Design Studio

For the First Time in California...

2009-08-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

It is no wonder Amy Helfand is is sought after by the New York art world and the International Design Community. Her rugs are inspired by her travels around the globe, most recently, Nepal. These rugs are simply exquisite and totally unique. While Ms. Helfand shows regularly as an Artist, and whose rugs were shown at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair this year, her presence at California Carpet's Design Studio is the first time her rugs are being shown on the West Coast. For the month of September, get your art fix and your design homework done at once.

Among other publications, Amy has been featured in the New York Times and Dwell Magazine. But to see the true vivid colors for yourself, it must be done in person.

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, and because it's September, is the annual Architecture in the City Home Tours weekend going on in San Francisco.

It runs the whole weekend of September 10th. Tickets often sell-out to this event, which provides the rare opportunity to peek into other people's homes. And, they are amazing homes. Especially for the modernist, this is a 'not to be missed' event.

So get your tickets now!

Cowhide + Lasercut = Fabulous

2009-08-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Behold these soon to be classics — they are works of art. They have even been made into wall panels for a major installation in their native Argentina.

Using special laser techniques to craft intricate designs and good old-fashioned construction methods to create architectural patterns, Yerra is delivering cowhide rugs that make one swoon. They simply must be seen to be believed.

From rich espresso colors to milky whites there is now a cowhide rug to suit just about any room. Touch one now at the Design Studio during the Fall Rug Show.

Inspiration at The Fall Rug Show

2009-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can come from a lot of different places. For an artist it can come from standing still on the corner of a busy intersection, or often, seeing another artist's work. Seeing an other's use of color or texture can inspire something completely different and unique. But for any of us, the act of creating is a universally optimistic endeavor.

So this year, it seemed more important than ever to bring inspiration, along with creativity and optimism, to the Design Studio for the first ever Fall Rug Show scheduled to coincide with San Francisco's Architecture in the City Month. Come see the rugs and be inspired to create your own unique space, your special room — something that sets it apart from any other room you've seen.

Scheduled to coincide with San Francisco Architecture in the City Month, the designers for this year's Rug Show were carefully selected for the ability to innovate with color, texture or design. We guarantee you'll be inspired. Even if you don't buy a thing!

Emma Gardner comes to The Design Studio

2009-08-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, her rugs, that is. This acclaimed designer continues to design vibrant modern rugs from her studio in Connecticut. She's worked with interior designers and architects for years to design the perfect accompanying rug for the spaces they've designed. Additionally she sells directly to consumers and for the first time, she is showing her rugs in The Design Studio at California Carpet.

She's been covered by leading fashion magazines plus many favorite interior magazines from Elle Decor, Dwelll, Country Living and House Beautiful. In 2006 she received a prestigious award from Interior Design Magazine. Even, Oprah loves her, putting her in O at Home magazine.

If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, be sure to stop by California Carpet at 8th and Folsom anytime between September 3 and October 4th and visit the Fall Rug Show.

The Ancient Art of Felting

2009-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

With credentials in art and engineering, it is no surprise the Israeli born, U.S. educated Liora Manne is creating innovative rugs recognized the world-over as something special. The long list of coverage from art, home and design magazines is simply to long to list. But you wouldn't want to miss out on seeing them, or even better, touching them.

Using the ancient art of felting, she creates rugs that are arresting and durable at once. The process is so unique you get the feeling you are walking into some one's workshop just by touching these rugs. Even better, they are great for use indoor or out!

Visit the Rug Show at California Carpet to see for yourself.

The Great Summer Savings Event

2009-07-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The end of the Summer is already upon us. And with each ending is the possibility of new beginnings. So, to help out with the new beginnings we are pleased to announce the Great Summer Savings Event happening NOW.

Wether you are looking for good deals on rugs, carpet or hard flooring, you'll find them in the store. Don't forget to check in the Roll Room for a great selection of carpet selling for a fraction of the price. And, remember, these are the same great quality and makers you find in our cut to order showroom. But these, we've gotten at a special price and we pass on the savings to you!

Shop early for the best selection.

