Impact of Flooring Choices on Interior Design From Hardwood to Tiles
The flooring in a home is more than just a practical surface. It sets the tone for the entire space. When one is designing a home, they focus on décor, wall colours, flooring and furniture. All these factors together create a cohesive space. Flooring is one of the most significant elements influencing interior aesthetics. Upon entering a home, the first thing guests will notice is the type of flooring you have. Based on this, they will make several judgements about your home.
When it comes to choosing the right flooring, it’s important to consult an interior design professional who has profound knowledge about the different types of flooring. A few popular choices you can consider are hardwood flooring, laminate, ceramic tiles, vinyl, and porcelain. Each material is priced differently, has a unique impact on the overall interior design, and has different functionality.
Types of Flooring in Interior Design
Hardwood Flooring
Homeowners absolutely love hardwood flooring. This is because of the rich look and feel it gives. It’s also durable, warm and versatile. As the name suggests, hardwood is completely made out of wood. These days, in hardwood too, there are different styles, colours, shapes, patterns and species. A few hardwood flooring options are laminate, engineered wood, bamboo flooring, cork and reclaimed wood.
As far as aesthetics is concerned, hardwood is a complete winner and gamechanger. It makes the space feel inviting and sophisticated. It’s ideal for the living room, bedroom and dining room where guests are likely to be entertained and served.
In a modern home, wider planks work whereas in a heritage home, smaller hardwood tiles are preferred.
The only drawback of hardwood is that it is expensive and high on maintenance. It’s also prone to scrapes, dents and scratches.
Laminate Flooring
For those seeking a stylish yet budget-friendly alternative, they can explore vinyl or laminate. It’s cheaper than going in for a carpet and is ideal for those who do not want to pay the price of hardwood or tiles. Such flooring is made of particleboard wood and only has a picture of a wood or tile on top. This photo is further protected with a clear, plastic coating. It’s not just easy to install but comes in a variety of textures and colours. As far as aesthetic is concerned, laminate mimics the look of wood while being budget-friendly and low on maintenance. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas including kitchens, playrooms and hallways. It’s best to go in for laminates that have textured finishes and give a high-end appearance.
Tiles
Spaces that are prone to dampness can take advantage of tiles. From bathrooms to kitchens, tiles are everywhere. Also, there are endless design possibilities with tiles. In the market today, you will find a whole lot of finishes, colours and textures. The best part of tiles is that they’re extremely durable, water-resistant and scratch resistant. It’s long-lasting too and will maintain its natural beauty. When it comes to pricing, porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. These days, you even get durable tiles that mimic wood. Besides the kitchen and bathroom, tiles are also a great choice for entryways. To create a bold statement in any room, it’s best to choose large-format tiles or mixed tiles. You also get marble tiles, mosaic tiles and quarry tiles.
Linoleum Flooring
A new flooring choice a lot of homeowners are considering is linoleum flooring. It’s made from linseed oil and cork, and is long-lasting and environmentally-friendly. A major reason homeowners are going in for linoleum is because it is simple, inexpensive and easy to install. The flooring usually comes in a sheet form and is available in a range of hues and designs. Also, since it is made from elastic materials, it is highly durable and with the right maintenance, it can last for years. It’s also a sustainable flooring option. It’s made of renewable materials including linseed, resin and sawdust. The only drawback is that when it is exposed to the sun, it has chances of turning yellow.
Conclusion
The flooring choice you make for your home completely depends on your budget and aesthetic. The most suitable choice isn’t always the most attractive one or the one on sale. The choice of your flooring is dependent upon a large number of variables. Our B. Des in Interior Design course curriculum strongly focuses on teaching students the basic as well as advanced concepts of interior design.
