The Carpet Mill
INTERIORS
The Carpet Mill. WORDS ANGELINA VILL ACL ARKE
hether you opt for wood or carpet, seagrass or sisal, what goes underfoot can be found at Cambridge’s The Carpet Mill. Having been in business for over 30 years, it has become the go-to retailer for flooring in the Cambridgeshire area. Managing director Peter Day, who has been at the helm since 1995, puts the company’s success down to its hands-on service and the ability to be flexible. “As an independent store, we can be adaptable on things like fitting times, pricing and styles of flooring,” he reveals. “People have also returned to the enjoyment that comes with shopping locally. It gives them peace of mind and we can offer a hands-on level of service.” Based on Chesterton Road, the showroom is the first stop for those wanting to change their flooring. “There’s so much choice these days that most people don’t know what they are actually looking for,” Peter explains. “But that’s fine; it’s our job to advise and discuss what’s on offer, what’s on trend and what’s new. We talk to our customers about their preferences – such as whether they prefer man-made or wool, for instance. Then we look at where the flooring is intended for, then we look to match something suitable to their budget.” As well as carpets and wood floors, Peter cites Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) as a growing sector. “You might think that carpet is not as popular these days,” he says. “But, actually it still makes for 90% of our business – it suits our climate and the styles of houses we have in the UK. Saying that, there are suddenly lots more companies offering LVT. Once upon a time, it was just a few brands, like Amtico or Karndean. It means it is much more affordable now and there’s a lot more choice. It’s a good option for bathrooms or kitchens, with many of our customers opting for the wood-effect styles, which are very realistic.” The company also stocks a wide range of natural surfaces – such as coir, jute, seagrass and sisal. “These are typically hard-wearing,” says Peter. “They also have a lovely tactile feel and fit in with a more organic, natural outlook on life. “Of course, wool is also a natural fibre and we stock many beautiful wool carpets,” he continues. “It’s interesting that top-end brands, like Westex and Brockway, come in a wide range of colours – not to mention different qualities – but despite many customers thinking they want a coloured carpet on their floor, most end up with a neutral! At the moment, it’s grey that is the most popular – it’s the new beige!” “My advice for those wanting to change their flooring? Go for the best quality that you can afford,” he says. “It sounds obvious, but a good quality synthetic carpet is better than a cheaper wool one. Also, don’t be afraid to be bold – choose an area, like a stairway, and use it as a feature with a striped or textured carpet. It will give definition to an otherwise neutral scheme. We continuously look for the latest, innovative products – such as the woven vinyl flooring by Unnatural Flooring – so come in and ask. We may just be able to surprise you.” n The Carpet Mill, 24 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AX | 01223 316866 | thecarpetmill.co.uk | Open 10am-5.30pm, closed Thursdays and Sundays.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | J U N E 2 017
107
The Carpet Mill. WORDS ANGELINA VILL ACL ARKE
hether you opt for wood or carpet, seagrass or sisal, what goes underfoot can be found at Cambridge’s The Carpet Mill. Having been in business for over 30 years, it has become the go-to retailer for flooring in the Cambridgeshire area. Managing director Peter Day, who has been at the helm since 1995, puts the company’s success down to its hands-on service and the ability to be flexible. “As an independent store, we can be adaptable on things like fitting times, pricing and styles of flooring,” he reveals. “People have also returned to the enjoyment that comes with shopping locally. It gives them peace of mind and we can offer a hands-on level of service.” Based on Chesterton Road, the showroom is the first stop for those wanting to change their flooring. “There’s so much choice these days that most people don’t know what they are actually looking for,” Peter explains. “But that’s fine; it’s our job to advise and discuss what’s on offer, what’s on trend and what’s new. We talk to our customers about their preferences – such as whether they prefer man-made or wool, for instance. Then we look at where the flooring is intended for, then we look to match something suitable to their budget.” As well as carpets and wood floors, Peter cites Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) as a growing sector. “You might think that carpet is not as popular these days,” he says. “But, actually it still makes for 90% of our business – it suits our climate and the styles of houses we have in the UK. Saying that, there are suddenly lots more companies offering LVT. Once upon a time, it was just a few brands, like Amtico or Karndean. It means it is much more affordable now and there’s a lot more choice. It’s a good option for bathrooms or kitchens, with many of our customers opting for the wood-effect styles, which are very realistic.” The company also stocks a wide range of natural surfaces – such as coir, jute, seagrass and sisal. “These are typically hard-wearing,” says Peter. “They also have a lovely tactile feel and fit in with a more organic, natural outlook on life. “Of course, wool is also a natural fibre and we stock many beautiful wool carpets,” he continues. “It’s interesting that top-end brands, like Westex and Brockway, come in a wide range of colours – not to mention different qualities – but despite many customers thinking they want a coloured carpet on their floor, most end up with a neutral! At the moment, it’s grey that is the most popular – it’s the new beige!” “My advice for those wanting to change their flooring? Go for the best quality that you can afford,” he says. “It sounds obvious, but a good quality synthetic carpet is better than a cheaper wool one. Also, don’t be afraid to be bold – choose an area, like a stairway, and use it as a feature with a striped or textured carpet. It will give definition to an otherwise neutral scheme. We continuously look for the latest, innovative products – such as the woven vinyl flooring by Unnatural Flooring – so come in and ask. We may just be able to surprise you.” n The Carpet Mill, 24 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AX | 01223 316866 | thecarpetmill.co.uk | Open 10am-5.30pm, closed Thursdays and Sundays.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
C A M B R I D G E E D I T I O N | J U N E 2 017
107
