Even if you're not completely sold on the best way to use carpet in your home, it's fair to note that the days of plush, wall-to-wall designs are behind us. Now, carpet is much more full of character think everything from bold patterns to sustainable materials. To help you make sense of how to decorate with carpet, we've decided to look to the year ahead. Brooklyn-based designer Malene Barnett, who's known for her vibrant, patterned creations, fills us in on the top carpet trends to watch in 2019.

1ENTRYWAYS

"Entryways have become popular spaces for carpet, because they set the tone for a home. Even though it's an entryway, 
my clients haven't been afraid to go with lighter colors like grays, beiges, and whites. You would think that they would choose a dark rug to hide the dirt, but they want to make their entryway as luxurious as a living room or bedroom."

2LARGER SIZES

"We are going bigger size-wise. It's not just 6 x 9 or 8 x 10 designs. People are paying more attention to the size of a rug and want to make sure it truly fits into their space. Since all rooms are not created equal, standard sizes just don’t fit and people are going custom. They have the opportunity to experience the luxury of a rug made specifically for that space, and they see it as an investment that they will have for a long time."

3LOW-PILE HEIGHTS

"Low-pile heights will still be popular in 2019. They are easier to clean, and even with moving doors and furniture, you don't see any marks."

4JUTE

EWhile wool and silk will still be popular in the high-end market, Barnett believes there's another material that's worth considering in 2019. "Jute is a fiber that is often overlooked, but there are so many looks you can get from it that aren’t just a plain flatweave rug. It's also good for people who have allergies."

5MULTICOLORED DESIGNS

According to Barnett, blue, green, taupe, and burgundy will continue to appear in rug designs in 2019, but multicolored styles will also be a go-to choice. "In my own work, I've been bringing back a lot of color. I incorporate multiple colors from 14 to 15 different shades—in my designs. And since there are usually a lot of colors used to design a space, designers don't have to narrow down their color choices with multicolored rugs."