In my Grandparents community the flooring in a home told the story of the people there. Polished timber, feature tiles and carpets or rugs were considered luxurious and most people were thankful for lino to keep the wind from blowing through the floor boards! What a difference today …
Today we are spoilt for choice! The aesthetics of flooring helps create character and is an important design element of your home. Making a wise investment in flooring you like, and is functional, is worth taking time to consider.
The primary choices, apart from natural timber, are hybrid, tiles, vinyl planks and carpet. Which one you choose will depend on the functionality of your space, lifestyle, personal aesthetics and budget.
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is ideal for bedrooms and living areas, and comes in a variety of colours. Along with having a natural look it is an easy to care for practical choice. It is an ideal alternative to timber flooring and can add warmth and texture to any colour scheme. There are a variety of underlay options that can be chosen to assist with comfort when walking around your home.
Flooring Tiles
When choosing tiles it is important to consider your space; the size, function and placing of your room all impact the aesthetic. Tiles in wet areas must be non-slip and you need specified outdoor tiles for areas outside. To incorporate tiles with patterns or features you need to consider the colours, layout and functionality of the whole space to maximise their effect.
Vinyl Planks
Today vinyl planks are being utilised for seamless flow around the house. Primarily chosen for their look, they come in a myriad of colours that blends well with modern interiors. They are scratch resistant, easy to maintain and have different base thicknesses depending on the feel you desire. While lino is making a comeback, vinyl planks are a popular choice.
Carpet
While no longer as popular in living spaces, carpet in bedrooms is still popular. Whether incorporating carpet into bedrooms or living areas consider the carpet quality, durability and cleaning requirements. Colour, plushness and the thickness of the underlay are all factors that impact your room aesthetic, functionality and feel.
All elements of design, including flooring, are important in creating a functional and beautiful home. The right flooring is an investment you want to get right. Remember, you can always add a rug to soften the room and give you that comfort under foot feel.
A Tip: If you like to go barefoot at home consider walking barefoot on the flooring product you are thinking of installing. This will help you gauge your personal comfort level and can impact your choice!
