.
Prioritize quality and opt for natural materials like wool, and opt for soft, neutral colors in spaces like family rooms, offices, playrooms, and bedrooms. “If you have a favorite area rug, you can still layer it over a loop-pile (flat and low to the ground) for more oomph,” adds Adams. “Or leave it as-is to make a small space seem larger.”