How do you mix and match hardwood floors? Mixing flooring types in a home, including hardwood flooring in Toronto, is one of the most exciting parts of any interior renovation. You get myriad options that can give your home a customized feel and look. That is why starting the selection process with a clear vision is essential. So, how do you match two types of flooring?
You must remember that choosing different flooring throughout the house and making sure they do not clash is not a simple task. It involves incorporating other components that work with the floors, such as upholstery or other accentuating fixtures, to ensure they blend. The information below can help you mix hardwood floor colors correctly, but we are readily available if you need expert help.
What You Need to Consider Before You Mix Different Flooring
The first step is to compare different material prices and the amount you need for the project before searching for mixed flooring ideas. That would keep you from underbudgeting since flooring installation is usually expensive. Do not focus on the cost only; consider the long-term value you will be getting from the investment. A higher-quality material with superior longevity is better than a less durable one that will cost you more in repairs and subsequent replacement.
Your preferences and the room’s functionality are also crucial factors when contemplating two different flooring in one room. Think about how you will use the space, its size, and the kind of traffic for the floors.
Size and Purpose of the Room
Mixed flooring ideas mean endless possibilities if you use your imagination and choose suitable materials to differentiate room functionalities. For instance, you can have natural stones on the walkway up to the entryway, then proceed with wooden flooring from the first room to the hallway connecting to the other rooms. You can maintain the same wooden floors with different layout designs for the rest of the house.
Bathrooms and living rooms can have similar flooring, but other high-traffic areas like the driveway should have heavy-duty floorings like concrete or stone. Ensure wet areas like the bathroom get moisture-resistant materials like ceramic tiles, while the living room gets a touch of color like a bright carpet.
Avoid transitioning in open spaces. Creating a boundary between two rooms in an unoccupied area can only appear unnatural or unpleasant.
Architectural Style of Your House or Flat
Every architectural style blends well with a specific flooring type. For instance, flooring options for traditional designs are not the same as those of modern finishes. That is why medieval castles have stone flooring, and most traditional houses have wooden floors.
Unlike before, many flooring options are now available with various patterns that cater to every preference. The availability of varieties enables unique selections, but it can also create confusion. Hardwood, laminate, marble, natural stone, ceramic tiles, and vinyl are common examples you can access easily. However, do proper research before settling on any of them to determine their pros and cons.
In case of uncertainty, choose a flooring style that blends with every architectural design. One of the best options to consider is hardwood flooring. The material is durable and waterproof, with a timeless aesthetic appeal that makes it perfect for contemporary, modern, or traditional homes. If you want a more subtle option, consider natural stone. Other options like vinyl and laminate are also available depending on the purpose of the room and the return on investment you expect for your expenditure.
Choosing the Wood Flooring Colors that Match
The most challenging part about mixing flooring is combining the colors correctly – you must pay attention to every room. All the details make it harder to balance the components successfully because you must consider the furniture, upholstery, and other additions like carpets or curtains.
Take advantage of a color wheel to speed up the decision-making process. It will indicate potential mismatches before you invest too much money in the flooring. If you have never used a color wheel, use available online resources to understand how it works. Alternatively, you can contact our team for proper guidance and a simplified selection process.
How Mixed Flooring Will Affect Your Home Décor
The flooring should complement the existing home décor and not contradict it. Every fixture you have in place, from shelves and curtains to wall paint and furniture, should blend well with the flooring choice.
That does not mean you cannot add color contrasts to make it more interesting. Various colors can still provide a complete and cohesive look. For instance, you can choose a flooring material that has a darker shade of the furniture color. Lighter furniture texture and color work well with a darker version on the floor to provide the necessary transformation.
How Many Mixed Flooring Types Can Be in One Room
Too many different types of flooring in a room can distort the aesthetic appeal instead of enhancing it, especially if it is a small room. That means you should only have two different flooring in one room, but if it is an expansive one, you can make it three. Different flooring throughout the house should not exceed three either, even if it is a large house. A single floor type should be enough for a small property.
Can you have two different wood floors next to each other? Combining different wood types in one room can be a creative way of adding a personal touch without causing a mismatch. That means you cannot use a contrasting flooring material or wood colors that are too different, close to each other. Your goal should be to maintain consistency that results in a seamless flow throughout the room. Too many variations can interfere with uniformity.
