This essential element can add light and life to a home. It’s emotive and tactile. It can promote health and happiness, focus and productivity. And it’s right beneath your feet
Words Carrol Baker
When designing internal spaces, our thoughts often turn to room layout and design, fixtures and fittings, colour palettes and other textural components. But the flooring you choose is just as important.
It impacts on the psychology of a room, and influences our impressions and emotional response to a space. If you’ve ever stepped into a room and it seemed cool and uninviting, or made you feel warm and cosy, it might be because of the flooring, not the temperature within.
Mind your materials
From the soft sumptuous feel of a natural fibre rug or carpet to the warmth of timber or the cool comfort of tile, your choice of flooring really is important in more ways than you might think.
James Pilcher from MILEHAM Architecture, Construction and Development says when making a decision about flooring, it’s a two-fold process. First, ensure the flooring type you are considering is fit for purpose. “Look at the use of space to determine the most feasible flooring material to use. For example, will the space have heavy foot traffic? Then when you choose the material, decide what sort of atmosphere or feeling you want to create in that space.”
James says this is important because the same type of flooring can have a different feeling to another with similar properties. “For example, white polished tiles might create a cool sterile feeling, but a matt natural-stone tile feels warm underfoot,” he points out.” Or a highly polished timber floor will feel completely different to one with a rustic finish.
No matter what flooring material you select, it is a long-term investment and will add value to your home. Source a good installer who can offer testimonials and who takes pride in superior preparation and quality workmanship, backed by a reasonable guarantee.
Eco-friendly flooring
Living sustainably is a growing collective consciousness that’s becoming part of the fabric of modern living. Making sustainable choices promotes healthier indoor environments, improved wellbeing, and a very real connection to nature.
To make well-informed sustainable decisions, ask questions. Is the product certified, and how? What qualities or attributes make it an eco-friendly choice? Aidan Bourke from Embelton Flooring says when building a new home or renovating, it’s important to understand the environmental and social impact of the materials you choose. “We prioritise eco-conscious choices, which is why all our hybrid flooring is GreenRate Level A certified by Global GreenTag, meaning they meet the highest environmental standards,” he says.
“This certification confirms that Embelton’s hybrid flooring is produced using sustainable practices, is fit for purpose with no need for additional products or modifications, and has low-VOC emissions, making it a safer choice for your home.”
Grain waves
There is a lot on offer when choosing your flooring — particularly if you are aiming for a timber or timber-look floor. Two popular choices are engineered European oak and Australian timber. “The final decision ultimately comes down to personal taste,” notes Aidan.
Australian timber is undeniably beautiful. Aidan says it highlights the natural beauty and distinct character of native species such as blackbutt, spotted gum, Victorian ash and grey ironbark with its unique grains and natural knots. “It’s ideal for those seeking a bold, expressive look, bringing warmth and individuality to any space,” he shares. “European oak provides a refined and adaptable foundation, whether in parquet or wideboard formats, offering endless possibilities for creating your perfect interior style.”
Pick parquetry
If you’re looking to take your living spaces to the next level of sophistication, parquetry flooring is a smart choice. It’s constructed by artfully putting together pieces of timber in beautiful patterns. Your flooring becomes a piece of art you can enjoy every day. Aidan says it’s a type of flooring that is steeped in tradition. “A timeless yet distinctive aesthetic, parquetry such as herringbone or chevron pattern floors have been in fashion for decades and are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Australian homes,” he notes.
Tile after tile
There are three main types of material that are used to manufacture tiles: ceramic, porcelain and stone. This popular flooring option is available in a wide range of colours, shapes and styles with textured finishes so you can create the look and feel you want in your home.
Timber-look tiles and those that have the organic feel and look of stone are making their mark, and beautiful opulent marble is in demand. Tiles that are handcrafted and unique are also sought after; some are vibrant choices, others are more in line with biophilic design, organic with muted blues, greens and greys.
Tiles are a fabulous go-to option for a host of reasons. They’re highly resilient and durable, so they will perform well in high foot-traffic areas. Tiles are also extremely waterproof so you can have them in any area of your home. They’re also hygienic, versatile, and easy to care for as dust and debris can be easily wiped off.
Touchy feely
Carpeting is soft and luxurious underfoot, non-slip, and it has thermal benefits. The right carpeting can enrich and complement the overall aesthetic of a room, and it also acts as a sound barrier, absorbing noise from neighbouring properties and echoing footsteps. New styles of carpeting are gaining traction in beautiful wool, nylon or polyester. They’re available in myriad colour options, with a multitude of different pile types.
Wool carpet is natural and luxurious and it’s a great option for those with allergies. Wool is also a natural insulator, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Earthy tones and nature-inspired hues shine through in interior design: soft mint and shades of green, light sandy browns and muted greys provide a warm foundation for the home.
Cutting-edge design
Innovative flooring products are evolving and working to deliver modern flooring solutions. James says laminate and hybrid flooring products have both come a long way. “Hybrid, which is a cross between engineered timber and a laminate floorboard, has terrific waterproofing composition,” he notes. “Laminate is a cost-effective flooring option with incredible durability. It also has good resistance to moisture and with improvements in manufacturing, the boards can be made to look like real timber, right down to the sheen level.”
Cork is cool
There are also fabulous flooring materials that were popular in the past, which are now having a revival. David Noordhof from Freeman Group Architects says cork is a flooring material that’s making a welcome comeback. “It was first popular in the Modernist period for its sustainable, eco-friendly qualities and excellent acoustic performance, but it fell out of favour as other materials took precedence,” he says.
The good news is that cork is back, bigger and better than ever. David says there are plenty of reasons why cork is a viable flooring option. “Cork is soft underfoot, providing comfort for long periods of standing or walking, and its natural resilience helps it bounce back from dents and scratches,” he says.
Cork is beautiful, quiet, and available in a host of cool colours to match your space. Hannah McIntyre from Cork Imports says cork improves energy efficiency and can last decades. “You can also feel good knowing that it’s a sustainable and renewable material with a negative carbon footprint,” she notes.
Hannah says their Calais cream cork tiles are proving popular in relaxed and bright spaces. “It’s very on-trend right now,” she says. “Our dark, chocolatey-brown Twist Olive tiles are in demand for moody and cosy areas such as libraries, restaurants, wine bars and cabins.”
Beautiful bamboo
Another flooring option that’s worth considering is bamboo. David says bamboo is highly durable and fast-growing, offering an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional hardwoods. “It has a sleek, contemporary look with a distinct natural texture and is resistant to moisture and pests, making it a great choice for areas such as kitchens or bathrooms,” he shares. “Bamboo’s rapid regrowth makes it a responsible, sustainable option for modern interiors.”
With so much on offer, it can be challenging to narrow your choice. If you are unsure, James suggests always going for a natural look and tone. “When choosing flooring materials, it makes sense to choose something organic with a natural level of sheen,” he advises. “The vivid red carpet you love might look great for now, but you’ll tire of it after a while.”
When updating your flooring, it’s important to look at factors such as the material the flooring is constructed from, its texture, colour, what is laid underneath it, and how the sections of flooring are joined. Choosing the flooring that is right for you and your family is all about durability, your lifestyle and aesthetics.
This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia Issue 14.2.
