Flooring plays a vital role in transforming the look and feel of any space. As we cruise along through 2023, it's time to explore the exciting world of flooring trends that are shaping our homes and commercial spaces. From sustainable options to bold patterns and colors, this year brings forth a diverse range of choices that cater to various design preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're a fan of timeless elegance or crave a touch of contemporary flair, join us as we delve into the captivating flooring trends that will continue to define 2023 and inspire you to create stunning and personalized spaces for years to come.
Sustainable Flooring
Eco-friendly and sustainable flooring options continue to gain popularity for many reasons. Sustainable flooring materials are typically sourced and manufactured in a manner that reduces harm to the environment, including conservation of resources, lower carbon footprint, and reduced waste generation. Materials such as bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials offer both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.
Bamboo is a popular choice for sustainable flooring due to its rapid renewability. Bamboo flooring is durable, visually appealing, and available in various styles and finishes. Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which can be done without harming the tree itself. It is a renewable and biodegradable material. Cork flooring is resilient, comfortable to walk on, and has excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. Reclaimed wood is salvaged from old buildings, barns, or other sources. By repurposing this wood, it helps reduce the demand for new timber and prevents waste. Reclaimed wood flooring offers unique character, warmth, and a sense of history to any space.
Some flooring options incorporate recycled materials, such as recycled rubber, plastic, or glass. These materials are diverted from landfills and repurposed into flooring products. Recycled content flooring is available in various styles and can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT has been a popular flooring choice in recent years and is expected to continue its upward trend in 2023. It offers the look of hardwood or natural stone but with the durability and ease of maintenance that vinyl provides.
It is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile. LVT is engineered to mimic the appearance of these materials while offering several advantages of its own such as durability, water resistance, easy installation and maintenance, as well as comfort and sound absorption.
It's worth noting that while LVT is highly durable and water-resistant, it may not be as resilient as certain materials in terms of extreme impacts or heavy loads. However, for most residential and light commercial applications, LVT provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.
Wide Plank Hardwood
Wide plank hardwood flooring provides a timeless and luxurious look. This trend continues to be popular in 2023, with wider planks being favored over narrower ones. Lighter wood tones and matte finishes are also on the rise. The wider planks, typically ranging from 5 inches to 12 inches or more in width, allow for a greater showcase of the natural beauty and grain patterns of the wood. This broader expanse of wood enhances the overall visual impact and adds a sense of elegance and grandeur to a space.
Wide plank hardwood often features natural variations, knots, mineral streaks, and other unique characteristics that give each plank its own distinct personality. These imperfections contribute to the charm and warmth of the flooring, adding character and a sense of authenticity to the space. Also, the wider planks of hardwood can create an illusion of a more spacious room. With fewer seams and joints compared to narrower planks, wide plank flooring visually expands the area, making it an excellent choice for smaller rooms or spaces where you want to create an open and airy feel.
Concrete Finishes
Concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and industrial aesthetic. In 2023, we can expect to see more homes and businesses incorporating polished concrete floors, which can be stained or dyed to achieve a desired color or pattern.
Concrete flooring offers a unique and contemporary option for those seeking a modern, durable, and low-maintenance flooring solution with an industrial edge. With its versatility and longevity, concrete floors have become a popular choice for residential lofts, commercial spaces, and even modern homes.
Texture and Natural Elements
Natural textures, such as distressed or wire-brushed wood, are expected to be in high demand in 2023. Textured hardwood flooring adds a unique dimension and tactile appeal to traditional wood floors. With various texture options like hand-scraped, wire-brushed, or distressed finishes, textured hardwood offers a rustic and aged look that enhances the character of the wood. The texture not only provides visual interest but also helps to camouflage scratches and wear over time, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. With the rise of the Organic Modern aesthetic, texture has become a key element in one’s home design.
Geometric Tiles
Geometric patterns and shapes in tiles (or painted on old wood floors!) are gaining popularity as a way to add visual interest and a modern touch to floors. From hexagonal shapes to intricate patterns, geometric tiles offer a visually striking design element. They can be used to create focal points, accentuate specific areas, or even cover entire floors, bringing a unique and contemporary flair to bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and more. With an array of colors, sizes, and arrangements available, geometric tiles provide endless opportunities for creative and personalized flooring designs.
From sustainable choices that prioritize the environment to bold patterns and textures that make a statement, the flooring trends of 2023 cater to diverse design preferences and lifestyles. Embrace these trends, let your creativity soar, and elevate your surroundings with the latest flooring innovations that will keep you at the forefront of style and design this year. Head on into your nearest Blue Ridge Floors showroom and get inspired!