MAKE YOUR SPACE FLOW WITH THE RIGHT FLOORING

Our experts are here with insider tips and style secrets to ensure you love and live with your flooring for a long time to come

- JENNIFER MORGAN

Creating a home that flows isn’t just about the colour palette and style you choose. You need to go back to basics and look at what’s underfoot, too. With so many different types of hard flooring available – from wood to ceramic, porcelain to luxury vinyl tiles, concrete and natural stone to laminate – where do you start? We asked our favourite experts.

WHAT’S PRACTICAL FOR DOWNSTAIRS SPACES?

‘There are some amazing ceramic products that mimic stone, timber, concrete and even some metals,’ says architect Stephen Coates, ‘Often these are easier to install, maintain and mix and match compared with the real materials.’ It’s about thinking practically, as creative director Lindsey Rendall of Rendall & Wright explains: ‘Don’t be guided by aesthetics alone; wood flooring and natural stone look beautiful when first laid, but need care and attention. If you want the look, but not the hassle, then think about porcelain, a wood substitute, or vinyl. These non-porous products give an almost indestructible surface suitable for young families and those who want a fuss-free life.’

CAN I MIX AND MATCH DIFFERENT FLOORING IN DIFFERENT ROOMS?