If you're intrigued by the innovative system of carpet squares from Flor, you now have a chance to see all the offerings up close at its recently opened Georgetown store, located near the intersection of 33rd and M streets. Until now, Washington-area shoppers had to rely on the catalog to envision the custom rugs or wall-to-wall applications that can be created using these 19.7-inch square carpet "tiles." The new multilevel Georgetown store gives you a chance to take in the range of color, textures, and patterns available and experience firsthand the look and feel of the different combinations.
Comments overheard at the grand opening included, "I didn't realize that mixing the different-height piles would look as cohesive as it does," and "That's so much softer than I expected." Skeptics who had wondered if the tiles really stayed down were checking out how the weight of the structured backing allows the tiles to hug the floor.
If you're unfamiliar with Flor, here's the scoop: It's a mix-and-match system of carpet tiles that are connected using nontoxic adhesive dots that bind to the rug (not to your floor). Parents and pet owners in particular appreciate the ability to pull out a square for spot cleaning or replace just one piece if necessary. Prices range from $7.99 per tile for basic Reverb tiles to $40 for the Manx collection, which is made of 100 percent pure British wool face fibers.
Most tiles are in the $11-to-$15 range--our favorites include the herringbone-patterned Look Both Ways, the ikat-inspired Shadow Play, and the multicolored Parallel Reality. (Designers, you can register for Flor's Design Professional Program, which offers preferred pricing.)
Bonus: Ninety percent of the Flor line is
manufactured in North America and meets or exceeds the Carpet and Rug
Institute
Green Label Plus criteria
for very low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). And when you're
finally finished with your flooring, you can take advantage
of the company's Return & Recycle program.
Georgetown Flor Store. 1037 33rd St., NW; 202-944-5057. Open Monday through Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11 to 6.