Flooring & Blinds Tips

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting a rugs style and perhaps because of this, it can feel rather daunting. A rug takes up a fair amount of physical and visual space in a room so it’s important to get it right. Stylistically, there are characteristics that lend themselves to common interior design styles and the rugs that work well within these homes can make them feel complete.

Here are a few of our favourite interior design styles which feature rugs from our collection- hopefully this will spark inspiration for your own home too!

Casual Elegance

This is not so much a style but a way of decorating which could be at home in a coastal property, a city apartment or a family home. There’s a focus on subtle elements like materials (linen, cloth, wool, timber etc.), colours (pared-back, tonal) and pattern (not loud or hash).

Studio 324 ‘Silver Texture’

Bohemian Rhapsody

If you love colour, pattern and texture this could be the style your home already is or what you aspire it to look like. A bohemian home is all about layers and not being too concerned with matching, minimalism or even perfection. These homes tell stories.

Zanzibar ‘Navy’

Coastal Chic

The materials jute, sisal and anything similar in nature work so well in coastal homes. They mimic the laid-back, relaxed vibe of the coast while also celebrating the environment around it. They’re a resilient material to boot, making them a handy addition, not just a good looking one! Coastal style can mean a range of things (such as the blue and white palette of a Hampton’s style home or the rustic materials of a beach shack holiday home) but they have one thing in common. They’re unpretentious, comfortable and relaxed focusing on warm materials which are low-maintenance and generally earthy in appearance.

Atrium “Pink Jute Polo”

Worldly Comfort

Just like a holiday memento, a worldly home celebrates the idea of travel and the memories it evokes. It draws on various cultures and references their wonderful crafts. It can be a subtle hint, such as this rug below, or it can form the basis of the whole interior design style. This particular rug draws from traditional Moroccan Berber style rugs which add colour, texture and interest to any room. They’re comfortable, practical and add hint at exotic travels abroad.

Marrakesh 111 Runner ‘White’

Old Meets New

There is a real celebration of old traditions and crafts in today’s interiors. What makes this particularly interesting is when the crafts of old are placed in current settings or place a new twist on a traditional style. A “new meets old” home takes elements from all eras. It places a family heirloom next to a contemporary piece and makes it work. Transitional rugs are a great example of this. Taking a beautiful, traditional style of weaving and bringing into the now with new technology and a new aesthetic. The faded and worn elements are stylistic and nod to the past. They work in a contemporary home, period homes that have been renovated, luxe interiors and family home which want a practical, highly patterned rug to hide a multitude of sins.

Mirage “Multi Moroccan 360′

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This year has brought many changes all over the country and for us, one of the positive changes has been some of our new stores opening their doors for the first time in the last few months. We look forward to seeing you in store!

Warners Bay Flooring Xtra 

Flooring is in the genes in this corner of the world and this new store opening celebrates another milestone for the Miller family. Having grown up living and breathing flooring, the owner of the new Warners Bay Flooring Xtra store Darcy Miller brings knowledge to the local clientele that’s unrivalled. While his father’s profession may have influenced his, he notes the teaching may have been reversed at times! “I would say the ‘teaching’ ceased after around year one. Then my sister and I were teaching him. Anyone who knows Tim (Darcy’s father) would understand!”

Jokes aside, this new showroom is an impressive one. Within the Homemaker Centre in Warners Bay, Flooring Xtra makes its mark. The wide range of samples on display represents a large and impressive selection where there will be an option for any project, regardless of style or budget. The goal of offering the most comprehensive variety of flooring in the region is undoubtedly on track.

Darcy and the team are excited to open their doors and begin work in the area. There’s really nothing they don’t know about flooring and they look forward to welcoming customers into their beautiful store! You can learn more about the store

here.

Inside the new Warners Bay Store

Pakenham Flooring Xtra

The Pakenham area of Melbourne is in for a treat with the new Flooring Xtra showroom recently opening its doors to the locals and surrounding suburbs. With owner Vince and the helm you know you’re going to get the best advice, quality product and professional customer service and installation. There’s 15 years of experience behind all of that industry knowledge! He’s also a passionate local which we know the neighbourhood clientele will love and appreciate.

The showroom is generous with everything a customer could ask for, from the huge range of sampling to easy parking and opening hours across seven days. There’s a real pride in this showroom, a love of the product, the industry and the whole flooring process from beginning to end. Vince and his team are excited to start welcoming customers in-store. You can learn more about the store here.

