For many homeowners there's nothing quite like the feeling of kicking off their shoes and sinking their feet into a soft and luxurious carpet or rug.

Carpets and rugs certainly add warmth and homeliness as no other type of flooring does; they can also set the tone in a space, act as a backdrop for your furniture, or be the focal point of the room.

Now, due to design and yarn innovation, there's a wider range of colours, textures and patterns to choose from.

COLOUR

Neutral colours have always been favoured for their versatility and, this year, shades of grey and taupe will continue to be the most popular neutrals. That's not to say colour isn't en vogue.

Neutral grey colour schemes are still appealing to the more conservative decorating public, but there is a distinct move to bright colours by the confident few. Cool and pale colours such as lavender and light blue are also making an appearance.

Colour has definitely taken over from muted tone. Especially when it comes to bright shades, yellows, oranges, blues, greens, and combinations of these are trending among bolder consumers.

TEXTURE

Nylon carpets and rugs are still popular because they are soft, durable and resilient enough to bounce back after being crushed or bent.

Also, as green design continues to trend, carpet designs that are inspired by natural wool, and those made of natural fibres such as wool and sisal, are growing in popularity.

In addition, soft, silky fibres with a delicate sheen are the current trends dominating the international carpeting scene.

There is also a move to more rustic, organic and textured carpets with a matte finish and natural colours to fit in with the more natural and organic look in decor.

DESIGN

While repetitive patterns are still in, geometrics, florals, two-toned carpets and overdyed vintage looks are growing in popularity.

The reloaded overdyed vintage look is still very popular. It began with patchwork and was followed by the washed and saturated one-colour dyed finish.

The acid or milk wash is the very latest in this particular trend.

In addition, the retro tie-dye is in vogue too, as is the painterly effect, as well as a modern take on the Moroccan traditional designs.

Transitional designs that combine old-world patterns in a modern context are also trending strongly this year.

But, even with all of the new and innovative designs, it seems that homeowners are still investing in traditional and classic pieces such as Persian and Oriental handmade rugs and carpets.