Do’s and Don’ts For Mixing Flooring
Mixing flooring provides a classic visual appeal. It should also be about durability and cohesion. Creativity is also essential because it enables you to customize the available options to suit your preferred style. However, some rules apply when pairing soft surfaces, hard flooring, or tile surfaces. For instance, can you mix hardwood and vinyl flooring? We explore the answer below.
Mixed Flooring Ideas with Tile
Tiles have been a go-to choice for many homeowners for several years, and they continue to be a popular option. The available design varieties and color selections give property owners many alternatives to work with, making it easier to find a perfect match for every home. However, like every other flooring material, you should know when to install tiles and where they are inappropriate. That means knowing how to combine tile and wood flooring or determining when to have them as a replacement for carpet or any other material.
What Is Advisable to Do
Go bold
Bold designs and colors are fun when installed correctly in ideal spaces – the trick is knowing when and where they should be. They work best in smaller places where they cannot be visually distractive. Examples of ideal areas include powder rooms and backsplashes.
Bold tile choices make such spaces stand out and are perfect for adding visual interest to the rest of the rooms. Do not get carried away when you start the installation. Remember, placing them in a small section also means you can easily change them in the future if they become outdated for your style – it will not take too much time or resources.
Choose larger tiles for bigger spaces
Large tiles in an open space look better than numerous smaller tiles. They give the room a larger illusion and are more interesting than the smaller formats. Their long linear lines create a neat and clean finish, especially in accessible open areas like entryways.
Include grout color in the plan
Having the perfect tile color with a mismatching grout can fail, especially if you want to change the flooring as a long-term investment. The grout color should match the tiles. Contrasting colors can appear impressive for a short duration, meaning you will have to regrout in the future when they become too extravagant or outdated.
Select simple designs
Simpler designs are always worth checking out because they never go out of style. They always look elegant and are the perfect way to protect your investment, given the high cost of tiles. Maintain your focus when perusing through a tile book to avoid going overboard with ideas. Distinguish imaginative ideas from reality and remember that working with artistic tiles can complicate the installation process further. Simple shapes and colors create a clean and modern look that allows you to incorporate other elements for a completely fashionable appearance.
What Is Advisable Not to Do
Do not use grout as an accent
Grout can disappear with time, meaning you should not use it as an accent to the tiles. Grout that merges with the design is always the perfect option because it leaves the tiles as the main attraction.
Do not focus too much on tile borders
Like accents, inlays and borders only look great for a short period. Their magnificence starts to fade soon after installation – they become bland. Tile installation without borders may be an old design idea, but it still works for modern spaces. You get a seamless, sleek continuous flow that contradicts the busy look that borders provide.
Avoid mixing tiles in the same room
Mixing flooring options in the same room is possible, but two different tile types can be too contrasting and jarring. A single tile design can make the room stand out and create a welcoming atmosphere. You can make it more exciting by adding bits of colorful fixtures that will not divert attention from the tiles.
Do not buy polished tiles for the floors
Polished tiles look great but are hazardous on the floor because they are too slippery. The risk level increases when you have children or older people living in the house or visiting regularly.
Mixed Flooring Ideas with Soft Surface
The soft flooring surface is mainly carpet. Unlike before, when it was a lustrous idea, many people now consider it a traditional style that is unappealing to modern finishes. However, it remains a popular flooring option in most bedrooms and other house sections that require enhanced comfort.
Modern homes no longer have fully-carpeted floors – you can only find carpets in primary areas as accents that add an elegant and gentle touch. You can still get the best combinations with expert guidance.
Below are some tips to help you pair your carpets elegantly. You can also contact us for some inspiration involving carpet options and colors.
What Is Advisable to Do
Aim for comfort – Soft flooring is perfect for rooms that serve relaxation purposes. They add warmth and coziness to spaces you spend the most time in, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or entertainment rooms. Visualize your go-to areas when you want to unwind and carpet them.
Consider rugs with the carpet – Most people frown upon having a rug on top of a carpet, but it works well when done correctly. Apply the same technique when combining a rug with a hard surface – use it to segment the carpet. The ideal rug choice can enhance the functionality and attraction of the carpet, especially a large one. Smaller floors may seem too busy with a rug as an add-on. The resilience of the rug should be a priority, same as the carpet.
