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.
But work is still work. You need a place that’s organized,
designed well, and in which you feel comfortable. Chances
are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best
work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is
lighting. Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is
best whenever possible, and results in more productivity
among workers and a more positive attitude toward the
work itself. Lighting can have a profound effect on your
mood and can even influence your hormones. A good
overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen, a
business growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at
AndrewJensen.net.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is
not possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead, and
try to avoid harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two,
along with a picture of the outdoors, will help transform a
windowless area into a more inviting space. Warm colors
such as reds, yellows and orange will also help warm up an
otherwise dark office area such as a basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with
cabinetry where office supplies and files can be tucked
neatly out of sight. Shelving that is custom-designed for
the way you work can transform even a tiny space into an
efficient work area. Having cabinets and shelves that are
suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal of
frustration and overwhelming feelings of disorganization.
A designer and expert carpenter can help you get the most
from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house
to dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean you can’t have
a dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed
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.
Continued on next page >
SEWICKLEY
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SPRING 2019
25