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From hardwood floors to tiles and stone, discover this year’s top flooring trends

Flooring is the first investment – and one of the biggest – in any space. Understanding your options is crucial to landing the look

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By House & Garden South Africa | July 22, 2022 | Design

What you put underfoot is arguably one of the biggest design decisions any homeowner will make. The quality of your floors will inform the direction of your interior style – as well as the value of your home – so make sure to invest. From hardwood floors to tiles and stone, discover this year’s top flooring trends and expert advice from industry leaders.

The Cardrona Cabin by Abodo, Image: Supplied

The introduction of pattern and proportion is a great way to add a modern refresh while staying true to the material. Traditional chevron, herringbone and Versailles patterning gets a playful update with mixed light and dark timber tones, while opting for much larger planks – the overall effect being a supersized floor pattern – creates a dramatic sense of scale.

Oggie flooring, Image: Supplied
‘Hardwood flooring is the darling of any building. it adds a warmth and, as a material, has stood the test of time’ Nick Luckman, Owner, Oggie Flooring
‘Versailles’ living panel, From R2 068, Oggie Flooring, Image: Supplied

As a flooring solution, tiles are practical but they also present a golden opportunity to have fun – graphic patterns and bold colourways are a sure-fire way to add a feel-good factor. Tiles in unconventional shapes (subway tiles had a good run, but it’s time for them to go), from Kit Kat fingers and micro squares, to scalloped and asymmetrical, add interest in pared-back monochrome and natural tones.

Opia Design, Image: Supplied
‘Always choose a sustainable tile that will transcend trends without being flat or boring. Properly executed, a traditional handmade tile will add value to your property and be part of your fondest memories’ Ghizlaine Menebhi, Co-Founder, Opia design
Hand-decorated Ceramic wall Tile, POR, Union Tiles, Image: Supplied
Skinny Laminx X Concrete Studio ‘Sunny Day’ Concrete Tile, From R1 300, Concrete Studio, Image: Supplied
Skinny Laminx X Concrete Studio ‘Oporto Curve’ Concrete Tile, From R1 300, Concrete Studio, Image: Supplied
‘Half Moon’ Tile, From R2 995, Rialheim, Image: Supplied

With the near infinite variety of pattern and tones in which natural and engineered stone are available, there’s no excuse for uninspired floors. For a more subtle approach, opt for an ultra-matte finish, which creates a softer visual effect while feeling more natural underfoot.

Quartz Carpet, Image: Supplied
‘Our rounded quartz stones are resin bound and trowelled to create a seamless surface able to accommodate curves or inclines’ Jeremy Stewart, Owner, Quartz Carpet
‘Astrus’ Polished Marble, POR, Womag, Image: Supplied
‘Galaxy Sky’ Polished Marble, POR, Womag, Image: Supplied