Flooring trends in the present and the foreseeable future can get divided into a diverse array of themes that include supportive technologies, sustainable and alternative materials used in the construction, and the making of individualized and unique flooring designs.
In terms of flooring designs, this translates to eco-friendly and sustainable materials coming to the forefront of the materials choices. This means consumers will be able to choose from easy-to-source woods such as white ash or bamboo cork. Another consideration is Marmoleum, a bio-based, highly durable, non-toxic, antimicrobial floor covering product.
More Than a Single Width
Over the past several years, the standard width of the planks has continued to increase. Some interior designers mix the planks’ widths in a single room to create a less uniform feel to a place and a much more individualized look.
Tile Flooring Continues to Be a Popular Choice
One of the main features among tile flooring designs continues to be the size increase of the tiles. 12×12-inch tiles have given way to 12×24-inch tiles and even large designs that are 24×48 inches. A host of realistic renderings of stone, such as marble, limestone, travertine, and more, are commonly available. Wood-look tiles are another frequently seen element in room designs, with some of the tiles designed in the same shape and width as regular wood planks.
Concrete is no longer limited to the industrial look for a decor choice. It has expanded to meld into many different interior design types. Porcelain tiles remain a small segment of the flooring industry; however, they are becoming more popular as a flooring choice due to their durability and easy upkeep. One growing subset is the development of encaustic decorative tiles. These engaging works have patterns and designs in the tile made through clay or concrete rather than a glaze.
The distinctive look of 3-inch by 6-inch rectangular subway tiles has been incorporated into interior designs since 1904. Even larger tiles are available to create an accent wall or transitional feature using the color and look of the tile to separate one room from another.
When large-scale areas need coverage, glass tiles are often a great choice, with designs as large as 24×24-inches. The mosaic tiles made from glass offer a host of patterns and color choices.
Laminate Flooring is Here to Stay
Property owners have previously considered laminate flooring somewhat inferior to hardwood options. In the present, advances in the design of this type of flooring have led to boards’ creations as a multi-layer product that has photographic images sealed under a transparent protective top layer, allowing for a considerable number of looks. In the last decade, laminate flooring has expanded into an incredible array of design choices. Instead of the one-note in the color that many people are familiar with, a diverse selection of plank widths, lighter board colors, and rustic textures gives consumers a look and feel they are looking for in-channel and depth in the top layer of the boards.
Whether your goal is to add flooring made from sustainable materials to your rooms or upgrade the look through laminate or tile to achieve your design goals, there are diverse ways to use flooring types to get the look you want.