Seduced by its authentic character and its warm appearance, you have chosen a wooden floor. But you still have to create an atmosphere by determining a style and a finish for your first home. We’ve talked to some top Interior Designers and Decorators about tips to help you choose your hardwood floors.
Plank Width
Always choose a plank size that matches the proportions of the room. Wider planks will make a room look clean and sleek while narrower planks may give the appearance of a warm and cozy due to the higher degree of visual variance. Although wide plank floors can be used in smaller rooms, it is advised to use wider 5+ planks in rooms larger than 1000 square feet.
The Finish
Choosing the structure is one thing, to define its finish is another. Your final flooring finish decision should be based on durability, maintenance, feel, and visuals. With so many great options available such as urethane, lacquer, and oil and waxed. Floors have many styles of gloss and texture. The current trend is moving towards low sheen because of the many benefits when hiding wear and tear and the overall rustic nature of interior design trends.
The Flow
The most popular and significant way to run your wood flooring is to run it from the front door straight to the back of the house perpendicular to the joist. This way of arranging your floor planks will make a room feel more inviting as if the floors are saying “Come on in!” You want those boards to look like they are laid the way they are in a bowling alley, all the way into the home through to the back. It is generally a good idea to maintain the same direction with your wood flooring layout throughout the home to create a sense of harmony within the home.
As design trends change with the times, so will the norm for flooring. When making your decision, always go with something that blends with the style of your home currently. These guidelines are nice to have, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box!