Inspiration

Tips from the experts: Top flooring trends for 2017

Article by Simply You

Flooring on your walls? It’s one of the top trends for this year, says interior designer and Carpet Court ambassador Jane Carolan

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Wood trends

Wood looks great on the floor, but have you tried it on your walls? Laminate-wood wall treatments are giving traditional wallpaper a run for its money. Krono Swiss’ Swiss Giant, an oversized laminate board, is perfect for this statement look. Its seamless interlocking system is a striking surface update which is fast and affordable. Try a soft, pale grey or warm walnut if you want this to stand the test of time.

Back on the ground, wide, soft-coloured floorboards are here to stay. Although we still hanker for the quiet greys and recessive browns with a low sheen level, texture is the point of difference this season. Handcrafted finishes and wire-brushed effects introduce a tactile element, marking a significant step up from the softer look that was popular last year. Embrace the knots and imperfections in your planks, be it laminate, engineered or hardwood, to add character to your space.

2017-wood-trend

Patterns are another big trend – think chevron, herringbone and basket weave. Laying wood and tiles in different directions adds a complexity and depth to your room but it’s a fine science. Finding a good tiler or designer when taking on these layouts is a good place to start. Take time to lay out the pattern and discuss with professionals before you begin fastening. I can’t stress enough how much of a foundation role your flooring should play.

Colour trends

As a long-time lover of green, I was pleasantly surprised to see this polarising colour play a huge role this season. It’s a complex hue which can complement many of the others around us, but it needs care: too pale and it can appear insipid; too dark and it overpowers. It needs solidness to shine. Carpets and woods in walnuts, chocolate browns, sooty greys and deep taupes in particular give a sense of foundation to green details.

2017-trend-green

Remember a trend is just that, it will pass. Think of green as an accent, while flooring and other foundation pieces are investments. Mix darker pieces of furniture with lighter, more emerald greens to make your wood glow.

If you are still in the mood for metal, brass is hot on the heels of bronze when it comes to accessories and is a perfect fit for greens. Terracotta is also on the rise. Keep it in a matte finish and as an accent to add warmth and depth. Mixing terracotta with a tribal rug and some beautiful plants is a great way to bring the outside in or create a different feel for your outdoor room.

Carpet trends

Colour and texture are two ways to embrace winter in all its glory. As always, interior trends follow fashion: you can’t help but notice that the same shaggy, woven feel found in the jackets and throws entering our stores right now are also creeping into the inspiration for flooring. I think this, combined with a natural desire to revert to all things natural, leads to wool being seen as a top trend for carpets.

Carpet-trends

Yes, wool is beautiful and it lasts, but you have to remember the way we live leaves its mark. If you have small children or messy pets, stick with synthetic fibres. SmartStrand Rhino carpet is a great alternative, offering softness under foot without the inherent staining and fade of natural fibres. With a large range of colour choices, I recommend this family-friendly option. To add further longevity to a carpet, choose a neutral colour such as Slate Tile in the shaggy Ingenious Flair texture to complement the rest of your interiors.

The team at Carpet Court know floors like no one else. They have flooring showrooms across New Zealand and offer a free, no-obligation measure and quote service in-store or in the comfort of your own home. To find a store near you, visit carpetcourt.nz or call 0800 787 777.

Photography by: Peter Kooijman, living4media, Great Stock.

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