The potential problems with removal of runner are dependent upon how the runner was installed. Some dearies actually tack the runner to the steps, tread and riser. Ouch, because removal leaves those holes to be filled and stained to match (very difficult to conceal). An alternative method is to use carpet bars which come in wood or metal, in an assortment of finishes. This is slightly more expensive but imo, also *looks* more luxurious. The carpet is barred at the back of the tread where it meets the riser; best practice has the runner tacked beneath each tread rather than slanted from top-front to the back of the next lower riser. Note that under-tread tacking also uses the most running feet of carpet, so the most finished appearance is going to cost. There are several other methods, so discuss intent with the installer before s/he does the work. One thing for sure, is to not use any sort of sticky-back tape: it either doesn't hold well, or holds too well and removel is labor-intensive. Because of the carpet pile height, if possible choose treads that are slightly deeper than usual so as to maintain fully safe depth.

Please don't get a fabric treatment if you get microfiber. Talk to some really reputable manufacturers about it first. I have been told that chemically treating microfiber actually DECREASES its natural stain restistance. My microfiber sofa has none and even ball point ink washed off with soap and water. Grease stains and long stading stains (like dirt that has built up over many years) are harder to get out. If you go with a non-microfiber fabric, go ahead with the treatment if you want. I have been assured it is not necessary, but at least it isn't likely to make it MORE prone to stains, like it can with microfiber. My local Stickley retailer was the latest, but not the first, to tell me that modern fabrics are manufactured with stain resistant finishes and they do not recommend applying anything else, nor will they offer to do it for you, or do it even if you request it. They were considering offering a purchasable stain "insurance" that comes with a cleaning kit for people who are really paranoid about stains, but they would still not treat the fabric with anything. They would just clean or recover the sofa if necessary. Thus they would offer it as "insurance" rather than a "treatment". Not only that, if you read the fine print, EVERY manufacturer I looked into would void the "wear" warantee on the fabric, if there was one, if the fabric was treated with any chemical. That is because chemicals can weaken the fibers and they refuse to be responsible after that. It is really hard to give up that "stain treatment" that was such a great option when it became available years ago. I also came to rely on it. But it isn't really necessary anymore with most modern fabrics and can create more problems than it solves. Go with untreated microfiber, a dark synthetic, or leather, IMHO. Its going to be hard to get salesmen to stop selling something that brings in more money, especially when people are so conditioned to think they need it that they actually insist on paying for it, even after they are told they don't need it, and especially when they become suspicious when honest places stop offering an unneeded and potentially detremental treatment. By the way, I was told this by Stickley, by the sofa manufacturer Temple, by my local furntiure dealer who sells numerous brands but is quite reputable, and by the local dept store where I bought my microfiber sofa and where they have already switched to offering an "insurance" rather than a treatment. If they are willing to insure it against stains with no treatment, they must be pretty sure that is really the best option. I might still go for it or, better yet, the insurance, if I ordered a white or very light cotton, becuase I have been conditioned to think the same way you have. But I am really starting to believe them now. Personally, I would rather have the insurance than the treatment, since it would not void any warantees but they would absorb the cost if it did get stained. Sue

Hi Srg215, Wow...well, I'm not totally sure yet but I seem to recall the designer saying "2-3,000" for this carpet (bound as a rug), approximate size 10x14. If that's bound as a rug and delivered, I guess $2000 isn't that much more than $12 0/sq ft, but I'll find out the exact price this week and let you know. I had no idea I could find the same exact product for potentially so much less. Can you give me the info re: your Bergen store and what they call it? Stark calls the pattern "Westfield" and this green color "Spring", or is that only what Stark calls it? Thanks so much. Madeline

Hi, I have been lurking here and figured I would give some feedback also. When my children were little we had two sofa'a. The first was a brushed velvet in a deep plum color from Scandanavian Galleries (long time gone now). The fabric was awesome and hid everything, no matter how many times the kids were sick or the cat slept on it. Then we had a beige sofa in a cotton fabric, which also held up well, but was washable. Now I have a dark expresso leather sofa, which was a huge mistake with 3 cats. Despite having no claws in their front legs, they have destroyed the sofa ($$$ from Stickley) with tiny scratches all over it from chasing each other. My other sofa is a cream colored chenille. I can honestly say I miss the cream color in my living room and as long as the sofa you choose can be washed I wouldn't worry. I think the important thing about a sofa is not the color but the fabric. Who would have thought velvet would hold up against kids spills and other assorted stains? The chenille, even when gently cleaned, shades too much. Despite being light it held up well against cat hair and some spills. It doesn't hold up well against blue jeans and that's an impt fact. The color on the front edge of the sofa picks up the most dirt, color transfer etc. I love, love the style of your sofa and probably would get that style myself. I wanted it the first time and saw one by Lee Industries. I believe Pottery Barn also makes that style as well as Restoration Hardware. I also get tired and bored with colors and still would pick a neutral color cause you can always add pillows for punch or even repaint down the road. I would pick a color deeper than off white with a fabric that is washable.