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.

Carpet is a very popular choice for bedrooms due its soft texture and insulating properties. Carpet is perfect on those chilly winter mornings to stop cold-feet-syndrome and adds an element of cosiness as well as luxury.

When it comes to choosing hard flooring, there are a number of things to consider. Where in your home will the new flooring reside – kitchen, bathroom, living room? Is it an area prone to a lot of sunlight or water? And there is always budget to consider as well.

Choosing new carpets or vinyl flooring can be a great way to spruce up your home without having to go to the financially extreme lengths of, say, coughing up for a new kitchen or bathroom.

Sorry, Nan, but that old 50s housewife-look kitchen with formica tables and wipe-clean vinyl floors really does seem a little dated these days!

Sometimes you want your flooring to offer softness and comfort and sometimes you need it to perform under busy conditions.