Covering the largest surface in a space, floors set the stage for your overall design vision. This is why you have to begin by first getting your base right. The trends in flooring lean towards finishes that define your home’s decor, steering you into the design direction that you aspire to achieve. They also don’t require too much care and attention. Perfect for busy folks like us.
Engineered wood
Part real wood, part manufactured marvel. If you covet the look and feel of solid timber but dread its price tag and maintenance issues, you’ve hit jackpot here. Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed from a resilient plywood or high-density fibreboard core that’s affixed with a top layer of hardwood veneer. What you get is the authenticity of timber with a centre that’s more resistant to heat and moisture – great for the equatorially located lot of us.
Image credit: Hup Kiong
Natural-looking surfaces
Although natural floorings possess inimitable qualities, they require more TLC as compared to synthetic tiles. Tougher alternatives such as porcelain and ceramic that bear the facade of natural materials – and acing the imitation game – are better built for places that demand heavy-duty surfaces. What’s more, these pocket-friendly alternatives are less susceptible to scratches and marks, making them the ideal solution for homes with boisterous little ones and furry friends.
Image credit: Luova Project Services
Patterned tiles
What’s bold, brimming with character, and built for visual impact? Patterned tiles are a great way to make a graphic statement in a room. They come in an astounding array of designs, from Moroccan inspired to modern geometric, giving homeowners the liberty to craft a specific look for their space. Aesthetics aside, these surfaces are predominantly made from robust materials like porcelain and ceramic. Thus allowing applications even in high traffic zones.
Image credit: The 80s Studio
Defining spaces with floor surfaces
Traditionally, rooms were boxed up by walls. And then the open-plan layout came into the picture, removing visual obstacles in favour of a free-flowing space. Space dividers, decorative accents, and even rugs took over the role of segregating areas. Now we’ve got a novel way of defining zones without ever dividing them: by using floorings. Instead of covering an entire room with the same surface, designers are using two different treatments that meet and mingle harmoniously – or even clash to create a graphic impact in a dwelling. Smart and statement making.
Image credit: Luova Project Services
This was adapted from an article originally written by Fidz Azmin published in the March 2016 issue of SquareRooms.
