The start of the new year tends to invite new trends and aspirations into peoples’ lives and homes. As in many design industries, flooring trends tend to update at the beginning of the year, when customers and designers are searching for something new.
Interestingly, though, these evolving trends reflect more than passing fads. Flooring trends in 2019 are shaping up to mirror a larger cultural shift — a desire to get back to basics, preserve the environment and consider the context of a broader global ecosystem when making lifestyle and purchasing decisions. The general flooring trends in 2019 place emphasis on sustainable materials and natural aesthetics.
Sustainable Hardwoods
For many years, people associated natural building materials like hardwood with luxury due to their high cost. Today, however, hardwood floors are increasingly popular, available to more consumers than ever before. As wood flooring becomes more accessible, people have become more concerned about the sourcing of their floors.
In 2019, more people will seek hardwood flooring from a sustainable source. Some homeowners look for reclaimed and recycled wood to keep used materials in circulation. When reclaimed flooring isn’t an option, environmentally-conscious consumers turn to new yet sustainably sourced wood. Demand for wood from sustainably managed forests is high, as evidenced by the fact that wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council is now the most frequently specified material in green-building projects.
The Natural Look
You might also notice natural themes reflected by hardwood look-alike flooring materials, which are expected to remain popular this year. Options like vinyl, linoleum and laminate increasingly resemble natural materials like hardwood and stone, delivering a similar look for less, often with higher resistance to water damage than the materials they’re modeled after.
Vinyl floors, in particular, are a classic look for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas of your home that need a water-resistant surface. Today, you can purchase luxury vinyl tile, planks or a vinyl sheet that can be fitted to a floor. Quality luxury vinyl from 50 Floor is made with thicker protective layers providing a more durable floor for high-traffic areas.
This year’s emphasis on natural flooring also appears in current design trends. In general, consumers will opt for natural, cool-toned flooring colors, including dark brown, matte black and gray, which has remained popular for more than a decade. A growing preference for a more weathered aesthetic also hints at the popularity of reclaimed materials in eco-friendly design.
Area Rugs
Though carpeting will always remain a popular choice for many homeowners, a greater emphasis on hardwood flooring throughout the house means carpet will likely take a backseat in 2019. Instead of full carpet, designers will use area rugs to create soft and visually interesting interiors.
Area rugs are versatile and temporary, perhaps offering a more sustainable way for homeowners to try new decorating ideas without replacing existing flooring. When made out of wool, jute or recycled materials, as opposed to petroleum, rugs fit right in alongside other natural design choices.
Overall, 2019 looks like it could be a year of progress in flooring and interior design. With more emphasis on sustainable living, people increasingly demand flooring materials that are both responsibly sourced and affordable. As more customers adopt this natural-focused trend, it’s possible even more options will come onto the market in 2020 and beyond.