Patterned carpets are in style again, and it's the unexpected craze we didn't realize we needed

It's time we rewrote our conceptions of patterned carpets. This nostalgic flooring might remind you of dancing to Madonna and drinking cherry soda in your parent's old living room, but this is the year an increasing number of people are going back to the future and are fuelling the most unconventional revamp of the year. 

As an increasing number of people look for inventive ideas to create an uplifting workspace or a way to enliven their homes during the winter months, they are looking to the past for a trend that will prevail long into the future.

British- based manufacturer Axminster Carpets (opens in new tab), who have made carpets for the most discerning of clients, including King George III, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recently announced they had seen a 12 percent rise in demand for patterned carpets since 2019. However, as Gary Bridge, the Design Director of Axminster revealed, the wild, widespread fever for boldly printed flooring is only going to get bigger. 

See more: What the best-dressed floors are wearing this season

'We are delighted to see growth in patterned carpet,' the Director began. 

'Our bespoke service and woven to order offering is flourishing. Customers are looking to support British manufacturing and seek sustainable natural flooring whilst bringing some personality into their homes through a pattern. The market is growing tired of plain interiors, and along with exciting patterns in wallpapers and textiles - flooring has now become the new space to have fun with. 

Our unique high quality looms produce both delicate and bold designs; we are proud to be leading the way in the revival of patterned carpet.'

The concept of having fun with your flooring is welcomed by homeowners amid the current restrictions when your living room is your theatre, home-bar, and disco in one. Maybe you will be dancing to old records on a patterned carpet once again, after all? 

As the world stays at home, Claire Kimble, Design Manager at Crucial Trading Carpets (opens in new tab), emphasizes the impact of the lockdown on the rising trend. 

'As our homes become our sanctuaries and a place of security and comfort, our personal spaces become a platform for our self-expression. They talk to the outside world and tell a story as to how we are living our lives. Influences of texture, pattern, a craft that embraces time, natural materials that reflect the heritage- they all have a place within the interior schemes of current times, especially within the floor space.'

She continued, 'As spaces are redefined, and we find the home's definition changing, there is a need to introduce rugs and carpet into our interiors. Open spaces with hard flooring now appear hard and cold; the acoustics are important, especially with multigenerational living and homeschooling & working. It's time to add comfort and warmth.'

'This is a time like no other; the home has never been so important to us, as it will continue to be in times to come. Bringing color and pattern within carpet and rugs into our homes uses the floor as a decorative platform that reflects feelings and who we are.' 

Furthermore, Andy Guard, Creative Director of Roger Oates Design (opens in new tab), discussed the powerful transition from minimalism to electric prints. He shared:

‘Minimalism is over - replaced by color, pattern, and texture. We have found clients are confident introducing color and bold patterns into schemes through their flooring. Colour is superior to having no color, and pattern has a playfulness that is exciting to work with. Some of our most popular designs are our most vibrant bright colors and striking patterns. Be bold, mix things together in different parts of the home - and don’t worry about ‘matching’ - if all the rooms express your personality, it creates a cohesive scheme.’

Andy continued, focusing on the power of stripe in our homes: ‘Stripes are timeless and the variations infinite, from classic fine pinstripes to contemporary asymmetric bands of color. Maximize your prints in courageous colors for impact or use texture and subtle neutrals to create a relaxing space. When used thoughtfully, stripes can define areas and even adjust the perspective of a room. Stripes along the hall will lengthen it, whilst stripes across the hall will make it appear wider.

Stripes are so versatile they work with wooden floors, tessellated tiles, and even floral wallpaper. There is a stripe for everyone.’ 

Looking to inject some carpet into your home, but are not sure where to begin? 

When it comes to patterned carpet, there is one thing to remember- The bolder, the better.  

Patterned carpets aren't the only retro trend we can't get enough of at the moment- read more about the piece you need on your bedside table this year (opens in new tab).