Anyone who lived during the 70's will remember the atrocious two-tone green, orange and gold shag carpeting. Wherever that trend originated there was no way to clean, fluff and make this carpeting look anything but old and dated. Not only were the colors just awful by today's standards but sometimes the loops were so loose you could see the matting like you see a person's scalp who has thinning hair. Contemporary carpeting has come a long way.One thing the old shag carpeting had going for it was that it brought some color into an otherwise boring room. You can still bring color and life into a room with new carpeting trends without having to live with dated colors.Look for the right 'pile'A new trend in carpeting is having a layered look with some loops shorter than others. With a layered look manufacturers can make patterns like diamonds and other interesting geometrics. The feel can still be soft and plush. When you select a color it may appear to be two-tone, even if it's beige. Some people like to use a certain color of carpeting as a blank canvas on which to showcase special furniture while others like to use colorful carpeting to enhance an object in the room.Perhaps you have a floral sofa and plain drapes in a complimenting color. You can also have neutral carpeting that has a floral design woven in to enhance your sofa. When visiting your flooring store ask to see samples of 'cut and loop pile.' You will find a grand array of patterns, textures and sculpting. Another benefit is that a patterned carpet is perceived as more expensive and finer than a flat-surface carpet.For those redecorating or needing to recarpet their homes, think 'pile.' Believe it or not the carpeting that is all cut to the same level is divided into five distinct groupings: Saxony, Plush, Textured, Frieze and Shag. And believe this; today's shag carpeting is nothing like the 70's. It is thick, soft and diverse.
