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. . .
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. . .
If you’re not familiar with SmartStrand carpet, it makes a lot of promises:
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.
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.
I’m thinking this might be the perfect rug to move to one of the kids’ rooms, or under a kitchen table. . .
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
So nice to see a beautiful pattern on a durable rug. It is actually attractive; not just utilitarian:)
What pattern is the sample in your photos? I love it!
Thanks!
Amy
Amy, mine is the Lasting Luxury pattern in “Silver Lining”.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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
What an awesome rug! I need one under my kitchen table so bad- keeping my fingers crossed! Your kids are so sweet!
Very good to know as we are in the market for a new carpet for our playroom too!
Emily, this is great! Your posts are always my favorite! Those babies of yours are gorgeous! Love the rug too!
Kimber @ houseofpemberley.com/blog
I love all things that can be purchased from the comfort of your computer. Thanks for the info.
I have always been too chicken to put a rug in my kitchen, but I think this one could handle my family. :)
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
What a fun party! I am going to enter….MC makes a mess while cooking!
My first visit to your blog, saw Kim refer it and LOVE your look & feel! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
THAT LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE….. very cool giveaway!
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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/
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/
I totally want one — love your photos, the kiddos are so cute
Jenny
http://Www.simcoestreet blogspot.com
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.
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!
Ice cream…on the rug…in front of the TV! My kids would be in heaven!
Susan
simplymodernhome.com
The video is super clutch!!! I am absolutely amazed!!!
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 =)
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Awwww. Your children are just too adorable!! I want to come have Sundaes on the floor in front of the TV. Looks like fun!
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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!!
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!!
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!
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!
Don’t you love their carpet, Emily? I worked with Mohawk, too, and it was a fabulous experience. Our house is changed now!
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!
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
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……
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Which color is the Mohawk carpet you tested.
Thanks!
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!
I’m in the same boat! I see that Lasting Luxury is discontinued! Any suggestions on something close to it?