Craftsmanship Shows

2009-07-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this latest example of wall-to-wall carpet used as a runner. The same carpet was also cut and serged for use on the landings as area rugs, to unify the space. Considering the pattern and repeat in this is carpet, it was a complicated installation.

The key of course was in the art of the measurement and installation.

And what a great choice to go with a 'contour' rather than the ever popular 'waterfall' stair covering style. The other nice part of this design is that it shows off the hardwood floors to give the home a very custom look.

Not only does it look great — it saved the home owner money!

Textured Solids

2009-07-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mmmm, soft pebbles under foot. Comfy and cozy, just in time for summers end.

Versatile and refined treatments in muted hues establish a soothing, finished feel. Wether in the bedroom or the playroom, it is a nice way to insulate for either cool, warmth or sound. There are lots of colors to choose from and remember wool is a naturally sustainable material.

How to: Get an Area Rug on the Cheap

2009-05-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

A custom bound remnant can save you hundreds of dollars. You can choose the size and edging to truly achieve a designer look for less. This option really pays off if you are looking to cover a large area.

Especially one where you're sure to be changing out the rug in a few years.

Textured Neutrals

2009-05-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Textural options lend a decorative interest in shades that won't wear out their welcome. Plush instantly adds comfort to a bedroom, whereas a tailored flat weave looks best in a living or dining room.

White Cowhide

2009-05-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

A minimalist dream... all the luxe but none of the fuss.

The characteristics of cowhide make them naturally stain repellent and extremely durable.

The variety of colors, shapes and sizes is unusually broad, and ideal for giving a home an eclectic vibe.

Prices can vary, but to replicate the one shown here you can expect to pay approximately:

4x6, $1300
5x8, $2160
8x10, $4320

Contact us for custom colors and sizes.

Trade pricing available upon request.

Timber!!!!!

2009-04-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

Eco-timber that is!

With all the discussion of global warming and the climate crisis it seems more important than ever to consider using FSC-certified wood floors. For those who don't know it means the wood used for the floors is from a forest being responsibly managed by ecological experts (specifically, the Forest Stewardship Council). So, not only are the floors naturally stunning, they do no harm to our forests and no harm to your home.

Old Rug, New Look

2009-04-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

When going for the modern look it is sometimes hard to imagine what an antique rug or any traditional rug could do for the space. But it can bring warmth and permanence to the home and it can save it from looking too 'trendy'. This photo shows a spot-on example of how to do it just right.

Combine an antique rug with your modern or contemporary home for a great, sophisticated look.

Approximate size: 6 x9, estimated price: $6500.

Good Ideas Come in Narrow Packages

2009-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

This runner used as a door mat is an excellent solution for the increasingly popular double and triple-wide accordion doors. This one is made of a great-for-grabbing-excess-debris, woven vinyl fiber. It is quite commonly used for mats, both indoor and outdoor and can be custom ordered in the design, size and color/s of your choice.

Not Your Mother's Linoleum Floors

2009-04-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Mod, stylish, gleaming in it's simplicity, is this all natural linoleum floor. Most of us now know that linoleum floors are one of the best choices for eco-friendly flooring, but did we know they could look quite this fantastic?

Now we do.

It's Perfectly Natural

2009-04-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

This irresistible pug is standing atop a natural fiber rug. Seagrass and sisal used to come ago as mere trends in flooring. But, alas, they are now classics. Durable and earth-friendly they are a perfectly natural choice for the stylish pup — or human.

Love those layers

2009-04-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Flipping through an enormous stack of magazines, it is clear designers are loving the layered look. Here it looks so chic and it instantly adds interest to a room, and the combined use of texture is fresh and modern. What an ideal way to make a change that doesn't break the bank.

Out with the old

2009-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Anticipating new carpeting, one can worry about where the old carpet and padding is going to end up? Now we are overjoyed to find out it gets RECYCLED. Woo Hoo!

The future uses can simply be other related products like backing for carpet tiles or fiber underlay pad that goes under carpet. Or, the new uses can be quite interesting. Some of the other things post consumer carpet may become are plastic parts for cars, reusable hay for sediment control on construction sites, sewage pipes, or concrete reinforcement.

