The aesthetic theme of a room is comprised of several different components— the paint color, textiles, and decor pieces, to name a few. However, the floor is often one of the most overlooked design features homeowners can use to make a statement.
Here are some of the most amazing home flooring trends of 2021 to inspire your next home design.
Epoxy Flooring
The pandemic has inspired many homeowners to repurpose existing space to make it more functional. Whether it’s a garage-turned home office or basement finished into an extra bedroom and living area, the flooring is the foundation of a successful transformation.
There are several benefits to epoxy flooring that have made it a popular solution for 2021. Epoxy is moisture resistant, durable, easy to clean, and customizable. You can even get epoxy flooring that looks metallic or marbled. Concrete flooring was a big trend from 2018 to 2020, but epoxy has taken over as the must-have floor for 2021.
Smart Floors
Smart home appliances and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing home design. With smart thermostats and smart lighting dominating modern homes, it should come as no surprise that smart flooring is becoming more popular.
Smart floors can be simple and non-technical, incorporating sustainability and moisture resistance (bamboo, for example) or highly integrated with computer systems. Some smart floors detect where someone is standing and provide direction in the dark or to dementia patients. They can read the person’s weight and cadence to determine who is entering the room, providing valuable data in an emergency.
In this instance, the term “smart” covers a broad umbrella. However, more designers are trending this way.
Terracotta Tiles
Tile design trends change with each passing year. Most recently, Italian-inspired terracotta tiles have been the rising star in the flooring world. In addition to the traditional terracotta color, these baked tiles also come in various shades, finishes, shapes, and sizes. This type of tile adds a European flair that fits in any New York City loft or a quaint rural farmhouse.
Geometric Tiles
Geometric shapes have dominated the interior design space over the past decade. Now, floor tiles are following suit. While simple squares and subway tiles have had their time to shine, now designers are opting for hexagons, octagons, and even abstract shapes instead.
The key to balancing bold geometric floor tiles is to opt for monochromatic walls and simple backsplashes. It’s also entirely possible that this trend will become the shag carpet of its era.
Colored Grout
Another surprising flooring trend for 2021 is the use of colorful grout as a contrasting element in modern design. This pop of color adds dimension when monochromatic floor tiles are used, particularly in the bathroom or kitchen. This trend has been prevalent in wall tiles for a few years, but it is now starting to make its way to the floor.
For this trend to work, choosing a complementary contrast color is everything. Pair your grey tiles with a pop of yellow or pink grout, or contrast white tiles with a deep navy blue. You can also use metallic grout for a luxe look that stands out.
Smoked Hardwood
Natural or bare hardwood has long been a fan-favorite for designers. Smoked hardwood is the evolution of that look. This process eliminates the need for stains or tinted finishes, instead highlighting and enhancing the natural qualities of the wood grain. Every plank of smoked hardwood looks unique, creating a work of art on your floor.
You can’t go wrong with any of these six up-and-coming floor design trends in 2021. There’s something for every room and every style to make your house a home.