You don’t often see it because it’s under your feet, but flooring is a big part of your home and can radically transform the look of your interiors, depending on the selection of material texture and colour. So if you’ve always wanted a home that oozes sophistication and class, luxe flooring might be your best bet. As flooring takes the brunt of our everyday activities, it is imperative not to only select one that fits in with your style, but is also appropriate for the function of your room. We bring you the low-down on the flooring types that give your interiors that added panche.
- Porcelain tiles
Even though porcelain tiles are one of the more common flooring options out there, they can be a luxurious choice – if you know where to look. Porcelain tiles, by definition, are a form of ceramic tile. Both are manufactured from baked clays. The main differences lie in their porosity and density. Ceramic tiles are more absorbent and delicate, while porcelian tiles are less porous denser, and therefore more durable and suited for high traffic areas in the home. In Singapore, there has been a gradual shift from ceramic to porcelain tiles for flooring.
“Advances in technology have allowed tiles to look like natural stone. Hence, a tile pattern will only be repeated once every 40 to 100 times. Shades and vein variations are also common for tiles.” – Hafary
- Solid timber
Solid timber flooring refers to wood that is milled from lumber form to flooring sizes. One of the more popular choices for flooring despite the hefty price tag, solid timber flooring adds natural warmth and texture to your home – a fine choice for folks who want more than just the look of wood for their floors. Unlike other flooring types, it can last for generations and will only achieve a desirable rustic patina with time. But it’s not all a bed of roses as solid timber flooring can dent and acquire scratches easily. Here are two things to note:
Parquetry
This type of flooring is where the timber pieces are arranged in a geometric fashion on the floor for decorative effect. One of the more popular parquet patterns is the herringbone, but designs can range from the common brick to the more adventurous starburst.
Maintenance
While daily maintenance is relatively straightforward and stress free, be aware that solid timber flooring is quite susceptible to water damage, so make sure your cleaning tools are not overly wet. A vacuum or a dry mop would work well.
- Carpets
When it comes to luxury flooring, one immediately thinks of carpets. Available in an array of shapes, patterns and colours, carpets are the quickest and easiest way to make your space look lavish. They add a touch of grandeur, particularly if they are intricately designed, and bring in textural warmth and comfort that are not easily replicated with other flooring.
Sizing tips
Living: Choose a rug that sits just under the coffee table, or go for a main rug that fills the whole room.
Dining: Make sure the rug for the dining room is big enough for all the chairs to sit comfortably within.
Bedroom: A typical placement is to have your rug run beneath the bottom two-thirds of your bed. You want your rug to be large enough so that you can step down onto it when you get out of bed. If you don’t want your bed to sit on a large rug, choose a pair of runners and place them on the sides of the bed instead.
This was adapted from an article originally written by Ho Pei Ying that appeared in the March 2015 issue of SquareRooms.
