Why such an emphasis on fireplace and neutral wall to wall carpet in the southern states.?

Question

I recently bought a home in the south. I noticed almost all homes had a fireplace and my real estate agent always pointed out the nuetral carpet. She explained that it makes the home warmer.

It's ironical that Northerners generally do not carpet their homes with warmth in mind or focus on a fireplace, yet it's much colder there.

Answer 1

Carpeting is less expensive than hardwood flooring. As for making the home warmer - that must mean aesthetically, not temperature wise. Neutral is a selling point because any furniture will go w/ it.

Answer 2

I think the carpet is mainly a matter of personal taste but many newer homes in the South are built on concrete slabs so there could be a warmth factor.

Fireplaces are mainly for looks... though they might help the heating bills just a little.

I have relatives in the great lakes area and have noticed that floors are usually piped with hot water for heating so carpeting would defeat the purpose. They also have full basements so again, the carpeting would be unhelpful for the rise and circulation of heat.