The spacious new Pakenham showroom ready to welcome customers

Yarra Valley Flooring Xtra 

On Melbourne’s fringes, the beautiful Yarra Valley sees one of Flooring Xtra’s latest store openings. Servicing some of Victoria’s most stunning wine region and the suburban edges of Melbourne that skirt it, Yarra Valley Flooring Xtra in Lilydale will bring the best of flooring to its clients.

Manager Michael leads the team, his knowledge spanning the entirety of the flooring process, from selection, installation and customer care. The showroom is cosy, with sampling on display representing a wide range of styles, designs and price points. Carpet, laminate, hybrid, timber and vinyl are all there with the showroom easily accessible on the main street of town.

There’s a focus on customer care with a small-town attitude to client interaction and service and Michael and the team are excited to welcome people in-store. You can learn more about the store here.

Yarra Valley Flooring Xtra is now open!

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Flooring Quotes During Pandemic - Australia | Flooring Xtra

Flooring Xtra is still here for you even when we cannot visit your home in person during the pandemic. 

We would like to offer you exclusive access to our flooring experts - via a video call - a convenient alternative to our in-home consultations. 

Never has there been a more important time to foster wellness in your home by encouraging physical and mental health through any means possible. Some are simple, quick fixes you can do straight away with minimal effort, some are longer-term projects you can aim to implement when the time is right. We’ve compiled five of our favourite ideas.

Bring the outside in

Luckily house plants are having a moment in popular décor because their benefits for both the air quality and our emotional wellbeing are limitless. Certain plants help clean the air inside, assisting to remove formaldehyde and carbon monoxides. They also are relaxing to look at and tend to. If you’re not an indoor plant person, try bringing other elements inside such as cut flowers, foliage or even shells and pebbles.

Declutter

Is there anything more stressful than not being able to find what you need, when you really, really need it? Start small and attack the house from the front door to the back. Perhaps it’s one cupboard or one draw at a time but consider each item. Do I need this? (or, does it “spark joy”? as the queen of decluttering, Marie Kondo would ask.) Could it be thrown out? Recycled? Gifted? Repurposed? Or does it need to be somewhere else in the home? A clutter-free home is more relaxing, joyous and productive.

Optimise sunlight and fresh air

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a large property or an inner-city apartment; make sure you open those blinds and door to let the light and fresh air in! There’s no better way to lift your mood than a long walk, but if that’s not possible, doors and blinds open will help. Fresh air can not only lift our mood but also can help with blood pressure, digestion and move stale air and smells from the home. It will also minimise condensation and mould which no-one wants in their home.

Consider all materials

From the floor to the ceiling, each material, finish and piece of furniture can impact our health. This is a bigger picture concept, but when considering a refresh or a new home, think of the make-up and construction of each. Choose paints low in VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) and floors which are hard (such as timber or timber look) which make dust easier to manage. If you want carpet, head towards solution dyed nylons which minimise shedding as well as low-pile carpets which are easier to vacuum.

Evoke the senses

Sometimes lighting a candle, utilising that bath you own or moving furniture around can impact how we feel at home. Ambient lighting creates a mellow mood while understanding basic colour psychology can help us devise a palette that promotes a calm and happy home. Consider each of the five senses. What makes you feel good? Think comfortable textures (fabrics like linen, felt and wool for, example), pleasant smells like candles and flowers, minimising noises (hello rugs and proper window treatments!), beautiful and calming colours to visually enjoy and a nicely baked cake for good measure.

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  Open Plan Kitchen/ Living Spaces

It’s no secret that Australian homes love an open plan layout. It makes sense for the climate, the casual home-dining experience and the way we live in general. Having waterproof flooring in these spaces allows for a completely seamless look and feel. Splashing water and liquids around the kitchen in no drama for products like hybrid flooring which is 100% waterproof.

Check out our AquaLife Hybrid– Be totally confident that your flooring is not only beautiful but 100% waterproof too!

 AquaLife in the colour ‘Tamar Valley Oak’ 

Commercial Spaces

Do you have an office space that needs new flooring? Hardwearing and resilient, waterproof flooring is a perfect option here. Emulating the natural beauty of timber, waterproof laminates and hybrid flooring will not only look amazing but be functional too. Who has time at work to worry about the damage that water may cause to the flooring? 

