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Show What's New Underfoot? § By ROSALYN ABREVAYA DDisccrating experts have contendedfor years that a fine way to do a room is from the floor up! Todayit should be a snap with the array of textures, patterns, ana styles in both flooring and carpeting. The “age of beige” or ‘chip and sputter” styling in vinyl flooring is steadily being nudged aside in favor of bolder, more definite patterns and flashing colors. A welcome trend to note: high-cushionedvinyl, already in the stores, is becoming more available in attractive designs. The advantages:it can look like carpeting and it transfers the softness of its backing as youstep on it, letting you feel you're gliding over a lily pad. If carpeting is what you need, count shag as still the most newsworthy in types from loose, low tufts to yarns three incheslong. It’s catching people's fancy in solids, heathers, or multi-colors—good to camouflage soil. Printed broadloom is on the rise—the best in attractive small-scale geometric patterns. And ubiquitous indoor-outdoor carpeting, frequently used in kitchens, basements, and on terraces, is no longer limited to the flat felted variety, but now comes in shaggy, looped, and sculptured textures. It's also finding new applications on walls and ceilings, where it absorbs a considerable amount of noise, adds warmth and “environment” to rooms. Whatever your preference this season—bold or understated, modern or eclectic—you'll find the choice underfoot as wide as your imagination. Above: patterned carpet is back, not in the old cabbage-rose tradition, but in small-scaled geometrics, like this Acrilan houndstooth indooroutdoor broadloom by Milliken. Designer. Peggy Walker createdthis room, aneclectic mix of ihe old and the new.Left: one of the smart ways to decorate a kitchen flooris with high-cushioned vinyl. Armstrong's attractive new design looks like carpet, feels soft to the step, is said to reduce breakage when dish accidentally drops. The bi-fold door was home-constructed. Mobile server by Thomasville. Below: the informality ofa tricolored Kodel shag rug by Trend was chosenforthis family room designed by Lee Bailey. Handsome bold-colored striped floor and walls, easy-care twill upholstery completes a fun setting for gatherings. Building pluns for ihe bi-fold display door (ebove), designed to close off an appliance storage center, are available ot no charge by writing to: Display Door, Department F. W., P. 9. Box 3005, Loncaster, Pa. 17604. |