Interior design is moving away from overly neutral palettes and embracing materials and finishes that bring personality and presence into a space. From richer colour tones to statement patterns and advanced hybrid technology, these are the flooring trends set to define the year ahead.

A Shift Toward Warm, Earth-Inspired Colours

Cool, pale finishes are steadily giving way to warmer, more grounded tones. In 2026, homeowners are favouring natural hues such as soft ochres, warm beiges, and mid-to-deep browns that instantly create a sense of comfort and cohesion.

This change reflects a broader move away from coastal and Hamptons-style interiors toward spaces with more character and visual depth. Warm flooring tones act as a foundation rather than a backdrop, adding an organic quality that complements both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Herringbone Continues to Make a Statement

Herringbone remains one of the most sought-after flooring patterns in Australia, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing. In 2026, this classic layout continues to be a go-to choice for homeowners looking to elevate their interiors.

Often used in entryways, hallways, and open-plan living zones, herringbone introduces movement and architectural interest without overpowering a space. With herringbone now available across engineered timber, Australian species, and hybrid flooring, the look is more achievable than ever.

Embelton Flooring’s Hybrid Herringbone range offers a practical interpretation of this timeless design, combining waterproof construction and scratch resistance with refined aesthetics. Available in both 5.5mm and premium 8mm thicknesses, the range is suitable for use throughout the home, including kitchens and bathrooms.

The Return of Brown Flooring

Brown flooring is firmly back on the design radar. Once overshadowed by lighter oak tones, rich brown hues are being reintroduced as a versatile and expressive base for modern interiors.

Mid-toned browns provide warmth without feeling heavy and pair effortlessly with layered textures, natural fibres, indoor greenery, and contemporary furnishings. Embelton Flooring’s Sorra colourway is an example of this trend, offering depth and warmth while remaining adaptable across a range of design styles.

Renewed Appreciation for Australian Timbers

There is also a growing appreciation for locally sourced timber species. Australian hardwoods such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Tasmanian Oak are being embraced for their distinctive grain patterns, natural colour variation, and unmistakable character.

Expanding on this trend, Embelton Flooring has introduced Tallowwood and Grey Ironbark to its range. These species offer a more consistent appearance while retaining the authenticity of Australian timber. All products are sustainably sourced and certified, allowing homeowners to enjoy native hardwoods with confidence in their environmental impact.

Hybrid Flooring Remains a Practical Favourite

Hybrid flooring continues to dominate as a practical solution for busy households. Its waterproof properties, durability, and realistic timber textures make it well suited to everyday living, particularly in family homes and high-traffic areas.

Wideboard hybrid planks from Embelton Flooring deliver the visual appeal of natural timber while incorporating modern performance features. The result is a flooring option that balances style with resilience, making it a reliable choice for contemporary Australian homes.

Blending Materials and Layering Texture

In 2026, interior styling is increasingly focused on comfort and contrast. Mixing hard flooring in living areas with softer finishes in bedrooms creates a sense of zoning while maintaining visual flow throughout the home.

Rugs also play an important role in this layered approach. Whether bold or understated, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to a space. Embelton Flooring’s range of natural-fibre rugs is designed to complement timber and hybrid floors, helping to create a relaxed and welcoming finish.

Looking Ahead

With flooring playing a central role in the overall feel of a home, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by warmth, texture, and thoughtful design choices. Homeowners looking to explore these emerging trends can begin by ordering free samples from Embelton Flooring and finding a style that aligns with their vision for the year ahead.

For more information

Embelton Flooring

The post 2026 Flooring Trends to Watch appeared first on Completehome.

Understanding how species hardness, finish type, and colour interact with daily use is essential for selecting a floor that maintains its appearance over time.

Timber Species – Hardness, Density & Natural Resistance

A timber’s hardness, measured by the Janka rating, is the most reliable indicator of how well it will resist dents, compression, and general wear. Harder timbers cope better with foot traffic, pets, furniture movement and the fine abrasive particles brought in from outside.

Australian hardwoods generally lead the pack in durability. Grey Ironbark, for example, is one of the hardest flooring options available, with exceptional density and resilience that make it ideal for homes with heavy foot traffic or for light commercial use. Its strong grain pattern also helps disguise minor marks, though its naturally darker tones may reveal dust more readily.

