Image by Haxxah and KraZug via Flickr
Floors are rarely the focal point of any room. Too often floor coverings are over looked when re-designing a room. Yet the truth is that floors are the single largest design space you have to work with. Floors, as subtle as they are, can make or break your design. So here are some things to consider when choosing floor coverings.
Consider Area Rugs
Whether your existing floor is carpet, wood, laminate, or some other material, area rugs perform a number of design functions. First, they can provide the accent color your room is begging for. Often times , it is the area rug that drives the color palette for the rest of the room. Second area rugs can define a smaller space within a large living space. For instance in a great room, an area rug can carve out an intimate section for conversation and reading.
Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting has fallen out of vogue lately, but professional designers know that wall –to-wall carpeting creates a sense of spaciousness in a small living space. In addition, it adds continuity and expansiveness in homes with an awkward room-flow. Carpeting adds softness and warmth to a room.
Wood and Laminates
Wood, although expensive adds richness to the room. Wood is long lasting and improves with age and wear. The drawbacks of wood is that it can be difficult to clean and maintain in an active home with children. Laminate, on the other hand, has the look of wood, an ease of installation, a reasonable price, and it is easy to clean and maintain.
Natural Floor Coverings
Natural floor coverings include terrazzo, limestone, clay, slate, marble and brick. Natural floor coverings add texture to your room design. They are, however, quite cold on the feet. Consider using natural floor coverings in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, where they add elegance and cold feet are the issue.
Always when choosing floor coverings, give ample consideration to the transition of floor coverings from one room to another. Strive to create a subtle flow and avoid sharp distinctions.
