No matter what you choose or the budget you're working with - flooring is no longer just a necessary building component - now you can have fun with what's underfoot and have surprising results.
"When choosing a floor, ask yourself 'What is my overall feel I desire for the space, and which product will help achieve it?'" says Katie Fraser, owner of City Flooring in Summerside. So what are the latest innovations that we'll see underfoot? Although there are endless choices, these are our favourite flooring innovations and styles:
Graphic tiles
board, wide, old-world planks — it's now possible to have this look and feel in the basement, bathroom or throughout the house. "Parquet is popular once again" says Betty Praught of Interiors by Linette. "However, we are arranging in geometric designs or unique patterns. Wood floors remain very popular, but trends are pushing towards very wide plank, and gray wood floors continue to remain." Laminate planks are also available in the look and feel of high-end options like marble, slate and other natural stone. Yes, you can afford to do your kitchen in marble! Wow, who thought that would ever be possible for the everyday homeowner?
"It seems clear that flooring creators have joined the fashion industry in prioritizing design elements of their products, says Dawn Sullivan, Interior Designer for Town 'N Country Carpet One. "Vinyl in graphic patterns for small areas like the bathroom, laundry room, and entryways are the new design favourite." The graphic tile was once a considered a luxury choice — now you have the luxury look in a sheet vinyl. And not the vinyl of your grandmother's kitchen either, this is the sheet vinyl that compels you to get down and feel it to believe it's actually not a porcelain tile with grout. This is seriously the most impressive fake I've seen. The designs available are beautifully detailed filigree and art deco-inspired, the trend is to choose muted, old-world designs that look and feel faded and slightly imperfect. The graphic tile is also available in a laminated plank as well. This offers the option to use this product on walls for a dramatic look without using your entire budget.
Resin
Resin is incredibly durable and long lasting, and more equipped to withstand the impacts of force and weathering than flooring that must be installed in pieces, like tiling or parquetry. The shining monolithic final product is not only ideal for practical reasons, but it looks quite splendid, too. Resin can be particularly useful in areas that are likely to experience a lot of action, like the garage, but resin is also a great option for basements and cottages. It's wise to contact a professional for this type of flooring option as it does require precise mixing of several bonding liquids and it really does take an expert to achieve the look of natural stone.
Laminate that's untraditional
Laminate offers beautiful looks that emulate the elegance of porcelain tile and the warmth of hardwood, but with the easy maintenance and super-durability of a laminate. As previously mentioned, you can achieve aged, rustic lumber without the complications you'd associate with 'the real thing', such as splintering, moisture and upkeep. But, you're not compromising the style you're after — painted, rustic barn-
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