To transform your house into the dream home you have always been searching for, you need to sort out its decor. You may have already chosen the paint that perfectly match for those lovely kitchen cupboards and the woodwork in the hall. But now you are going to have to face up to the most difficult choice of all - picking your home's flooring, you might think the decision's nothing more than saying yes. But it is a decision that you will need to consider before rushing in.
Just think, are you getting tired of staring at the same colors on the walls? It's so easy to change them. But what about changing your floor? Well, there is a predicament you don’t want to have to confront for a long time. It is not just the disruption of moving all your furniture, it is the expense of replacing the flooring itself.
But how do you know what you will like in the future? How can you be sure that you have chosen the right materials and designs for every room in your house? While you are thinking over this big decision, you need to keep the following questions in mind.
Is that Gorgeous Hardwood Flooring going to Please Me Long-Term?
There is an incredible choice of flooring materials that are ideal for every room in your home. You can pick linoleum, engineered wood, laminate or tiles. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice that looks amazing. However, it does have a few drawbacks. It is not only more expensive for every square foot than any other flooring, but the surface can be a bit delicate.
A popular alternative is engineered wood. It has the same classic elegance and earthy tones as hardwood. It's also really durable and perfect for busy homes where you can easily end up with spillages and a heavy footfall. Laminate is a more affordable option, but it lacks the top layer of real timber that engineered wood has. When you are trying to decide on your flooring, it's best to think how you'll be using each room.
Do You want the same Flooring throughout Your Home?
Many new build homeowners have chosen the popular mixed flooring option. They will put the same flooring throughout the lower floor, then choose carpet for upstairs. They often feel it improves the flow of the house while making it appear larger. However, you might think it's a bit too much the same, especially as some rooms can suit different styles more than others.
If you go for this option, think about how you will use each room. In a busy hallway or kitchen, you will need the flooring to be far more durable than in a less used space such as a home office or guest bedroom.
What do You Think about Colors?
The color of your flooring can make such a difference to your home. One of today's most popular tones is grey. It complements all the woody, earthy shades of your furniture without overwhelming a room with too much brown. But sometimes grey can look a bit cold. It's best to stick with all the walnut and oak colors if you love to make your rooms cozy and warm. For a classic look, you could even choose the dark, slightly reddish tones of mahogany.
A good idea is to identify how the sun streams into each room. If a room has lots of sunshine each day, it will already have a warm, bright appearance. But any room without much sun is going to start off cool and dull.
Conclusion
After that, you will have to think about the type of design you'd like to see every day. How about floorboards that are long with a good width? Or what do you think about a chevron design that has got narrow points that look great? Can a regular herringbone style stand up well to the passing years?
It is best to remember that fashion trends, even in flooring, tend to have their day, then they are gone. Whatever styles you keep seeing on Pinterest or Instagram, it is always best to choose a flooring design that you feel you will still like in five years.
Author Bio: This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin is an expert in timber flooring with over two decades experience.