Check out our AquaSmart Hybrid– Tough for high-traffic office spaces and waterproof too!

 AquaSmart + in the colour ‘Washed Oak’

Bathrooms & Laundries

These spaces have been restricted to tiles in the past, but that is old news now. Why not bring additional texture and warmth to a wet area with waterproof flooring? For a seamless look, the same flooring can now be used throughout the WHOLE home! A completely contemporary and clean aesthetic.

Check out our Audacity Hybrid– Perfect for wet areas, waterproof and stain-resistant.

 Audacity in the colour ‘Native Blackbutt’

Kid Zones

In a family home, spaces, where children play and make a mess, can cause headaches for weary parents. Rumpus rooms and kid zones no longer need to be a concern though, with hardy and waterproof flooring a breeze to clean and no stressing about water damage. Happy days!

Check out our Audacity Hybrid – waterproof, durable, stain-resistant and waterproof

Audacity Hybrid in the colour ‘Bella Vista’

Studios & Home Working Spaces 

Home studios, whether they be for music, art or another pursuit are often messy places. With less worry about damaging the floor with liquids and more time to concentrate on fun projects and work.

Check out our Audacity Laminate- Water-resistant for up to 72 hours, perfect for working spaces.

Audacity in the colour  ‘Homestead Brown’

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Replacing carpet with new, or 

installing carpet

 in your new home is a big investment. So how do you ensure your 

beautiful new carpet

 lasts? There are simple maintenance 

tips

 that can increase the 

life of your carpet

 that are worth following so you can enjoy it for years to come.>

Vacuum

Vacuuming regularly will not only keep the house spick and span but it will also help protect the carpet. Dirt and grit wear the carpet with its abrasiveness, so it makes sense to vacuum frequently. Make sure to use an appropriate vacuum head for the carpet you have – avoid a rotating head as it can cause fuzziness. Not ideal!

Professional Cleaning

Carpet always looks fantastic after it’s professionally cleaned, they have all the right equipment and knowledge to lift stains and deep clean the carpet in a way that can be tricky to achieve yourself. We recommend getting the professionals in periodically.

Be Quick with Spills

As soon as you can, remove and treat stains and spills. Scoop up and remove as much as the spill before doing anything else. Once you’ve done that, blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel, always from the outer-most ring inwards. Never (EVER!) scrub the stain or spill. Don’t bring the outdoors in!

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The idea that blinds, curtains and other window treatments are installed purely to make a room look ‘nice’ should be dismissed. Sure, a room does feel finished when the window treatments are in, but they’re so much more than that. They shouldn’t be an afterthought! It really is worth investing time and money into selecting the best style suited for your home, your windows and what your family require. Here are some of the benefits of window treatments worth considering when choosing a style.

Thermal Qualities

Keeping the home warm is a priority for many households across the country. Flicking on the heater will certainly heat up the home quickly, but you may find the warmth soon disappears once it’s turned back off again. Having a suitable window treatment will help keep the warmth in the home, making it cosy for much longer. In particular, drapes, especially with heavy fabric, will work well to do this however shutters and other styles are also effective. Depending on your window or door style, Flooring Xtra will be able to point you in the right direction here.

In summer we have the opposite desire- to keep the heat out! Shutting the blinds during the hottest parts of the day will really help to keep the home cool.

Save on Bills

If the window treatments are helping keep the home cooler/ warmer for longer, this will, in turn, lead to smaller power bills. There’s not one person who isn’t happier with a lower bill- except for the power companies perhaps!

Privacy

Most people value the privacy their own home creates for them and the sense of comfort and security that follows. Being able to shut the blinds as night falls is important, but also during the day if you live somewhere where people are able to see in. Most window treatments offer privacy for the home, but some are more flexible than others. Shutters and venetian blinds, for example, can control light and privacy through angling the batons/ blades, while a roman blind is very private once down but is either up or down.

Acoustic Qualities

While they will not block out sound completely, certain window treatments will assist in noise reduction. Good news for people living on busy streets or noisy areas. Within the home, the addition of fabrics to interiors with lots of hard surfaces will always help absorb noise to an extent. With materials like stone, concrete, tiles and metals so popular, the addition of some soft furnishings will really help.

Sleep Better

Everyone appreciates a good night’s sleep and an appropriate window treatment can aid in this by creating a darker and quieter space to rest. Dark rooms are also helpful for people with small children and babies who sleep in the day as well as shift workers trying to catch some much-needed rest during daylight hours.

Each home is different and the windows within your home may differ from room to room. Talking to Flooring Xtra about your unique home and family needs will help enormously. Making a big decision a lot less daunting!

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Sometimes it can feel like having lots of options to choose from is a curse rather than a blessing. Scrolling through Pinterest you’re sure to find many images of carpeted rooms which appeal- but how do you find the best product to replicate this look while knowing the product is right for you?

Here are our tips for selecting the right carpet for your home, where you can hopefully navigate the decision-making process with ease.

Fibres

The material that the carpet is made from needs to not only enhance the space but fit with your home dynamic.

Family Friendly fibres need to withstand the everyday wear and tear that a busy home will create. Solution-dyed nylons (or SDN) are a great option as they have anti-stain characteristics and are wonderfully durable for places like hallways and stairs which tend to bear the brunt of high foot traffic.

Along with SDN, fibres such as Triexta are wonderfully durable and have anti-stain and cleaning properties above other fibres. This is good news for pet lovers!

Luxury- Nothing says luxury like pure Wool- it just feels (and looks!) fantastic. It has innate insulating properties, keeping you cosy in winter. It’s perfect for homes which will not be faced with a continual clatter of little feet and pet paws although with the care it will last the distance.

Low-Allergen- For allergy and asthma sufferers, they will be pleased to know that most Synthetic carpets are a wonderful option for their health due to the yarn. Luckily it looks and feels beautiful too!

Structure

Considering the pile of the carpet is just as important to the fibre type. Some are more resilient than others and there are particular styles which lend themselves to different “looks”.

A loop pile is an appropriate option for a modern home because of the consistent look of the design. It’s also incredibly hard-wearing- making it a smart choice for those high-traffic areas. Not so great for pets, however, as their sneaky claws can pull the loops.

A cut (or twist) pile is a super soft look and has the texture to match. A lovely selection for formal (or informal!) sitting rooms and bedrooms.

Some carpets combine the two styles, creating a combination cut and loop This creates a pattern and works well in more formal spaces.

A plush cut pile needs no real explanation! The twisted yarns feel completely luxurious and the perfect surface to sink your feet into when getting out of bed in the morning.

Colour

Ok, so you know a little more about the style of carpet and the fibre it’s created from- but what about the colour? This can feel overwhelming.

Dark colours are eye-catching, bold and tend to take centre-stage in a design scheme. They can also make a room feel cosy (or small) which can be both a good and bad thing, depending on what you’re trying to achieve. Charcoals and dark greys are modern, browns warm and darker neutrals can be quite a classic look.

Light Colours are subtler and can blend in well to a fresh scheme. Lighter colours with a grey undertone tend to lean towards contemporary while those with a yellow undertone more classic- although there are always exceptions here! They can make a room feel crisp and spacious but can be a little less practical in terms of concealing marks and scuffs.

Coloured carpets are making a return, and this can be scary to some who immediately think back to the wild interiors of yesteryear. It doesn’t have to be this way though- think of lush navy blues, sage greens and blush pinks. A palette worthy of consideration- although certainly for those who are keen to make a bit of a statement...

Still confused? Let us help, pop into a Flooring Xtra store for inspiration and expert guidance.

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With so many high-quality flooring products on the market, it can be difficult to decide what will work for you and your family. Vinyl is a wonderful option for many applications, it may well be the perfect product for your renovation or new home.

Vinyl sheets vs vinyl planks

It’s important to understand that there is a difference in these two products, one being a timber-like plank as the name suggests and the other a continuous product which comes on a roll. As planks are separate boards which are laid like real timber, they tend to look more authentic, however with new technology sheet vinyl can look very real too.

Hard Wearing

Vinyl is a very hard-wearing product, able to withstand high amounts of traffic. This makes it perfect for busy homes!

A beautiful look

Vinyl really does look so beautiful installed. High-quality images are printed onto planks for an authentic look and feel. Photographic technology has made many advancements which allow for timber-look flooring with all the benefits of vinyl.

Perfect for pets and kids

With the ease of maintenance and durability, it works well for homes with pets and children. Muddy paws, mess and spills are a breeze to clean up with vinyl.

Waterproof

Waterproof vinyl is fantastic for many reasons. Apart from the obvious practicality of not worrying about every small spill and splash at home, it also means you can have a seamless and consistent look throughout an entire interior. From wet areas through to living and bedroom, the same product can be used in each and every room.

Acoustic properties

Vinyl planks, which are available in a variety of thicknesses, offer acoustic properties, making it a perfect option for apartment living. The thicker the board, the more “give” it will have and a better acoustic outcome.

Some designs compatible with underfloor heating

There are certain styles of vinyl planks which are compatible with underfloor heating which adds the ultimate level of comfort to your home. The helpful staff at your local Flooring Xtra store can help you with more information here (along with everything else!) if this is something you are considering at home.

So, you have your beautiful new flooring installed at home, now you will want to know how to keep it looking fabulous for longer. While hybrid, laminate and vinyl are all different products, there are certain tips for caring for your floor that apply to all. Take the time to look after your flooring so you can enjoy it looking it’s best for years to come.

                     AquaLife Snowy Mountain Spotted Gum

No-Shoe Policy

Adopting a no-shoes policy inside the home will be the best way to save your floor regardless of what style your hard flooring is. It minimises the transfer of dirt and grit inside from outside, which helps reduce scratches and wear. Stiletto heels are notorious at creating dints in hard flooring too. We also recommend the use of doormats at all external entrances, to prevent the possibility of damage from abrasive particles that are walked in onto the floor.

Be Prompt with Spills

Wipe up spills with a dry cloth as soon as possible. If it’s a particularly sticky spill, slightly dampen the cloth- remembering that wet floors can be a slip hazard.

Be Mindful of Cleaning Products

Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder on your floor. Never use oil soaps, wax, soap-based detergents or other household products to clean the floors. Where spillages occur immediate clean-up is necessary to avoid damage.

Prevention is Key

Being proactive will pay off when it comes to the longevity of your floors. The floor must be regularly vacuumed (bristles down) or swept with an electrostatic mop as often as necessary, to remove loose dirt or grit to prevent scratching of the floor. If your beautiful pets are indoors, try to keep their nails clipped to lessen the impact of scratches.

A Protective Layer

Hybrid, laminates and vinyl are very forgiving products, although it’s still a good idea to protect your floors where possible. By this, we mean runners or mats in high traffic areas and felt pads under heavy furniture. Furniture on castor wheels, such as office chairs can cause a lot of damage- place a mat under these if possible. Never use rubber-backed mats or protectors as it can “leech” into the flooring itself.

It’s easy to get caught up in the selection of beautiful carpet which colour should you pick? What style and fibre? It’s equally important to ensure you have a superior quality underlay too though, as it can impact the feel and longevity of your new investment. Flooring Xtra uses Dunlop Envirotred underlay, which we feel ticks all the boxes.

Healthy Homes recently installed Envirotred, along with Soul Elements, Winter Solstice carpet in the home of Curtis and Caitlin. Their home’s carpet was worse for wear from years of general use and previous owner’s pets who had left an unfortunate aroma. The solution-dyed nylon twist carpet features OdourBan, meaning the smells are now gone for good- as they are absorbed and discarded, not just masked.

For Caitlin and Curtis, their beautiful new carpet will last the distance, not only because their selection is a durable product, but because of the quality underlay installed as well. Some of the benefits of Envirotred include:

1. Extra Cushioning: 

One of the best things about carpet is how fantastic it feels underfoot. A good underlay adds another layer of softness under the carpet, making it even more luxurious to walk and lounge on.

2. Carpet Protection: 

Underlay, if it is a quality product, should extend the life of your carpet and keep the pile looking fresh and upright for longer. The added protection from wear is an investment, but certainly a worthwhile one.

3. Thermal Properties: 

Having an additional layer under the carpet can help retain warmth within the carpet, making it a cosy and comfortable surface. It can also positively affect your energy bills too; which no one is complaining about!

4. Acoustic Qualities:

There’s a reason carpet is a popular material in high-density living, with the consideration of noise impacts on neighbour’s imperative for harmonious living. Even in stand-alone homes, this is so important, particularly when multiple people are living in one house or where the building is multiple levels- life can be noisy!

5. Environmental Credentials:

Dunlop is serious about its impact on the environment and reducing landfill. The product itself is created from 90% recycled content and is 100% recyclable. They also strongly encourage the careful removal and disposal of the product, not wanting to add to the growing concern of landfill. Flooring Xtra and Dunlop support Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, with $1 from every roll donated to the organisation.

