Back in March, I made over my older daughter’s room for her thirteenth birthday.  The one thing I never got for her room was a rug.  I really thought a comfy, white rug would be the best thing (design-wise) for the space – both to soften up the hardwood and to lighten up the dark floor.  But realistically, a white rug for a teenager’s room???

 teen girl room design

It just so happened that Mohawk Flooring recently contacted me about reviewing their stain-resistant SmartStrand carpet, offering me my choice of colors in a 6×9 bound sample.  Could I really get a WHITE rug for my daughter’s room?  Well, since it was free . . .

Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet

This is the pattern up close – so pretty and classic.  It feels really soft underfoot – not only does this rug brighten up this dark room (only one small window), it gives her a soft spot to lay on the floor and play games or read.

SmartStrand

My older daughter was out of town this weekend at camp, so my younger daughter wanted to take advantage of the situation and play in her older sister’s room.  When the cat’s away, the mice do play . . .  So I said, “How about a TEA PARTY?”

She invited our neighbor over and the girls helped me bring up some snacks and fancy dishes. I told them not to worry too much about making a mess – it’s Mohawk SmartStrand, afterall!  I would NEVER normally let these little ones even drink anything besides water outside of the kitchen, and they acted like they were doing something terribly naughty when I told them they could pour the juice themselves!

no worries with Mohawk SmartStrand carpet

Why was I not worried?  Because Mohawk SmartStrand has permanent stain and soil protection built directly into the fiber during manufacturing. It isn’t put on afterward with chemicals. It’s there for LIFE—it will NEVER wash off, walk off or wear off.

all smiles with SmartStrand carpet

Coffee, red wine, mustard, soy sauce?   These and other extra-stubborn stains—including tea and red food coloring—come out easily with water and a mild detergent or Mohawk FloorCare Essentials. Guaranteed.

I guess I could have encouraged the girls to make a mess purposefully, but that REALLY goes against my nature!  Nothing was really spilled, but throughout the course of the party a few minor mishaps occurred.

 strawberry stain – oops!

crumbs and such – no biggie

I suppose that’s bound to happen when a spontaneous dance party breaks out!

who doesn’t end their tea parties with a little dancing?

When the party was over, the clean-up was a breeze with a little vacuuming and a little wet cloth clean-up of the strawberry stains.  Big sister will never be the wiser . . .

Now it’s YOUR CHANCE  TO WIN a Mohawk SmartStrand 6×9 rug in your choice of 40 beautiful colors!  Just click HERE to enter – one lucky Decorologist reader will be chosen to win.  This contest runs from June 13 through July 4, 2013.  Entering is easy, don’t wait!

Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Mohawk Flooring.