When flooring specialists Russell and Angela Reddie opened their business 22 years ago, homes were smaller and green hues in vogue.
Customers could only imagine how product samples would look in larger sizes and their specific space. Then they had to co-ordinate window furnishings elsewhere.
Aside from colour and texture trends, Choices Flooring Echuca has kept pace with the industry’s evolution of product variety while also diversifying the business.
It is now a one-stop shop for floor and window furnishings, and modern technology shows customers how products will look in their project space — even before visiting the showroom.
The innovative easy-to-use RoomView function on the Choices Flooring website inserts flooring, rugs and window furnishings into a customised space.
“People can click on RoomView and upload an image of their room, then apply anything from the product range to find the style and colours they like,” Russell said.
While the online RoomView tool is visual gold to find favourite looks, the Choices Flooring team provides expert guidance on best options for functionality, installation and budget requirements.
“We have to qualify what customers require, and it may not always be what they think they want at first,” Russell said.
“For example, some types of carpets won’t suit if they have pets, or they may ask to cover over an old vinyl which is not possible for install or safety reasons.
“We discuss the different structure of carpets and other flooring options to achieve flooring with warranty for everyone’s specific requirements.”
Russell said the recent mood for grey flooring was shifting to neutral tones, giving a calming sense of space and the flexibility of colour accents in surrounding décor.
With “new homes bigger than 20 years ago”, product variety has also grown — aptly reflected in the Choices Flooring business name.
The myriad of options at the Annesley St, Echuca business includes carpets, rugs, timber flooring, luxury vinyl and tiles.
Underfoot, the soft comfort of carpet is a mainstay, as is the durability of tiles. The love for timber grains is steadfast, but the look is achievable in more ways — wood, laminate and luxury vinyl flooring.
“We have a broad range of carpets in different colours and manufacturing styles,” Russell said.
“Sisal and ribbed carpets were big when we opened, now we’re finding wool textures are popular again.”
In nylon, the store’s Brease collection features carpet technology which is asthma and allergy friendly.
“The Brease range is the only carpet recognised by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program,” Russell said.
While “the look of timber never dates”, there are many options to achieve the organic look in flooring.
“Luxury vinyl flooring is popular because it gives the aesthetics of wood, and it’s quiet and warm to walk on,” Russell said.
“It’s easy to clean and durable, but if a panel is damaged it is easy to replace.”
Less obvious in the Carpet Flooring trading name is the convenience of matching floor and window furnishings in one showroom, available since the flooring business diversified five years ago.
“We have a wide range of roller blinds, shutters, verticals, sheers, outdoor blinds and awnings available in-store,” Russell said.
Through two decades of change, Russell and Angela have ensured one constant: quality products and customer service from a family-owned business.
Their friendly team includes son and daughter in-law Todd and Amber Reddie, and Chanal Hartshorne — all helping customers make the perfect choice.
Explore Choices Flooring RoomView at: https://www.choices flooring.com.au/roomview-visualiser
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