SarahBeenySpringIssue2017 - 142
LAY IT DOWN BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING... ALL OVER YOUR FLOORS. SO WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL YET PRACTICAL COVERING? TILES Once only a staple in bathrooms and kitchens, tiles are now a legitimate choice throughout the home, largely because they are easy to clean and work particularly well with underfloor heating. High-traffic areas where lots of people will be wearing shoes, such as halls and conservatories, benefit from this option's durability. Modern tiles that imitate the look of wood can be used on the walls as well as the floor for a cohesive, rustic look that is easy to maintain. Their variety is surprising: square and rectangular tile sizes range from tiny mosaic to 600mm per side. The top three materials for floor tiles are ceramic, porcelain and natural stone, although glass tiles are also an option for mosaic designs. South West-based retailer Tileflair (tileflair.co.uk) recommends its customers assess practical needs before making a choice: 'One look that is very fashionable at the moment is the high-gloss finish. These are certainly beautiful and chic, but are not such a great option for a family kitchen if they become slippery when wet.' Natural stone tiles may require special treatments to stay looking their best, while companies such as Specialist Stone Care (thomannhanry.co.uk/specialist-stone-care) offer dedicated maintenance services. DON'T FORGET Grout is the 'glue' that holds tiles in place and it needs regular cleaning and reapplication to stay looking good. If you want less work, opt for grey or beige rather than white. 142 | MAY 2017 Mural material CARPETS ANCIENT EGYPT HAS THE EARLIEST EVIDENCE OF CERAMIC TILE ART DECORATIONS. There are two reasons why carpets are a popular choice in British homes: insulation and soundproofing. They help keep noise and heat inside the room and are also pleasant to walk on barefoot. The two main types are loop pile, in which the carpet's fibres are wound through the backing material in a continuous loop; and cut pile, where each loop is cut, creating a denser, softer carpet because the fibres can mesh into one another. There are various subtypes, such as multi-level loops that create an uneven texture, and shag, which has very long cut strands of yarn. Prices can be as low as £5 per sqm, common materials being nylon and wool, which can be dyed practically any colour. Patterns, which were de rigueur in the 1970s, are making a comeback due to their visual impact and useful tendency to mask stains. Established British brand Wilton Flooring (wiltoncarpets.co.uk), for example, now offers customised designs created for customers. DON'T FORGET Underlay is a layer of foam, polyurethane or rubber that is a vital part of ensuring the carpet's bounciness, insulation and longevity, so you will need to budget for this as well.