Inspiration Blog
Looking for flooring inspiration? Explore real homes, latest trends, colour ideas, and specialist advice to help you find the perfect flooring for your space.
Karndean Knight Tile – Nutmeg Limed Oak (KP164)
Nutmeg Limed Oak brings classic wood character into the home with a refined, contemporary finish. Designed in a herringbone plank format, this floor combines warmth, texture, and structure, making it a versatile choice for both modern and traditional interiors.
Warm character with timeless appeal
Nutmeg Limed Oak is defined by warm, milky brown tones, gently lifted with hints of red, orange and deeper natural browns. A soft limed finish adds depth and character without overpowering the natural grain.
Each 18 inch by 3 inch plank is carefully designed to showcase a balanced mix of straight grain and flowing detail. When laid in a herringbone pattern, the result is a floor that feels structured, elegant and full of warmth.
Designed for everyday living
Karndean Designflooring gives you the look and feel of natural wood with the durability and resilience of luxury vinyl. Nutmeg Limed Oak is built to handle busy homes while maintaining a premium appearance.
Easy to clean with a simple sweep and mop, this floor requires no sanding, varnishing or staining. It is 100 percent waterproof and suitable for kitchens, dining spaces and family areas.
Comfortable underfoot and compatible with underfloor heating systems up to 27°C, Nutmeg Limed Oak offers practical comfort all year round.
Ready to transform your space with Nutmeg Limed Oak?
Nutmeg Limed Oak is ideal if you want the look and character of real wood combined with the practical benefits of luxury vinyl flooring. The herringbone pattern introduces structure and visual interest, while the gentle limed finish adds depth and balance, making it a versatile choice for both contemporary and classic interiors.
With its durable, waterproof construction and comfortable underfoot feel, Karndean Knight Tile Nutmeg Limed Oak is well suited to busy homes, kitchens, living spaces, and open plan areas where style and performance matter equally.
Unit 1, Chaucer Business Park, Granville Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4JT
Man Made vs Wool
Choosing the right carpet fibre comes down to how you live day to day. Man made easy clean carpets are a brilliant option for busy homes where practicality matters most, while wool offers a naturally premium feel with comfort and long term durability. Below is a clear comparison to help you decide what suits your space best.
Man Made vs Wool Which is right for your home
Both fibres can look stunning, it is all about matching the carpet to your lifestyle and the room it is going into. If you want an option that copes with day to day mess with minimal fuss, man made easy clean carpets are a strong choice. If you want a naturally luxurious feel with excellent comfort underfoot, wool is hard to beat. Use the guide below to see the key differences clearly.
Why Choose Synthetic Carpet?
Synthetic carpets are practical, durable and budget friendly. They are a popular choice for family homes, rentals, and high traffic areas because they are straightforward to maintain and come in a huge range of colours and styles.
Stain resistant. Most synthetic carpets are naturally stain resistant and repel spills, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Durable. Made from tough fibres such as Triexta or Nylon, they handle heavy foot traffic well.
Moisture resistant. Synthetic fibres do not absorb moisture easily, reducing the risk of mould or mildew.
Affordable. Generally more cost effective than natural alternatives like wool.
Colourfast. Holds dye well, so colours stay vibrant and do not fade easily over time.
Soft underfoot. Modern fibre technology means many synthetics now feel soft and comfortable.
Low maintenance. Regular vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning are usually enough to keep them looking good.
Wide variety. Available in numerous colours, patterns, and textures to suit any home style or budget.
Why Choose Wool?
Wool is one of the most versatile natural fibres. It offers a premium feel with excellent comfort and long term performance, making it a brilliant option for bedrooms, lounges, and spaces where warmth and a higher end finish matter most.
Naturally renewable and biodegradable. Wool grows on sheep and is shorn annually without harm, making it 100 percent renewable and biodegradable.
Eco friendly and planet safe. Unlike synthetic fibres, wool does not contribute to landfill build up or ocean pollution.
Temperature regulating and breathable. Wool adapts to room temperature and its breathability helps maintain comfort.
Durable, flame resistant and moisture absorbing. Wool is strong, naturally flame resistant with a high ignition point, and can absorb up to 30 percent of its weight in moisture without feeling damp.
Hypoallergenic and adaptable. Wool is hypoallergenic, filters air pollutants, and comes in various types offering softness, thickness, and resilience.
Enhances wellbeing and comfort. Wool supports a comfortable home environment and can help you feel cosy and relaxed.
Ideal for homes. Wool is a natural insulator, helping reduce dust, noise, and supporting a healthier indoor environment.
