Choosing the right flooring for your home may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many materials and options to choose from and important things to consider (like pets, durability, budget, flow of traffic). To make it easier, let’s break it down in 4 sections: carpet, hardwood, tile and area rugs.
Carpet
My number one question I ask myself when selecting carpet for clients, “Is it durable?” Durability is a deal-breaker in terms of how long your carpet will last and hold up, especially considering how much the room is used. Don’t forget: pick a thick and liquid resistant pad to go under your carpet!
Additionally, carpet needs to be soft. That may sound like a given but when people go to select carpet, most of the time they either go plush or durable. But, you don’t have to choose. Nowadays, you can have it all!
Hardwood
Are you thinking solid wood or engineered wood? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Solid wood is more natural and a classic feel, whereas engineered wood can be extremely cost effective and offer lots of different color and finish options. Additionally, consider the width of the wood planks when choosing hardwood flooring. The wider the planks the more custom and stylish.
Are you thinking solid wood or engineered wood? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Solid wood is more natural and a classic feel, whereas engineered wood can be extremely cost effective and offer lots of different color and finish options. Additionally, consider the width of the wood planks when choosing hardwood flooring. The wider the planks the more custom and stylish.
Tile
Tile is one of my favorite materials to pick out for clients! There are so many gorgeous options! Not all tile is created equal though. Is the tile going to be used outside or in a wet area like a bathroom? Make sure you buy slip-resistant and weather-resistant tile. Is your tile going on a backsplash? Be a little more creative here because the backsplash is an accent pieces and the tile design is like the jewelry for an outfit. Choose an accent tile in a prominent area such as behind your range to give pizazz to your backsplash and keep it neutral in the other areas. Also, consider the size of your tile flooring — is bigger always better? Most of the time it is! Go at least to an 18 x 18 or 24 x 24, or for a more modern and up to date look: go for a 12 x 24 tile to mix things up a bit.
Area Rugs
The number one question I get asked about area rugs are more about size and placement rather than style or coloring of the rug. It’s, “Where do I place an area rug in my room?” Some people like their rugs to be centered in the room or having it touch all pieces of furniture. There is no right or wrong answer here. Play with it and try different layouts on paper before moving your furniture around. Typically, I like to have the main part of the room be centered with the rug.
Looking for More?
Lauren Nicole Designs is offering a Design 101 Flooring Seminar on October 5th from 6pm to 8pm at Providence Country Club. We will be breaking this down even further, offering one-on-one advice and sharing amazing befores and afters. By the end of the seminar, you should feel equipped to go tackle all the flooring in your home!
Make sure you RSVP early because spots have already started to fill up:
https://laurennicoleinc.com/event/design-101-october-5-look-everything-need-know-flooring/