The benefits of underlay are immense, so make sure you give this hidden material consideration when selecting carpet. Flooring Xtra staff can assist in store to help you make the best choice possible for your home.

We all know wool carpet looks fantastic and is a natural material, but what else will a home gain from this luxurious product? Learn everything you need to know about the advantages of wool carpet right here.

FEEL

Wool feels exceptional underfoot. With options in plush, twist and chunky textures, planting your feet on wool carpet first thing in the morning is the height of extravagance and well worth the investment. No wonder those sheep look so cosy...

Carpet: Tromso in 'Hennes'

LOOK

As mentioned above, wool oozes a sense of luxury, but also authenticity. Wool, being a natural product comes in beautiful earthy tones, it looks elegant and of high quality. While other materials try to mimic the look of wool, nothing beats the original.

Carpet: Stockholm in 'Kalmar'

WARMTH

Naturally an insulator, wool carpets provide warmth during the cooler months like no other fibre. Don’t be concerned that it will make a room too hot in summer however as it can regulate temperature well.

Carpet: Copenhagen in 'Valby'

LONGEVITY

Wool is certainly at the higher end of the market so when deciding to specify wool, you would hope that it would be long-lasting- it really is. Not only is it a durable material, it’s also quite good at repelling scuffs and stains with its natural oils.

FIRE RESISTANCE

It is comforting to know that wool carpet is naturally fire-resistant. What this means is, in comparison to other carpet fibres, the rate of flames spreading and smoke produced is lower.

SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS

Wool is kind to the environment as it is sustainably sourced, is a renewable resource and is also biodegradable. As we become more aware of the need to look after our planet, this can only be a good thing!

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After finally choosing a colour, style, pattern, shape and size of your rug, let’s learn everything you need to know about looking after it. We promise it’s more straightforward than choosing which one to buy!   

First Things First

Always check when you buy your rug if there are any specific care instructions. Sometimes there may be a special note or advice given due to the particular fibre or style of rug.

Be Prompt

Like so many other flooring products, be quick to clean any spills or accidents on the rug. There’s a much better chance of completely removing marks and stains if they’re treated as soon as possible.

Rug: Atrium – Blue Jute Polo

General Maintenance

As with carpet and hard flooring, consistent care regardless of spills and marks will extend the life of your rug. Dirt and grit carried by shoes and general use will wear the fibre, so frequent vacuuming and shaking out of the rug (if possible) is necessary. Keep in mind rugs are often in place to protect the flooring underneath so can catch more dirt than we might realise.

Rug: Everest – Multi Texture 1650

Choose the Right Vacuum

Always select the gentlest application on the vacuum head. It’s less abrasive on the fibre and will help keep your rug looking fantastic for longer. Vacuum heads which revolve or move can wreck the carpet pile so they’re best avoided.

Rug: Dimensions – Pink Loom

Rotate the Rug

One great thing about rugs is that they’re not fixed. By rotating the rug you can avoid uneven wearing which becomes particularly evident if it’s in a high traffic area.

Spot Cleaning

Many marks are caused not by the original accident (such as coffee) but the residue left behind when not rinsed or removed properly. This creates a bigger problem as more dirt and grit will attach itself to the area. Always remove as much of the spill as possible before cleaning the area. If it doesn’t lift the first time, wait until it’s completely dry before trying again. Never rub the mark and move from the outer edges of the mark inwards to avoid spreading.

Rug: Visions – Silver Diamond 5051

Different Materials, Different Treatment.

Not all materials are the same. If you spill something on a wool carpet, blot the area with layers of un-dyed paper towel. Sisal rugs don’t respond well to lots of liquid so try to soak up as much as you can with a paper towel as well. Flatweave rugs can be treated with some small amounts of shampoo but as with sisal and wool, blot first and don’t rub the area.

Rug: Skandi – Black Herringbone 308

If in Doubt, Ask

There are professional carpet cleaners for a very good reason! If you’re nervous about a particular spill or mark and not sure how to fix it, calling in the experts is a fool-proof option, albeit more expensive. We recommend having your rug professionally cleaned a few times a year regardless of specific marks or stains. Knowing your beloved rug is in the best hands is worth it!   

