Here are the samples, although the camera doesn't really show the colour in it's true form. First up, Ball & Twine. And this is Warm Bisque. It was nice, but too cool for me. And this is Sisal, the wrong colour I bought by accident. I love the colour though, just not here. I am a little concerned that the Ball & Twine was throwing some green (although I love green), but I really love it in the rest of the house. We have those late 1990’s terracotta coloured tiles in the back room to consider as well. that room will have a terracotta, stone, charcoal look, I think, when we are done. Anyway, comments on the samples?

I like the idea of hardwood flooring and as previously said you can add nice rugs for comfort and texture, they can be changed out at any time for a different look or fashion, I found light carpet shows all spills and marks and as also previously said here dark colours show lint, animal fur and anything lighter like fluff ...I do think hardwood floors in the long run keep you from having to re-do carpet especially as you have no idea how the renters will treat your investment. I also find myself having hardwood flooring with rugs it is all so easy to keep clean.

What a beautiful parquetry floor, Polly. Just to confirm, is this the one? There is colour tone variation, so do you think you'd prefer light or a darker carpet colour? And do you have a preference for wool or synthetic? Do you want something thick and plush to really sink your feet into, or something low and maybe with texture?

Personally I like the idea of the pattern in a heritage home, as plain cream carpet can look bland. However if you are going for a light cream colour then definately the solution dyed nylon, so easy to clean and nearly every stain can be removed! But if you are installing a light colour also invest in a carpet shampoo machine, as regular use will keep the solution dyed nylon carpet looking like new even after years of use. I have both SDN and wool mix carpets in my house, the SDN I have had for over 7 years and the wool 2 years - the wool never again! Everything stains it unless you get to the stain the minute it happens (literally) But.... even thought the light carpet will make the room look larger I have to say that your burgundy carpet provides depth and colour to an otherwise neutral room and I think that you will find when the cream carpet goes down you will need a coloured rug anyway to bring some character and colour back into the room or it will look too washed out