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.
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.
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$10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are
incredibly enticing. She notes that many homeowners are
opting for larger showers that will not only get you clean,
but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors
to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite music in
the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or
pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that
open to a cavernous interior with little customization.
Current options for drawers and cabinets include
specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly away
and stackable storage options for makeup. And while you’re
standing in front of that vanity applying your makeup, you
can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows your
favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so
you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the
weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for
bathrooms, but one of the latest trends in baths are
porcelain tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes
up to 48” and can be laid to look like natural woodgrain,
without the worry of water damage. Laipple says the
woodgrain appearance really warms up the bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too!
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base
that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the
toilet. And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread
of germs among your family, along with a bidet, which
ensures a much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you
owe it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And,
according to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return
on investment of more than 100%!
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu,
or just some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner
restaurant, you need a place to prepare your meals that’s
fun, organized and feels like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant 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 new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm
sinks that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white