Flooring doesn’t have to be boring: style tips for floors

Flooring is a functional aspect of every dwelling. Sadly, flooring is a poor cousin when it comes to TLC around the home (that’s tender loving care, not some fancy polish). Upgrading flooring in pretty much every part of every home is often last on the list when it comes to home improvement. It’s a fact. Tired floors up and down the country continue to hold up, but they’re all too often overlooked when it comes to a DIY makeover.

We spend endless weekends working on DIY projects, sanding down woodwork, painting woodwork, and chopping and changing the soft furnishings. We update windows. We drag out the sewing machine and make new curtains. We think nothing about purchasing the latest digital gadgets, and upgrading to cinema-style TVs. We spend thousands on stereo surround sound music systems, and upgrading our kitchen white goods to keep up with the latest trends.

Meanwhile, the poor floor waits patiently for attention while we tramp through it thinking about anything but. The fact is our flooring is generally neglected. Well psst, don’t tell a soul, did you know that paying attention to your floors could actually lift your home from average to spectacular? A new floor can make a magnificent style statement and set the tone of any room.

Choosing a floor covering to suit you and your home can be a little overwhelming. Unlike décor, its not something you can change easily if you decide you don’t like it. That could be why we subconsciously ignore making such a decision. We’ve put together a guide to help you decide which type of flooring will suit you and your home best. Don’t forget, different rooms may require different considerations, unless you’re going for a completely streamlined look throughout.

Hardwood

Smooth hardwood floors are popular, especially in living areas. Be it solid or engineered, there’s no getting away from the fact that hardwood floors lend a classic and elegant look to any interior. Staining with rich tones can bring warmth to rooms, and works especially well in those with bright, white décor.

The biggest drawback of hardwood flooring is the cost, and this type of floor can be noisy to walk on. Reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly option, and may cut the cost a little. Engineered hardwood is generally a bit cheaper as well, so there are options. Areas where there’s high traffic, such as hallways, will need occasional upkeep.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a really cost-effective option. Modern laminates are guaranteed for 25 years or more. They’re ultra durable, and easy to clean and look after. This type of flooring suits busy families with children and pets. It’s relatively cheap compared to hardwood flooring, and laminate wood floors can look pretty convincing these days.

The downside of laminates is their lack of resistance to standing water. Get a leak and you’ll be replacing the whole floor. For this reason it’s not the ideal type of floor for a kitchen, bathroom or utility room where water leaks are more likely.

Tile

Tiles come in so many different materials; slate, porcelain, granite, marble, and travertine to name but a few. Whatever material you choose, tiles can make a stylish statement. Tile floors are water resistant and easy to clean, though grouting can stain over time. The biggest disadvantage is how cold the floor can feel and like hardwood can create noise when walked on. Also, cracked tiles can be difficult to repair.

Sleek tiles create a modern feel, while vintage tiles can appear elegant and conjure up the Victorian era. If you are torn between hardwood and tiles, porcelain tiles can create a stylish wood effect look, so you get the best of both worlds. If tile floors appeal, tiles with rich tones are trending.

Stone

Stone floors make a powerful impression. They are extremely hardwearing and require little maintenance. This type of floor definitely brings a touch of class to elegant country-style kitchens. Stone floors are fabulous for creating a seamless flow between the inside and the outside.

Stone is naturally cool to the touch, so great in warmer weather, but perhaps not so in the winter. However, stone conducts heat well, so is an excellent choice for underfloor heating. These floors are great for allergy sufferers because they are non-porous, meaning there’s no place for dust, mites and other allergens to hide.

The biggest drawback is the cost. There’s no hiding from it; stone is expensive. Stone without underfloor heating can be cold. It can also be slippery when wet, while falls onto stone floors are potentially more dangerous.

Concrete

Concrete floors have become popular to complete a modern industrial feel. In the past, it’s been very much the ‘in thing’ for a moody, contemporary bachelor pad. But many more modern spaces are benefiting from the sleek style of modern polished concrete flooring. 

And modern concrete doesn’t just come in muted greys. Warm beige and honey toned concrete floors are being combined with pretty bursts of mosaic tiles. This kind of stony patchwork floor lends to creativity and the results are brilliant with eye-catching and interesting designs. What’s more, concrete floors are generally hardwearing and low-maintenance. These floors do a fabulous job of reflecting light around the room too.

Vinyl

Gone are the days of vinyl having a tacky 1970s reputation. Thanks to a number of advances over the years, vinyl flooring is now an attractive flooring option. Beautiful vinyl floors are being lorded in many exclusive homes. Luxury vinyl floors are being manufactured in such an array of colours and designs, and they are much softer, warmer and more comfortable under foot than tiles or hardwood floors. Retro designs can completely transform a plain kitchen or dining area. Patterned designs can be used to demark areas in open spaces, alongside predominantly plain vinyl flooring.

Relatively economical compared to other flooring types, vinyl is water and stain resistant, versatile and easy to clean. This type of flooring can, however, be fairly easily damaged by sharp objects and extreme heat. Over-exposure to sunlight can also fade colours.

Carpet

While carpets have been shunned for many years as being old-fashioned and stuffy, they are making a comeback. They certainly bring softness to any room and of course are lovely underfoot. Carpets are ideal in upstairs rooms to prevent footsteps echoing. It’s a quick and easy option to install and covers up any uneven flooring easily.

The biggest downside of carpets is staining and dirt, though stain removing options and vacuum cleaners are pretty good these days. Because they hold dust, especially when not thoroughly cleaned, carpets aren’t great for those with allergies.

With so many styles to choose from, don’t rule carpets out. Textured carpets make an extraordinary and contemporary statement, while elegant patterns recreate the style that graced the manor houses of the Edwardian era.

Area Rugs

Rugs are a great choice as a compromise for full carpeting. They also hide a multitude of sins with tired floors. With so many styles to choose from, you can completely compliment the style of any room. Luxurious rugs create a cosy and elegant atmosphere. Tibetan-style rugs bring a warm Eastern feel to the home. Bright contemporary rugs can bring wow factor.