Now Trending: Flooring
Of all the design decisions you have to make, it’s easy to—literally—overlook your floors, but choosing the best color and material for your spaces can have a big impact on your home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you favor carpet or hardwood, tile or vinyl, consider giving your hardest-working surfaces a refresh with one of these five trends.
Large-format tiles.
You can’t go wrong with traditional 12-by-12-inch tile for an undeniably classic look, but as manufacturing processes have transformed, “people are requesting larger sizes in tile, 24-by-24 to 24-by-48,” says Lori Anderson of Rubble Tile. Not only do large-format tiles require less grout—meaning they’re easier to maintain and keep clean—but they can also make a space look larger.
Warmer tones.
Gray tones popped onto the tile scene a couple years ago, and while that colorway isn’t going anywhere, “we are seeing more of the warm tones making a comeback,” such as greige and taupe, says Anderson. This warming trend applies to hardwoods as well, as homeowners opt for stains with red and yellow undertones.
Green materials.
It seems that everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon as of late, and the flooring industry is no exception. Eco-friendly materials like non-toxic cork and corn sugar carpet fibers have become sustainable choices in recent years, but perhaps the most popular is reclaimed wood (you can thank shows like Fixer Upper for that). “Reclaimed wood flooring allows you to bring a level of warmth, as well as unique beauty into your home,” proclaims Manomin Resawn Timbers. “Each piece of reclaimed wood has a story, and by using recycled wood in your home, you can help add more chapters to their tales.”
Carpet tiles.
Carpet isn’t typically thought of as a trendy choice when it comes to flooring, but carpet tiles are redefining the category. The “bland and beige” reputation has been replaced by playful patterns and bold colors that you can mix and match to create a completely custom look. Many come with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing, making installation a breeze. Plus, if you tire of the design—or a tile gets stained—they are easy to pull up and replace.
Graphic patterns.
Homeowners looking to add some “wow” to their floors can’t go wrong with graphic patterns, particularly in starkly contrasted black and white, says Anderson. In materials ranging from porcelain to ceramic to cement, these designs—damask, quatrefoil, and Greek key, to name a few—add flair and personality, while maintaining a sophisticated look.
