Moving into a new-to-you home is an exciting experience. You’ve found a home you can love, yet you want a little personalization. In fact, you probably noticed it the moment you walked through the door.

The color in the bedroom is all wrong.

The basement is in need of a significant upgrade.

And then there’s the flooring. It’s laminate, but it’s peeling in corners, and the color is just wrong. You’re tired of the red shimmering glow that cascades throughout the main floor. You need sunglasses just to walk through your home.

Red is out. A lighter, more natural color is what you desire.

Yet even with a strong sense of what you DO want, finding the perfect flooring color palette can be tricky.

Start with why you’re upgrading your floors

Sometimes, it’s easier to come up with what you don’t like rather than find what you do.

You have an idea of what you want. You probably have strong opinions about what you don’t. List them out.

Maybe you love hardwood, but don’t like the dark color you already have in place.

Maybe you’re open to hardwood options, but your laminate is old and worn out. How can you get a long life from the new material you install?

This doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process, but take a few minutes and write down your thoughts. When you share them with one of our flooring specialists, it will help guide you in picking the suitable material for your remodel.

How to choose the perfect flooring color that works for you

Flooring needs depend on your family’s lifestyle. You may love dark hardwood, but with young kids who constantly make messes, it might not be a choice you can live with.

Flooring is dependent on needs as much as it is your personal liking. Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl – it all can make a welcome addition to any home. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. What matters most is that it blends with your lifestyle.

So, where do you start? What do you look for? There are three main factors to consider when finding the perfect flooring color.

Functionality

Functionality goes beyond aesthetics. It involves assessing how well the flooring color serves the practical needs of your space.

Start by looking at it from two perspectives: light vs dark tones. Light-colored flooring can make a room feel more spacious and airy, while dark tones can add warmth and coziness. There isn’t a suitable choice, just one that makes the most sense for you.

Paying attention to traffic patterns is also important. Look at the hallway you walk down dozens of times each day. Or staircases that started to show wear years ago. Now think about what flooring colors will camouflage dirt and wear. Neutral tones or patterns can help hide imperfections and maintain a cleaner appearance.

Of course, coordinating your flooring color with existing furniture and decor is essential to create a cohesive look. Harmonizing tones can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.

Style

Flooring color sets the tone for the entire room and contributes significantly to its overall style.

What are you trying to say within your home? Modern? Clean? Cozy? Choosing a flooring color that complements the theme means you’ll enhance the ambiance you want to create. Can you imagine a seaside beach theme with dark, rustic stone? It needs a light, weathered look to complete the aesthetics.

Yet in many ways, style is a matter of personal taste. Let your style shine through by selecting flooring colors that resonate with your preferences. Whether you prefer muted hues or bold shades, color can reflect your personality and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

If you aren’t sure, find your style by searching online. Pinterest is a wonderful tool to use for gathering your preferences. Create a pinboard of styles you like, and very quickly you’ll start to see your personality shine.

Maintenance and durability

Color is meaningless if you start to doubt your flooring choice soon after you install it. White carpets and a busy family rarely mix. If you don’t consider upkeep and longevity from the start, you might just regret your decision. We recommend you also consider how durable it is and what you want from a maintenance routine.

Opt for flooring colors that are less likely to show stains and spills, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have kids and pets, it’s even more essential. Consider materials with stain-resistant properties for easier maintenance.

Flooring color also determines how easily it can withstand daily wear and tear without showing signs of scratches or damage. Durable materials such as hardwood, laminate, or stone with protective finishes will enhance your experience.

No matter what you install, spills will happen. Select flooring colors that are easy to keep clean and just as easy to maintain. You don’t want to feel like you need a mop or broom nearby, ready for every activity you partake in. If you have any questions, consult a flooring professional to learn more about your chosen color and materials, and better understand best cleaning practices.

Should flooring be the same throughout the house

One final thought. There isn’t a perfect solution to this age-old question.

When in doubt, stick to the same flooring whenever possible. Yet also be aware of a particular room’s needs. You wouldn’t put carpet in the kitchen or bathroom. This is where it makes sense to install more than one flooring.

Using the same flooring throughout your house can create a sense of visual continuity and flow, making the space feel larger and more cohesive. This approach works particularly well in open-concept floor plans where rooms seamlessly blend into one another.

Different flooring materials or colors can be used to define separate areas within an open floor plan. For example, you might use hardwood in the living room, tile in the kitchen, and carpet in the bedrooms to distinguish each space while still maintaining a cohesive design.

Using the same flooring throughout the house can simplify maintenance since you won’t have to deal with different cleaning and maintenance requirements for each type of flooring. However, if one area of your house experiences heavier traffic or different usage patterns, you might opt for a more durable or stain-resistant flooring material in that area.

While personal preference should drive your flooring decisions, it’s also worth considering the potential impact on resale value. Consistent flooring throughout the house can appeal to potential buyers who prefer a cohesive design aesthetic. However, if you plan to stay in your home long-term and have strong preferences for different flooring types in various areas, prioritize your own comfort and enjoyment over potential resale concerns.

What’s your preference?  What’s your style? When you’re ready to finalize your decision and select the perfect flooring color for your home, we’re here. How can we help you with your flooring needs?