Flooring trends don’t change nearly as often as fashion or even other home decor elements, but the segment has evolved significantly due to technology. While any hardwood floor can be a great investment as it adds natural warmth and luxury. Depending on the budget and maintenance, there are plenty of options available that can suit your needs and provide a timeless appeal to your property. Today, natural and renewable sources that are sustainable or have a low environmental impact are also getting popular among patrons. And, the flooring industry is also focusing on ‘green’ materials and that are low maintenance. We take a look at the latest trends in flooring.
Handmade tiles
Flooring is the most important part of a space. The right flooring enhances the expanse look of the space. It helps in balancing the decor of the room. The laminate floor is going stronger than ever with exceptionally realistic looks mimicking the current flooring trends in solid hardwood. Interior designer Vaishnavipratima, says, “Nowadays, patterned and handmade tiles are in vogue for an eclectic decor. They bring out the right character of a space. Also tiles these days can be just stuck on the existing flooring avoiding the hassle of breaking and redoing. In the terrace, decks, and balconies handcrafted bamboo flooring can be used as it adds a classic look and blends well with the greenery.”
Sustainable floors
Sustainable flooring is the latest trend in the flooring industry, mentions interior designer Deepa Juneja, as she insists that one should be very selective about choosing a floor because the invisible allergens airborne inside a room can deteriorate the air quality if products and materials are not selected with care. She says, “The manufacturers are also reducing the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bamboo, linoleum, glass tiles, cork, reclaimed wood can be used as sustainable flooring options in homes today. Bamboo is a natural material that grows in two to three years, unlike conventional wood like teak that requires 20 to 30 years to grow. PEFC/FSC certified wooden flooring also comes in a lot of varieties like laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring. These floors don’t create a mess as they are dry fixed, hence, doesn’t require glue or any other chemical adhesive. One can also try glass tiles made from recycled glass, as they are non-absorptive and can be used in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. These tiles are also a great reflector of light and add charm to the beauty of your space.”
Resilient floors
Flooring which is in fashion right now is resilient flooring due to its hard surface, which not only looks fabulous but also performs better, points out architect Love Choudhary. Choudhary says, “With so many innovations, improvement and advancement, and from its humble commencement as linoleum to its current manifestations as sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl (LVT), resilient has come a long way. They are ideal for your rooms, kitchen and add more comfort when compared to the ceramic tile or terrazzo. These tiles are designed using the state-of-the-art technique, including different species of hardwood and innovative formats like planks. Resilient flooring offers unlimited possibilities of style and designs. Other than high gloss finish they are also available in matte finishes. They are highly durable, easy to clean, water resistant and even water-proof. They last for a longer time with minimum maintenance. Just damp mop the flooring with a recommended cleaner to keep it’s always -new appearance. And unlike other flooring materials, resilient flooring doesn’t chip, crack, wrap or dull.”
Marble and laminated wood floors
Flooring is an important aspect of interiors. It plays an important role in the complete look of a space while putting the interiors together. There is a large expanse of material available in the market from tiles, to stone and marble. The floor material has to be chosen based on the function and budget. Architect Asumi Rawat informs, “In the Italian marble category, the latest trend is grey or white flooring. Shades of cream and off-whites are getting outdated since it is most commonly used by builders. In grey marble - Grigio grey, grey flurry are commonly used. In white, you have Michelangelo, satvario, Katara, lass. White marble requires way more maintenance than grey or cream. As a substitute to marble, tiles are also a good option especially for commercial places and for budgeted houses. The wooden floor is very often used for bedrooms and is available in the form of true wood, engineered floor, laminated floor, etc. The wooden floor adds to the acoustics of the room and is widely used in den rooms. A laminated wooden floor is a good option for the kid’s bedroom.”
Engineered floors
In cities with high humidity, one can avoid wood flooring and go for an engineered floor as it gives the feel of wood and doesn’t expand like true wood. Engineered hardwood flooring is a fantastic alternative to solid hardwood flooring as it has more dimensional strength, can be less costly, and it is very difficult to distinguish between the two once they have been installed. Chirag Shah, head of operations at a flooring manufracturer, says, “Engineered wood flooring is constructed in such a way that it provides better stability and resistance to variations in temperature and moisture. Exotic wood is available in exciting shades, from Oak to Hickory, to match your décor. Hybrid engineered flooring allows you to enjoy the aura and distinction of wood with hassle-free features. By bonding 100% wood top and bottom, and in-between a criss-cross core (rather like a warp and weft in weaving) reduces the rate of contraction and expansion, making it suitable for extreme climate conditions in the tropical regions. Engineered woods are water resistant and scratch-resistant too.”
