Flooring Trends for Whole-Home Remodeling Projects
One of the most challenging material selections for any home remodeling project is flooring. It should be attractive while complementing the tone of the room and blending in with the furnishings. Today's homeowners are also interested in eco-friendly materials and durability. When choosing flooring for a whole-home remodeling project, many people choose the same floors for large portions of the home to give continuity from one room to the next. As a result, it must be versatile enough to work in a few different atmospheres at the same time.
Carpet
One of the most pronounced trends in whole-home renovations is the transition away from carpet. While area rugs may be used as accents, the use of wall-to-wall carpeting throughout the home has given way to hardwoods, laminates, stone, tile and cork floors instead. For those with allergies, carpet is often an agitator, harboring dust and fiber that make people sneeze.
Environmentally-Friendly Materials
As more homeowners become environmentally aware, they prefer to use eco-friendly flooring materials. The use of bamboo and cork are popular, as these are sustainable and recyclable materials. Reclaimed flooring is another popular option in today's remodels. While some homeowners choose to have their hardwood floors refinished after several years of hiding them under carpeting, others are using reclaimed woods with deep patinas. These planks are taken from old buildings, mills and barns, then professionally refurbished into new floors. This is a growing trend that is both environmentally-friendly and typically less expensive than new hardwood surfaces. It also has a more charming story to tell.
Stone
Using natural stone gives a room added sophistication and elegance. It is easy to care for and is durable. Every type of stone is unique. It blends in well with most types of furniture and has an unmistakable shine. Natural stone floors are popular for hallways, foyers, great rooms and living rooms. The use of slate, marble, limestone and granite have grown as homeowners are looking for patterns and colors that complement other materials, but still make a statement of their own. For those hoping to improve their home's resale value, stone is near the top of the list.
Laminate
For those who prefer man-made durability, laminate is a simple choice in home remodeling projects. It can mimic stone, wood, ceramic and other flooring styles in appearance, while surpassing it in ease of care. For those who like to run barefoot in the home, laminate flooring is easy on the feet and comes in many distinctive colors. This makes it ideal for nearly any room - or every room -- in the home.
Carpet
One of the most pronounced trends in whole-home renovations is the transition away from carpet. While area rugs may be used as accents, the use of wall-to-wall carpeting throughout the home has given way to hardwoods, laminates, stone, tile and cork floors instead. For those with allergies, carpet is often an agitator, harboring dust and fiber that make people sneeze.
Environmentally-Friendly Materials
As more homeowners become environmentally aware, they prefer to use eco-friendly flooring materials. The use of bamboo and cork are popular, as these are sustainable and recyclable materials. Reclaimed flooring is another popular option in today's remodels. While some homeowners choose to have their hardwood floors refinished after several years of hiding them under carpeting, others are using reclaimed woods with deep patinas. These planks are taken from old buildings, mills and barns, then professionally refurbished into new floors. This is a growing trend that is both environmentally-friendly and typically less expensive than new hardwood surfaces. It also has a more charming story to tell.
Stone
Using natural stone gives a room added sophistication and elegance. It is easy to care for and is durable. Every type of stone is unique. It blends in well with most types of furniture and has an unmistakable shine. Natural stone floors are popular for hallways, foyers, great rooms and living rooms. The use of slate, marble, limestone and granite have grown as homeowners are looking for patterns and colors that complement other materials, but still make a statement of their own. For those hoping to improve their home's resale value, stone is near the top of the list.
Laminate
For those who prefer man-made durability, laminate is a simple choice in home remodeling projects. It can mimic stone, wood, ceramic and other flooring styles in appearance, while surpassing it in ease of care. For those who like to run barefoot in the home, laminate flooring is easy on the feet and comes in many distinctive colors. This makes it ideal for nearly any room - or every room -- in the home.