Tallowwood and Spotted Gum offer similarly impressive durability. Tallowwood’s natural oils give it a slightly self-lubricating surface that resists scuffing, while Spotted Gum’s distinctive colour variation and interlocking grain tend to conceal wear exceptionally well. Blackbutt is another strong performer: hard enough for most high-traffic homes and lighter in appearance, making dust and fine scratches far less noticeable.

On the softer end of the spectrum sits European Oak. Although it is not as hard as Australia’s native species, it compensates through aesthetic versatility and surface treatments. When finished with a quality matte or wire-brushed coating, common across Embelton’s European Oak range, the timber hides superficial wear impressively well and offers consistently stable performance over time.

Tasmanian Oak, by comparison, is more susceptible to indentations and wear marks. While its lighter tones help conceal scratches, it is best suited to lower-traffic homes or households where shoes are routinely removed.

Finish Types – What’s on the Surface Matters

While species hardness determines how well a floor withstands dents, the finish is what dictates how visible daily scuffs and marks will be.

Matte finishes are the most forgiving, diffusing reflected light so that scratches and heel scuffs blend into the grain instead of standing out. This is especially true for wire-brushed matte floors, where the subtle surface texture naturally masks wear and provides excellent slip resistance, an advantage for busy family homes.

Smooth matte or satin coatings offer a happy medium: less reflective than gloss but not as textured as brushed finishes. Homeowners who prefer a more contemporary, streamlined aesthetic often gravitate toward this style.

Gloss finishes, while elegant in formal spaces, are the least practical for high-traffic areas. Their reflective surface highlights everything, footprints, pet scratches, and even the faintest abrasion, making them difficult to maintain in everyday living environments.

Colour & Variation – How Appearance Influences Perceived Wear

Colour doesn’t change how a floor performs structurally, but it heavily influences how visible wear becomes. Lighter floors are generally the most forgiving, hiding dust, small scratches, and everyday traffic patterns with ease. They brighten interior spaces and especially complement busy households with pets.

Mid-tone timbers such as Spotted Gum or Tallowwood strike a good balance. Their natural variation helps mask imperfections while still offering a sense of depth and richness.

Darker floors, although visually dramatic and luxurious, tend to reveal dust and scuffs more readily. Surface scratches appear lighter against dark stains, making them more noticeable in high-traffic zones.

What This Means for Real Homes

For homeowners wanting a timber floor that stays beautiful with minimal maintenance, the ideal combination usually includes a hard species, a matte or wire-brushed finish, and light to mid-tone colouring. This trio works together to reduce the visibility of everyday wear and extend the floor’s visual lifespan.

European Oak, despite being softer, remains a top performer when finished in a textured matte surface, offering excellent “visual durability”. Meanwhile, Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum, Grey Ironbark, Blackbutt and Tallowwood deliver outstanding long-term resistance to traffic and indentation.

Practical Tips for Longevity

Even the hardest floors benefit from a little protection. Rug runners in entryways and hallways, felt pads under furniture, and regular sweeping help preserve the timber’s finish and prevent premature wear. With the right species, finish, and colour selection, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of timber flooring without sacrificing durability, even in the busiest areas of the home.

Visit Embelton Flooring today to start your timber flooring journey with three free samples.

The post Choosing Timber Flooring for High-Traffic Areas appeared first on Completehome.

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.

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The challenge is finding the balance: how do you choose flooring that is beautiful, practical for day-to-day life, and within your budget, while still maximising the return on your investment?

Balance Budget, Beauty, and Lifestyle

One of the first things buyers or guests notice when stepping inside a home is the flooring. Worn or mismatched floors can be a red flag, signalling future costs. That’s why budgeting correctly is crucial, not just for today’s comfort but for long-term value. The best approach is to weigh features and benefits carefully. Ask yourself how durable the flooring needs to be for your household, whether the style you’re drawn to has timeless appeal or follows a fleeting trend, and if you’re striking the right balance between cost and longevity.

Timber Flooring: Timeless Investment

Engineered timber is the pinnacle of flooring choices. Its elegance and prestige can elevate a home dramatically, making it particularly valuable in higher-end properties. While it does come at a higher cost, timber adds both intrinsic beauty and tangible market value. Research shows homes with engineered hardwood flooring can sell for up to 6% more, making it a strategic choice if your budget allows.

Hybrid Flooring: Style Meets Practicality

For smaller homes, apartments, or investment properties, hybrid flooring is a smart, cost-effective option. It combines the beauty of timber with modern durability, it’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and ideal for busy households. Hybrid delivers style at a fraction of the price, ensuring your property appeals to buyers while staying budget-friendly.

