Interior design doesn’t only consist of hand-selected furniture and unique artwork – practical elements are also a critical part of a home, such as the floor. Homeowners often underestimate the importance of flooring, but the truth is that this element can either tie a room together or make it feel uncomfortable. As the foundation of your home, the floor should be carefully considered, especially since you’ll keep it longer than any other element in the design. Hence, it’s essential to make the right decision.
Size is an essential consideration regarding flooring, as it can make a room seem larger or smaller. Besides size, the floor’s design and texture can also make an impact, dictating the room’s overall feel. Since flooring is supposed to make your life easier, durability and comfort are two essential aspects to think of. But keep in mind that your floor is also a way to show off your style, so don’t overlook aesthetics, either. Now, we know that’s a lot of details, making the entire process seem overwhelming. But fret not – we’re here to guide you in the process so you can make a decision you won’t regret.
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When choosing flooring for your home, begin by considering your style
Take a look at your home’s design and all of its elements, including accent pieces, furniture, window treatments and so on, and ask yourself whether you are comfortable with the actual flooring or need a change asap. If the latter is true, consider what style works best for you. If you don’t really know what you prefer, a helpful tip is to think of the feeling you’d like to evoke and then go to Google and search for words associated with that specific feeling to find related visuals.
Obviously, to decide on the type of floor, it’s essential first to take the time to understand each of them. Here are some of the most popular flooring trends to consider:
- Modern flooring. The modern style first appeared in the 20th century. It is elegant and sleek, standing out through its subdued colour palette and clean lines. The type of flooring that suits this style includes hardwood or matte or glossy tiles – more precisely, stone or porcelain. Using busy patterns isn’t a good idea (except for a simple geometric one), so you should avoid them.
- Traditional flooring. This classic style comes in many colours and materials, making it easy to choose a floor based on your preferences. Dark hardwood floors are ideal for the traditional style, but make sure to use the right finish, such as Rubiomonocoat’s products to enhance the aesthetics of your home.
- Industrial flooring. The industrial style is inspired by spaces like warehouses, old factories and old firehouses to create loft-like homes. With a streamlined and minimalist aesthetic, this style is characterised by dark colour schemes, heavy use of metals, and textured surfaces. Regarding flooring, hardwood is a great choice that perfectly matches this style, especially in wide planks. Consider extending the life of your wood by investing in interior wood treatment – this will not only enhance the aesthetics, but will also protect against wear and tear. As an alternative to hardwood, opting for laminate or luxury vinyl planks is also a good idea.
- Scandinavian flooring. This style is all about nature, light colours, and simplicity. Light-coloured woods, such as maple, bamboo, oak, and ash, are a great choice to reflect this style. But tiles are also suitable, particularly those that have light grey or white colour. Highly polished finishes should be avoided when it comes to the Scandinavian style – instead, it’s better to opt for a matte finish.
Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in dictating the right type of flooring
This is probably not surprising, but your home should be able to support your lifestyle, providing you with a sense of comfort and belonging. Above all else, it should be an extension of yourself, aligning with your needs and values. For example, if you are an eco-conscious individual, you will want to choose flooring that isn’t harmful to the environment, such as hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both are great due to their durability and lack of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) associated with pollution and health issues.
Another critical aspect to think of is the traffic type. Suppose an elderly person will walk on your floor; in this case, you should ensure the floor isn’t slippery. On the other hand, a home with children also requires careful thought, especially in terms of floor durability, as there will be lots of playtime and the likelihood of kids dropping items frequently. And if you have pets (particularly a large dog), you should opt for tile flooring to prevent damage.
Different flooring types have different costs, so don’t forget to plan your budget
Knowing your budget is vital when choosing flooring for your home, as it will help you stay within your financial means. Some floors can be more expensive than others – for example, hardwood and tile usually cost more than laminate, tile, and carpet. However, it’s important to remember that different factors can impact cost; for instance, hardwood floors typically cost around $8.00 to $15.00, but if you want to opt for exotic wood with a special treatment, you should expect to pay more – around $40.00 per square foot. The same goes for tile flooring – you’ll pay extra cash if you’re looking for design elements such as a border, parquet, or pattern.
Installing flooring can seem expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily have to mean breaking the bank! As long as you start planning early, you can save a lot of money in the process. If hardwood floors are your go-to, you’ll need to set up a larger budget. However, if this is not the case, other budget-friendly options will complement your home’s aesthetic while also fitting your budget. Make sure to request some samples before installing the floor – after all, this is a significant investment, so you want to ensure you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
Last words
Choosing flooring for your home is one of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make, as it can affect your home’s look, function, and feel. In other words, it sets the tone for the entire living space, so it makes sense to take the time to research and understand your design style before making any decision. Use our guide to navigate the process more confidently and select a floor that enables you to show off your home’s design.
