Trends For Floors

Flooring experts look ahead to what's next

A hot topic for hundreds of experts gathered at the recent 2011 Remodeling Show in Chicago was trends in wood flooring. Now in its 20th year, the show is the premier event in the nation for remodelers to look to what lies ahead in their industry. Wood floors remain a popular choice for interior designers, contractors, remodelers and do-it-yourselfers interested in increasing a home's appeal. One reason is the flexibility of wood floors - they work well in either modern or traditional decorating styles. Installing wood floors can also provide a strong return on investment. Houses with wood floors sell faster and for a higher price than others, according to a 2010 national survey of real estate agents by the National Wood Flooring Association. In today's hyper-competitive housing market, sellers need every possible advantage. Some people shy away from wood floors due to misconceptions about maintenance, but new technologies have made it very simple to care for wood floors. Most require little more than sweeping and/or vacuuming and occasional application of an appropriate professional cleaning product. Lumber Liquidators - North America's largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring - drew steady traffic to its exhibit at the Remodeling Show by discussing a number of flooring trends: Splashes of color For more eclectic tastes, the trend for hardwood floors is diverging from traditional earth tones to grays, radiant reds and bright blues. Some new finishes even include a base that glimmers in the light. Distressed is best Consumers are interested in distressed looks found in reclaimed wood or hand-scraped finishes. This trend stems from the ongoing popularity of vintage looks in many categories. Not just for pandas Bamboo is popular for its sustainability and contemporary look. New twists on bamboo floors - wire-brush finishes and grained stamping, for example - are extending its reach into homes with more traditional decors. Wide planks Popular plank sizes are being doubled and even tripled in width to between 5 and 7 inches. Preferences are often determined by the size of a home. Smaller homes can appear even smaller if planks are too wide. Border patrol Mixing in a different color or finish of hardwood floors as a border achieves creative compartmentalization of open spaces. This can be used effectively, for example, to separate a dining area from a living area in a loft-style condominium.