Carpets West Gets A Makeover, Now Floorish

By MAGNOLIA LAFLEUR | Reporter

Family-owned residential and commercial product business that has been a part of the Pacific Palisades community for 30 years, Carpets West is getting a facelift and a new name: Floorish.
The change comes from Claire Buchanan—who was born in England and took over the store in 2008 after Bob Byrne, the original owner of 38 years, retired.

“I meet really nice and interesting people, everyone seems to have a fascinating interesting story to tell,” Buchanan shared with the Palisadian-Post. “I work on some very unusual and creative jobs. People come up with unique ideas for creating rugs, what drapes to coordinate with their flooring choices, or visions for lining up striped or patterned carpets, materials for gym or media room floors. Each job is different, so the variations keep me on my toes, expand my own horizons, and keep me moving forward.”

Like many businesses during the pandemic, Floorish—located at 874 Via De La Paz—had its own share of difficulties, and had to temporarily close its doors, but still worked to help customers in need.

“Customers started contacting me while I was homeschooling asking if I could get product samples to them at home and arrange for installations,” Buchanan said. “I was able to assist customers and in turn, their business helped me through the difficult times. Plus, I have a great landlord who did what he could to ensure we survived the hardest, early days of the pandemic.”

The original name—Carpets West—backdated to a time when most homeowners were installing carpet in their residences. With the ever changing market, as well as more hardwood floor sales than ever before, Buchanan decided to change the name to Floorish.

“A professor from Otis College of Design contacted me looking for projects for students in a rebranding course. This was a perfect opportunity for me and the student,” Buchanan said to the Post. “I worked with a wonderful student, Melinda, who brought fresh eyes and ideas, and came up with a name that was contemporary and reflected our broader range of flooring products and drapes: Floorish.”

With a new name and look, Buchanan looks forward to continuing to provide the Palisades with products, services and prices that cater to budgets of all kinds. Existing customers can expect to find the same products they’ve always shopped for, and new flooring products that Buchanan sources from all over the world to keep up with international trends.

“My goals for 2022 are to ensure new customers are aware that we provide hardwood, floor tiles, and drapery as well as soft flooring including rugs, stair runners and to expand our collaboration with designers and contractors,” Buchanan said.