The downside of natural fiber rugs is that they stain. So, manufacturers have come up with synthetic 'natural' fiber rugs that wear beautifully and defy all but the most professional eye to tell the difference between Mother Nature and man made. The new synthetics also offer the look of fine wool Berbers at a fraction of the cost without sacrificing any of the visual appeal. An Olefin/nylon blend Berber complete with Scotchgard stain resistant coating and 10-year warranty can be bought for about $1.70 per square foot. The colors and patterns of traditional Oriental carpets don't appeal to you? Then check out the new rugs coming from Tibet and Nepal. They are as soft as chenille and the colors are muted. They work beautifully with today's neutral rooms and add just the right touch to a home office. The patterns are modern, amorphous, timeless really. And the palettes are gentle and quiet.
Still confused? Flooring is a huge investment emotionally and financially. You want your floors to look fabulous, not kill you with maintenance, and be comfortable underfoot. Inspecting small chips of stone or wood or contemplating patches of wool fiber carpeting isn't going to do it. Looking at photographs only goes so far. Asking friends and neighbors is a good start. Showrooms will put you on the right path. But to really become familiar with available choices and to do personal compare-and-contrast tests you need to see floors in action. Homebuyer magazine suggests you visit model homes. Walking through models is the best way to experience flooring. Take your shoes off and decide if you want to pad around on textured limestone, glassy porcelain tile, or nubbly carpet. Notice color combinations and different styles of area rugs. See if you can distinguish between real hardwood and the new laminates. Discover bamboo. Decide if it would bother you to have some of your furniture teeter and totter on rustic uneven stone. Check to see how many builders have decided to use hardwood in kitchens and baths. Are some tile floors too slippery for children and pets? Take a notebook and ask questions. This is no time to let your fingers do the walking. When it comes to investigating flooring options, put your best foot forward and get the education you need by trekking through model homes. A side benefit is that you'll learn about the many neighborhoods that make up the town you've come to call home.
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