There’s one material in our homes that is often overlooked when we’re admiring a space. It’s a hard working material that often takes a beating with daily use. Yes, it’s our flooring. Floors do a lot to create the overall mood and feel of a home but we so ignore the impact it truly makes. Its functionality is always the primary concern when we’re selecting new flooring but the right choice brings an entire room to life.
If you’ve been considering a change to your flooring you might be wondering what direction is safe, both for functionality as well as aesthetics. Here’s what I’m seeing currently trending in Cranbrook and across the country.

HERE’S WHAT’S HOT IN FLOORING

1/ Light Wood

This one has been trending for a few years now and there’s no sign of it ending. One of the reasons it’s so popular is because of how easy it is to incorporate into any style home. This trend probably began with the popularity of modern farmhouse but light and warm wood (particularly oak) works with laid-back Scandinavian all the way to more traditional homes.

2/ Terrazzo

If you receive my monthly newsletter you’ll have learned about this popular flooring last month (if you want to receive the newsletter, you can go here. You’ll also receive a free gift). Terrazzo and its look-alike porcelain options are extremely popular right now. I discussed how great it looks in bathrooms but it’s also a great option for entryways, kitchens and mud rooms. Personally, I would stick to using terrazzo tiles in smaller spaces like bathrooms where you don’t spend a lot of time. It’s possible that in larger, more commonly used spaces you’ll tire of it. 

*PRO TIP - when using terrazzo you want to be cautious about using any other bold or statement materials. Try to keep your fixed finishes plain so they don’t compete for your visual attention.

3/ Natural Stone

We can’t seem to get enough of marble for our kitchen counters and backsplash and it’s also becoming a popular choice for flooring. Since real marble is very porous I recommend using porcelain instead. Porcelain is easier on the budget and is easier to maintain. There are a lot of large slabs being used and these are also becoming more popular in all the tile look-alike options as well.

4/ Intricate Flooring Patterns

If you love the look of heavily detailed patterns, this one will appeal to you. We’re currently seeing all kinds of patterns including herringbone, basketweave and chevron are all very popular options using both tile and wood. There’s also a lot of checkerboard tile patterns which we’ve seen come and go over the decades but it truly never really goes out of style. 

5/ Luxury Vinyl 

If you see the word vinyl and cringe, let me assure you that this is not that vinyl. Yes, admittedly the old vinyl planks and tiles left a lot to be desired. They were artificial looking but that’s all changed. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are in a new league compared to the old version. The new technology being used is so accurate that it’s hard to tell which is real hardwood and which is luxury vinyl flooring. 

*PRO TIP - do your homework if you’re purchasing luxury vinyl plank flooring. You want to fully understand the pattern repeat as well as the variation of colour. If possible, look for images of full rooms where it’s been installed. This will allow you to see the pattern and catch the ones that create a striped effect. 

6/ Carpet

While carpet is always a popular choice for bedrooms and stairs it’s the colour that’s trending currently. We’re seeing a more neutral approach to carpeting just as we are with most of the interior design trends at the moment. Neutral whites, creams and taupes are highly in demand while we’re saying goodbye to all the gray tones and bold colours.

7/ Terracotta

If you remember the 80’s you probably remember how popular terracotta flooring was. It lost favour for a while but it’s definitely back again. I’m currently working on a new build where we’re installing it in the kitchen, powder room and mudroom and I can’t wait to share the final result.

Currently, it’s not easy to get your hands on terracotta tiles. I use Creekside Tile in Vancouver  but access is limited because they buy limited quantities from their Mexican producers each year. Be aware that installation is more difficult so you need a skilled tile setter for this product.

ASK ADRIENNE. MY DESIGNER PERSPECTIVE ON FLOORING IN CRANBROOK

What’s Hot For Flooring in Cranbrook?

I’m seeing a lot of vinyl plank being used in a wider board. The average width is 7” to 9”.   Vinyl tile continues to be a popular choice for basements and bathrooms because of its cost and ease of maintenance.

Lastly, I’m seeing a lot of porcelain tiles that mimic marble, travertine or slate. Slate is a popular look for mudrooms because it’s easy to care for and can take a beating when it comes to weather and use.  

In terms of colour, I’m seeing a swing towards cream, white and beige tiles for bathrooms, particularly larger format tiles with subtle movement and less pattern. By using a tile with subtle movement we can install it on bathroom floors and bring the same tile to the shower walls giving the space a much larger feel.

What Are We Moving Away From in Cranbrook?

While we’re embracing some new trends I’m definitely seeing more and more homeowners move away from installing hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring. 

There are a few reasons why this is happening but topping the list is those are expensive flooring options. With so many other more reasonably priced and beautiful contenders, hardwood is fading from popularity.

 It’s also connected to the way we’re embracing open concept living. When all the spaces open to each other we need to have a durable, liveable flooring choice especially if we have pets and kids. Want to learn more about open concept living? Read this post.

What Trend Isn’t Embraced in Cranbrook?

Overall, I haven’t seen my clients ready to embrace any heavily patterned flooring. We tend to be more conservative in our selections here in Cranbrook so while I think patterns like herringbone or tiles like terrazzo will look great in the right space, so far we’re not committed to those styles. 

Well installed flooring can last between 20 and 25 years so it’s no wonder we’re treading cautiously into new trends. Nobody wants to be stuck with a patterned floor they don’t love and have to live with it for 25 years.

What Flooring Colours are Popular in Cranbrook?

Just like the rest of North America we finally seem to be done with the gray craze. Cranbrook has embraced lighter toned woods and vinyl planks. This is a beautiful look that can lighten up your space and bring a brightness to even a dull and dreary part of your home.

When it comes to tiles we’re also embracing the lighter beige and cream options. That doesn’t mean you need to rip up any gray flooring you have in your space. There are ways to work around your fixed materials to make them look less dated. 
Beige can be a tricky colour when using multiple forms of it. I’ve written a post about beige and its undertones that will help you make the best selection for your flooring.

Are you ready to bring new flooring into your home? If you’re looking for some advice before you begin, reach out to me. I’d love to chat with you about your upcoming project.

Warm regards,

Adrienne