Don’t be floored (From Living Northeast)

Don’t be floored

1:31pm Thursday 25th February 2010 in

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KEITH Summers, managing director of Floors For Living in Barnard Castle, has been in the business 30 years. He says there is a current shift away from solid floors such as wood and tiling, and a greater demand for more traditional softer flooring. “We’ve had a couple of harsh winters so people are moving towards more traditional carpets with a good quality plain wool twist,” he says.

“We’ve gone through a period where we’ve seen colours such as blues, reds and blacks almost disappear. I’d go for a neutral shade because it leaves you free to add your own decor, and subtle stripes are definitely this spring’s trend.”

According to Keith, one of the biggest growth areas in solid flooring at the moment is bespoke tiles, where people choose to add their own personal touch.

He also predicts we will see a trend towards carpets which are environmentally friendly, made out of recycled bottles – already a big trend in the US. “We’re all trying to be a bit greener and I think that’s definitely something we will see a lot more of,”

he says.

THE choice of flooring for your home is largely dependent on three things: the functional needs of the individual rooms; the special needs of the people who live there; and finally, your own particular taste. This last will inevitably be influenced by trends, but flooring is a big investment, so it’s probably best to go for something with lasting appeal.

There is a vast amount of choice available these days, from traditional materials like carpet, wood and tile to modern options, such as bamboo and concrete. However, there are certain traditional recommendations for the different parts of the house so here’s a summary of common flooring materials and where in the home they are best fitted.

CARPET

THE floor covering of choice for many families, carpet is warm, soft, insulating and creates a luxurious feel. Generally, they tend to be reserved for the formal living areas, the family rooms and the bedrooms. However, with the development of technology, many carpets nowadays are hard-wearing, stain resistant and easy-to-clean so they can be used in many parts of the house previously considered unsuitable. Nevertheless, carpets are still not recommended for kitchens and bathrooms and may not be the best choice for entrance halls which have to cope with a lot of traffic and soiling. Also, inhabitants with severe allergies may want to avoid carpets as it can harbour more allergens such as dust mites than other hard flooring options.

LAMINATE

GAINING in popularity over solid hardwood, laminate is a type of “floating floor” made up of layers of processed wood, overlaid by a photographic image of wood and protected with a clear sealant which means that it is tough, scratchresistant and water-resistant. It is easy and quick to install and extremely cost-effective. It is also needs only simple maintenance and provides a stylish look that is comfortable and easy to look after. Note, though, that the fibreboard core has been known to trigger some allergies.

TILES

FOR a durable choice, tiles are tops. They are hard and water-resistant and extremely easy to clean using standard cleaning methods. That’s why they are the usual choice for bathrooms and kitchens. They can also be a good choice for households struggling with allergies as they do not have any cracks or grooves or deep fibres to harbour allergens.

Nevertheless, tiles do have some disadvantages. Their hardness means that things dropped will break easily and they do not provide the same comfort underfoot as many other flooring options. In addition, they can become dangerously slippery when wet and are cold on bare feet. Lastly, the care of the grouting is important as any staining looks very unattractive.

WOOD

WOOD is eternally popular as a flooring choice and this is largely down to its unique beauty. It can be, however, quite expensive and require regular maintenance. However, if properly finished and cared for, it is extremely long-lasting and will usually last the lifetime of the home. Wooden floors can dramatically increase the resale value of a house and can make all the difference to the interior decor. Generally, wood is acceptable for use throughout the house, except for bathrooms and kitchens, as it is susceptible to dampness and humidity.

VINYL (PVC)

THIS is largely chosen for kitchens as it is tough, durable, water-repellent and very low maintenance. It is comfortable to walk on, which is something to consider when standing for hours in the kitchen. It is also inexpensive and has a long life-expectancy, making it a good choice for one of the busiest rooms in the household. It can also be a good choice for laundries and bathrooms.

ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

WITH the focus on the environment these days, many people would prefer to choose an eco-friendly product for their flooring. The two main ones are cork and bamboo. Cork is a natural product and is soft underfoot, warm, hard-wearing and easy to clean. It is, though, vulnerable to damp and humidity since it has a strong tendency to absorb water, making it a poor choice for bathrooms and kitchens. However, it can be finished with a recommended sealer which may ease the problem slightly. Bamboo has many similar properties and is one of the most sustainable resources.

However, it can be expensive and only come in a limited range of colours and styles.

■Floors For Living, 41a Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8EJ. Tel: 01833-695875.

floorsforliving.co.uk

Carpet is still the most popular flooring choice. Using research by Fun on the Floor, interior designer Victoria Redshaw offers a guide into the hottest up-andcoming trends this year IMPERIAL A TREND is emerging for oversized furniture and huge pendant lighting adds tension and gravitas to design schemes which take their reference from Communist buildings and monuments.

Carpets play a huge role in conveying on trend colour and this trend’s colour palette includes caviar black, royal blue, damson and Russian Red. Plain carpets in deep jewel colours, such as dark sapphire blue or dark amethyst, make stunning carpeting options that are sumptuous and luxurious. A dark folk influence that has its origins in Cossack traditions and costumes is apparent in this trend.

Black or dark carpets are commonly used as the background for rich floral patterns, ornate paisleys and gold toned scrollwork for curtains and upholstered seating.

Fur trims on cushions adds Russian glamour and uberdark options for wooden furniture have high shine surface finishes.

KING AND COUNTRY LAST year Chanel hosted the most elaborate fashion show of the year as models took to the catwalk surrounded by an enormous barn and piles of hay. Rural colours dominated, with deep greens, sand and wheat colours making country chic truly the hottest look of the show.

This trend is destined to start filtering its way from the catwalks of Europe to the home and I predict the King and Country look will be big in interiors next spring.

There is a cheerfulness in the styling that reflects the spirit of Forties wartime Britain. An abundance of simple patterns inspired by the reworking and recolouring of classic men’s suiting fabrics, such as tweed, herringbone and plaids, will create fantastic carpets, to go with upholstered furniture that has patches of applique, cushions, throws, lampshades and wallpaper.

BRIGHTEN UP NEON is the hottest trend of summer 2010, with bright colours on the catwalks, on the high street and now making their way in to homes. Fun on the Floor has noted a significant increase in the number of inquiries for vibrant carpets. Bold acid colours such as yellow, fuchsia, coral, emerald and cobalt blue can transform the look and feel of a room in one easy step to an on-season look. A new carpet is a great way to refresh a room and dramatically brighten up a space. By simply using one block of bold colour in your bedroom, living room or child’s room, you can achieve a unique interior style without breaking the bank.