Laying the Groundwork: Luxury Flooring

Whether timeless to on-trend, flooring designs are always evolving. But there are certain materials in the luxury arena that never go out of style. Marble, porcelain, and, naturally, wood come to mind. This trio cultivates a feeling of richness, durability, and taste. Aesthetics aside, adding radiant floor heating provides another way to truly enjoy the comfort of home. Let’s take a look luxury flooring.

MAKING A STATEMENT

A natural floor covering quarried from mountains around the world, marble is revered for its regal look. This upscale material has been gracing palaces for centuries making it a perennially popular pick for luxury homes. Because of its inherent one-of-a-kind allure, homeowners who want their homes to be distinctive are drawn to this unique stone.

Protecting the surface with area rugs often prevents potential damage from occurring. With this in mind, purchasing extra marble at the time of installation is always wise as finding a replacement later is often quite difficult to match in color. Marble should be resealed periodically as it is porous.

INCORPORATING A CLASSIC

Hardwood flooring creates a look that withstands the test of time. Warm yet versatile, wood adds a natural feel to any room. When it comes to choosing a hardwood, oak remains the front-runner, with cherry a close second.

Available in an array of styles including plank, parquet and pre-finished boards that make do-it-yourself installation possible, hardwood adds charm and character to just about any room in the home.

EMBRACING DESIGN POTENTIAL

Stone tile brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. If cost is a consideration, porcelain is an ideal choice as it marries the beauty of marble with the durability of stone but is more cost effective and easier to maintain than granite, travertine, or slate.

Available in an array of hues, sizes, and shapes,  tile lends itself to original design. Creating a pattern is both an easy and eye-catching way to strike a unique focal point in an entryway or hallway. Because of its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, tile is a smart choice for kitchens and mudrooms as well.

ENSURING A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Ideally, flooring should flow from room to room but that’s not always possible. In addition to a difference in style and material, often one floor may be higher than the other. The solution? Transition strips. These narrow pieces of molding bridges two floors of different height to create a smooth transition from one space to the next.

When working with hardwood, the strip will also cover the gap necessary to accommodate the expansion and contraction that occurs due to changes in humidity levels and temperature. Transition strips are as varied as the floors they connect, so rest assured blending between spaces isn’t an issue.  

INCREASING THE COMFORTS OF HOME

Say goodbye to your slippers — and your radiators — radiant floor heating systems add another layer of luxury homeowners, particularly those in cool climates, adore. This amenity comes in two varieties: electric and water-based.

Both generate an efficient warmth that runs effortlessly, requiring little maintenance, while improving air quality when compared with other heating systems. It works equally well with stone, wood, and tile flooring.

Flooring can make or break a room’s appeal. In fact, some might argue it’s the very foundation of decor. Taste, budget, and lifestyle often go into the decision-making process, so consider these factors before installation.