How to choose quickly
If the room is likely to see spills, muddy shoes, pets, or heavy day to day traffic, synthetic easy clean is usually the best fit. If the room is more about comfort, warmth, and a premium natural feel, wool is the stronger choice. If you are unsure, we can guide you through the best options and help you match the right carpet to your budget and the way you use the space.
Ready to choose the right carpet for your home?
Whether you are drawn to the practicality of man made easy clean carpets or the natural comfort and premium feel of wool, choosing the right fibre can make a big difference to how your home looks and feels day to day. The key is finding an option that suits your lifestyle, the room it is going into, and how you use the space.
From busy family areas to cosy living spaces and bedrooms, we can help you compare your options and choose a carpet that balances comfort, durability, and style in a way that feels right for your home.
Unit 1, Chaucer Business Park, Granville Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4JT
Make an Entrance with Your Flooring
Create a true first impression with Amtico in your hallway and entrance. This standout design features (DC296) Classic Argent Offset Stripe Border Bevelled Diamond Border (AR0SOM30) Onyx Marble, delivering a premium look that feels elegant, welcoming, and built for everyday life.
Entrance Flooring: The Space That Sets the Tone
Your entrance is the first part of your home you see and the first impression guests get. Amtico is a brilliant choice for hallways and entrances because it combines a premium finish with practicality for busy everyday life. This design, DC296 Classic Argent Offset Stripe Border Bevelled Diamond Border AR0SOM30 Onyx Marble, creates a statement look with a defined border that frames the space and makes the layout feel intentional and polished.
If you want your hallway to feel considered and high end, adding a border is one of the best ways to achieve it. It draws the eye, adds structure, and elevates the overall feel of the room without needing lots of extra décor.
A Statement Border That Frames the Space
Borders work especially well in hallways because they naturally guide you through the space. Whether your entrance is compact or wide and open, a bordered design helps create balance and adds that bespoke finish.
Practical for Busy Homes
Entrances take a lot of wear from shoes, pets, and everyday traffic. Amtico is a great option for these areas because it is easy to maintain and keeps its smart look, helping your hallway stay fresh and welcoming.
Designed to Look Premium Up Close
The detail in this design is what makes it special. The Classic Argent tones paired with the Onyx Marble finish create a refined contrast, while the bevelled diamond border adds a subtle touch of luxury that feels custom to your home.
Make It Yours
From layout choices to borders and feature details, we can help you create an entrance that feels personal and perfectly fitted to your space. If you are planning a refresh, this is a great way to add instant impact right where it matters most.
Start 2026 with a Stair Runner
A beautifully fitted stair runner combines elegance with practicality. Enjoy quieter steps, added grip, and a bespoke look that enhances the heart of your home.
Stair Runners: Add Warmth, Character, and a Statement Finish
Stair runners are one of the best ways to add character, warmth, and personality to your staircase and hallway. More than just a practical flooring choice, a beautifully fitted stair runner can completely transform your space and turn your stairs into a statement feature that sets the tone for your home. Whether you want to create a welcoming entrance, soften high-traffic areas, or introduce colour and texture, a bespoke stair runner delivers both style and comfort.
At Carpet Trader, we offer a huge range of stair runner samples and finishing options, so you can create a look that is completely tailored to your home.
Choose Your Edge Tape
From bright, bold colours to timeless striped designs in muted black and beige, edge tapes can instantly elevate your runner and help tie your staircase into the rest of your interior. If you are looking for a standout hallway, a contrasting tape is an easy way to create a designer look.
Prefer a Cleaner Finish? Try Binding and Whipping
If you would rather skip the tape, we also offer binding and whipping for a sleek, finished edge. The most popular choice is a colour match to your carpet of choice, creating a clean, seamless look. Want a pop of colour instead? You can choose virtually any shade to reflect your style.
Take It Up a Notch with Stair Rods
Add stair rods for an extra touch of elegance and classic charm. Combined with a bespoke stair runner, stair rods create a luxury finish that makes your staircase a true focal point.
Ready to create your perfect stair runner?
If you are thinking about upgrading your hallway or staircase, a bespoke stair runner is one of the easiest ways to add warmth, character, and a high-end finish to your home. From bold statement tapes to clean binding and whipping, and elegant stair rods to complete the look, we can help you design a stair runner that feels truly made for your space.
Pop into our showroom to explore samples and finishes, or get in touch with our team to talk through ideas and options.
Unit 1, Chaucer Business Park, Granville Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4JT
