Introduction
St. Paul, MN, blends historic charm with modern urban living, featuring walkable neighborhoods filled with beautifully preserved 19th-century and Victorian architecture. While its neighboring city, Minneapolis, is often seen as the more “hip” of the Twin Cities, St. Paul exudes a warm, traditional, and relaxed atmosphere. This unique character is also reflected in the city’s interior design trends.
Wood flooring remains a top choice among homeowners, both classic and stylish, it’s a staple in many St. Paul homes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the flooring trends currently shaping the city’s residential spaces.
Embracing Sustainable Choices
St. Paulites are demonstrating a growing preference for using eco-friendly materials for flooring as well as other elements in their homes. That’s why both hardwood and engineered wood are the choice materials for their floors. This type of flooring gets high marks for its sustainable properties, allowing city dwellers to minimize their carbon footprint. Here’s why:
- Renewable resource from responsibly managed forests
- Absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gases
- Its production has a low-energy footprint
- Durable and long-lasting (can last 100 years or more)
- Biodegradable and recyclable
Engineered hardwood offers similar benefits, making it equally appealing to homeowners who are interested in minimizing their impact on the environment.
- Made with only a top layer of genuine wood, helping to conserve forests
- Made from recycled content, promoting conservation and minimizing waste
- Durable and long-lasting (can last 20 – 50 years)
- Reduces manufacturing emissions
- Renewable resource because it’s a natural material
Light and Natural Tones are Trending Now
Many St. Paul homes are more compact spaces. Nothing works better than Scandinavian-inspired pale woods such as ash, maple, and white oak to brighten up an apartment, loft, or townhouse and create the illusion of a larger space. Homeowners also get the added benefits of wood flooring, such as durability, longevity, and easy maintenance.
Wide Planks Create a Modern Look
Wide plank wood flooring is enjoying ever-increasing popularity, but why? It adds sophistication to any room, particularly open-plan living areas, which are common downtown. In addition, wide planks tend to make a room seem larger, especially when laid lengthwise, since there are fewer seams.
Customization is Key
Everyone wants their home to reflect their own particular style. Wood flooring is a great way for homeowners to create their unique environment, because it is available in a wide range of finishes and patterns that appeal to any taste.
- Finishes: Matte and satin are more in demand than high sheen because they create a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
- Stains: Custom stains allow apartment dwellers to match their flooring to the rest of their interiors.
- Patterns: Chevron and herringbone, in particular, are making a comeback in St. Paul for the bold design statement they can make.
Practical Trends in Urban Living
Urbanites learn to be practical because minimalist lifestyles can be a direct response to the challenges of city living due to higher costs and more limited space, in addition to a fast-paced environment. This translates into the growing popularity of wood flooring in St. Paul, which can make a small apartment stay tidy. Both hardwood and engineered wood are scratch-resistant, making them ideal for homes with kids, pets, and bicycles. They are also quick and easy to maintain, which is perfect for the busy professional.
Conclusion
It is clear why people in St. Paul are flocking to wood flooring: in addition to balancing style, practicality, and sustainability, wood floors can be easily customized to individual preferences. They are also versatile, adapting well to both modern condos and lofts, and more traditional historic homes.
Thinking about new wood flooring for your urban digs? We’re happy to help you out! Call us to speak to an expert.