I don't care for area rugs of any kind. I like an uninterrupted vision on a floor. Just my preference. Plus if you have nice floors why cover them up. I did have 2 in my last house (that is were I found out I don't like them) , but they never creeped, slithered, wormed, lollygaged or crawled anywhere. They did fly though, out the front door when I found out I don't like area rugs. Find a nice pattern and enjoy. You might find out you like the W/W carpet in the basement if you live in a cold weather climate. The floor is so much warmer.

In my last home, I redid the floors on two levels to hardwood, and added area rugs. In my new, traditional 20 year old home, I removed the carpet from the both sets of stairs and the downstairs master and replaced it by continuing the hardwood throughout. I thought about continuing it on the upstairs level, and decided against it. We are both happy that we have the carpet upstairs. It add a level of comfort and probably muffles sound. Plus I like to sit and lay down on the carpet. Also, it is so hard coordinating rugs in all the rooms.

Mtn- that's too funny. That carpet is available at a lot of places and I didn't think I'd have any trouble locating it. I've used the same sales person at my local Avalon Carpet and Tile for years and she even called around to see if she could find it. She could - but not the color we wanted, not even the second color. We needed a lot of carpet for the second floor - 3 bedrooms with walk in closets, a long hall and a den and couldn't get enough of the same color batch. We did use it in the apartment over the garage and I'd happily use it again if I re-carpet.

Sorry but honestly with dogs the last choice would be carpet. I have seen many beautiful old homes where wood floor was replaced and to help in the transition the floor was layed in the opposite direction it was finished to match and honestly looks fine. . If you must why not nice wood floor done to match and a large carpet that at least can be cleaned properly. A hard twist or polypropylene it is soft on the feet and easily cleaned