Renovating a home is a task filled with decisions, but few are as important as deciding on the type of floor that best fits the overall look, feel, and function of your home. For homeowners who are looking to be more creative, there are plenty of innovative and stylish home flooring options to choose from. These seven ideas are particularly noteworthy and deserve special consideration.
One of the most eye-catching materials for home flooring is stained concrete. Not only is it incredibly durable and easy to clean, but it can be dyed, etched, and stamped with a variety of patterns and shapes, giving the homeowner endless possibilities for customization. Stained concrete is also an affordable choice and can last up to 25 years or more when maintained properly.
Hardwood floors are classic, but that doesn’t mean they have to be dull and lifeless. Spiced and masked hardwoods offer a stylish mix of warmth and texture that evokes an Old World charm. These unique planks of wood can be stained, stained and distressed, and painted in whatever color or pattern you choose.
If you’re looking to make a statement, consider large tile floors. These types of tiles come in all kinds of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Large tiles also bring the natural beauty of stone and ceramic to a space, while providing a slip-resistant surface that’s perfect for wet areas.
Give your home a rustic feel with reclaimed wood floors. This sustainable material is made from wood recycled from abandoned buildings, old barns, and other historical structures. Reclaimed wood adds character and charm to any home, plus it can also be sanded and re-finished if you desire a different look and feel.
Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for those wanting the look of wood without the hassle of upkeep. Vinyl planks come in a variety of colors and textures to suit any taste, and their ease of installation makes them an ideal choice for DIYers. Plus, vinyl planks are water-resistant, which makes them ideal for wetter areas of the home.
Cork flooring is a renewable, eco-friendly material that’s both comfortable and stylish. It has the look and feel of hardwood, but it’s softer and quieter underfoot. It’s also hygienic and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for allergy-sensitive households.
Finally, ceramic and porcelain tile remain a top choice among homeowners for their durability, versatility, and wide range of styles. Whether you’re looking for classic neutrals or colorful patterns, tile is a popular choice that can be installed both indoors and outside.
Bamboo is another popular home flooring choice that enjoys many of the same benefits as hardwood, but is softer and more eco-friendly. Bamboo can be stained, sealed, or left unfinished for a rustic look.
Rubber flooring is one of the latest trends in home flooring. It’s waterproof, slip-resistant, and sound absorbing, making it the ideal option for high-traffic areas and gymnasiums. Plus, it comes in many colors and styles to match your decor.
For a more creative solution, consider spicing up your home with epoxy flooring. It’s available in virtually any color and can be applied with accompanying designs and a shiny finish. It’s also extremely durable and easy to clean.
Another innovative home flooring option is floating floors. This style of installation can be laid down on top of an existing surface such as concrete or tile and is perfect for homeowners looking for a quick and easy renovation. Plus, the floating floor can be removed and reused down the line.
For a unique and dazzling look, try polished concrete floors. This finish creates a reflective sheen that has the look of a granite countertop, but at a fraction of the cost. Polished concrete is also incredibly resilient and can be dyed and etched to create an eye-catching design.
Waterproof laminate floors offer the look of hardwood without the worry of warping from moisture. Waterproof laminate also comes in a variety of styles and colors, so you can bring out the shine and beauty of hardwood without the hassle of maintenance.
Finally, if you’re searching for a way to add warmth to a room opt for heated floors. Heated floors can be installed within your home’s existing flooring or directly onto an existing subfloor, and can be regulated to create a cozy atmosphere.
When it comes to home flooring, there are plenty of choices complete with unique looks and benefits. These seven innovative alternatives are just the beginning of the possibilities. With the right combination of creativity, imagination, and knowledge of materials, you can create the perfect floor to match your home’s personality.
For those looking to achieve an eclectic and elegant look, consider mixing and matching two or more of the unique flooring options. For instance, mix and match wood floors with tiles, glass pieces, and metal accents to create a breathtaking mosaic.
When incorporating two materials for a mixed and matched floor, be sure to choose complementary materials in similar shades so that the overall look is balanced and intentional. Taking the time to consider the pattern, color, and texture of the chosen flooring materials can help create a harmonious look.
For a traditional look, consider wide planks of hardwood in a natural color intersected with two or three alternating narrow width planks. This technique will create a stunning look with added depth and texture.
Metallic accents can also be used to add a modern and sophisticated flair to a floor. Intersect tiles and wood planks with metallic pieces in silver, gold, or bronze shades to create a chic and eye-catching surface that’s easy on the eyes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to your home flooring. Vibrant hues against neutral or neutral against vibrant can create a dynamic contrast that creates visual interest. Or, reach for a multicolored tile design for an eye-catching statement that has a soft and subtle effect.
For those looking for an environmentally friendly option, consider bamboo flooring. Bamboo is a renewable resource and is therefore more sustainable than traditional hardwood. Plus, bamboo is incredibly durable and can stand up to repeated impacts and heavy foot traffic. Bamboo flooring also comes in a variety of colors and textures to create the perfect custom look.
Decorative concrete is another great eco-friendly pick for those looking to make an eco-conscious statement. Decorative concrete can be dyed, stamped, etched, and stenciled with an array of designs to create an eye-catching floor that’s sure to last.
Another alternative that’s a popular choice for high-traffic areas is rubber flooring. Rubber is not only an environmentally friendly choice as it can be recycled, but also provides insulation and a unique, yet residential aesthetic. Plus, rubber is incredibly durable, slip-resistant, waterproof, and sound-absorbing.
Vinyl is another popular option when it comes to water and scratch resistance. This type of flooring is perfect for high-traffic areas as it won’t scratch, chip, fade, or dent. Plus, vinyl is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for busy households.
For those wanting a timeless look, look no further than marble flooring. Marble is a hard wearing and luxurious stone that not only looks beautiful in its natural color, but can also be tinted or dyed to create a truly unique statement. Additionally, marble is waterproof, making it perfect for bathroom and kitchen floors.
Lastly, floating floors are a great choice for homeowners who want flexibility. These types of floors can be installed right on top of an existing surface, such as concrete or tile, and can easily be removed and re-installed down the line. Floating floors also come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your personal taste.
No matter which innovative home flooring option you choose, be sure to consider the lifestyle of your household and the look you’re hoping to achieve. Shopping around and exploring the various options available to you will help you create a beautiful, unique look to last for years to come.