Style Statements: Herringbone and Wideboards

If you want flooring that feels like a design feature in itself, consider patterns and plank styles. Herringbone, with its striking zig-zag layout, adds sophistication, while wideboards highlight the timber’s natural character, creating an expansive, luxurious look. Embelton’s hybrid range now offers these options, blending beauty with resilience.

Practical Steps for Smarter Choices

Budgeting for flooring isn’t just about crunching numbers, it’s about making informed decisions. Ordering samples and comparing colours in your own home can make a big difference. Creating flat lays with flooring samples, paint swatches, and fabrics helps visualise how everything works together. A visit to the showroom allows you to experience the textures firsthand, while Embelton Flooring’s online visualiser tool lets you see how your chosen floor will look in your space before committing.

Protect and Preserve

Whichever flooring you choose, protecting your investment is key. Sunlight, furniture, and foot traffic all impact longevity. Using blinds, rugs, and furniture pads can help maintain that fresh, new-floor look, small touches that safeguard your budget and preserve your home’s value.

Final Word

Budgeting for flooring isn’t just about minimising costs, it’s about maximising value. Whether you invest in engineered timber for its prestige or hybrid flooring for its affordability and strength, the right choice will add long-lasting appeal to your home. With a thoughtful balance between budget, beauty, and practicality, quality flooring is more than a design decision, it’s an investment in your home’s future.

Visit Embelton Flooring today to start your timber flooring journey.

The post Budgeting Smartly for Flooring While Adding Value to Your Home appeared first on Completehome.

Available in luxurious options including European Oak, American Red Oak, and White Ash from Central Asia, these floors are versatile, durable, and packed with aesthetic appeal.

Timber flooring can help create an unparalleled wow factor in any space. Preference Floors boasts a large variety of flooring options, giving you the chance to choose between wide planks that make smaller rooms feel larger, the timeless appeal of parquetry patterns like Herringbone and Chevron, and so much more. With Preference Floors, your floor can be the focal point of your design. You can rely on their flooring range, which includes natural tones and pre-finished contemporary colours, to bring a warm, organic feel to any room.

What makes Preference Floors truly stand out? Without a doubt, it’s the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability. Timber is among the most eco-friendly building materials you can choose. Preference Floors has the largest stock holding across five capital city warehouses, including a diverse range of colours, sizes and patterns, so you’ll find exactly what you need at a competitive price point that suits your project, whether it’s a renovation or new build.

With Preference Floors, you can expect beauty, sustainability, and long-lasting value no matter your choice of flooring. Backed by Australian test data and warranty support, Preference Floors is a trusted name that architects, designers, builders and homeowners alike rely on for high-quality flooring.

For more information

W PREFERENCE FLOORS
A 32 Britton St, Smithfield NSW
P 02 9738 1188
E info@preferencefloors.com.au

The post Wow-Factor Flooring appeared first on Completehome.

Its appeal lies not only in the warmth and beauty it brings to a room, but also in the way it adapts to every lifestyle, from relaxed family living to more formal, design-driven spaces. Choosing the right floor isn’t about one species being “better” than another, it’s about finding the timber that speaks to the way you live and the atmosphere you want to create.

The Character of Australian timber

Australian species bring an unmistakable sense of place. Engineered boards with a native veneer capture the knots, colour shifts and texture that make our timbers so distinctive, while the engineered construction ensures stability and durability.

At the heart of Embelton’s range are two timeless favourites: Blackbutt and Spotted Gum. Blackbutt is known for its pale to golden-brown tones and straight, consistent grain, creating a clean yet warm backdrop. Spotted Gum, on the other hand, is more dramatic, moving between light browns, deep reds and even hints of grey-green, giving each floor a truly individual character. With finish options in gloss or matte, there’s flexibility to lean towards contemporary restraint or something more rustic and organic.

For those who prefer subtlety, Tasmanian Oak (often called Victorian Ash in Victoria) offers a softer look. Its gentle spectrum of straw, light brown and delicate pink hues make it an ideal choice for open plan living, providing a seamless canvas that allows furniture and décor to shine.

If warmth is what you’re after, Tallowwood’s golden honey tones and olive undertones add richness without overwhelming a room. And for households that demand toughness, Grey Ironbark stands out. Renowned as one of the hardest Australian species, its dense structure and deep palette, ranging from pale brown to chocolate, make it perfectly suited to high-traffic areas where resilience is essential.

