Your house’s floors get a lot of abuse. Dirty shoes collect in the entryway. Muddy paws scamper down each corridor. Chair legs rub across the dining room.
You should think about how each room is used before you make any flooring decisions. Although hardwood and carpeting are great in one room they don’t work well in another. Here are some tips:
If you have a family that is prone to digging in dirt and mud:
Install easy-to clean flooring that will catch dirt and protect your mudroom. Julia Buckingham is an interior designer who recommends ceramic tiles or porcelain because they are durable, low-maintenance and long-lasting. You can sweep them or vacuum them for small messes. She says that placing a sisal or seagrass rug on top of the tile can trap and hide dirt. You should be careful with tile as it can crack if something falls on it. White grout can also become stained if not cleaned properly. But, it’s a good thing that dark grout is very trendy.
Your kids can act like little hurricanes when they are in their playroom.
Choose something that is soft underfoot to allow children to sit, lie, and play. Carolyn Forte is the director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She says, “I recommend a low, tightly weaved — almost industrial — loop, cut area rug, or wall-to-wall Carpet.” “Look for something that is easy to clean like nylon or polypropylene.” Buckingham also recommends Flor’s carpet tiles. These can be used in many sizes and designs. She says that individual tiles can be easily replaced or cleaned.
If you love to be in your bedroom,
Although hardwood flooring can look great in a house, it is not the most comfortable for your feet when you walk on it. Forte suggests that you choose a luxurious, soft, and plush carpet if you’re renovating your room. You can still achieve that cozy feel even if your room already has hardwood. Buckingham states, “I love the look of a stunning alpaca rug or silk-and–wool rug in the bedroom to create an oasis.”
If your guest room can double as an office,
Forte points out that low-pile carpets are more durable than plush rugs. Good news: A chair for an office should be able move around on its own without having to use a plastic mat. Buckingham also recommends hardwood flooring with flat-weave rugs. These will be warm and welcoming, but still strong enough to hold up to a chair that has rolling wheels.
If you are looking for the most fashionable option in a high traffic area:
Hardwood flooring is your best choice. Inlays, or even a fun herringbone design, are options. Buckingham states that “a quick sweep and vacuuming, paired with an occasional mopping, will keep the flooring clean.” He also says that it is important to ask the installer for maintenance instructions since different woods might have different specifications. You don’t have to worry about wood ageing. “Wood is just like wine. Over time, it improves and develops a lovely patina.”
If you entertain often and frequently use your dining area,
Hardwood is also a winner, and wear can enhance the wood’s character. Buckingham states that the wood can always be refinished when necessary. For under the table, you can use a dense area rug. They are durable and easy-to-clean if there are spillages.
If you have wild pets:
Buckingham states that tile or bamboo flooring is durable if there are pets around. Area rugs can be easily removed and replaced with pet hair or stains by being layered on top. While wall-to–wall carpeting can present more problems, you shouldn’t be discouraged from using it if it is something you enjoy. She adds that a cut pile is preferable to a loop carpet so that your pet’s nails won’t catch the loops and make the carpet wear quicker. Be sure to select a stain-resistant rug and be careful about your choice of color. You might consider coordinating your carpet with the fur color of your cat or pup if they shed.
Your bathroom should feel like a spa.
Nearly all experts agree that the bathroom is not a place for wall to wall carpet. Forte states, “There is too much moisture and the potential for spills with cosmetics or toiletries.” It can become very messy and difficult to clean. Mold can also be caused by water trapped beneath the carpet. You might consider heated tile if you are sensitive to cold underfoot. They can cost as much as $200 for a radiant flooring mat and around $1,000 for professional installation.
For something more modern in the kitchen,
Grey hardwood flooring is an option that goes beyond dark and light woods. Buckingham states that grey has become the new neutral for interior design. Buckingham believes this will be a more common choice in flooring. Forte said she’s seen more cork flooring, and vinyl that looks like real wood. All these options are extremely durable so they will last through the next trend cycles.