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Emily A. Clark

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Carpet For Elephants (and For My Kids)

March 21, 2013

When we moved into our house almost two years ago, the bedroom carpeting was ten years old but looked brand new.  Enter the Clark clan, and we nearly destroyed it in two weeks flat.  You can only imagine what it looks like now, under some strategically placed rugs. . .

 

Rug layered over carpet in girls bedroom

 

 

So, when Mohawk Flooring offered to let me try their SmartStrand carpet in the form of a bound rug, I was up for the challenge.  Plus, we’ve put nothing but a TV (and a few other things) in our new playroom so far and needed a soft surface. . .

 

SmartStrand carpet bound rug in playroom

 

 

If you’re not familiar with SmartStrand carpet, it makes a lot of promises:

SmartStrand

 

 

In fact, Mohawk has even tested this carpet with rhinos and elephants.  Seriously. 

Watch this:

 

 

 

 

So, sure, it can withstand  zoo animals.  But, what about five Clark kids?

 

 

 

 

To test it out, we decided to have a little “playroom-warming party” in our new space.  We are usually pretty good about making the kids only eat in the kitchen, so when I told them we were going to eat ice cream sundaes on a brand new rug, they thought Momma had officially lost her mind.  But, they were happy to oblige.

 

 

ice cream sundaes

 

 

Kids on Mohawk Flooring SmartStrand carpet bound rug

 

 

Eating ice cream on Mohawk SmartStrand carpeting

 

 

Kids and Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet

 

 

Mohawk Flooring Smartstrand carpet

 

 

Besides the whole stain-resistant thing, the best benefit for me was that I could “chill out” and not be so worried about every bite that was spilled.  And, that’s always more fun for everyone.

 

We actually did have a few spots on the carpet after it was all said and done.  And, as promised, it came right out with warm water and a little liquid dish detergent.

 

Mohawk Flooring's Smartstrand carpet

 

How to clean Mohawk's SmartStrand carpet

 

 

 

I’m thinking this might be the perfect rug to move to one of the kids’ rooms, or under a kitchen table. . .

 

elephant-on-smartstrand

 

want one of your own

If you happen to live in a zoo like me, Mohawk Flooring is giving one of my readers a 6×9 SmartStrand carpet- bound rug (in the Global Vision style, Sequoyah Dusk color—see it here).  Entering is super quick.  But, don’t leave a comment on this post.  Instead, go here to enter.

 

Contest ends April 8th. Mohawk will select the winner and I’ll announce it on my blog in mid-April.

 

Mohawk Flooring SmartStrand carpet giveaway:  http://mohawk-flooring.linqiad.com/click/YDFQaGVidHJk 

 

 PS—Thanks to Mohawk Flooring for sponsoring this post, giving me a SmartStrand carpet to try, and letting me share all of my own opinions about it with all of you.

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Comments

  1. Nancy says

    March 21, 2013 at 11:38 am

    What a darling post. I love the candid pics of your clan-they are precious and a free ice cream sundae party? Youre the greatest. I have a sample of that carpet and it feels so wonderful. You’ll have to give us updates in a month or whenever there’s a big spill. Give the kids all glasses of red wine!
    Your new room looks gorgeous and I love the floor.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

    Reply
  2. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    So fun to see the children, they look like they are having so much fun. The rug sounds unreal, I need it all over the house. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    After our sickly dog ruined the carpet in our house we replaced it with Smartstrand. It is fabulous. I spilled a large glass of red wine and was able to get it out with very little effort with a clear dishwashing soap and water.

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    We had this installed in our master bedroom last year, it’s wonderful.
    I wish we had it all over the house!
    Our twenty month old loves to lay on it because it’s so soft.

    Reply
  5. Esther says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    So nice to see a beautiful pattern on a durable rug. It is actually attractive; not just utilitarian:)

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    What pattern is the sample in your photos? I love it!

    Thanks!

    Amy

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      March 21, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      Amy, mine is the Lasting Luxury pattern in “Silver Lining”.

      Reply
    • Amy says

      March 21, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
    • Amy says

      March 21, 2013 at 9:32 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Kim says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Who can resist a good Ice Cream Sundae Party on Picnic Rug!! How fun to see your little ones starring in the role of testers!! Glad it worked … and will give me a new source for clients!! xo

    Reply
  8. mom23 says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    What an awesome rug! I need one under my kitchen table so bad- keeping my fingers crossed! Your kids are so sweet!

    Reply
  9. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Very good to know as we are in the market for a new carpet for our playroom too!

    Reply
  10. Kimber says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Emily, this is great! Your posts are always my favorite! Those babies of yours are gorgeous! Love the rug too!

    Kimber @ houseofpemberley.com/blog

    Reply
  11. Linda {Calling it Home} says

    March 21, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    I love all things that can be purchased from the comfort of your computer. Thanks for the info.

    Reply
  12. Jen H. says

    March 21, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    I have always been too chicken to put a rug in my kitchen, but I think this one could handle my family. :)

    Reply
  13. Laura Stutzman House Envy says

    March 21, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Emily,

    I put it in my basement when we finished it! I love it! I only have 3 kids but a dog the size of an elephant and also my single worse culprit to messes. It has been great! Your kiddos are so cute and so little! How do keep up?! Just started a blog in January! You do an amazing job keeping up your posts and content!

    Laura
    House Envy

    Reply
  14. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    March 21, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    What a fun party! I am going to enter….MC makes a mess while cooking!

    Reply
  15. Liz Bird says

    March 21, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    My first visit to your blog, saw Kim refer it and LOVE your look & feel! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

    Reply
  16. Tasha says

    March 21, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    THAT LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE….. very cool giveaway!

    Reply
  17. Liana Sanjana says

    March 21, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  18. EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN says

    March 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    How great is that, I mean seeing that carpet clean from what it was is amazing.
    Your kids are the cutest!
    Happy Thursday
    ~Edyta
    http://www.edytaandco.com/blog/

    Reply
  19. EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN says

    March 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    How great is that, I mean seeing that carpet clean from what it was is amazing.
    Your kids are the cutest!
    Happy Thursday
    ~Edyta
    http://www.edytaandco.com/blog/

    Reply
  20. Jennifer Hibberd Mundy says

    March 21, 2013 at 8:11 pm

    I totally want one — love your photos, the kiddos are so cute

    Jenny
    http://Www.simcoestreet blogspot.com

    Reply
  21. Jennifer BNHblog says

    March 21, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    Oh my goodness, Emily! Your children are just darling and precious! It makes me want to have a bunch but in all honestly I’ve just become comfortable with the idea of having a second. It might sound weird but it honestly warms my heart seeing children eat. I am filled with gratitude each night at dinner that we are blessed to be able to provide for our son.

    Reply
  22. Anneke at This, That and Life says

    March 21, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Oh wow. I think I could definitely use a rug like that in our playroom! I’ve really wanted a light and bright look, but always resorting to darker or multi-color rugs because of the number of times they drop markers or whatnot. Thanks for the review Emily!

    Reply
  23. simplymodernhome.com says

    March 22, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Ice cream…on the rug…in front of the TV! My kids would be in heaven!
    Susan
    simplymodernhome.com

    Reply
  24. Krystal Soles says

    March 22, 2013 at 1:37 am

    The video is super clutch!!! I am absolutely amazed!!!

    Reply
  25. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

    March 22, 2013 at 1:52 am

    You are officially my hero for keeping up with five {incredibly adorable} kids! So sweet! That carpet will be well tested! ;) Hope you’re having a great week!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
  26. Emily says

    March 22, 2013 at 3:32 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  27. Emily says

    March 22, 2013 at 3:50 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  28. The Pink Pagoda says

    March 22, 2013 at 5:09 am

    Awwww. Your children are just too adorable!! I want to come have Sundaes on the floor in front of the TV. Looks like fun!

    Reply
  29. Sandra Carson says

    March 22, 2013 at 6:17 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  30. Mari williams says

    March 22, 2013 at 11:34 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  31. Sarah says

    March 22, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    This post makes me so happy! I am the Mohawk Commercial rep in SC and we have now crossed SmartStrand over into the commercial market and have had great success with it! I often show the elephant clip in my presentations or tell the story to customers! Wish you could come travel with me and share your experience!!

    Reply
  32. Jules says

    March 22, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Oh, Emily! I always love seeing/reading posts with your cutie pie “zoo animals.” They are PRECIOUS! And oh, do I hear you on ruining carpet in a home…need to look into this brand!!

    Reply
  33. Kim @ Plumberry Pie says

    March 22, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    I live in a zoo too!!;) I laughed when you said you moved in and destroyed the carpet in a bout two weeks – same story here!!!! have a great weekend!

    Reply
  34. SHERRY HART says

    March 22, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    I actually put that carpet in our condo last year…..because I got tired of buying small area rugs and getting it cleaned every year. When I was down at Christmas…it still looked new!

    Reply
  35. Sandy says

    March 23, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    Don’t you love their carpet, Emily? I worked with Mohawk, too, and it was a fabulous experience. Our house is changed now!

    Reply
  36. Kaitlin Woods says

    March 25, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I’m so happy I came across your blog when I googled “smart strand carpet” today! We just purchased it for 2 bedrooms in our condo and I may just have to get an area rug for our hardwood floor in the living room!

    Reply
  37. Tracy Cotton Pickin Cute says

    March 27, 2013 at 1:50 am

    Boy do you have your hands full with 5 kids Emily. I could use some tips from you on how to keep my 2 tween grandkids occupied when they visit several times a week. They want us to entertain them the entire time. How in the world do you accomplish so much with your blog and home.

    Thanks for giving us some insight and a chance to win the Mohawk rug.

    Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute

    Reply
  38. dokan sam says

    April 14, 2013 at 4:55 am

    I enjoyed the tips you are providing on your website. Az Carpet and Tile Cleaning is the best carpet cleaner in Phoenix Arizona. It is remove of stains, dirt, grit and sand for long term cleaning. Thanks for the the information……

    Reply
  39. modular office furniture says

    April 19, 2013 at 11:14 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  40. Joanna says

    June 23, 2019 at 9:20 am

    Which color is the Mohawk carpet you tested.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  41. Rob says

    June 9, 2020 at 1:00 am

    Hello! This Smart Strand carpet looks & sounds incredible! I’m in the market for new carpeting. Curious to know how your carpet is holding up….please provide an update. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      June 18, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      I’m in the same boat! I see that Lasting Luxury is discontinued! Any suggestions on something close to it?

      Reply

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