It can be overwhelming when thinking about what flooring to select for your home. That's why it's never a bad idea to seek some expert advice. However, if you're just in the early phases of thinking about renovating or updating your home/workspace, it can be good to have a little knowledge on what will and won't work in certain spaces.
There aren't any hard and fast rules about what you should and shouldn't use, but when considering things like practicality, style, and preference, it's a smart idea to try and strike a balance somewhere in the middle.
1) Consider your lifestyle
The flooring you choose should add style and comfort, and if necessary complement any existing furnishings or wall colours. The amount of foot traffic is also a key factor when deciding how durable your flooring will need to be. Laminate floors are one of the most popular choices around, due to its stability and tough surface and is now more water resistant than in the past. Engineered wood is another option making a bit of a come back, this consist of hardwood veneer on high density board, this floor generally needs more care, as with any natural wood surface it tends to be softer, however, quality engineered woods can be resurfaced up to 3 times, by sanding and re-varnishing the veneer surface. Typically the best location for these type products are dining, lounge, hallways, kitchen & sunrooms.
2) Create a harmonious effect
Chose flooring that flows between rooms, in order to establish a cohesive feel throughout your home. It's idea to take some inspiration from nature if you want to create a harmonious feel. Look for natural grains in boards and laminate or choose a more textured carpet like a loop pile (wool/or solution dyed nylon). Vinyl and/or vinyl planks, these are thermoscopic which means they are subject to temperature, heat and light, but not water, so is a great choice for wet and darker rooms. Laminate & engineered wood use materials are hydroscopic making them subject to water. Laminate products are more hardwearing and tend not to fade as much. These factors are key when considering what flooring to choose, especially sunrooms or north-facing rooms that are exposed to extreme sunlight and temperatures. However there are great options to mitigate heat, by tinting windows or having suitable furnishings such as roller shades that can help.
3) Understand Colour
If you're after something timeless, browns and greys are popular and warm tones create a relaxing and restful feel. If flooring a small space, it can be a good idea to keep the flooring slightly darker than the walls, especially when using carpet. Darker floors can be intimate or grounding whereas pale floors make a room feel more spacious. Also certain materials with flecks, texture or shine help reflect light to bring a sense of brightness. Our eyes often scan a room and perceive it to be smaller than it is if the wrong carpet or flooring has been laid. Choosing the right colour flooring can be a challenge, but when done correctly it can instantly transform a space. We can help you get it right.
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