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Discreet Glamour

Louise Roe

Personally, Louise loves a rustic, eclectic, Granny-esque feel to her interiors - but a chic Granny, of course!

Louise Roe is a broadcaster and journalist, specialising in fashion and interiors. You can read her articles on Front Roe which in her words is "a celebration of my favourite fashion, beauty and lifestyle moments, I hope you’ll be inspired by the pictures and ideas you see – to try out new trends – both in your closet, your beauty routine, and in your home."

After 11 years living in LA, Louise and her family relocated back to the English countryside, where she renovated a country-house and used our Sisal Malay floor coverings. After missing the hustle and bustle of city life, this year she moved again, to a beautiful, late Victorian, London home. This time, Louise chose one of our snuggly, chunky wool carpets for her bedrooms and stairs.

Alternative Flooring at Home with Louise Roe and her chunky Wool Pebble undyed bedroom carpet

Wool Pebble Omaha carpet

Around Louise's new home there are still lots of original period features, like the cornicing and fireplaces, which give it so much charm. However, a couple of the rooms are very similar aesthetically and Louise wanted to have fun by switching up the paint colours, trying new wallpapers. She absolutely loved reimagining pieces in a different context, for example the striped ottoman from the end of her bed is now in her dressing room and inspired the colour of her stunning wardrobes – a deep maroon. Louise also used a lot of the art and photography in completely different rooms, reframing some of them – they now feel like entirely new pieces.

Alternative Flooring at Home with Louise Roe and her chunky Wool Pebble undyed dressing room carpet

Wool Pebble Omaha carpet

"It’s not white, but it’s a beautiful light cream, which goes with pretty much any colour palette on the walls. I also wanted a thick weave; it feels so luxurious and gives a real texture to the rooms and staircase."

Louise was 9 months pregnant while renovating her new home and she knew that she wanted carpets that, from a practical standpoint, were squishy and soft to walk on at the end of a long day, and of course for a baby to crawl on. Aesthetically, she knew she wanted something neutral but bright to reflect as much light as possible on a dark winter day.

Louise chose our Wool Pebble Omaha, a chunky textured wool carpet which is made from 100% undyed wool fibre. Louise loved the fact that the wool was natural and undyed. To her, the less chemicals and processing the better, in all areas of life! She loves her dark wood antiques - which are also a sustainable option - and of course the carpet she chose goes hand-in-hand with that vibe.

Alternative Flooring at Home with Louise Roe and her chunky Wool Pebble undyed living room carpet

Wool Pebble Omaha carpet

Alternative Flooring at Home with Louise Roe and her chunky Wool Pebble undyed wool stair carpet

Wool Pebble Omaha carpet

When it comes to tips on having a wool carpet in your home, Louise definitely sings the praises of using trusted, experienced carpet fitters to install. She recalls that the Alternative Retail Partner who completed her installation were so efficient and quick, which was a huge relief while she was busy having a baby – perfect!

When it comes to using her new wool carpet, Louise is adamant that she doesn't allow snacks or shoes upstairs because she wants to keep it clean. She also decided on using a thick underlay for maximum cosines - so important.

Read Louise's blog here or see her Q&A with us below.