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Hot, sunny days and uncomfortably warm evenings are synonymous with Australian summers, no matter what corner of the country you live in. Along with this comes energy bills in the mail which you don’t want to open- knowing very well what scary figures will be inside! Why not save money with blinds.

There are certain things we can do, of course, to minimise these bills, which we’ve all heard before. Insulation, fans in place of air-conditioning etc. etc. The benefits of appropriately installed window treatments are one of the more successful options to keep the home cooler however, with the added benefit of keeping the home warmer in winter too. Yes, it’s an investment, but one which makes the home more comfortable, beautiful and efficient.

It’s important to have these window treatments installed correctly, by a professional if the budget allows.  Each home is different, each window is different and what every customer wants and values will vary too. Flooring Xtra staff are knowledgeable and experienced to help you select the best possible blinds for your specific needs.

To optimise the energy efficiency of window treatments, consider the following:

Some window treatments are more effective in keeping the home cool. To block out the light completely is what you’re aiming for, so roman blinds, roller blinds, shutters and curtains do this well.

While some styles are more efficient than others, not every style of window treatment is suited to every window. This is where the experts come in handy! They will consider if the window/ door opens and in what way. They will also look at how the treatment can be installed.

Some fabric and material colours absorb heat differently and if your room is subject to lots of direct, intense sunlight then this should certainly come into consideration. Light colours tend to absorb the heatless, so stick with this for a cooler room in summer.

Keeping window treatments closed during hot days may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. When you’re heading out the door to work in the morning, make an effort to close the blinds if you think it’s going to be an extra warm day outside.

Block out fabrics are something to really think about when selecting fabrics. They not only work well to keep a room lovely and dark to sleep in, but they also work well to keep the heat out in the warmer months.

Pelmets are designed to hide blind and curtain mechanisms but they act as another barrier in keeping the light and heat out of a room too. If the style of treatment you’ve selected and your window structure is suited to a pelmet design, it’s a worthwhile inclusion.

Now we’re heading into the warmer months, considering the window coverings in your home is an excellent idea. If you’re needing to refresh your flooring too, check out our amazing double flooring/window promotion. Click here to learn more.

If you are looking for a way to upgrade your home, consider changing your floors. While many may say that hardwood floors are perfect for every circumstance, this is not always the case. Sometimes carpet suits a home better, depending on your needs and wants for your living space. Putting carpets in your home can offer many benefits that you may have not considered. Carpet can keep the warmth in your home, meaning that it insulates against the cold outdoors and keeps your energy bills lower in the winter. Carpeted floors also provide safety, especially for babies and children who may need some cushion in case of a fall. Carpet also reduces the ability for sound waves to travel, which will make your home a much more peaceful and quiet place. Find a showroom near you today to consider the carpet options for your home.

Keeps in the Warmth

On those cold winter days, there’s nothing worse than putting your feet on the ice-cold floor in the morning. Carpet floors add cosy warmth to your home year-round. Don’t let the cold from the outside seep indoors through your floor. Carpet acts as a great insulator, which can lower your heating bills in the coldest months of the year. It can also add to the style of your home, especially if you’re going for a comfortable homey feel. Hardwood floors can feel too cold and hard but carpet makes your home feel warm and inviting. Find carpet retailers today to discuss your options.

Safety

If you have young children or babies in your home, consider carpet for their comfort and safety. When babies are learning to walk, tile or wood floors can cause them bumps and bruises when they inevitably fall or trip. Carpet floors offer cushion for them when they fall, making learning to walk a fun and easy process for you and baby. Plus, it’s definitely not comfortable for little babies to lay or crawl on hard, cold floors. With carpet, you can lay your infant down for playtime with no worries about his or her comfort. Consider changing your floors to comfortable carpet today to make your home more friendly to your children.

Peace and Quiet

Hard floors make sound waves to bounce off the floors, walls, and ceiling, causing the noises in your home to sound amplified. This is not ideal if you have children or even a relative who enjoys watching the television at a high volume. However, carpeting can cut down on this unnecessary noise amplification by providing insulation that absorbs the sound waves. You don’t have to suffer through nights of hearing noises from all over your home when you switch to carpeted floors.

Adding carpet to your home offers many benefits for you and your family. These perks include staying warm through the winter, keeping your children safe from injury, and providing a quieter environment in your home, along with many others. Find a flooring company today and consider making this change to start feeling the benefits!