At Home in Berks April 2017 - 15

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* Slate. Long popular as a flooring option, natural slate comes
in a variety of colors, sizes and textures.
* Marble. Another natural option, marble is a beautiful flooring product. Because it scratches and stains easily, however,
it is not recommended for high-traffic areas.
* Hardwoods. Always popular, hardwoods are trending in
2017 toward wider, longer planks and darker colors. On
the other end of the hardwood spectrum, gray tones and
whitewashed or lime-washed woods also are increasing in
popularity. Recycled and reclaimed woods are popular with
eco-conscious consumers, and low-luster hardwoods have
been attracting interest because they often are easier to
maintain than high-gloss floor coverings.

Carpeting in 2017

If you're under the impression that all carpeting is basically the
same, think again. There are many types to choose from, and,
while many consumers have gravitated to hard floor coverings,
the carpet market is alive and well.
The trick to buying carpet, Stenson advised, is to look for a
carpet that suits your lifestyle, not simply your style preferences. Flecked carpets, rather than solids, can effectively
hide spots and lint, meaning you need to clean and vacuum
less often. Martin's also sells a pet-proof carpet that prevents
moisture from penetrating into the padding under the carpet.
"The backing on that carpet just doesn't let anything through,"
Stenson said.
Here are a few carpeting styles and trends to look for:
* Carpet Tile Rugs. You can create a personalized rug by
choosing carpet tiles and linking them together. If a tile gets
damaged, it's easy to replace.
* Frieze Carpet. Also known as "twist carpet," each strand of
frieze is twisted many times, making it appear almost curly.
* Bold Colors. Multi-color carpets in bright colors, or solids
in colors like purple and orange are making a statement.
How long this trend will last, however, is anyone's guess.
* Multi-colored and patterned. Circles, squares and hexagons
adorn some trendy carpets that have come onto the market.
They're fun and eye-catching when used in the right places.
* Recycled carpet. Most of today's carpets are made at least
partially from recycled materials, and it appears that the
trend will only continue to get stronger.
Regardless of what type of floor covering you choose, be sure
that you are attentive to its quality and durability, as well as
its eye appeal. Flooring is an essential element in your home
or business, and choosing well will assure satisfaction for
years to come.

Continued on page 16

April 2017 AT HOME IN BERKs

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