Get Floored with Today’s Most Popular Flooring Designs


Wood, wood and more wood. Home owners are installing more hardwood than ever before, and the choices are endless. Depending on the look you’re creating, there’s a hardwood for you. The type of wood also may dictate the location in the home, or vice versa. Bamboo, for instance, isn’t recommended for rooms that may experience humidity like the bathroom or laundry room. While bathrooms traditionally don’t have wood floors, they are becoming more popular for that room. The wood must be treated, of course, to resist any water marks or stains. Wood floors are also more popular than tile in remodeled kitchens. Not only does wood give this high-traffic room a sleek look, it also makes standing for long periods of time preparing meals easier on the legs. Wood is more forgiving than tile.

Traditional oak floors are among the most popular because they blend with just about everything, and they’re durable and easy to clean. Brazilian cherry, maple, and eucalyptus are among some of the higher-end floor options. Maple and eucalyptus can also be done in dark to black tones for a high-contrast floor. Distressed look floors do well with pine and wide planks.

If you don’t want wood in the kitchen, other options are ceramic tile, porcelain or natural stone tile. These are all contemporary materials that make a floor look clean and smooth, and can be chosen to complement the cabinetry or counter tops.

Other flooring options that are coming into the forefront for various areas of the home are cork, luxury vinyl and concrete, according to HGTV Trends. The durability and comfort as well as the cost/value ratio of these options remains to be seen.