Apartment renovation: choosing flooring
One of the most frequent requests in our direct messages is: which flooring should I choose for an apartment? Let me tell you, you are asking for a good reason, because even I—an experienced designer—cannot always give a straightforward answer to this question.
That is why I have divided this topic into 3 main questions, and your final choice will depend on the answers to them.
Right away, I would like to add that today, in modern (as well as in classic and minimalist) interiors, various combinations of several radically opposite flooring materials are entirely appropriate. This trend has emerged because manufacturers have mastered such skillful imitations that even modern linoleum from quality European brands already looks like wood.
A few words about types of flooring
I would divide all types into 4 groups: wooden floors, stone floors, wood-effect coverings, and all the rest.
Naturally, the most common and beloved by everyone are wooden floors. This includes solid parquet, solid wood flooring, engineered wood, and parquet boards. There are quite a few differences between them, but that is material for an entire separate article. I will only say that the main difference lies in their composition and cost, while visually, for the average consumer, these materials are practically indistinguishable.
In this same group, I would also include cork flooring—this is a distinct type made from the bark of the cork oak, and this covering already has its dedicated admirers.
The second group consists of stone floors—flooring made of natural stone (marble, travertine, onyx, etc.) and, of course, ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. By the way, modern porcelain stoneware imitates wood so well that it has increasingly been used precisely as an imitation of parquet.
And if we speak of "wood-effect" imitations (the third group), here, naturally, we mean laminate.
The group with all other materials should include self-leveling floors, PVC floors, carpet, and linoleum.
How style and flooring are connected
As you understand, the choice of these two aspects is closely interconnected. For instance, if you choose a traditional grand classical style (which demands a great deal), cheap flooring (linoleum, self-leveling floors, etc.) will definitely not suit you, nor will floors with a specific design (say, concrete-effect porcelain stoneware). You should focus on wood coverings, stone materials (marble-look or art parquet patterns), or laminate (of high European quality). In contemporary classics, all the mentioned coverings will also be perfectly appropriate.
It would seem that a modern interior opens up more room for experimentation... BUT! I would not recommend experimenting too much with floor coverings, so the best options are concrete- or marble-look tiles (depending on the overall design and direction), laminate, or wood flooring (with a bolder design).
Which flooring suits which room
This question, I believe (after the financial one), is one of the most significant: which floor is suitable for which room? And in my view, this is precisely what you need to build upon first. I have compiled a brief overview of rooms and the flooring options that designers use most often.
So, let us start with the hallway. This is the space with the highest foot traffic. There is no room for sentimentality or low-wear-resistance options here... Stone floors are the best choice. If you want luxury, choose marble or its imitations; you can also opt for artistic parquet imitations. Be sure not to forget about underfloor heating—and you will be all set.
The kitchen is also a zone where, whether we like it or not, cleaning is required more often than in other rooms. Here, too, I would strongly recommend stone floors—porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles are simply an excellent choice. Thanks to modern designs and skilled craftsmen (who cut intricate patterns according to designer sketches), kitchen floors can become the main accent of the space.
For the living room, many people also choose porcelain stoneware today. I really love this material, but I still would not recommend using it in every room of the house... Stone is stone—it is practical, but cold and hard. I prefer to recommend wooden floors or premium European laminate to our clients.
I can say the same about the bedroom... In this space, more than anywhere else, it is essential to create beauty and comfort. And what could be cozier and more pleasant (tactilely) than natural wood? If it suits your style, you can also use cork.
People tend to be particularly meticulous when choosing flooring for a children's room. I will say right away what I definitely would not buy for this room: stone floors (tiles, porcelain stoneware). Firstly, it is too hard (and children fall often); secondly, there is an opinion that children should not walk on heated floors all the time, as it affects immunity...
In practice, laminate is most often chosen for a children's room. If you want something more natural, go for cork. Another option that can also be seen in modern kids' rooms today is carpet (though one must not forget about frequent wet cleaning with a specialized vacuum cleaner).
I hope my overview helps you make the right choice. Have a wonderful renovation!