Select neutral colors – Neutral colors like grey or beige may seem like safe choices, but they bring a universal appeal that lasts longer. They allow you to change other components like bedding and curtains without worrying about color clashing. You can have the same carpet for many years without sticking to the same bedding color.
Prioritize kids – Carpets will always belong in children’s rooms because kids spend most of their time on the floor. If you are wondering where soft flooring can fit in your house, the kid’s play areas or bedrooms are good places to start. You will create a soft landing for them to crawl, making their playtime more enjoyable. A rug can serve the same purpose if you are hesitant about having a carpet.
What Is Advisable Not to Do
Do not use a carpet to make a statement – Carpets are not artistic pieces and should not be used to make a statement. If you attempt to use them as such, you can create a wild and shocking contrast rather than a complementary one. Showpiece options that serve as centers of attraction can be rugs, furniture, or artwork that blend with the carpet design and color; use them to make a statement instead. Moreover, personalizing the additional elements to suit your creative vision will be easier.
Avoid carpeting eating areas – Modern carpets have stain-resistant features, but that does not make them ideal for use around eating sections. Avoid purchasing one for your kitchen or dining area, no matter how advanced the features are. Spillage and dirt can make maintenance more challenging – you spend most of your time vacuuming the carpet or stepping on food crumbs.
Avoid having the same color in all rooms – Different carpet colors in every room does not provide a cohesive feel to the house. Instead of a different color for every section, choose varying hues of the same color. That will give the entire property a steady flow as you transition from one room to the next.
Mixed Flooring Ideas with Hard Surface
Several flooring materials are available for hard surfaces. Options range from hardwood to luxury vinyl tiles. Most of them create a clean finish, have an impressive lifespan, and have lasting aesthetics that make them a preferable choice in every property. They contrast older homes that had wall-to-wall carpets and are a favorite for modern homes with crisp finishes.
Despite their popularity and other advantages, mixing hard flooring requires a skillful approach that we can provide. You must choose correctly and consider possible downsides you may have to deal with after installation. We have highlighted some to-do tips as well as what to avoid below.
What Is Advisable to Do
Choose lighter finishes first: Light-shaded wood and other similar finishes open spaces to make them appear larger. That is why they are always the first choice for most people. The lighter shades are more appealing in smaller rooms where you want to create an airy illusion. Mix them with matching fixtures like white cabinets or shelves and alcove lighting for the ultimate airy feeling. The combination also adds a dramatic effect in addition to brightening the space.
Mix the hard surfaces with rugs: You can break larger hard surfaces with rugs. Ensure the floor cloth is stylish with the right color for it to be the perfect accent. The best pairing creates an illusion that the floor has multiple sections instead of appearing as one large room. You can have a TV viewing area and dining section in the same space, separated by a rug. It is an efficient way of dividing a room without putting in too much work or spending too much money.
Do not ignore darker finishes: Lighter hues for hard surfaces are modern, but that does not make darker shades obsolete. Dark woods continue to maintain their popularity as they have for decades now, resulting in high-end designs under proper installation. However, try to use them when you want to create a cozy space. For instance, if the house consists of an open floor plan or a larger master-ensuite, darker wood can make the rooms appear more intimate and comfortable. The dark grains can also add a homey feeling to living rooms. Combine them with correct lighting fixtures and décor pieces to make a bold statement.
What Is Advisable Not to Do
Do not mix and match: Combining the flooring with similar cabinets and furniture elements may seem like a good idea, but it does not work with the hard floor surface designs. Matching all the components creates a monotone look and feel that ends up unimpressive. It may work successfully in a few instances, but that chance is not worth taking because the style might come off mute. Find furniture and fixtures that complement the darker hues to avoid the trial and error approach.
Do not use too many varieties: Complementary colors on cabinets and furniture work, but you should not get too carried away. Too many variations end up looking messy and disorganized. Avoid creating confusion by limiting the colors for a smooth flow.
Closing Comments on Mixed Flooring for Your Home
Mixing flooring types in a home is an excellent way of adding a personal touch and making the house stand out. It creates an unbeatable visual interest that increases the property’s resale value. How do you mix different types of flooring? If you’re still wondering about that, we are available to assist and answer all your questions. Remember, you can combine wood with stone tiles, creative tiles, and wood, or ceramic tiles and carpets. Consider the intended purpose of the rooms and the resilience of the materials when selecting the combinations. Use your imagination as you apply the tips we have provided above, but do not go overboard.
