When it comes to designing a home, and starting to choose flooring which is one of those features that can quietly make or break its whole aesthetic. Not only does it take up a massive visual area, but it also shapes the mood of a space and can even influence how your furniture and dƩcor are perceived.
But with so many styles, textures, and materials available these days, how do you go about choosing the right flooring that actually complements your interior style, without wanting to replace it a few months later?
In this post, we will highlight eight things you can do to select flooring that youāll love today, and keep loving in the weeks, months, and years to come.
1. Consider Your Interior Style
Probably the first thing youāll need to do is fully understand your interior style, because once you know this, it should become easier to find what you are looking for.
For this reason, try to establish in your own mind if you like a sleek and modern aesthetic, something a little more rustic and relaxed, or even a Hamptons-style, industrial chic, or Scandinavian minimalism look.
It is also worth considering what type of property you live in, as that will have a bearing on what flooring you should install. For instance, a light-coloured timber floor might suit coastal or Scandi vibes, while darker engineered wood flooring usually pairs beautifully with rich, moody interiors. By the same token, raw wood, distressed finishes, and warm tones are well suited to the rustic charms of farmhouse or cottage-core styles.
At the end of the day, youāll want to make sure the flooring you choose supports the visual tone of your spaces and does not compete with it.
2. Browse Plenty of Options
Once you know what you are looking for, it’s a good idea to browse plenty of options in that range. Doing this will give you a clearer picture of what is available in your budget.
A good place to start looking is Choices Flooring, as they offer a huge selection of carpets, timber, vinyl, and laminate options suited to different interior themes.
If you visit their showroom (as opposed to browsing online), it can really help you to know your options. Better still, take some samples home with you to visualise how different materials will actually look and feel in your space.
3. Pay Attention to Colour and Undertones
When you are choosing flooring options, it is easy to focus on whether it looks light, dark, or grey. However, undertones are an important consideration, too.
For instance, a “cool” grey tile might clash with warm-toned beige walls. Similarly, honey-toned timber might not sit well with stark white paint.
Where possible, aim to match or gently contrast the flooring colour palette with your walls, curtains, furniture, and accessories. If in doubt, stick to neutral tones as they provide great flexibility, especially if you like to switch up your dƩcor on a regular basis.
4. Texture and Finish Matter
The surface finish can totally transform how a floor looks and feels in a space. For example, glossy finishes look sleek and modern, but they can be slippery and show smudges. Matte floors, on the other hand, feel more organic and understated, so they can be ideal for relaxed family homes.
In addition to surface finishes, textures can add extra personality. Therefore, it is worth considering elements like hand-scraped timber if you are attracted to a lived-in look, or smooth polished concrete for those after an urban edge.
If you love the softness of carpet, go for plush styles in bedrooms and textured loops in high-traffic areas.
5. Balance Look with Function
While looks are important, so is day-to-day function, especially in busy Aussie households. Subsequently, if youāve got kids or pets running around, your flooring will need to be tough, easy to clean, and stain-resistant.
This is particularly true in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. So, youāll have to pay close attention to what will best suit your needs in these spaces.
6. Mixing Flooring Types? Keep It Cohesive
Using different flooring across rooms or in open-plan homes can help define zones and give each space a sense of identity. However, it is important to keep things cohesive.
Therefore, stick to the same colour family or choose complementary textures so the transition between rooms feels natural. It is also worth using transition strips or design tricks like rugs to visually link the areas.
If youāre unsure what to choose, picking a consistent flooring choice throughout the home will always feel calm and spacious.
7. Let Lighting Guide You
Light plays a bigger role in flooring than most people realise. For example, in darker rooms or south-facing spaces, lighter floors can help bounce natural light around and keep things feeling fresh, while in bright, sun-drenched areas, darker floors can ground the space and add contrast.
You should also consider how the pendants, lamps, and downlights in the space interact with reflective or matte surfaces. Generally, glossy floors tend to enhance natural light, while a textured finish can absorb it and create a cosy vibe.
8. Trendy vs Timeless
Flooring trends come and go, and it’s easy to be seduced by the appeal of chevron patterns, bleached wood, or coloured tiles right now. However, your floor must be seen as a long-term investment, so you should make sure itās something you will be able to live with for years.
If you are unsure, a safe bet is to stick to classic tones and timeless textures. That way, your base flooring stays neutral, while your interior style can evolve by experimenting with bolder design elements, such as rugs, cushions or accent walls.
