I think charcoal grey is the most popular carpet colour at the moment. I've recently been trying to make the same decision between a more "beige" carpet and a "grey" carpet. I ultimately decided to go with beige. I think it will still show up lint and fluff, but less so than charcoal which I've seen in other houses and which seems to show almost everything. If I had a larger budget, then I would have gone with a woolen carpet in beige with specks/flecks of colour throughout. I was unable to find any non-woolen carpets which had specks/flecks of colour. As you're not looking to spend a lot, I'm guessing that a woolen carpet will be outside of your budget also. I think whoever regularly does the vacuuming and cleaning in your household should get to decide as they'll ultimately be responsible for cleaning the carpet whatever colour is chosen.

Sorry Cassandra, been working! What about the colour Ridge in the New Sunrise range. It's not as stark as Valley, has a lighter appearance, still in the darker colour range, but with adding wood and copper etc, I think it'd look great and tie in nicely. Best bet is to get your local carpet shop to lend you a sample (if they do that) for a few days and put it under the drapes. You'll be able to see how it looks at night as well as daytime. While you're at it, get a sample of colour Paua in either the Detroit (28oz), Columbia (36oz), Golden Bay/ Alabama (55oz), or Wattle Bay (70oz). The weight is indicative of price, also depth/height, or plushness if you like, of the different names I've listed. FYI, New Sunrise is a 44oz, to give a comparison. I've seen Wattle Bay Paua installed with beige-y curtains, and looks amazing. If you have a darker colour at the bottom (floor) and lighter colours on walls, ceilings, it gives the place a "grounded" look.

Hi all, We have just ripped out carpet in our house to discover we have white cypress pine hardwood floors. Now we are contemplating what finish will look good on them? All our door, wall, windows will be white. Also any recommendations for staining products?

We have bremworth 100% wool sisal in bedrooms and on stairs. The pic of the stairs attached is carpet that has been down for 15 years. People & a crazy dog up and down them and more than one morning coffee spilled on it. It is only just starting to show a little wear now - slightly lighter parts on some of the treads.