Read what these designers have to say about carpet and the world of home decorating...

"What we’re seeing is that there’s a definite trend toward fashion in carpet," says Foster Owen, Showroom Manager and Vice President of Clifton Carpets in Dallas. "Textures, different types of yarn systems, different colorations, patterns, tone-on-tone prints, looped carpet, tip shears -- anything that has interest or fashion seems to be very accepted."

"The advent of softer yarns has been embraced by the American consumer," Owen notes. "That’s not going to let up. We’ve definitely turned a corner. I think the soft yarn systems have been extremely well received by all our clients, and I feel like that’s really going to continue. It’s an emotional thing -- people just like softness and comfort."

Jamila Wilson, Specifications Designer with Courtney Ford Design in San Diego, says "Much more color is out there in carpet, and it’s being used," she says. "We’re departing from traditional neutrals. Consumers are getting more daring. Slowly but surely they’re becoming comfortable with color in their carpeting. There’s the popularity of Tuscany styles, old-world styles, and more modern looks -- all these require stronger color."

Wilson says that "suddenly pink is the color." She lists several others, too, that enjoy particular popularity right now, following the lead set by sartorial fashion: vibrant blues, chocolate, rust, orange, purple. "Just like with clothes," she says, "flooring is becoming more responsive to trends."

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"Pattern and texture are very popular these days," says designer Debbie Gunson of JPS Surface Solutions, Westlake, CA. "People tend to use different carpets, textures, and colors in different rooms."

Says designer Mary McMurrin of JPS Surface Solutions in Newport, CA, "The biggest advantage of carpet is that it’s the least expensive floor covering. Installation costs are much less than for hard flooring. Carpet definitely provides good value for the customer."

McMurrin says she likes to use low-pile, low-profile carpets. "They’re great -- I use rugs over them for a layered look."

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