SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
FIVE HOT TRENDS IN HARDWOOD FLOORING
More than ever , homeowners are appreciating the added value that hardwood floors bring to a home .
Here ’ s a look at five top flooring trends that will help if you can ’ t see the wood for the trees .
Made in America “ There ’ s a growing demand for American-produced hardwoods ,” says Michael Martin , President and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association . “ It ’ s part of the general trend toward locally sourced materials of all kinds in the U . S .” Consumer concerns about sustainability , quality , safety and environmental factors are more easily addressed when a hardwood is domestically grown and milled . Plus , the U . S . offers an unrivaled range of readily available species suitable for flooring .
Even in today ’ s hectic lifestyle , you ’ ll probably spend a significant amount of time each day in your kitchen .
Though it ’ s a substantial investment to update your kitchen , it ’ s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and a financial one . And , like bathrooms , HGTV . com estimates that a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100 % on the resale of your house .
According to Jamie Varner , owner of Varner Remodeling , most kitchen remodels start around $ 25,000 , and on average will range up to about $ 50,000 .
You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from ultra-contemporary to French country in this price range . Your designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design ( CAD ) to help you envision your dream .
Some trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for food prep . Clean , white subway tile can match virtually any décor , making it a popular choice for backsplashes . Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a look that ’ s great for your kitchen and great for the environment as well . Varner says that mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be laid in customized patterns for a uniquely personal look .
Although cherry wood cabinets are popular , he ’ s seeing an increase in white cabinets . Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel , while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean appearance .
As for flooring , Varner notes , “ You can ’ t go wrong with natural stone ,” adding that travertine is extremely popular right now . After the stone is sealed , it ’ s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers a lot of longevity .
It ’ s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen , it ’ s also about the way it makes you , your family and your friends feel when you ’ re there . ■
Stains and Finishes Gray is a classic “ neutral ” that ’ s never truly out of fashion . It ’ s currently one of the most popular colors — ranging from pale smoke to deep charcoal — showing up in hardwood flooring . “ Whether light or dark , gray stains bring out any wood ’ s natural grain and texture ,” says New York interior designer Laura Bohn . “ Grays are versatile and timeless , quiet and soothing colors that recede into the background without losing personality or becoming faceless . They work in any style décor , yet always look modern .”
Species For several years , the trend was toward woods like hickory , but recently white oak has moved to the front . Along with abundance , durability and reasonable cost , white oak offers aesthetic advantages . Many of the popular gray-brown shades look especially sophisticated applied to white oak .
The Wider , The Better It ’ s all about wide , wider , widest . Planks of up to 7 inches in width are considered normal now . Traditional strip flooring still remains popular , but wide-plank is the market leader . Wider floorboards can make a space look larger and more modern . The floor can be treated like a canvas : ebonized for a sleek , dark look ; light-stained for an urban vibe ; distressed for a rustic effect — the possibilities are endless .
Popular Patterns One way to set your home interior apart is by tapping into the trend for herringbone and chevron pattern hardwood floors , which show up increasingly in decorating magazines . Since installing herringbone floors is a time- and labor-intensive process , they ’ re more common in high-end projects . Still , if you can afford to splurge , these floors are a gorgeous addition to any room .
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘ SPRING 2022 27