Short of the decisions you make regarding actual construction, your choice of flooring material is the most significant commitment you can make in a design scheme.
Furniture, upholstery, and even built-ins can be changed with ease, but replacing your floors is more involved. Because of its longevity, deciding upon your floors’ material, color, and look is complex. To help you navigate design trends in 2023, look at the features below and use them as an aid when making your choice.
You need only visit a flooring store to begin to understand the wide variety of materials, looks, and textures available for you to choose from. However, you can begin your decision-making process by narrowing your options to three basic choices: carpet, tile, or wood (natural, vinyl, or engineered). Here’s what to consider for each basic type of floor you explore:
Wood
Hardwood floors, vinyl planks, and laminate are all included in this category and boast an almost timeless popularity. Although a recurring favorite, some colors match more modern design choices. In 2023 you should expect lighter shades of pine and bleached oak reminiscent of Scandinavian designs. Lighter hues work for minimalist homes, as well as modern farmhouse looks and feels fresh and airy.
If modern is not your choice, opting for a deep, dark plank can offer a classic look that matches well with neutral furniture. Dark walnut floors and deep espresso-colored options can add elegance and sophistication to your room. For a few years, we have seen gray tones in wood flooring, but that trend is no longer as mainstream as it once was. If this is still your choice, consider that your floors may look outdated in a couple of years.
Carpet Colors
Carpet trends are less fluid than hard floor design trends, and beige tones tend to lead the way for bedrooms and private spaces. Social areas such as basements and family rooms see a bit more color and pattern, such as stripes or plaid, but homeowners tend to stick closer to solid colors and focus more on how plush the carpet is than its design.
Tile Tones
Not surprisingly, some tile colors are also considered timeless. Patterns, including hexagons and basketweaves, remain popular year after year. For 2023, some emerging trends include checkerboard tile in bathrooms and kitchens, where the black/gray and white design adds a contrasting yet modern look to the space. In some parts of the country, mudrooms and high-traffic entry areas boast dark slate looks to welcome people into the home. For those trying to break away from monochromatic looks, Zellige tile, with its distinct look, helps add a pop of color to their blue and green-toned offerings.
What About Other Colors?
Flooring is hard to change, so focusing on a neutral palette may be your best option. Some patterns and colors have a short shelf life, so if you commit to those on your floors, you may be left with an outdated look for years or face an additional expense when it goes out of style. Gray, for example, is ending its tour as a favorite hue for flooring. If you still crave the flexibility a gray palette can offer, add it to your walls, area rugs, or upholstery. Giving yourself the option to change and update your décor without major renovation is a sound strategy when remodeling your home.
Take some time to explore the flooring industry’s materials, colors, and patterns available today. If it has been some time since you’ve embarked upon a major renovation, you will be surprised by how many options you have. Regardless of your timeline, preference, and budget, you will surely find a design that meets your needs.