Letting Design Shine In A Small House

Posted on: 9 May 2018

One of the biggest enduring trends in interior design is a minimalist-inspired look. This look incorporates a neutral colour palette and sleek, clean lines to create a modern feel that has broad appeal. If you like the pared-down look but feel that your home needs some warmer elements, then your choice of flooring can help. Here are three flooring types that will add warmth, charm and a hint of subtle colour to contemporary, minimalist-inspired decor.

1. Timber flooring

Timber flooring is a wonderful way to add natural warmth and beauty to an otherwise neutral room. The earthy tones of wood can brighten up the room and add some colour diversity without being too loud or overpowering. Timber flooring provides you with a wide choice of tones, ranging from pale, bleached timber through to deep, dark varieties.

If your budget allows for it, you can't beat solid hardwood timber flooring for durability and style. However, you can also opt for high-quality timber veneer flooring if you want to keep your costs low. Modern timber veneer is a vast improvement on older styles, and it can be difficult to tell apart from the real thing.

2. Cork flooring

Cork flooring was hugely popular in the 60s and 70s but fell out of style in later decades. It's now having a modern revival as an attractive, natural and affordable contemporary flooring option. Cork is durable, provides excellent sound insulation and is a completely renewable resource.

It's still possible to get the traditional bronze-coloured cork flooring if you like a retro feel. However, modern cork flooring is now available in an array of different tones if you want to maintain a more contemporary and fashionable look in your home.

3. Terracotta tile flooring

If you want to add warmth but also want the practicality of tiles, then terracotta tiles may an excellent flooring choice. These tiles are made from fired clay and have an earthy, warm amber colour. They range from pale, dusty tones through to rich, deep shades depending on your tastes and how prominent you want your floor to be.

Terracotta tiles also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You can opt for large, square tiles to embrace the modern trend for oversized floor tiles. For a more decorative and visually impactful look, terracotta subway tiles can be laid in a herringbone pattern or geometric shapes for a more intricate repeating pattern.