Choosing the type of flooring to install in the various rooms of a home is one of the most important decisions that a homeowner can make. From a construction point of view, the flooring selected needs to be durable; from a design point of view, it needs to be attractive and flexible enough that it can fit seamlessly with a variety of interior design options.
In the past, flooring options for homes were usually quite limited, particularly for homeowners on a budget. Hardwood flooring and carpeting were the primary types of flooring used, with accent flooring such as tile or linoleum only used in smaller rooms and spaces. Today, the range of flooring options to choose from is impressive, including slate and natural stone; porcelain, ceramic, and mosaic tile; a wide variety of carpeting ranging from low pile to shag, and hand-woven area rugs; linoleum; vinyl flooring; cork; parquet and laminate wood flooring; and, of course, hardwood floors in a wide variety of textures, colors, and styles.
Incorporating different flooring themes and designs into a modern home
Having different types of flooring installed throughout the house helps to make each room unique, and is easy to accomplish with so much variety in flooring available. Coordinating flooring, particularly if the home’s floor-plan is open, is a good idea, and finding unique and beautiful ways to blend different types of flooring while maintaining the individual style of the various rooms is simple if a few guidelines are kept in mind.
When it comes to choosing flooring for the kitchen, durability and ease of maintenance are the primary considerations. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home so having quality flooring that will stand up to high foot-traffic is essential. Linoleum is always a popular choice for the kitchen since it lasts well under extreme conditions, resists staining, and is easy to clean and maintain. Tile and laminate flooring are also popular options.
Dining rooms and living rooms are two areas where the homeowner can get very creative when it comes to flooring, blending with neighboring rooms such as the kitchen or entry foyer and creating a unique, unified design. Using more than one type of flooring, such as natural stone flooring as an accent to a fireplace or forming a central area for a dining table or living room suite, is an option. Layering flooring is also an option. A hardwood floor can be softened with the addition of an area rug, perhaps in a color taken from the kitchen or entry foyer flooring palette.
Some rooms, such as the entry foyer, will usually utilize relatively standard flooring styles, such as large tiles which are frequently black and white, or hardwood flooring. Bedrooms generally feature some form of carpet, whether wall-to-wall or a variety of area rugs. Bathrooms may use accent carpeting, but easy-to-clean floor surfaces including tile, linoleum, and vinyl are usually the primary choices.
Luxury flooring on a budget
Staying within the budget when choosing new flooring can be difficult, but thanks to the many wholesale companies both online and in brick-and-mortar locations, it is possible to pick up quality products at discounted prices. Wholesale flooring companies, such as ProSource floors, offer a wide variety of discount hardwood floors and other flooring options in a price range that will fit almost any budget.
Ian from www.ibflooring.com said: “Choosing the right floor for your home can be a tricky task, where you need to take into account style, price and practicality. There’s a huge variety of flooring options available so your bound to be making tough decisions in whats best for you.”
