Fabulous Floors Q1 2017 Winter | Page 29

BY KAREN GEORGE, MANAGING EDITOR Laminate… Call it Tough. Call it Frugal. Definitely Call it Gorgeous! L aminate flooring, already celebrated for its ability to project the look of hardwood, now offers remarkable innovations in realistic stone, dazzling digital-age images and lustrous glosses. Yet, through all of this, today’s lami- nate stubbornly insists that beauty should show off its practical side. Starting with thrift. Designers are particularly enchanted by wide planks with hand-scraped or wire-brushed distressed looks. Some designers are even mixing plank widths to create a custom look that remains traditional, but is less formal. Because mixed-media is the design trend, you can create a truly custom look for less, adding in a ceramic, leather or metal tile, for example. Contrasting borders and striking inlays can also make a dramatic appearance at a fraction of the cost. Designers are particularly enchanted by wide planks with hand-scraped or wire-brushed distressed looks. Q1 2017 27