When it comes to creating the vibe that you want, your flooring lays the foundation. Do you want to come home to a fresh, clean contemporary look? Are you a fan of the natural, rustic ambiance that infuses a space with the friendly warmth of a farmhouse? Would you rather create the kind of relaxed, coastal atmosphere that makes a beachcomber feel right at home? Hardwood is an ideal choice for any of these themes. In fact, hardwood flooring makes a great base for virtually any design scheme thanks to the multitude of design options that it offers. With so many possibilities, how will you use this material to transform your home? Exploring 2019’s hardwood flooring trends can help you figure that out.

A Triumph of Texture

Smooth wooden floors offer a classic, polished elegance, but the charming individuality of imperfection means that texture will continue to be a strong flooring trend in 2019. If you’re interested in installing a new hardwood floor, you’ll definitely want to consider popular floor textures. For example, hand-scraped hardwood flooring comes with long, ingrained scrapes that play up the natural color and texture of the material. The marks vary widely from plank to plank. This lack of uniformity makes it seem as if each piece was carefully handcrafted. The result is a delightful sense of uniqueness. Another option is distressed hardwood flooring, which has a somewhat historic feel. With imperfections like knots, scrapes, burns, wormholes, and various signs of wear and tear welcome, this flooring has a sense of hard-earned age that brings both character and a feel of enduring beauty to a space. Finally, wire-brushed hardwood flooring features thin scratches that offer hints of exposed wood. The subtlety and consistency of the marks produce a smoother, more understated texture that enlivens the flooring and hides dirt well.

Pattern Play

In terms of layout, innovative and even unconventional patterns will be among 2019’s hottest hardwood flooring trends. Planks that are longer and wider than their traditionally sized counterparts are sure to find favor with homeowners who want to make a room seem larger and more open. For those who want a slightly more daring look, mixed width hardwood floors weave together planks of varying widths. This pop of unpredictability draws the eye and treats it to a visually appealing surprise. A similar result can be achieved by mixing planks with light and dark tones. Do you prefer a more structured look? There are plenty of fun patterns to play with. Installing a hardwood floor diagonally gives the traditional layout a bold, modern edge. Alternately, chevron floors and herringbone floors bring planks together in a strict, angular pattern that is anything but boring.

Hardwood Floor Hues

What will 2019’s trends bring for hardwood flooring’s hues? Natural neutrals will be on-point. Already popular since it inevitably plays well with other colors and works beautifully in almost any design style, gray is expected to remain a go-to neutral in the new year. While smooth, silvery tones of gray are on the rise, rich, velvety charcoals are another great choice for new floors. Shades of off-white are also a popular pick. Hardwoods that are colored to match the textured warmth of French limestone or the natural glimmer of sea salt can bring an intriguing sense of depth that delights the eye. Of course, brown is a natural pick when it comes to wood. Rich, matte chocolate browns are a timeless choice that never goes out of style, but softer blondes are becoming increasingly popular among people who want a light, airy look underfoot.

Responsibility as a Selling Point

Increasingly, today’s consumers aren’t just worried about the appearance, durability or price tag of their new hardwood floor. They’re also concerned about its origin and its impact on the world around them. Responsibility is a major selling point in 2019. Environmentally responsible flooring options will be in-demand. In response, retailers and manufacturers are offering a variety of eco-friendly options, including recycled and reclaimed hardwood flooring. Sustainable materials like bamboo and cork provide an even wider range of possibilities for consumers who take pride in maximizing their style while minimizing the environmental impact of their choices. Social responsibility is another issue for many homeowners. For some, this means opting for homegrown products that are made in America, even if those products come at a higher cost. For others, this means buying from companies with corporate policies that they can appreciate and respect.

At Classic Floor Designs, we know flooring. We’ve been providing top-notch flooring products and services to homes and businesses in and around the Washington, D.C. area for more than 40 years. We’re always pleased to put our expertise to work for our clients. To learn more about flooring trends or explore our services, contact us today to arrange for a free design consultation.