We use it everyday but hardly pay any attention to it yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and it must be functional for the particular area whether that means slip resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also compliment the overall design style you choose and be given proper thought before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.

What flooring material is best?

Each area of the home will have different flooring needs depending on the use and function of that space. There are multiple options available from a variety of colors that suit whatever your style or personal preference. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing flooring for specific areas in the home.

• Kitchen: this is the hub of the home, the place we gather to cook, eat, talk, and write those quick to-do lists. Because of the high traffic flow, your flooring should be durable. Ideal choices are tile, laminate, waterproof vinyl or wood. Since cooking is one of the main purposes of the kitchen it is inevitable that food will land on the floor. So an important factor to keep in mind is maintenance, choose a flooring that is easy to clean, can handle being scrubbed and is less likely to stain which will make it much simpler to take care of in the future.
• Bathroom: one of the most important considerations for this area of the home is water resistance. The bathroom is synonymous with getting wet which can happen from an unexpected leak, overspray from the shower, or kids having a good time being kids. The excess condensation that happens can also run down the wall and slowly seep into the floor over time. This is why tile tends to be the number one choice for bathroom flooring and laminate is discouraged. Of course there is a drawback from tile which is its smooth finish making it a little slippery. When choosing a tile flooring, go with one that has some texture to it. Waterproof vinyl flooring is also another great flooring option.
• Entryway: this is the area that makes the greatest impression because it is the first thing your guests will see when they come over. It also will receive a heavy amount of dirt and grim which means you need to pick something that is both durable and easy to maintain. Some great options include hardwood floors, porcelain tile which is built to withstand the high traffic, and of course vinyl tile.
• Outdoor: having a separate outdoor area is becoming more and more popular with homeowners today. For the areas that extend beyond the deck some good choices include brick, ceramic tile, and concrete. It is important to remember that this flooring will be exposed to multiple elements as well as foot traffic. Be sure to talk with your designer about options that meet this requirement.

Taking the time to research the needs of individual areas will ensure that you install the correct flooring and that it will give you the most value for your investment.

What flooring matches your style?

Flooring is meant to do more than just provide you with a functional material to walk on, it should also be a reflection of your style and match the feel of the design. There are so many different styles such as:

• Farmhouse
• Contemporary
• Traditional
• Transitional

Each carries their own unique elements and may need a different material to best compliment the look and feel of the design. A farmhouse style kitchen works well with hardwood floors especially ones with wide planks plus they are durable and easy to maintain. A contemporary design leans more in the direction of neutral tones and mixed textures. Tile and vinyl flooring are great choices for this particular style. Traditional designs do best with hardwood floors similar to the farmhouse but you can also use linoleum, tile, or even engineered wood. For transitional styles, they mimic the traditional but of course the color choices can vary drastically. There are multiple options available now for a wide variety of design styles so there should be no trouble finding something you like. Be sure to talk with your designer and ask questions about the material and style.

Does flooring affect your home value?

Of course changing or upgrading your flooring can be a large expense, depending on the material, since it goes throughout the house. You may be wondering if it is worth it, does it even matter? The answer to both is yes it does but it can depend on the type of flooring you choose. Hardwood flooring can yield a decent return on investment since it can boost the sale price of your home as much as two and half percent. Of course hardwood is also at the top end of the budget light. A few budget friendly flooring options include:

• Vinyl
• Linoleum
• Engineered

For additional information about how much certain flooring options can increase the value of your home, read a post by HomeLight. Color is also an important factor, especially if you are considering selling your home in the near future. Neutral tones such as creme, soft whites, and even grays are a good choice along with nature inspired shades such as rich wood tones and dark tints like charcoal. Avoid following after trends when flipping or renovating a house to sell as they come and go and don’t appeal to everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding the return of investment when selecting flooring for your home.

Benefits of correct flooring

While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, you may wonder what the benefits are to choosing flooring that works best in a particular room. There are several, some depend on the material chosen such as hardwood or tile. Here are a few of the general ones:

• Lasts longer
• Better function
• Enhanced aesthetic 
• Maintenance friendly

When you choose flooring that works best for individual spaces it means that the function you need will be there and last longer than if you had chosen a material ill suited for the room.

What flooring do you need?

Our goal is to help you create a space that works best for you and that includes flooring which is why we have partnered with several vendors. From tile to natural stone, our showroom is filled with multiple displays that reveal the possibilities available to you and your home. We serve more than 16 counties across two states and our dedicated team is always ready to help you achieve the look you always wanted. When you come be sure to take a stroll through Uptown Shelby and visit with some of our neighbors, we promise you will enjoy yourself.