Flooring Trends That Could Be Gaining Popularity Again
Home design trends tend to cycle back around, and flooring is no exception. What was once considered outdated might suddenly become the hottest style choice for modern homes. Homeowners are increasingly looking to the past for inspiration, combining vintage charm with contemporary twists.
Here’s a look at five flooring trends making surprising comebacks in today’s homes.
Keep in mind, these trends reflect general design observations, and their appeal or suitability can vary depending on your personal taste, home style, and local availability.
1. Terrazzo’s Colorful Comeback
Once a staple in mid-century buildings, terrazzo flooring is experiencing a renaissance in residential spaces. The speckled composite material, made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass set in concrete, offers endless customization possibilities.
Modern manufacturing techniques have made terrazzo more affordable and easier to install than its historical counterpart. Designers are embracing terrazzo in bold new colorways that range from subtle neutrals to vibrant rainbows, perfect for adding personality to kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Patterned Carpet Tiles
Wall-to-wall carpeting may have fallen from grace, but modular carpet tiles are creating new possibilities for soft flooring. These interchangeable squares allow for creative mixing of colors, textures, and patterns without committing an entire room to one style.
The practical benefits are equally compelling. Stained or damaged tiles can be individually replaced without redoing the entire floor. This versatility has helped carpet tiles transition from commercial spaces into residential design, particularly in home offices, playrooms, and media rooms.
3. Painted Wood Floors
Before wall-to-wall carpeting became affordable, many homeowners painted their wooden floors out of necessity. Now, this practical technique has transformed into a bold design choice that adds personality and color.
From solid colors to intricate stenciled patterns, painted floors offer a customizable alternative to traditional stains. The technique works particularly well with pine floors that might not take stain evenly. Designers are using painted floors to create focal points in bedrooms, sunrooms, and even on porches.
4. Parquet Patterns Return
Remember those geometric wooden floor designs from grandma’s house? Parquet flooring is strutting back into stylish homes with renewed vigor. The intricate geometric patterns create visual interest that plain hardwood simply can’t match.
Today’s parquet comes in various wood species and finishes, from classic herringbone to complex Versailles patterns. Homeowners appreciate how these designs can make small spaces feel larger and add character to modern minimalist rooms without overwhelming the space.
5. Linoleum’s Sustainable Second Act
Often confused with vinyl, true linoleum is making a surprising return to the spotlight. Made from natural materials like linseed oil, pine resin, and wood flour, this biodegradable flooring option predates many synthetic alternatives.
Manufacturers now offer linoleum in vibrant colors and patterns that appeal to contemporary tastes. The material’s durability (it can last 40+ years) and natural antimicrobial properties make it particularly well-suited for kitchens and children’s rooms where cleanliness is paramount.
