Choosing New Floors? Here’s What Matters Most (+Timeless Looks to Love)
Choosing the right flooring for your home isn’t just about looks—it’s a decision that impacts comfort, functionality, maintenance, and even resale value. Whether you're renovating, building from scratch, or just refreshing a single room, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach.
Below are five key considerations to guide your decision-making, plus a few timeless flooring styles that never go out of fashion.
1. Lifestyle and Daily Use
Your flooring should match how you live. Got kids or pets? Expect lots of foot traffic? You’ll want a floor that’s durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Hardwood is beautiful, but a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or porcelain tile might be better suited for busy households.
Pro Tip: For kitchens and mudrooms, opt for something water-resistant. For bedrooms, comfort might outweigh durability—carpet or warm-toned wood is ideal.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning Needs
Think about how much time you want to spend cleaning your floors. Some surfaces require more upkeep than others. Natural stone can be stunning but often needs sealing. Engineered wood, laminate, and LVP, on the other hand, are designed with ease of maintenance in mind.
Ask yourself: “Will I be OK with a floor that needs refinishing or resealing every few years?”
3. Climate and Moisture Levels
Where you live matters. In humid climates, certain woods can swell or warp over time. In dry or coastal areas, tile or engineered materials might hold up better. And if you’re finishing a basement or working in an area prone to moisture, avoid solid hardwood entirely.
Good to know: LVP and tile are moisture-resistant and often a smart pick for bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
4. Home Aesthetic and Visual Flow
Flooring connects your spaces. Aim for consistency or complementary styles throughout your home to create a seamless feel. Ask yourself what aesthetic you’re trying to create—cozy and warm? Light and airy? Clean and modern? Flooring can define or disrupt that vision.
Design tip: Lighter floors tend to make a space feel larger. Darker floors can anchor a room and add contrast, especially in light-filled homes.
5. Budget vs. Longevity
Some floors are more expensive up front but last decades. Others are more affordable but may need replacement or refinishing sooner. Consider your long-term plans and how much wear and tear the flooring will endure.
Budget wisely: If you’re renovating to sell, durable but lower-cost options like LVP or engineered wood can deliver style and ROI.
Timeless Flooring that I Absolutely Love:
Here are some examples of the flooring types that I find absolutely chic and timeless, that you may want to look at for your home:
Classic Wood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a go-to for their warmth, versatility, and enduring appeal. Whether you prefer the clean look of white oak or the richness of walnut, wood flooring works across nearly every design style—from traditional to modern. It's a smart long-term investment that adds natural beauty, increases home value, and pairs effortlessly with changing decor trends.
Source: Gray Benko
Fun & Funky Tile
I love seeing rooms that make a bold statement. For those occasions, colorful or patterned tile is the perfect way to inject personality into a space. Think geometric motifs, Moroccan prints, or playful color combinations in kitchens, powder rooms, or entryways. Funky tile is ideal for creative homeowners who aren’t afraid to break the rules and embrace a bit of joy underfoot.
Source: House of Hargrove
Old World Stone
Natural stone flooring like limestone, travertine, and slate brings a sense of history and elegance into the home. It’s perfect for those who love the patina and imperfection of aged materials. With soft, earthy tones and unique textures, Old World stone creates a grounded, organic feel that never tries too hard—and ages beautifully with time.
Rustic Terracotta and Concrete Tiles
For a more lived-in, soulful vibe, rustic terracotta and concrete tiles offer warmth and authenticity. Terracotta’s sunbaked tones bring Mediterranean charm, while concrete’s matte finish lends an industrial edge. Both materials work well in relaxed, earthy interiors where texture and tone take center stage over perfection.
Your floors are the foundation—literally and visually—of every room in your home. By balancing practicality, personal style, and long-term vision, you can choose a flooring material that’s both beautiful and built to last. When in doubt, lean timeless over trendy. It’s a choice you (and future buyers) won’t regret.
