While there are many types of flooring to choose from, few materials have the lasting durability and popularity of hardwood floors. While products like laminate flooring can help achieve a wood look, real wood flooring has a timeless appeal and durability that allows it to work well in nearly any setting from commercial to residential. Natural wood also has an added appeal that brings warmth and a natural feeling to interior settings, allowing occupants to relax and enjoy the home decor atmosphere.
No matter how much appeal nearly all forms of hardwood have, however, there’s always a few standout types of wood flooring that emerge each year. These trending flooring ideas capture people’s imaginations and grow quickly in popularity once introduced.
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In 2022, numerous hardwood flooring trends have emerged that are a continuation of the interior design trends seen in the past. This includes floor colors and styles that are designed to have more staying power, so you can be sure that the wood flooring you install this year, will still be on-trend a decade down the road.
Check out these hardwood flooring trends for 2023 to get inspired for your next remodel project! You can check out the latest trends prior to deciding on the best flooring choice for your interior.
Natural, Neutral Colors
The minimalist design trend continues to grow in popularity and flooring choice is no exception. Homeowners are gravitating toward more natural, neutral floor colors that are versatile enough to fit with a variety of living spaces, from dining rooms to bedrooms. Shades of white, cream and honey can be used in homes, luxury condos, and even commercial spaces. These shades create a calming atmosphere that can be designed to each individual’s liking.
One wood species that is particularly popular is white oak for its versatility as well as functionality. The creamy undertones add a subtle warmth to many spaces while it’s naturally water-resistant, which has an added appeal for pragmatic homeowners and business owners alike.
2. Smokey Wood Floor Tones
The color gray swept through the interior design world a few years ago, and no area of the home or office has been left untouched. This year, another trendy gray look is sweeping through the interior design world.
Smokey toned floors offer additional drama and character to solid hardwood floors. This floor color has a unique look to them that’s very appealing. They still have the warm undertone that hardwood flooring options are known for, but they also have a rustic, edgy look that is gaining in popularity. Almost any type of wood species can go through the process of creating a smokey look. These hardwoods get their color without having to apply stain. The wood planks are placed in a chamber where ammonia is released into the air. The wood reacts to the ammonia which causes the color change. Overall, the process gives the wood a dark tone and enhances the natural grain of the wood.
3. Bleached or Whitewashed Floors
For contemporary spaces, you can’t go wrong with a smooth, light, wide plank hardwood floor. Hardwoods naturally darken and develop a patina as they age. But, a floor that’s been whitewashed takes on an entirely new look that’s very appealing in modern design trends.
Light wood tones help to brighten up a space and bleached or whitewashed wood tones create a relaxed and rustic atmosphere in a home. The process for bleaching a wood floor involves adding a chemical solution to the wood surface to remove the color or stain. Whitewashing will give wood a white look while still showcasing the natural wood grain. And an added benefit is that these light wood floors will show less dirt making them more low-maintenance than their darker counterparts.
This also makes for a less busy floor, which in turn lets it work better with minimalist spaces. This light wood floor can become the backdrop for a busy and vibrant room, or it can be the subtle complement of a quieter, more subdued space.
4. Rustic Textures
Flooring trends aren’t just about the color; different textures also have their appeal! Rustic floors have a lot of allure. They call to mind nature and natural textures and surfaces, which in turn have a calming effect on the viewer.
Rustic flooring can be styled in a number of different ways. The floors may be hand-scraped or wire brushed to bring out their texture, or they may be made of reclaimed material that has had another life before being put into use as a floor. Reclaimed floors in particular feature nail holes, saw marks, and patina that add character to the floor.
All rustic textures, however, can add a lot of depth to a room. They work well in cottages, farmhouses, lodges, and any home where a natural appearance and vibe are desired.
5. Wide Plank Floors
The sizing of the planks that make up a hardwood floor seem to change every few years as different widths go in and out of fashion. One floor that’s had an enduring popularity and a recent resurgence is the wide plank floor.
Wider planks are less busy than other wood floors, with fewer pieces going into the construction. This lets you see more of the grain and variation across each individual piece of wood. This creates a floor that’s more interesting and more subtle at the same time. For commercial spaces, it makes the ideal backdrop, while for residential settings, it helps create a homier atmosphere.
Wide plank floors can be sanded smooth and contemporary or they can be rustic or reclaimed. No matter what style you opt for, they’re sure to make a big impression on your new floor.
6. Unique Flooring Design
While the typical floor layouts are still popular, there are new, innovative layouts that are becoming a popular flooring trend in homes. This creates more visual interest in the typical wood floor. Layout designs such as herringbone and chevron are two examples of flooring designs that make a big impression on your interior design.
For the herringbone design, the planks need to be laid out so that they interlock in a diagonal pattern which helps to draw the eye in a specific direction. This is usually laid out so that the points of the herringbone pattern floor are parallel to the room’s longest wall. Chevron and herringbone are great options to add visual interest to your entryways, kitchen floors or living room.
Mixing different flooring materials is another option that has gained popularity in recent years, such as creating a unique blend of wood and tile flooring.
7. Sustainable Flooring
As consumers become more aware of their carbon footprint and their individual effect on the environment, there is a turn toward making purchase choices based on sustainability. One way that homeowners can ensure that their flooring choice is sustainable is by choosing reclaimed wood flooring products. This wood is salvaged from old barns and structures across the United States and given new life in a variety of our products.
Reclaimed wood has a unique appeal and features characteristics such as nail holes and natural weathering that give each piece an one-of-a-kind look. This makes this flooring choice not only focused on sustainability, but also gives it an individual story that can’t be replicated by man made products like engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl tile.
Follow the Top Flooring Trends of 2023
Hardwood floors will never go out of style. Built to last, these floors can survive a lot of use while retaining their beauty and charm. Choose new flooring that’s growing in popularity in 2023 to get these benefits, along with the interest and character that is sure to set these floors apart for years to come. Homeowners are looking for exciting, new flooring options! Find your next floor trend with the help of Elmwood Reclaimed Timber. Our flooring experts are happy to help you find a wood plank floor that will make your home the talk of the block.
