At the risk of showing my ignorance...though I have been trying to research my options: I have an approximately 21 X 24 living area, that is currently wall-to-wall (icky) carpet. It is connected to my entry & dining room, both of which are some unknown wood flooring. (I think they might be a Bruce product.) There is a step-down, and then the aforementioned living area. My options, as I see them anyway, are trying to somewhat match this wood flooring, or try to find a timeless, tasteful wool broadloom. Either way, I plan to put a nice area rug under the sitting area on one side of the room, but was then thinking of leaving the other side of the room that has the baby grand "plain" on the new flooring - whether it be wood or carpet. I haven't found anyone locally yet who is of much help. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

We recently recarpeted our home. My experience is to stay clear of the "box" stores as they generally carry lesser grades of well known brands but, most significantly, the sales people are not knowledgable like experienced personnel from carpet specialty stores. Additionally, the low price install is offset by other costs applied by the "box" places - like padding and stair install charge, haul-away, etc. We believe our premium to purchase from a specialty store may only have been $125 and the install is very nice. I believe there is specialty padding for basements with a built-in moisture barrier. That said, I would be VERY cautious about wall-to-wall carpet in a basement. Basements are generally damp and you must consider the possibility (certainty) of a water heater leak or sump pump failure. I would suggest an area rug or a bound carpet which could be removed should it become necessary. Our stairs to the basement are carpeted with a very dense nylon plush which has minimal matting after several years.

We are asking this question as well -- I hate picking out carpet! 10 years ago we selected a commercial grade low loop carpet to withstand two boys and two dogs. The carpet did not perform well in any way, shape, or form. Now that the kiddos are 75% launched and the dog is 15.5 years old, we are looking at replacing the tragic flooring. So far, we are leaning towards a dense Nylon textured carpet with multiple colors and a short pile. We are staying away from wool for several reasons; Nylon seems to be the next best fiber for high traffic areas. Hoping someone with more knowledge/experience chimes in!

Agree that paper booties are the best protection....but open house? How many are you expecting? Anything fewer than 40, don't stress. Those booties are for houses that are open to hundreds. And frankly when I am invited as a guest to someone's home for a party and greeted at the door with a basket of shoe coverings.....I turn around and leave. If your house is so fragile that it can't stand the wear and tear of a party....then have your partys at a hired venue.