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FLOORING

Look for colour’s subtle comeback in this year’s flooring trends.

WORDS SHARON NEWEY STYLING SARAH LODS STYLED PHOTOGRAPHS BELINDA MERRIE

Comfort, sustainability and natural good looks are key trends for flooring in 2021 – but we’re getting tired of too much grey, so watch out for colour to make an important if subtle comeback. We’re not talking sizzling reds or cobalt blues, but bold tones based on nature – such as rich rusts and dusky blues – are on the rise.

“As people spend more time at home, they’re looking for comfort, and little luxuries like a soft wool carpet or rug underfoot,” says Lily Ng of flooring supply company Artisan. “Keeping materials natural and sustainable is important – think timber flooring with wool or sisal rugs. The industrial look of mixing wood and metal is popular too, which ties with the desire for a less perfect, more rustic look in both timber and tiled floors – a more lived-in, cosy look.”

Sustainable finishes are being increasingly used on timber flooring – oiled floors have no VOCs and penetrate the timber to give a more natural, richer patina. Matte and satin finishes give a more opulent effect and are lower maintenance than gloss finishes.

Lily notes a slight shift away from nylon carpets, back to wool which is a move celebrated by Bremworth.

The company has decided to make only wool carpets. Aside from supporting our local strong wool industry, the company says wool carpet has the advantages of being naturally odour, stain and fire-resistant, is durable and easy to clean and improves a room’s warmth and acoustics.

Padgett Johnson of Bremworth says that chunky loop piles are still popular and “while neutrals are still the safe choice for most New Zealanders, we are also seeing a resurgence of colour.”

If you’re not a fan of tracking marks in carpet, which can happen with cut pile versions, choose a loop pile or higher weight, tightly woven carpet, says Skye Turner of Flooring Xtra.

Skye notes that colour selections are now more subdued, with earthy colour palettes being most popular. “To keep a scheme neutral but still interesting, textured wool carpet and timber-look flooring with unique graining and detailing is becoming the go-to floor pairing for New Zealand homes.

“Ebony, espresso, dark walnut and beige blonde oaks are trending and herringbone, chevron and parquet designs are only ramping up in popularity,” she says.

Using hard flooring throughout the busiest living areas of the home, with carpet for just the bedrooms, is a trend that is only getting stronger, says Skye. This gives more flexibility when choosing carpet as you’re not restricted to the hardest wearing types –bedrooms have less foot traffic and not as many large glass doors or windows, so durability and sun fade aren’t as big an issue.

According to a trend report from Tile Space, key looks for tiles this year are for those that give the appearance of stone, wood and concrete as well as tiles with a metallic finish. Tiles are becoming more sophisticated and realistic with designs that mimic the natural shade variations of, for example, real stone. Large format tiles for the floor, and walls, are popular because they offer visual impact. Patterned tiles are also having a surge in popularity, for example with terrazzo or Moroccan effects, and tiles that can be mixed and matched give a cohesive look but with heightened interest, the trend report says.

Farah Farahani from Rugs Direct has noticed a change in rug trends this year. “Last year it was quite evident that Kiwis wanted thick and fairly neutral tone rugs. However, this year we are seeing a revival of colour. I think Kiwis now want to distinguish themselves and are becoming

bolder with their floor coverings. Rugs of a colourful arrangement in both geometric and abstract patterns have so far been the most popular.

“Our anecdotal observation is that authentic, unique, tribal, hand-knotted rugs have become the outlet for Kiwis to express themselves. Tribal rugs with pastel and rustic colours have been popular for a variety of interior styles,” says Farah, adding that the inherent imperfections in handmade rugs provide a pleasing contrast to straightlined, formal interiors.

Sheet vinyl flooring is less common but comes in many designs and colours. Those that mimic wood and stone are popular and often have a textured finish for a more authentic feel. Geometric designs that mimic traditional tiling look great in kitchens and bathrooms, which are areas where vinyl excels for its durability and water resistance.

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2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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