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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Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s also
a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work.
Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help
tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized showerheads,
you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an
invigorating massage to bring your body back to center. And a
nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a
while.
Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to
designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your
bath for less than you might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$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%!