I've had the flooring changed in the sitting room, hall and landing from carpet to sisal. For those of you who don't know what sisal is, it is a natural product that yields a stiff fibre traditionally used in making twine and rope.

 It is quite rough in texture so if you want to sit on the floor as part of your lifestyle it's not ideal. However I am putting large rugs on it (not those in the pics below) and in the hall I have runners.  

Heaven help me if red wine is dropped on the sisal as it stains very easily with liquids and they are impossible to get out. Oh well, all dark liquids will have to be consumed in the kitchen!