Buying a new house and moving in is an exciting time, and many times a new home owner will want to upgrade parts of the home before making the final move. Installing completely new floors in your new home can be a large investment. Most modern house plans choose flooring to complement the architectural style of the house when it is built. However, you may find that the current flooring does not match your lifestyle or aesthetic tastes. Even if you have a few ideas in mind, be sure to take these points under consideration before you call a contractor.
Do: Choose flooring to complement the architectural style of your home.
To make a choice that will complement your home for many years to come, be sure to pick a flooring style that will showcase your house’s best features. If you own a historic home with most of the originally interior detailing still intact, you may want to choose a flooring that will fit your home’s architectural period. Conversely, avoid traditional oak flooring if you own a more modern dwelling.
Don’t: Pick flooring based on trends.
Ebony wood floors may look great now, but keep in mind that this trend may date your interior in a few short years. Instead, pick a more traditional type of flooring, then update your space with trendy curtains, pillows, and other decorative items.
Do: Pick a neutral stain color.
To keep your decorating possibilities open, consider choosing a flooring with a neutral stain color. Floors with a definite warm or cool tone will limit possible color schemes for your home. For this reason, consider avoiding mahogany, cherry, and driftwood stains.
Don’t: Forget to pay attention to floorboard style.
Pick a floorboard style that will complement, not compete with, the space. Small house plans avoid using wide plank boards because they don’t fit the scale of the house. Large rooms should avoid small or busy patterns, which can become overwhelming. Planks with a simple design and between four and six inches wide are a good choice for most homes.
Do: Explore options other than wood.
Wood flooring is considered an asset in most homes, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore other options. Carpet, laminate, and tile are all perfectly appropriate flooring choices for your space. Although carpet and laminate are not as durable as wood, they are less expensive to install in most cases. They may be a good choice if you don’t have a large budget or just find these materials more appealing. Tile is just as durable as wood, but it may not be appropriate to use in every area of your home.
Do: Consider resale value.
You may want to avoid mainstream flooring, but if you plan on selling your house or moving within a few years, try installing something that has mass appeal. Potential buyers often envision their furniture and possessions in your house. Contemporary driftwood floors may perfectly complement your aesthetic taste, but they may be off-putting to buyers who prefer a traditional look.
These tips can help you choose a flooring that will stand the test of time, but don’t completely discount modern house plans. Even if a certain flooring is trendy, creating a home that you love should be the top priority.
Miguel Salcido is an avid blogger, father of 2, and recent proud homeowner. He loves studying architecture, home design and decor and plans to one day buy a custom home plan to build his dream home.
