The open floor plan is an extremely popular choice in home design, and there are many reasons to get on board with this exciting trend. Marked by wide open spaces -- often a combined kitchen, dining room, and living room -- open floor plans feel spacious and inviting. Not only are they ideal for smaller homes that can feel cramped by a more traditional floor plan, but open concept floor plans also advance a sense of togetherness.
Choosing the flooring that works best in every part of your open floor plan design can feel daunting, so here are a few tips to help you find the right floor for you.
Pick One Flooring Type and Stick With It
When possible, avoid mixing floor types -- kitchen tile that transitions to vinyl in the dining room and a carpeted living room produces visual blocking that lessens the aesthetic impact of an open floor plan. If you?re looking for a versatile option that works in any space, consider laminate or luxury vinyl, both which have the look and feel of wood but the durability to withstand the wear and tear of a kitchen or high-traffic area.
Plank Size is Very Important
Hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl flooring come in a variety of widths and lengths, but which one is right for your space? A good general rule is to consider the size of the space you?re in, and choose a similarly proportioned plank. For large rooms with high ceilings, a wide plank will look right at home, while a short, narrow plank may make the floor seem too busy. But that same narrow plank would work perfectly in a smaller space.
Choose a Versatile Color
Keep in mind that the color you choose will need to look just as natural in a dining room as it would in a home office or a kitchen. Also, the floor you pick will likely outlast many of your current design choices. With that in mind, you?ll want to choose a fairly neutral color, such as brown, beige, or grey. A deep brown with realistic graining and texture also works beautifully in a variety of spaces.
As you carefully craft the look of your open floor plan design, choosing the right floors is crucial. Color, size and type of material work together to create a unified and intentional aesthetic. Regardless of the final look you?re dreaming of, our team can help you find your perfect floor.
More Benefits to Single Flooring Type
The benefits to installing the same flooring throughout your home are numerous, especially with today?s open floor plans. It presents an appearance of wide-open space and airiness. Furthermore, it also unifies the design scheme of your home and gives your home a visually pleasing look.
Care and maintenance of your flooring becomes much easier. With fewer types of surfaces to clean, there is no need to switch from vacuum cleaners to mops as you clean. You?ll also save money by not having to buy so many different cleaning products.
The Bottom Line
Flooring selection is a personal choice and often hinges on function, aesthetics, and budget. Using common flooring throughout a home has many benefits. However, there are solid reasons why some rooms may need a different flooring.
We welcome you to our showrooms for a consultation. Our Flooring Experts are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation teams are professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we?re here to make sure you?ll be proud of it for years to come.
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