Flooring Trends 2016
Flooring Trends 2016
New technology has put flooring materials through a metamorphosis over the years and the options are more numerous than ever. Carpet is softer, wood is rougher with the ever-popular a-la-carte options in reclaimed wood, and vinyl is becoming luxurious! Here are the latest floor trends that are truly hot underfoot!
Gray floors became highly popular in Canada about 4-5+ years ago and the U.S. has finally begun to embrace the trend over the past couple of years. The request for various gray colors range from both ends of the spectrum, going from muted to dramatic. Another trend is the look of the brown/gray mix. You can choose from pre-finished gray floors or site-finished floors, which really customizes the final results for the customer. Grays are also available in Luxury Vinyl Planks and Laminates, as well as ceramic tiles that offer the 'wood' look plank in a variety of sizes
White wash floor trends are also making a huge comeback, but in a more contemporary way, especially with a touch of gray or a wire-brushed finish
Ultra-Blonde or natural hardwood is another popular look. They make spaces look larger and airier, plus give a more casual look and feel
Matte and Satin Finishes are winning out over the shiny, semi-gloss finish. The satin has a bit of a sheen, just like a satin finish paint, but matte is really gaining appeal
Wire-brushed hardwood is a weathered, authentic look to hardwood floors and is created by using wire bristles to enhance the wood grain. It gives an etched look with subtle textures, but still maintains a smoother surface
Wide planks, generally 3 1/4 " - 7" widths, are very popular right now. They give a larger and more modern look to a space. However, it still maintains a more rustic and barn wood look and feel
Reclaimed Hardwood is the ‘in’ floor trend and sustainable and ‘green’ for ‘green-conscious’ people. Reclaimed wood, which can be from old fences, barns, homes, etc. is very popular, however, but can also be very pricey
Simplicity and keeping the flooring throughout the home is another trend, from the entry to the kitchen and throughout the entire home. It offers a cleaner, simpler look and feel
American grown and made hardwood floors are what consumers want right now, especially with the formaldehyde investigations currently in the news. It supports our economy and also shows a strong preference for domestic products
There is a current shift towards white oak rather than red oak floors. White oak has a more modern feel because of its natural grain, where red oak has a strong grain look. However, white oak also works really well for dark, gray or white stains, as well as white washes. You don't have the underlying pink tones of a red oak by using white oak
Site-finished hardwood floors are increasing. Not only do customers get a more customized floor because the stain is exactly what they want and not pre-finished, but it's also a lot of fun to experiment with a vast number of color options!
Luxury vinyl planks, laminates and ceramics all offer wood-look options for floors as well. Like ceramic or porcelain, luxury vinyl also offers a ceramic/tile look. You can get your typical 12” x 12” or 18” x 18” size or the more popular and modern 12” x 24” size tiles
Glass is extremely popular for your tiled areas. There are glass tiles that you can see straight through, frosted or muted, or even has a crinkled foil-type look. They also come in a in a variety of sizes. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are no longer the boring beiges and tans… The striated patterns and arabesque shapes are hot right now! Not only that, but the bigger the tile, the better
Carpet is still very big and the latest trend is the fleck look. Carpet that offers a multi-colored fleck gives depth to a space and also hides spills. The softer the carpet, the better… carpet is becoming the ‘soft, silky’ surface that feels very luxurious underfoot. Another development in carpet is the soil resistant technology. Any types of spills on carpet are now easier for clean-up… with Mohawk Carpet’s SmartStrand Forever Clean line, the spills just 'pill' at the top of the carpet, making it so very easy and simple to dab right up!
Another hot trend in carpet are patterns. Patterned carpet used to be a big hit way back in time and the comeback is fierce. There are a VAST number of patterns to choose from and they are making their way into all rooms of homes. You can choose dots, diamonds, circles, anything geometric or floral, 3D type patterns, etc. Plus, the colors are really fabulous and many times you can customize the colors you want to match the décor of your rooms
Whatever look you want to accomplish, you have a myriad of choices for your floors! Happy shopping and happy decorating!