Snug seating, rich textures, moody hues and flickering fireplaces - all help in creating a cosy environment heading through autumn into winter

The good news is if there are allergy sufferers in your home you aren’t limited to a hard floor option. You can still have the warmth of carpet without the worry of allergies.

Although the products used for a commercial flooring application may be different to those in many residential uses, one thing remains the same: it must be fit for purpose. That’s the message from Harrisons Carpet Hastings franchise owner, Jeff Burson, who says it’s still vital to quiz building and business owners on their key requirements before helping them choose the right flooring.

The simple equation to choosing the right type of flooring for your home involves weighing up and balancing three factors: lifestyle, look and practicalities. Carpet, laminate and vinyl options all tick certain boxes for different households. Considerations can include budget, comfort level, sunlight exposure, high-use areas, existing interior design, children and pets. So, it’s important to understand the benefits of each style of flooring before making your decision.

After 15 years in the business, New Plymouth-based Harrisons Carpet franchise owner Peter Brisco says the latest trend is for kitchen renovations – possibly because renovation shows are about as popular as cooking shows. However, there’s still plenty of interest in bathrooms, living spaces and bedrooms and adding value to these rooms as well.

Laying carpet in your garage is a great way to turn it into a multi-purpose space.

When someone contacts Harrisons Carpet to arrange a consultation with one of our flooring experts, they tend to know the space they want to be carpeted, and the budget they have to spend, but are usually in the dark about how far their money will stretch.

Bold, dark and beautiful tones were seen at this year's Milan Design Week