The flooring of a home is one of the most underrated aspects of interior design. However, anyone who has designed a home knows that choosing a floor is a challenging task. So, before you begin, ask yourself this question:
What does Luxury Interior Design mean to you?
To get a sense of your own style, start by eliminating options that you certainly don’t want. This helps you narrow down your vision and approach the process with more clarity. Here we have assembled a list of many different flooring options, from the trendy ones to the timeless ones. Explore them all to select what works best for you.
1. Laminate
Laminated flooring is made of a synthetic material that mimics wood and then is laminated over. It is a breeze to install and fairly easy to maintain. Several people turn towards laminate flooring due to its sleek appearance coupled with relatively cheap costs. Laminated flooring, however, is easily susceptible to liquid damage that can result in bumps and swelling on the floor. Although waterproof laminates are available nowadays, one must always be careful about liquid slipping underneath the flooring.
2. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a great way to add a luxury interior design edge to your home. In terms of colour, they are neutral and can complement almost any type of furniture in the space. However, hardwood floors pop especially well with wooden furniture of a slightly darker shade. These floors are durable and provide a fair return on investment. However, the investment might seem heavy on the pocket during installation.
While hardwood floors look great, they do get affected by moisture, are susceptible to scratches, and can be noisy to move around on. Although, if you can accommodate these minor inconveniences, there is nothing quite as luxurious as hardwood flooring.
Read: 6 Tips To Achieve a Cohesive Colour Flow In Your Interior Design
3. Marble
Easily the most desired flooring material in India for its luxe aesthetic as well as cooling properties. Who doesn’t like to walk barefoot on a cool marble floor in summer? Its timeless aesthetic and clean look are further complemented by its durability and strength. However, if it cracks by accident, repairing it can be a nightmare. Marble flooring is certainly not cheap, but if you are looking for that classic, luxurious interior vibe, this is the answer to all your questions.
4. Vitrified Tiles
If you cannot afford marble flooring, consider opting for vitrified tiles. While they are more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tiles, they are also incredibly strong and durable.
The vitrification process through which they are made is what toughens them up considerably. A mixture of clay, quartz, and feldspar is mixed and melted down into a liquid glass state. Then it slowly cools and solidifies into a tough material that is ideal for flooring. They come in a wide range of styles and are also stain and scratch-resistant. Bang for your buck to give your interiors that luxe aesthetic.
5. Vinyl Flooring
If you are on a tight budget but still want a luxury interior design, vinyl flooring might be a good option for you. Due to its padded texture, it is considered to be the most “comfortable” flooring. It is also pet friendly as it allows your furry friends to have a firmer grip on the floor. However, vinyl flooring, while easy to install, can be excruciatingly difficult to uninstall. In addition, once damaged, vinyl flooring cannot be repaired and will have to be changed entirely.
6. Moroccan Tiles
Moroccan tiles are a great way to give your home a splash of energy. Unless you are feeling really daring, it is wise to use Moroccan tiles sparingly in smaller interior spaces like the guest bathroom or as wall accents. Too much of it can be overkill. However, they can instantly uplift your mood and give your living space a warm, Mediterranean feel.
These tiles make your space look luxurious without taking themselves too seriously. They are playful and fun, and if used sparingly, you can’t go wrong with them.
7. Red Oxide
Red Oxide is a type of cement oxide that is red in colour. Reminiscent of an old-world charm, this type of flooring is making a comeback. Red Oxide floors give the look and feel of rustic timelessness.
Red flooring, while a bold choice, is not necessarily a bad one. Floors like these give a sense of slow-paced life. They tell a story. Upon entering, visitors will know that a rooted, earthy individual lives here. Perfectly accented with brassware and wooden furniture, red oxide flooring is also relatively inexpensive to install. Such flooring is all about understated luxury. Showing, not telling. Feeling, not just seeing.
Read: Luxury Interior Design Secrets: A Guide To The Finer Things In Life
8. Terracotta Tiles
Like Red Oxide, Terracotta Tiles are also known for their distinct reddish-brown colour. They carry all the charm of red oxide but with the added benefit of customising it into numerous shapes and patterns. Made from natural materials like clay, they are also eco-friendly.
They look good indoors and outdoors and are highly durable. However, along with the durability comes the challenge of maintenance. Terracotta tiles attract dirt and grime into the little grooves on their surface. They, therefore, need to be treated regularly with a coating to prevent this from happening.
9. Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo Flooring is all the rage nowadays. It is low maintenance, durable, customisable, and also eco-friendly. This style of flooring is having a moment right now, but it could be a passing trend. Terrazzo flooring is a bold step, so you better be absolutely sure when you select this, as you will be seeing it every day.
Choose Your Floor Wisely
Be open to making bold choices. Your floor is a centrepiece around which your entire home interior will be designed. Therefore, pick with care, define your sense of luxury, and make calculated decisions, but don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it!
If you want expert guidance, get in touch with Hipcouch.