The Versatility of European Oak

European Oak tells a different story, one of refinement, versatility and design possibilities. Embelton’s Oak collection spans luxurious wideboards, herringbone and rustic planks, each finished in a matte brushed texture with a micro-bevel edge that creates crisp, architectural lines. The colour palette is just as versatile, stretching from Scandinavian-inspired blondes to rich, moody browns, easily shifting between coastal, country, or refined contemporary styles.

Another defining feature of Oak is its grading. Embelton’s ABCD grade ranges balances cleaner boards with those that showcase more natural features, achieving a character rich finish. For homeowners who want to celebrate the full personality of timber, Rustic Oak includes additional feature heavy E graded boards. Showcasing the full spectrum of European Oak’s knots, swirls and marks, delivering a bold and expressive finish.

Parquetry, particularly in a herringbone pattern, remains the showpiece of European Oak. With its geometric rhythm and ability to catch light, herringbone instantly elevates a space, adding movement and sophistication. It’s particularly effective in hallways and entrances where it creates a sense of arrival, but it also works beautifully in dining rooms or studies to define a change in mood. And for those wanting a local touch, Embelton even offers a Blackbutt herringbone, blending Australian warmth with classic European style.

Pairing traditional planks with herringbone is an increasingly popular design move. Long, straight boards provide calm continuity in open spaces, while patterned sections inject drama and formality, effectively zoning areas without the need for walls.

Finding your perfect floor

So, which is better, European Oak or Australian species? The answer depends entirely on your vision for your home. If you want the unmistakable feel of native timbers, from the subtle warmth of Tasmanian Oak to the rugged strength of Grey Ironbark, Australian species are a natural choice. If you’re drawn to flexibility, refined colour palettes and the artistry of parquetry, European Oak may be the right fit. Either way, Embelton’s engineered collections make it possible to enjoy the authentic beauty of timber while ensuring practicality for everyday living.

Your floor is more than a surface; it sets the tone for your home. Whether you choose the heritage and character of Australian timber or the elegance and adaptability of European Oak, the result is a foundation that will outlast passing trends and grow with the way you live.

Visit Embelton Flooring today to start your timber flooring journey.

The post The Timber Flooring Choice: Australian Species or European Oak? appeared first on Completehome.

Leaders in Underfloor Heating for Over 25 Years

Proudly Australian-owned, Comfort Heat has been warming homes and businesses for more than 25 years. We specialise in both hydronic and electric underfloor heating systems, offering a complete service—from design and technical advice to supply and installation.

Whether you’re building, renovating, or simply exploring heating options, Comfort Heat provides tailored solutions for every type of floor and space.

Custom Solutions for Any Project

Wondering if underfloor heating is right for your space? Our expert team designs systems that work seamlessly with a wide range of floor coverings, including tile, timber, concrete, and carpet.

We offer:

• A full range of electric and hydronic heating systems
• Custom-designed DIY kits
• Professional installation by our in-house team
• Sound, practical advice to suit your project and budget

From compact bathrooms to expansive living areas, our solutions are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and designed to last.

Invisible, Silent, and Incredibly Comfortable

Imagine a home that’s evenly warm, with no bulky radiators, blowing air, or dusty vents. Comfort Heat’s underfloor heating systems deliver gentle, radiant warmth that fills the room from the ground up—quietly and invisibly.

Unlike traditional heating, our systems:

• Don’t blow dust or allergens around
• Operate silently
• Eliminate dry air
• Work with smart thermostats for energy control

No project is too small or too ambitious for Comfort Heat. We’ve installed underfloor heating in a wide variety of spaces including:

• High-end penthouse apartments
• Turtle enclosures at wildlife centres
• Aeroplane hangars
• Granny flat ensuites

Whatever your space, we’ll help bring comfort and warmth where it matters most.

Talk to the Experts

At Comfort Heat Australia, we’re more than just a supplier—we’re your project partner. Whether you’re planning a luxury renovation or a small upgrade, our experienced team is here to guide you.

Get in touch today and discover how our underfloor heating systems can transform your space into a haven of warmth and luxury.

For more information

Comfort Heat

The post Experience the Ultimate Luxury with Comfort Heat Australia’s Underfloor Heating Systems appeared first on Completehome.

Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, the choice of flooring can set the entire tone of your home. With options available in Engineered European Oak, Australian species timbers, and hybrid formats, herringbone flooring offers something to suit every taste and lifestyle.

Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?

Feeling like your interiors need a refresh? Perhaps you’re craving a touch of luxury or just want to move away from conventional flooring. Herringbone flooring brings a level of distinction and character that few other styles can match. Its iconic zig-zag design naturally draws the eye, adding movement and texture to a space while elevating the overall aesthetic.

Where Does It Work Best?

One of the greatest strengths of herringbone flooring is its versatility. It’s particularly impactful in entranceways and hallways, where the dynamic pattern creates a strong first impression and visually leads guests through the home.

Thanks to innovations like Embelton Flooring’s Hybrid Herringbone range, this classic look is now more practical than ever. With waterproof and scratch-resistant technology, these hybrid boards can be installed throughout the entire home, making them perfect for kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms. Available in both 5.5mm and premium 8mm thicknesses, they’re designed to perform as beautifully as they look.

Elevate Your Space

Combining herringbone with traditional straight planks opens exciting design possibilities. This contrast not only creates visual interest but also helps define spaces within the home. For example, a transition from straight planks in the living room to herringbone in the dining area subtly signals a shift in function and formality, without the need for walls or dividers.

Flooring plays a key role in how we experience different zones in our homes. By using distinctive styles like herringbone, you can pay tribute to heritage elements or highlight formal rooms such as studies and dining areas. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to shape atmosphere through design.

Built for Beauty and Durability

Embelton’s engineered herringbone timber flooring combines aesthetics with performance. Each board features a 3mm solid timber veneer atop a multi-ply engineered core, finished with seven layers of UV-resistant, abrasion-resistant coating. The result is a durable yet luxurious floor that will stand up to daily life while maintaining its beauty for years to come.

Classic Style, Contemporary Living

For those seeking a balance of traditional elegance and modern functionality, herringbone flooring is a standout choice.

Explore Embelton’s full herringbone collection at embeltonflooring.com and discover how this timeless pattern can bring sophistication and character to your home.

The post Herringbone Flooring – A Timeless Trend with Enduring Appeal appeared first on Completehome.

Key Design Elements

• Light Colours & Matte Finishes – Opt for bleached or light-toned floors with a matte finish. Lighter flooring not only brightens up a room but also creates a versatile canvas for subtle pops of colour.
• High Variation Designs – To achieve a more organic and natural appearance, choose materials that replicate the look of wood grain, tonal variations, and the aging process.
• Wideboard Planks – These visually expand a room, making them ideal for larger spaces. Their smooth, understated appearance is both timeless and on-trend.

Engineered Timber Flooring

It’s hard to go past the natural beauty and prestige of hardwood timber flooring. Engineered timber, especially European Oak, is an ideal match for Scandinavian-inspired interiors. To truly embrace the Scandi aesthetic, consider flooring in neutral or grey tones, core elements of the clean and minimalist colour palette that defines this design style.

Whitewashed oak is an excellent option, offering that raw, understated elegance that’s so central to Nordic decor. Its subtle finish adds an effortlessly stylish look while providing a neutral base that enhances natural light and creates a more spacious feel, key goals of Scandinavian interiors. For a perfect Scandinavian touch, Embelton Flooring’s Beach Oak European Oak or Corsican Grey European Oak would be a standout choice.

Benefits of Timber Flooring

• Unique Beauty – as a natural product no two boards will ever be the same – offering natural character and beauty which is unmatched.
• Increases property value – Choosing timber flooring for your home can pay off big time down the track with one study indicating that homes with hardwood flooring can sell for up to 6% more than homes without.
• Versatile – With many different colours and styles to choose from including herringbone, wideboard and chevron patterns, there’s a style to suit any homeowner’s vision.

Hybrid Flooring

For those seeking unmatched durability alongside stunning timber look decors, look no further than hybrid flooring. Available in a broad range of colours, including many lighter neutral toned floors, perfect for that Scandinavian aesthetic. Embelton Flooring’s Whitehaven Hybrid Flooring would be the perfect choice for a Scandi home, what’s more, Whitehaven even comes in a herringbone pattern for those seeking a distinctive finish.