Who knew that the trampled old carpet can be turned into something useful.

Adding softness to my modern space

2009-04-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

A fabulous way to add softness, especially in a modern room, with its angular lines and spare furnishings, is with a rug. Rugs can also unify a room or add a spot of color to a neutral space. In a loft or in an awkwardly shaped room, rugs can create “rooms within a room.”

The Artistry of the Installation

2009-03-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

When one is in the hands of a good carpet installer it really shows. This is actually a broadloom (wall-to-wall) carpet selected from one of the more high end carpet lines, serged as a traditional runner and custom fit under exacting specifications.

For one not satisfied with the usual crop of "runners" this is a superb solution. But what it really comes down to is being able to rely on the artisan, yes, artisan, doing the work! This is a job well done.

It was implemented in two different parts of this large home, using two different but similar styles of carpet. The only significant difference is a slight change of color from a taupe look to one that coordinates with a black and white theme. Simply stunning.

Animal Magnetism

2009-03-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

It is time to get in touch with your animal side. The selection of animal and animal-inspired carpeting and rugs these days is truly amazing. The right print can look chic used wall-to-wall in say, an ocelot print. Or, it can look simply inspired as a cheetah-print area rug. Zebra is great for an all black and white look or even to temper an overly colorful room. They are incredibly flexible and great for high traffic areas too.

And, now it is easy to get exactly the size you want. It's time to release your inner-tiger.

The Design Awards are Coming!

2009-02-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to get your tickets to the AIA's Annual Design Awards. Get your tickets to the Gala now and walk your own Red Carpet!

Phat, Sustainable Wools

2009-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

There is something kind of amazing about these phat textured carpets that has me craving wool. The extra-large nubby texture has me wanting to cut and bind one for every room in my imaginary new eco-home. And their natural flaws make them even more right. Naturally insulating for warmth and sound, wool is also sustainable, so you can't go wrong. Just check out the in-store display in San Francisco for even more.

Instant Gratification Carpeting

2009-01-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

If you are one for instant-gratification

then you must shop the Roll Room.

There are great luxurious wools and also low-priced value carpets. The clincher is that they are priced well below the manufacturers list price and they are ready for immediate installation. Truly incredible values.

AIA San Francisco's Small Firms, Great Projects Exhibition

2009-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

AIA San Francisco's Small Firms, Great Projects Exhibition
January 26, 2009 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
San Francisco Design Center, Two and 101 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco

Exhibition On View through February 9, 2009 at the San Francisco Design Center.

Showcasing the innovative and award-winning work of local architecture and design professionals, Small Firms, Great Projects celebrates exceptional Bay Area architecture. Participating firms are experienced in a wide range of work including new residences and remodels, commercial and retail spaces, educational, civic, institutional and religious projects, historic preservation, as well as landscape and interior design.

For a preview of projects by participating firms, CLICK HERE.

Happy Holidays from California Carpet!

2008-12-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

New Customer Care Section at CalFloor.com

2008-12-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

California Carpet is committed to your satisfaction. We're pleased to announce a new Customer Care section available at www.calfloor.com/customer_care.php.

10% OFF Coupon @ California Carpet

2008-11-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Click here and print a 10% OFF coupon for our San Francisco and San Carlos stores.

My Paradise: A Hundred Years of Finnish Architects' Summer Homes

2008-10-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

November 6, 2008 - January 9, 2009

Opening November 6, 6:00 pm Cocktails | 6:30 pm Lecture
AIA San Francisco, 130 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco

RSVP at www.aiasf.org/registration

Must be 21 or older to attend!

Join AIA San Francisco and the Center for Architecture + Design for the opening of My Paradise: A Hundred Years of Finnish Architects' Summer Homes. The evening features Finnish architect Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen in conversation about the ways in which Finnish summer cottages explore the country's architectural traditions. The lecture will inspect Finnish architects’ own summer houses—their personal havens—in connection with their other works, and will also look at the history of 20th century Finnish architecture.

