Homeowners are becoming more creative and seeking originality with their flooring.
Nearly a quarter of homeowners are upping their budget this year for at least one area of their property – and flooring is leading the way.
Home improvement retailer Wilcon Builders revealed that flooring is set to experience the biggest increase in investment, with an average 29 percent of homeowners looking to spend more on this in 2018, followed more widely by the bathroom and kitchen (both 27 percent).
This is further backed up by home and design specialist Crate&Barrel, which said in a report that this year will be one of the most ‘dynamic times’ for flooring, with homeowners becoming more creative and seeking originality in flooring, which is becoming a statement piece in its own right.
“A lot more consideration is going into the selection of the floorboards, because this is usually the statement piece in any home that can never go out of fashion,” said True Value in its year-end brochure in 2017. “It needs to stay current and be adaptable to changing trends.
Here are some trends for this 2018-2019:
Rich, dark floorboards
For a while, light or blonde wood was the most popular and elegant statement in many homes which beautifully reflected modern and stylish interiors and accessories.
More recently, bolder colors are being used as accessories become brighter. Greys and dark brown tones bring a warm and sophisticated feel to any home adding an extra dimension of high quality. A rich dark wood can also add a slightly vintage glamour outlook and forms a great basis for either the clean modern or eclectic inspired room.
Brushed finishes
Brushed, natural or band-sawn floorboards are making a statement in a big way. A brushed finish provides a natural look and can bring out the ingrained texture that can be particularly attractive in period properties.
Statement floorboards
Homeowners are much more thoughtful and creative than ever when it comes to the layout of their floor and are veering towards adding a little detail and design from the ground-up. A homeowner’s floorboards are now a priority statement piece in terms of its overall interior. Each plank can now tell a story, a staggered approach gives the home an instant facelift and it also keeps your floor strong as the seams are the weak points in the floor’s structure, but staggering the seams adds stability to the floor.
Cork
Cork flooring has made a comeback in the last few years, and this is largely based on its combination of design flexibility, eco credentials and health benefits for the entire family. Cork floors will not absorb dust, but they are also resistant to bacteria and fungus, and are widely recognized as an acoustic leader due to its ability to reduce noise in the home.
Ceramic and porcelain for kitchens
The 2017 Wilcon Builders Trends Survey reveals that among those updating flooring in their kitchen renovations, ceramic and porcelain tiles is the preferred flooring choice (30 percent), followed by engineered wood, and stone (both 16 percent).
The rise of chipboard
Durable, hard-wearing and easy-to-clean, chipboard is a no-fuss flooring option to ensure your living space remains in picture-perfect condition. It’s ideal for those wanting a contemporary yet stripped back look. Manu users feel it is stylish and understated sexy, and suits every room in the home.