There is little that is more rewarding (or stressful) than being a homeowner. The best part of owning a home, is the fact that it is your home to customize and design according to your preferences. Every room has a presence, a feng shui in which each piece delivers to create a unified and coherent message. One of the most important aspects that lends to a room’s vibe is the floor itself. Things to consider before settling on a certain floor include floor color, floor patterns, floor textures, and floor materials. Before you unleash your inner interior decorator, take a look at some of the most popular flooring options available to you.
Carpet
Carpets can be soft and inviting on one hand, or bold and vibrant on the other. A Houzz survey found that 38% of participants plan on installing carpet in their master bedroom. Those with allergies might consider carpet, as a Swedish experiment found that a 70% decrease in carpet usage lead to a 30% increase in allergies within the general population. Most carpets have padding that is between 1/4″ at its thinnest and 1/2″ at its thickest, while residential carpet padding weighs between five to eight pounds per cubic foot.
Hardwood
Hardwood is rustic yet warm and easy to clean-up. The same Houzz survey found that hardwood covers 34% of surveyed homes, although 47% of those surveyed would like wood flooring in their homes. For those looking to sell their homes, a survey from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more if the home has hardwood flooring.
Linolium
Linolium is economical, yet professional-looking. It is produced from flax seeds and other plant materials that have been ground up and affixed with a jute backing, making it an all-natural product. For those of you looking to reduce your carbon footprint, you might take pleasure in knowing that linoleum flooring is 100% biodegradable.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is cool and earthy, giving your home a more natural feel. The Houzz survey found that tile covers 23% of floors in participants’ homes. On the whole, 90% of homeowners look for hardwood or tile in the kitchen due to how easy it is to clean. If you’re looking for a modern alternative to hardwood, consider ceramic tiles or similar floor textures.