October Inspiration: The Color Pink of Course

2008-10-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pink is showing up in the most precious places…

We all know that pink is the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness and boy do I LOVE my pink. But let's face it, when it comes to flooring it can be a little tough to find this gloriously hopeful color. So here is a sampling of ideas to bring a little pink in to your home.

Design your own rug through a made-to-order program. Hundreds of styles, shapes and colors to choose from means you can have that shocking Schapparelli Pink living room or the Whisper Pink little girls room of your dreams. My pink is in my home office!
Match pink with a contrasting shade such as a dark rich grey or a shimmering blue.
Consider the other berry tones such as dark raspberry or red strawberry – they still count when you have beautiful pink walls!

Carpet for the Cure!

Go Ahead, Layer

2008-10-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

With the temperature fluctuations here in the Fall we hear quite a bit about layering. We think it is also a great idea to layer when it comes to your decor. Sisal or other flat weave carpet looks great with a more dense rug sitting on top of it. Not only does it look rich and luxurious but is a great way to add color or create a focal point.

Domino Magazine Carpet Tips

2008-10-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings. Well, I just looked through the November issue of Domino Magazine for the third time. They really do a great job discussing carpet. Their great style tips and broad based examples allow you to imagine how great carpet could look in your home, regardless of your personal look. And, almost every one of the carpets in their 'style gallery' on their website is carried by California Carpet. Check it out the latest issue!

Wide Plank Floors

2008-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Wide plank floors, still the epitome of luxury to me. Whether in an old farmhouse or a modern city dwelling, wide plank floors just look so right. They range from sophisticated chocolate brown to honey-hued softwood pine. It all depends on the look you’re going for. We’d love to see some of yours!

Show us your wide-plank floors or send us a picture of some nice ones you’ve seen.

EVENT: Leo Marmol, FAIA, of Marmol Radziner

2008-09-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

September 25, 6:00 pm
AIA San Francisco, 130 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco

$15 Members; $25 Nonmembers
Register at www.aiasf.org/archandcity/lectures.

Leo Marmol, FAIA, is Managing Principal of the design/build architectural firm, Marmol Radziner and Associates in Los Angeles, California. With a passion for mid-century Modern residences, his extensive research and creative construction methods have resulted in numerous awards for the firm’s renovation and restoration work, including Richard Neutra’s 1946 Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. Leo’s home near Palm Springs is the prototype for Marmol Radziner Prefab, the firm’s new line of green modular homes that are built in its factory and delivered complete. The firm’s unique business practice and commitment to design excellence was rewarded with the honor of being named the AIA California Council’s 2004 Firm of the Year. Join us for a presentation about some of his latest projects.

Carpet Tiles: So much more than DIY

2008-09-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

The thing I love about carpet tiles is that you can do them yourself. While that may not sound appealing, when you think about the fact that installation is a large part of the cost of new carpeting it can suddenly make new carpet feasible.

The other GREAT thing about carpet tiles is that you can lay them down in whatever pattern you like and then change them up if you don't like it. You can use them to create an area rug under a table knowing that if something spills you can pick up the tile, wash it off and replace it.

Carpet tiles are also a great option for kid's rooms. They come in a wide array of colors and patterns and allow your little one to exercise some creativity and design a very personal space.

HGTV and DIY both have great tutorials on carpet tile installation.

Stop by one of our stores for a wide selection of carpet tiles.

2008 ARCHITECTURE AND THE CITY FESTIVAL

2008-09-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Join us during the month of September for the AIASF Architecture and the City Festival. California Carpet is a proud sponsor of the San Francisco Living: Home Tours Weekend.

New TV Branding

2008-08-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Check out our new TV Branding in this month's Ad.

Everchanging Mood

2008-07-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Something subtle that dosen't over power the room is the goal of the flooring here. Yet, a point of view is still achieved. The use of a pure wool Tibetan rug over narrow plank, walnut-brown floors lets the art in the room standout. At the same time the architectural details are not lost as they would be with a jeweled multicolored rug. Not only that, when the large format TV is on it is still not sensory overload. That's exactly what the right floors and rugs are meant to do. When the mood changes you can bet the rug does too!

