By Rachelle Wilber
Renovating or upgrading your home is always exciting but can be a bit daunting as well. Among all the things that need to be considered in a renovation project, flooring is one of the most important decisions to make. Great flooring enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home and takes it from just another pretty house to a unique space with its own character. If you’re thinking about installing new flooring, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to choose flooring that will perfectly match your home aesthetic.
Consider the Room's Functionality
Before deciding on flooring, you need to take into account the functionality of the room. If it is a high-traffic area, like a hallway or family room, you’ll want robust and durable flooring like stone, tile, or hardwood. On the other hand, if you’re updating a bedroom or reading nook, you may want a more luxurious material like carpet or timber flooring. Consider the traffic flow, whether pets or children will frequent the space, and the activities that will occur in the room.
Look at Your Color Palette
The color palette of your home is an essential element in choosing the type of flooring. Flow throughout the house is critical, so you’ll want to pick a flooring type that complements your home’s existing colors. For instance, if your walls are painted a warm yellow, then a rich, earthy hardwood flooring will complement the wall color well or if you have a monochromatic palette, try to introduce texture and pattern for a more pleasing picture to the eye.
Think About Maintenance
Not every flooring option requires maintenance. Some are low maintenance, while others need a considerable amount of care. For instance, hardwood floors require refinishing every 3-5 years. Carpets, on the other hand, need vacuuming at least bi-monthly and deep cleaning annually. Tile and stone flooring need maintenance like grout cleaning every year or two. Consider the upkeep required for each material and what you are willing to do for that space before making the final decision.
Take Inspiration From the Architecture
Look at your home’s architecture for inspiration. If your home has Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, or Victorian-style architecture, you might want to install ornate tiles or timeless hardwood flooring. If your home features a mid-century modern or contemporary architecture, you may opt for polished concrete or sleek tiles to add a modern touch.
Think About the Lighting
Lighting is a crucial factor when it comes to selecting flooring, and it is often overlooked. Lighting can make or break your home aesthetic. As a result, you must consider how many windows are in your room and the orientation of the space when selecting your flooring. If you have a room with a lot of natural light, you may want a flooring material that is reflective and bright, like light-grey hardwood. A room with minimal lighting will benefit from a flooring material with a warm tone and a high-gloss finish.
Choosing new flooring for a home remodel can feel overwhelming, but by taking into consideration elements like the functionality of the room, colors, maintenance, architecture, and lighting, you will be able to make an informed decision that complements your home aesthetic and functionality. Remember to keep in mind the vibe you’re hoping to achieve from the flooring and make sure it blends well with the overall theme of your home. A good floor boosts not only the aesthetic appeal of the home but also the overall value and comfort, making your living space worth the investment.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber
