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Trends in Hardwood Flooring
In the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, the Federal Housing Administration
mandated hardwood floors to be installed in homes – every house had them
and no one was the wiser! However, in the 60’s the world began to explore
new flooring options. The agency changed its rules and homes all over the country
were laying down carpet, linoleum and tile.
Some of the best room designs begin with the choice of floor, and the trend
pendulum today has swung back towards hardwoods. The durability, ease of cleaning
and timeless beauty of hardwood floors is causing people to rip up their carpets
to find out what’s underneath. A hardwood floor can really anchor a room
design. Many homeowners draw inspiration from the intricacies and variety of
colors of hardwoods and use a unique style throughout a room. Compiled below
are five of the top trends we see today that will help you showcase your investment!
- Make a Design
Hardwoods are no longer plain, straight oak planks. Personalize the look by
designing a medallion, an intricate border or even a mosaic using different
woods and different materials. Using cherry or sycamore to create a design
will bring a whole new color into the mix – but don’t limit yourself
to woods. Today, people are using combinations of tile, concrete and even
cork to mix and match their look.
- Source: “Installing a mixed medium floor,” DIYnet.com
- Take Wood Into New Rooms
A study by the National Association of Homebuilders showed that wood flooring
in kitchens has grown from 9 percent in 1999 to 21 percent in 2002. Increasingly,
people are installing hardwoods in once forbidden rooms like the kitchen,
laundry room and bathroom. Because they are easy to clean, feel great and
provide a warm, inviting look, hardwood floors are now in every room of the
home.
- Source: “Wood becomes flooring of choice,” 27 December 2003,
Chicago Tribune
- Get New Old Floors
You may be building a brand new home or installing hardwood floors for the
very first time. You’re not too late to get an antique, rustic look.
Manufacturers now sell new hardwood floors made to look old. Through sanding
and various aging processes, the flooring has "scars" and shading
that makes it look like it has been around for a while.
- Source: “Stenciling Hardwood,” Fix It Up!, HGTV
- Be Exotic
There are hundreds of options today for hardwood flooring – including
different colors, styles and woods. Even grasses (bamboo) are a popular choice
today for its availability and versatility. Imported, exotic woods are now
relatively easy to find, but do expect to pay a premium. Some options include
Brazilian Cherry, Afromosia, Camaru and Ipe.
- Source: “Selecting A Wood Floor,” Rosemary Sadez Friedmann,
Scripps Howard News Service
- Add Some Color
A little color in a room can change the look entirely. We’ve always
known this with walls, but what about floors? Adding a stencil or design with
paint will quickly liven your room up! It’s an easy, inexpensive project,
perfect for the do-it-yourself weekender. But before you get started, make
sure you have a plan. Draw your design, mark it well and make sure you love
it before you start to slather the paint.
- Source: “Painted Floors,” Smart Design, HGTV
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