California Carpet Specials

2008-07-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

Want to keep up to date on our latest in-store and internet-only specials? Sign-up for our monthly email by clicking here.

You'll also get FOUR FREE FLOORING GUIDES just for signing up!

Moody

2008-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Do you dress according to your mood? Well I do. Sometimes it's for a cozy day inside and sometimes it's for a quick bite to eat with a friend. But, either way, I ususally start with... am I in a jeans mood, a skirt mood or an interesting sweater mood? Well, this is also a great way to think about your floors. What kind of mood do you want to establish for your room. Is it serenity you're after? Then why not a tightly looped pile in a sandy beige? Or, maybe you want a sleek modern look which calls for luxe chocolate floors. Mood starts from the ground up, or should I say floors up.

July Specials at California Carpet

2008-07-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

During July only, get our premium VORTEX refinishing service with a 5 Year finish Warranty for $4.50 per sq.ft.* (Regular price $5.50 per sq.ft.).

California Carpet’s high tech floor sanders are equipped with powerful vacuum cleaners. So instead of letting clouds of annoying wood dust escape into your home, we capture it in special tanks. It’s the Vortex Dustless system, and in the Bay Area only California Carpet has it.

Grandfloors

2008-06-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's actually quite easy to guarantee the success of the look you want simply by choosing the right floor. The right floor is ground zero for establishing your palette, actually, your entire look. Be it a simple broad, brush stroke of subtle color, a veritable bouquet of bright colors or a minimal blank canvas, you should always start with your floors! Your floors set the tone, create a mood. If you neglect this choice and settle for just whatever is there, you are going to have a 'whatever' look. Here we'll show you what we mean.

Cal Carpet on TV

2008-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Seen our TV ad? Let us know what you think!

Eco-Friendly Options at California Carpet

2008-06-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for eco-friendly options for your flooring? California carpet has lots of options and brands to meet your needs.

For some ideas on eco-friendly materials, visit our website.

What's Your Influence?

2008-06-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Many things influence us. Sometimes it's art. Sometimes it's craft. Sometimes it's fashion. Sometime's it's my daughter's latest crayon drawing or a new pair of socks! The point is inspiration can come from anywhere. It's important to make note of these things when it strikes you.

This will help you know what is right for you when you are faced with making choices.

One option might be...

SF Pride 2008: June 28-29

2008-06-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

California Carpet is a proud supporter of SF Pride 2008. More info on the event is available HERE.

Also, during the month of June we have laminate flooring as low as $0.99 per square foot and engineered wood flooring as low as $2.99 per square foot on all in-stock clearance flooring.

Happy Earth Day '08

2008-04-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

We've worked hard to expand our inventory to offer a number of environmentally-friendly flooring choices.

Wikipedia also has a great http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_day

Also, Check out the EPA website for tips for earth day.

Our New Website: CalFloor.com

2008-04-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

We're very proud to announce our new website at www.calfloor.com. We hope it continues to bring you important information about our products and specials.

Stay tuned as we plan to continue to add product images and other information to help you better make your flooring choices.

Let us know what you think!

Happy Holidays & New Year!

2007-12-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone at California Carpet wants to wish you a Happy Holidays and New Year! It's been a great year for both our San Francisco and San Carlos stores and we look forward to seeing you all in 2008.

Pantone Color of the Year 2008

2007-12-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a new decorating color to ring in the New Year, consider Pantone's 2008 Color of the Year. (Yes, they actually award a single color this honor each year).

'Blue Iris' (or 18-3943 TCX for the designers out there) is also one of the 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint.

Read the official release HERE.

Denver Museum of Contemporary Art

2007-11-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Denver's MCA was designed by London-based architect David Adjaye and is a marvel of environmental efficiency.

Great story from 2Modern Design Talk on the museum's construction.

"An environmentally-efficient building. MCA is actively pursuing LEED certification, which would make MCA the first contemporary art museum in the country to achieve such status. Plenty of natural light, 20% of recycled construction content, and the use of light coloured, highly reflective concrete are only some of the points to support the MCA Denver's aim to become the first Gold LEED certified contemporary art museum in the States."