For carpet lovers, sometimes it is hard to resist the temptation of buying a carpet even if it requires significant improvements to re capture its original look. Basically, by observing and contemplating, in split seconds you commit yourself to a massive challenge ahead. This extremely rare antique handmade silk and wool Persian carpet belonging to the first part of the 20th century was one of those challenges. Made in the city of Qum and measuring 300 x210cm (10’x6’7”), it seemed that it had lost its charm and splendid look due to years of negligence. That is why, restoring rare carpets becomes ever so exciting and if repaired well very much rewarding. The project of restoring this extraordinary rug back to its original state, took almost two years, as part of the challenge was to find various professionals to accept this work. However, I am delighted to announce that the project was finally completed and surplus my expectations. For those who are interested to know, the restorations were as follow: 1-Both ends re-done and secure 2-Salvages re-woven and look original 3- It was professionally stretched to become straight and flat 4-Some repiling on both silk and wool areas at the centre. 5- There was no re- colouring as I am fully against this on any carpet in particular antique ones. 6-Reducing the tension due to scratching Apart from a few localised areas of wear, commiserated with age, the rug has now regained its original look and for sure can bring elegance to those who appreciate exquisite antique carpets around their homes for many years to come. The two pictures showing the centre of the rug, captures this wonderful work before and after repairs. Visit our website for more details about our antique and decorative handmade rugs and Kilims at www.imperialrugs.co.uk

Hi Charlotte, It is tricky when a large area and a big expense. Your floor covering obviously needs to be fit for purpose so the rooms you've mentioned have differing requirements. Anything on the stairs needs to be hard wearing therefore carpets are usually a little more robust than whats needed for a bedroom. Of course you can still have one size fits all but it opens more options to you. As many 1930's have central hallways, transitions to the rooms are usually visible therefore you could choose similar tones or have bedroom carpets with a deeper pile to give a more luxe feel if you don't want too feel the space is too chopped up. Many striped carpets have good longevity if more muted so you could use a runner up the stairs and select one of the colours from the runner to do plain upstairs adding some interest to your hallway. As you mention you like neutral I don't feel you can got too wrong with what you chose. Just loan out some larger samples from you carpet shop lay them next to each other and see what feels good to you. Good luck with your project.

Hi, congratulations on your new home purchase ! Neutral for the entire home is a good idea if you want a consistent feeling and flow through the house, however I would consider looking at something that has a tad of interest or texture so that it doesn't become something you might get bored with? Also, I would personally try to avoid going down the grey route for an entire home, it can become over-powering. I have recently worked with wool carpets and depending on the rest of the style of your home I would highly recommend this - the have a lovely loop-style texture and a great range of neutral colours that are really versatile. They are also very comfortable and good for insulation if 100% wool. Here is one I have used previously, close-up and as a normal view which only subtly shows the different texture. The wall colour here is Natural Hessian by Dulux, and it compliments it well in all lights. I hope that helps or gives you some inspiration! Thanks, Danielle.

Thank you debzip, that's a lovely colour and I think it will work nicely if it looks on the walls how it does in the photos. The other thought I had was to go for something like Dulux Timeless, and then liven the walls with some vibrant framed prints, maybe pop art style. I'm not sure if that would make it feel too cold but might be more appealing to my son.