Rugs suit Bambolim better than fitted carpet, for a plain reason: so many of its flats are rented, and a rug rolls up and leaves with its owner. Under the seating it also deadens footsteps for the flat below, which matters in a block where hospital staff sleep at odd hours. The plateau air is breezy enough for wool rugs and cotton dhurries to stay fresh, though a floor beside a big west window takes hard sun, so favour shades that hide a sun-bleached band. Homes near the highway collect grit; there, short synthetic pile with a mat at the door outlasts anything soft and deep. Wall-to-wall carpet is for a consulting room or a villa bedroom kept cool.
- Rented flats near the hospital: a mid-sized rug under the sofa and table, with floor showing all round, light enough to carry to the next flat.
- Villa living rooms above the bay: a single big rug that every chair and sofa at least half stands on, in a shade that disguises fading.
- Entrances on the highway side: rough matting at the threshold, then a short-pile runner in the hall, so grit is caught twice on its way in.
Bambolim lies on the plateau and hillside south of Panjim, above the Zuari bay. It is known for the Goa Medical College and its hospital, and has the military camp, a beach resort on the bay, and many newer apartment complexes and villas.
Bambolim housing ranges from flats for doctors, students and hospital staff to upmarket complexes and villas looking over the bay. Rented flats change hands often.
The plateau is exposed to wind, and the bay side gets salt air and afternoon sun over the water. The highway runs through, with noise and dust.
Hilltop and plateau homes
Airy rooms on high ground dry quickly, which is good for natural-fibre rugs. Large open windows mean more sun on the floor, so choose colours that will not show fading along one edge.
Apartments and town flats
In a flat, a rug under the seating softens noise for the neighbours below. Leave a border of floor showing around it. Carpet tiles suit a home office because one stained tile can be changed.