Benefits of Hybrid Flooring

• Waterproof – Hybrid flooring is 100% waterproof, meaning you don’t have to worry about damage in moisture prone areas such as laundries and kitchens.
• Unmatched durability – the dynamic core construction pf hybrid flooring makes it one of the most hardwearing flooring options available, with incredible impact and scratch resistance.
• Stunning Timber Look – Hybrid flooring features high definition timber prints, creating the realistic wood look flooring on the market.
• Widen your perspective – Embelton’s Hybrid range features 6 new wideboard planks for an expansive and luxurious aesthetic.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers a stylish, durable alternative to hardwood. Interestingly, the concept was first introduced in Sweden in the early 1920s. After years of development, the Perstorp Corporation launched the first high-pressure laminate (HPL) floor in 1977.

Today, laminate is a go-to flooring option that combines visual appeal with long-lasting durability, perfect for high-traffic homes, especially those with children and pets.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

• Stylish Options – Available in a variety of finishes like hand-scraped, distressed, or embossed to mimic authentic wood.
• Scratch-Resistant – High-quality laminate features a tough wear layer that guards against scratches and everyday damage.
• Easy Installation – Laminate planks typically feature a click-lock system, allowing them to float over subfloors without adhesive for quick and simple installation.

Additional Tips & Ideas for Warm Scandinavian Living Room

1. Incorporate Plants

Bringing greenery into your home is a simple and effective way to add a touch of nature—an essential element in Scandinavian design. Not only are plants a sustainable choice, but they also help purify the air and support mental well-being, making any space feel more welcoming and alive.

2. Layer with Soft Textiles

Introduce cosy touches through blankets, throws, and cushions. These add warmth during colder months and offer pops of colour to soften the otherwise neutral palette in summer. Much like the texture of wood grain, soft fabrics add visual and tactile depth to your interiors.

3. Use Rugs to Define Spaces

Rugs can enhance the look of your Scandinavian flooring while also protecting it. Stick to plain neutrals or rugs with simple, understated patterns. The shapes and lines of rugs contribute to the clean, geometric aesthetic that’s signature to Scandi interiors.

4. Thoughtful Lighting

Layered lighting makes all the difference. Combine ambient lighting with task lighting to keep your home bright and cosy. Floor lamps are great for adding light to dim corners and can easily be moved around to suit your space.

5. Choose Modern Furniture

Opt for mid-century modern furniture to complement the Scandinavian aesthetic. Clean lines, natural finishes, and minimal forms define this style. Incorporating white pieces also helps to maintain the bright, airy atmosphere typical of Scandinavian interiors.

6. Add Wall Accents

Don’t forget the walls—mirrors and artwork can bring balance and character to a room. Circular mirrors and minimalist art help introduce simple lines and shapes, reinforcing the Scandi look while keeping the space feeling open and harmonious.

Order your free samples from Embelton Flooring to start your Scandinavian flooring journey today.

The post How To Design a Cosy Scandi Living Room appeared first on Completehome.

Concrete milling enables you to chase into the floor, creating a channel to embed hydronic underfloor heating pipe into the slab, eliminating the need to add a 50mm topping screed.

Milling concrete floors for underfloor hydronic heating systems is a practical and efficient method to ensure comfortable temperatures in your living spaces. This process involves removing a precise channel of the existing concrete floor to accommodate the installation of water pipes or tubes for the hydronic heating system.

By milling the concrete floor, you create channels that seamlessly integrate the heating system without compromising the structural integrity of the floor. These channels are strategically designed to distribute warm water evenly throughout the floor, providing efficient heat transfer and an even distribution of warmth in every room.

Milling offers numerous advantages for underfloor hydronic heating installations. Firstly, it allows for precise placement of the heating pipes, ensuring optimal performance and avoiding potential disruptions caused by uneven heating. This method also allows for easy customization, as different sections of the floor can be milled to accommodate specific heating requirements in different areas of the house.

Furthermore, milling the concrete floor for underfloor heating provides a solution to limited headroom. Unlike traditional radiator systems, underfloor heating doesn’t require bulky radiators, allowing homeowners to make the most of their available space. This is particularly advantageous in areas with low ceiling height or in modern architectural designs that prioritize minimalist aesthetics.

Additionally, the process of milling helps to remove any imperfections or uneven surfaces present on the concrete floor, thus ensuring a more visually appealing and uniform flooring finish. It also facilitates the adhesion of any subsequent floor coverings, such as tiles or wood, resulting in a seamless and flawless flooring application.

Overall, milling concrete floors for underfloor hydronic heating is a beneficial technique that provides homeowners with an efficient and effective heating solution. It ensures a comfortable living environment, maximizes space utilization, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the flooring.

For more information

Comfort Heat

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