Tile Cloud: The Redfern Project
Provide some insight into the products that you selected; what are their key benefits and features?
A: The House was a single-storey terrace built around 1910. It had undergone minor renovations in the 1960s and had been used as a rental property for the last 25 years before us purchasing it. Safe to say it was ready for a refresh.
Tell us about the style of the renovation; what inspired this look?
A: We went for a calming colour palette of neutral colours that we are loosely describing as modern Mediterranean. It was a consistent theme in all the reference imagery we pinned to our mood boards, so we knew it was the style for us.
Tell us about the carpet/flooring products that you used; what are their features and benefits?
A: We needed a flooring solution for the central area of our home, encompassing the kitchen, living room, and dining area, as we have three young daughters.
You’d think with our background in tiles, we would have gone for a tile but in the end, we opted for a more inviting and practical decision - an engineered timber floorboard known as Precinct Oak in ‘Champagne’. This decision was motivated by the desire to introduce an additional element of warmth, a quality that surpassed the tiles we initially considered.
Not only is it a breeze to maintain, but it also boasts the advantage of being forgiving when it comes to the inevitable presence of crumbs and little footprints. This harmonious balance perfectly caters to the needs of our young family.
For the bedrooms, we sought a flooring option that would provide a sense of luxury underfoot. At the same time, we had to take our young children into account. Therefore, we chose a durable wool carpet called Defined Charm in ‘Light Clay’ which has a natural heathered effect. With the young kids in mind, having this heathered effect created a multi-dimensional and cohesive look throughout the space.
What are your top three tips for selecting the perfect flooring or carpet for your room?
A:
- Ensure that your selection aligns seamlessly with your moodboard. The spectrum of ‘brown’ and ‘grey’ encompasses a myriad of shades, and your selection should harmonise with the overall colour scheme of your project.
- Take into account the level of foot traffic your floor will endure. If it’s subjected to heavy use, prioritise thorough cleaning and maintenance to preserve its longevity and appeal.
- When it comes to carpeting, resist the temptation to cut corners on the underlay. While it may represent a minor expense in the grand scheme of your flooring budget, it wields a significant influence on the overall tactile and aesthetic quality of the final result.
How did you make an informed decision on your flooring and carpet selection? Did you review samples to see what colours and textures would and wouldn’t work in your home? Did you seek advice from an expert at Carpet Court?
A: We started with in-store guidance from the Carpet Court team who directed me to the types of carpet and timber flooring that would be functionally appropriate for the project. We took samples and viewed them alongside the other materials on my mood board to make sure it was all cohesive. In the instance of the carpet, we had two options we really liked and when we laid them down on the mood board, it became very apparent that one was way too ‘cool’ and didn’t work with the overall palette so we were able to pick the winner easily.
Why did you select Defined Charm in Light Clay as the carpet for your home? In what areas has it been used and why?
A: It was the ideal complement to the finishes on my mood board, especially the exquisite joinery timber veneer, my carefully chosen bathroom tiles, and the elegant antique brass tapware. We incorporated it seamlessly into all the bedrooms, including the primary bedroom, upstairs bedrooms 1 and 2, and the connecting space on the upper level.
Why did you select Precinct Oak in Whitehaven as the hard flooring for your home? In what areas has it been used and why?
A: Once more, the selection of this particular shade of light timber flooring stood out as the unmistakable selection when placed alongside the other finishes featured on the mood board. While I had a general idea of wanting a light timber floor based on reference images and my Pinterest boards, it was the act of arranging the flooring sample on the mood board that solidified my decision.
Did you consider any current interior / flooring “trends” when selecting your flooring/ carpet? If so, please explain the inspiration behind your selections.
A: We had projects from many current social media accounts that formed reference/ inspiration for the project. Work from Josh and Jenna, Zephyr and Stone, Kyal and Kara, The Stables and Kate Lawrence to name a few. They were all calming, neutral palettes that made us feel relaxed which was the end goal of our project.
How long did the carpet and flooring process take with Carpet Court? Did you have to undertake any preparation before the installation of each? Please provide details for the carpet installation process.
A: The installation of the timber flooring proceeded smoothly. The builder had thoughtfully prepared the subfloor by using yellow tongue (particle board), which significantly simplified the task for the timber flooring installer.
They only needed to perform a light sanding before proceeding to glue and nail down the floorboards.
Upstairs, the carpeted areas were just as effortless to handle. Once again, the builder had employed a yellow tongue substrate, making it ready to accommodate carpet underlay and the carpet itself without delay.
Remarkably, the carpet installation process was incredibly swift, with the entire job completed in less than half a day!
What advice would you give to someone undertaking a renovation when it comes to upgrading your flooring/carpet?
A: Timeless neutrals is the way to go to make sure your selection looks good for years to come. Consider how much traffic the floor will get and choose a finish that can stand up to the wear and tear required.
What was the biggest setback during your makeover, and how did you overcome it?
A: We had a temporary water pipe burst on site during the night about halfway through the build. When we arrived the following morning, the site was flooded and a fair bit of plasterboard had been wet in the process.
We had to hire a bunch of temporary fans to promote air circulation and help dry the floor before we could get back to work. In the end, it didn’t cause too much damage financially, just a bit of a muck around getting everything dry again and a slight delay to the program.
Interior Design & Styling: @tilecloud
Photography: The Palm Co