We recommend taking a big-picture approach to carpet decisions before honing in on your favorite looks and styles – including whether to go maximalist or minimalist with carpeting in any given space.
The house you live in, its occupants, and your lifestyle play essential roles in determining which carpet options are best for your home. You’ll make the right choices by working with local carpet professionals and taking advantage of their in-house design specialists.
Carpet Options: Maximalism vs. Minimalism
Before we discuss what to consider, let’s define what we mean by maximal or minimal carpet options.
Maximalist, Or Bold Carpet Choices
Maximalist carpets celebrate the plush, dense appeal of luxurious carpeting. They may also display bold colors and patterns that make a dramatic visual splash.
While some homeowners may opt to have plush or higher-shag options throughout their homes, most make an intentional choice for a specific room, such as a formal living room, dining room, or library.
Maximalist carpets:
- Are best used in living spaces without a large amount of foot or paw traffic or where drinks and snacks aren’t permitted. That way, you don’t have to worry about fraying, snagging, staining, or frequent carpet cleaning.
- Should have patterns that stand alone or complement other patterns or colors in the space so they aren’t too busy.
- May be best in homes or areas that require shoes off most of the time to minimize wear and tear.
Minimal Or Simple Carpet Choices
Minimalist or simple carpets are typically monochromatic and made with extra attention to stain- and moisture resistance. This makes them a good choice for busy households or high-traffic spaces.
Rather than being the star of the flooring show, minimalist carpets are built to look great, stand up to daily wear and tear, and have a lower pile height, so they’re less apt to show footprints or paw prints. Minimalist carpets tend to be easier to clean when accidents occur since they don’t absorb as much moisture.
Bold or Simple: Which Carpets Will You Choose?
Our interior design specialists will discuss some of the considerations with you as you consider your carpet options. Decide whether you want to go lush and bold (maximalist) or more neutral and simple (minimalist).
Tell Us About Your Current Lifestyle & Occupants
Who will be walking, sitting, and lying down on your carpets? If you’re two adults without children or with grown children, a higher-profile and more maximally designed carpet may be fine throughout the house. The same is true if you only plan to use the carpet in a formal or lesser-used room in the house (one that’s mostly child and pet-free).
If you have children or pets, we may steer you toward more minimal carpet styles that meet your household’s demands while ensuring that carpeted areas always look their best and are easy to maintain.
What Are Your Future Goals?
Do you plan to stay in your home for the next ten years or more? If so, and you love carpets with bold colors and patterns, we say go for it! However, if you plan to sell your home, we recommend making more neutral choices so prospective buyers don’t balk if your favorite colors aren’t theirs.
What about aging in place? Or aging parents, grandparents, or in-laws who visit? Plush, maximum-pile carpets aren’t easy to navigate with walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. If accessibility is a factor now or in the near future, we can discuss other options that have the same style appeal but also prioritize safe mobility.
What About Taking a Hybrid Approach?
The great news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. We can discuss hybrid options, mixing wall-to-wall carpet options with hard-surface flooring that can be topped with area rugs. One of the beautiful things about area rugs is their versatility. They can be as showy or demure as you like, changing through the years along with design trends, your tastes, and an evolving lifestyle.
Our friendly carpet pros can walk with you room by room and determine which spaces are ready for some maximal carpet va-va-voom, and which are better suited for a more minimalist approach.
Schedule a Flooring Design Consultation With Creative Floors
Are you looking to replace your carpet next year? Visit one of our Orlando area Creative Floors showrooms or schedule an in-home design consultation. Together, we’ll determine which carpet choices are best for your home.
