10 smart new ways with flooring
Bamboo silk rug from Rugs Direct, prices starting from $899.
From bamboo silk to rugs that move between the horizontal and vertical, here's a closer look at coming-of-age flooring fashion.
1. BAMBOO RUGS
Fast-growing, renewable bamboo is being used as an alternative to a hardwood floor and now the bamboo fibre can be woven into a silk for soft floor coverings too. A fairly new entry to the rug market, bamboo silk has a more textured look than traditional silk but is still soft to the touch. That's not the only silk available for the eco-conscious: recycled sari silk is also being used for rugs in combination with natural fibres such as jute. "Blue and grey are the on-trend colours of the moment," says Farah Farahani from Rugs Direct.
2. BAMBOO FLOORS
Coretec luxury vinyl planks in Muir Oak 228 x 1830 x 8.1mm $78+GST/sqm from Ecodure Flooring.
Bamboo plays an important role in another advancement in flooring technology. Recycled wood and bamboo dust, limestone and virgin PVC meld together to create Coretec vinyl flooring – a 100 per cent waterproof vinyl suitable for installation in wet areas. "If the kids end up with a tsunami of water on the floor after a bath, this will have no effect on the flooring," says Antoinette van der Nist from Ecodure Flooring. "Even if water is left on the floor it will not swell, as the entire board is waterproof." With a solid rigid core, the flooring can be installed over large areas without the need for expansion joins. Vinyl is soft underfoot, doesn't get cold in winter and, as Coretec's cork underlay is naturally resistant to mould and mildew, it's an easy win for bathroom and basement flooring.
READ MORE:
* Take your rug from the floor to the wall
* How to choose the right rug for your home
* What's your flooring preference? Wool or nylon carpet
3. PARQUET STONE FLOORS
According to Richard Brasell at Artedomus, an old favourite making a comeback is parquetry – but not just in wood, in stone too. "We have been raving on for years about using smaller modules like the Europeans and this is finally happening here with small stone-tumbled bricks such as Silver Travertine used in herringbone and brick patterns inside and out." According to Richard, flooring lies at the heart of great interior decor. "Get it right and the rest of the interior will follow."
4. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Peter Fell C2 black oxide mirror finish concrete floor.
Fishing nets underfoot don't sound too alluring, but if you invest in a carpet made from recycled synthetics (such as nylon), you'll change your mind. Carpets that use Siren fibre (exclusive to Cavalier Bremworth) are created with 100 per cent regenerated fibre, including fishing nets recovered from the world's oceans. The finished fibre is not itchy or rough – just plush and tough, and holds its colour for life. Plus, the production process reduces carbon dioxide emissions by half.
5. FOCUS ON THE STAIRS
A stairwell painted in Resene ‘Half Nocturnal’ and Resene ‘Half White Pointer’.
Stairways are part of the flooring – and they're no longer the forgotten part. Paint them in different colours (a palette of pastels, a barcode of bold shades or a nautical stripe) to make an uplifting statement.
6. GREAT GROUT
Bright grout is a great way to have some fun with your tiles. Available in blue and magenta from Tile Space: it can also source a wide range of shades on request and stocks a glitter powder that you can add to any grout.
7. IN THE ROUND
Break away from rectangular angles and use circular rugs. A round textured floor rug, such as one in the Tairua collection from Mulberi, is made from a mix of soft wool and durable viscose, and is a graceful way to anchor furniture in larger open-plan spaces and create a calming zone.
8. MOSAICS
Onix mosaic tiles from Artisan.
Not just limited to swimming pools and bathrooms, mosaic tiles can create striking or subtle flooring in living spaces too. Add European flair with Onix mosaic tiles imported from Spain by Artisan.
9. PUT THEM ON THE WALL
Rugs, especially highly patterned or woven with a painterly abstract design (such as the multi-toned Delaine from Mulberi), are moving onto the wall to be used as statement pieces of art.
10. INSIDE OUT
Beren tiles in Dark Grey with indoor and outdoor finishes 90 x 90cm from Tile Space.
These days you can use the same tile inside and out in modern homes where you want to emphasise the flow from the living room to the garden. One example is the Beren range from Tile Space, available in both outdoor grip and indoor matt finishes.
- NZ House & Garden
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