Flooring choices: top tips and advice

To help make a space look bigger

Stick to one type of flooring throughout to help open up the area. Choose a pale colour and avoid bold textures. Stylish options include neutral carpet with a velvet pile, ash or pale-oak effect laminate or large-format, pale grey or off-white porcelain tiles.

In an open-plan area

Emphasise the separate functional zones of the area, eg kitchen/diner, with a different floor type in each area. Choose materials, colours and styles that complement each other. For instance, charcoal-grey slate tiles in the kitchen work well with natural coir in the dining area, or go for ceramic tiles with pale oak laminate. When mixing floor surfaces, safety is paramount – make sure there is not sufficient difference in adjacent floor textures to create a trip hazard.

Add interest to a bland entrance

Team different patterns on the stairs and hall floor. A striped carpet looks great on the stairs and can be matched with a subtle pattern in co-ordinating colours in the hallway.

In a plain white bathroom

Create impact with a vinyl or rubber floor in a bright colour, or choose a bold pattern. Luxury vinyl-floor tile specialist Harvey Maria has a wide selection of colours as well as wood and leather effects.

In a contemporary space

Textured carpet or natural flooring adds a modern touch and a cosy feel, although looped pile should be avoided on the stairs.

Create interest

Choose a scheme with contrasting colour and pattern. A richly coloured or boldly patterned floor can add a new dimension to a room with plain walls and furniture, while pale wood, laminate or carpet can soften a room with patterned walls.

Tip

Avoid using solid wood in wet areas, such as the bathroom, as the moisture can warp the timber over time.

DIY or professional fitting?

If you have any concerns about the quality of the sub-floor you’re covering, then it is best to call a professional for advice. Problems, such as unevenness or damage and concerns over damp, need to be tackled before any new floor is laid. If you’re a competent DIYer, it’s possible to fit laminate, vinyl sheet or tiles, cork, carpet tiles, and ceramic tiles yourself. Natural stone tiles, rubber flooring, carpet, and solid and engineered wood planks and parquet are best left to fitters with experience in the specific type of flooring.

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