If we’ve learned anything so far in 2020, it’s that everything can change on a dime. Where once everyone was selling their big homes and selecting a smaller, urban dwelling instead, today we’re realizing that might be a thing of the past. One article stated that as much as one-third of Americans are considering moves to less densely populated areas. Urbanites are twice as likely to have surfed real estate websites, dreaming of changing homes.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, or are considering remodeling the one you currently own, open concept design is still as popular as ever. And there are many reasons for that.

Open concept design allows:

• Better traffic flow – without doors, people can move throughout the space unhindered
• Improved communication – family members aren’t isolated in their own spaces
• Shared light – you’ll have fewer dark spots in your living space
• Easier with kids – ever tried to watch small children while cooking dinner? It’s much easier in an open concept design
• Flexibility – without predefined walls, you can use the space however you choose – whatever works best for you

Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re already sold on the concept.

But there’s something a little more difficult about it when it comes to decorating. How do you install flooring in an open concept design?  Are you resigned to staying with the same flooring throughout? Or is there a way to section off space and incorporate different materials?

Should flooring be the same throughout the house?

This is probably one of our most asked questions. And our response is always the same: it depends.

There isn’t a design rule that says you have to use the same flooring throughout. It’s a personal choice.

• What do you prefer?
• What is lifestyle like?
• Are you creating your forever home?
• Do you care about resale value?
• What about functionality?
• What does your gut tell you to do?

That said, we do have a few design rules we share with all of our customers.

Stick with one material wherever possible 

We’ve all seen (or possibly lived in) a house with patchwork flooring. You enter to tile, follow the path to a different floor in the kitchen, wood in the family room, and carpet in the living space. Some homes love carpet so much, it’s everywhere. But to save on wear marks, they create pathways made of tile, using it to meander throughout the home.

It rarely works.

Whenever possible, stick with one flooring. The more open concept your house is, the more you should focus on using one flooring material.

And it’s not that difficult to choose. Here in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with hardwood. And the great thing with hardwood is you have unlimited options. Hardwood comes in more traditional styles like oak, or move to exotic with something like Brazilian cherry. If you’re worried about using hardwood in an active home, there are solutions for you. Try laminate. Today’s laminate offers a variety of pros that will make you fall in love with this product. If you want something even more care-free and durable, try luxury vinyl planks. They look so real, thanks to technology, even experts in the industry have to get up close and personal to see it’s not real.

But I really want to separate flooring materials

There may be instances that call for using two different types of flooring. In these cases, even with an open concept design, you’ll probably transition flooring due to different activities on each space. Maybe you need the durability of tile, mixed with the beauty of hardwood. Look for natural divisions of spacing, and use the material to showcase that specific space.

Yet we also invite you to dig a little deeper. Why are you hesitant to using the same flooring throughout?

One of the biggest reasons we’ve noticed is when families question using hardwood in kitchens. People almost always love hardwood throughout the living space. But they understand how difficult hardwood can be near moisture and water. With small kids, messes can be an every day occurrence. Do you really want to worry about warped wood just a few weeks after it’s installed?

Only you know your family. And if you have concerns over the durability of a material, you won’t truly be able to enjoy your living space. Voice your concerns and we can show you alternatives.

The key to transitioning well is to create a uniform look as much as you can. Stick with the same colors and hues. Luckily, with today’s product lines, you can do so, creating a similar look with tile that you can get with hardwood. We’ll show you how.

It’s about looks, it’s about lifestyle

At the end of the day, this is your home, and only you can decide your decor options.

Still, we encourage all of our customers to think about harmony as they finalize their decision. Choosing a neutral color palette allows you to play with color using other design elements. It’s easier to repaint than it is to install new flooring. It’s less expensive to buy a new chair than new flooring.

If you select neutral flooring in an open concept design, it gives you the perfect foundation you need to create any look you desire. You can be as wild and crazy as you like with rugs, furniture, and artwork, knowing you can change your mind easily at any given moment.

We also know that in every home, you’ll have some areas you use a lot, and other areas that are used infrequently. That means heavier wear in areas like the kitchen, while a formal dining room may see feet only once a week at most.

Some homeowners want two separate flooring products. They know it’s important for the way their family lives. And if that’s your case, by all means select the products that work best for you.

Other homeowners choose to use one product, and strategically place area rugs to minimize potential problems. That works too. But again, it depends on your needs.

It’s about getting the right flooring for your open concept design

We get that you only pick out new flooring a few times in your lifetime. We help homeowners just like you every day.

If you need more guidance in order to create a living space you love now and years into the future, let’s chat. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right flooring product for your needs.