Flooring Styles Designers are Loving This Year
- Floor Design Wetherby
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
When it comes to interior design, flooring is often the unsung hero, providing the foundation and setting the tone for an entire space. This year, designers are embracing a fascinating blend of timeless elegance, sustainable innovation, and bold personalization. Forget drab and predictable – 2026 is all about making a statement underfoot!
Let's dive into the flooring styles designers are loving this year.
Large Format Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles: Seamless Sophistication
Gone are the days of small, busy tile patterns dominating floors. This year, large format porcelain and ceramic tiles are stealing the show, creating a sense of expansive luxury and seamlessness. Available in impressive sizes, these tiles minimize grout lines, resulting in a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic that makes rooms feel larger and more open.
The versatility of large format tiles is also a major draw. They come in an astonishing array of finishes that convincingly mimic natural stone (marble, travertine, slate), concrete, and even wood. This allows designers to achieve sophisticated looks with the added benefits of tile's durability, low maintenance, and water resistance – perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Herringbone and Chevron Patterns: Classic with a Modern Twist
While classic, these intricate patterns are experiencing a vibrant resurgence, particularly in hardwood and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). Herringbone, with its distinctive broken zig-zag, and chevron, with its precise "V" shape, add a dynamic visual interest that elevates any room from ordinary to extraordinary.
Designers are utilizing these patterns to introduce a sense of movement and European elegance. They work beautifully in entryways, dining rooms, and even entire living spaces, adding a layer of sophistication without overwhelming the décor. Paired with modern furnishings, these traditional patterns create a captivating juxtaposition that feels both timeless and utterly fresh.
Polished Concrete: Urban Edge Meets Minimalist Chic Flooring Styles
For those who lean towards an industrial, minimalist, or modern aesthetic, polished concrete continues to be a top contender. Far from being cold or utilitarian, polished concrete offers a sleek, durable, and highly customizable flooring solution.
The beauty of polished concrete lies in its subtle variations and the ability to incorporate pigments for different hues, from cool greys to warm earth tones. It's incredibly low maintenance, allergen-friendly, and offers excellent thermal mass, which can contribute to energy efficiency. Designers are loving its raw authenticity and its ability to act as a neutral canvas for bold furniture and décor.
Luxury Vinyl Tile: The Evolution of Practicality
LVT has come a long way from their early iterations. This year, these resilient flooring options are practically indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, making them a go-to for designers seeking high performance without compromising on style. Advanced printing technologies and embossing techniques create incredibly realistic wood grains, stone textures, and even abstract patterns.
The benefits are undeniable: LVT is waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households, pet owners, and areas prone to moisture, like basements and mudrooms. Designers are embracing LVT for its ability to deliver stunning visuals with unmatched practicality and affordability.
Textured Carpeting and Area Rugs: Cosy Comforting Flooring Styles
While hard surfaces dominate much of the discussion, carpeting is making a strategic comeback, particularly in bedrooms and living areas where comfort and warmth are paramount. However, it's not the plush, wall-to-wall carpeting of decades past. This year, designers are focusing on textured carpets – think cut and loop patterns, sisal-look weaves, and subtle geometric designs, for example our Lakeland Herdwick Weave – that adds visual interest and tactile appeal.
Area rugs, in particular, are being used as powerful design tools. They define zones within open-concept spaces, inject colour and pattern, and add a crucial layer of softness and acoustic dampening. Expect to see layered rugs, oversized rugs, and rugs with unique shapes and artisanal qualities.
This year's flooring trends are all about intentional choices that reflect personal style, prioritize sustainability, and offer both beauty and functionality. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of reclaimed wood or the sleek lines of polished concrete, there's a flooring style ready to transform your space into something truly remarkable.
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