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In terms of materials and finishes, these have become influenced by peoples’ increasing interest in where things originate – the provenance of furniture and fabrics and the workmanship involved. Stripping back unnecessary decoration and a return to a simpler lifestyle for many, means interest in more raw surfaces and calmer colours.
We also connect the trend of craft to this – people are keen to be their own designer; crafting their own products. This year, we’re seeing natural earth elements and tinted colours in use across surfaces, with injections of deep pigments like indigo blue-blacks and pearlescent highlights. Copper and rose gold finishes came to prominence in 2015 – not just in flooring, but across all areas of design – though this year, we predict a move away from the popular copper tones and will instead see more pewter and silver tones, supplemented by more artisan bronzes, adding an element of warmth to our spaces.
Gone are the days where all consumers wanted in their homes were simple block or flagstone patterns. With LVT, you’re able to choose more interesting tile shapes and coordinate these into far more exciting patterns. Geometric patterns have dominated the conversation for the past two years and although it looks set to continue, we predict that scales will begin to mix – larger, less intricate patterns, as well as popularising more organic shapes. Using simple, contemporary oaks and limed grains, in larger-scale planks in herringbone or parquet, adds subtle impact, and will probably always remain popular. But, the brave are embracing multiple tones of colour in one pattern – shades of grey woods, for example, can look very contemporary.
In terms of texture, the popularity of ‘the natural’ will be mirrored here like it has been in the colours we’ll be seeing. This will translate into softer, more worn grains in wooden finishes, as well as artisan painterly brush strokes in other finishes. Rustic, contemporary and clean is the direction the trends are heading in, which contrasts with the more polished, smoother textures we’ve seen in the past.
Introducing eye-catching borders to your flooring couldn’t be easier with LVT, as it gives you a lot more freedom to flex your creative muscles. A graphic edge on your floor acts as the perfect finishing touch to an interior scheme – the simplicity of a slim line, square edge, defining curve or a bold Art Deco pattern adds visual interest and a clean finish to your space. Decorative borders also help define open-plan living spaces and ensure a clearly defined layout in your self-build.
Installing LVT is straightforward if you are a qualified and experienced fitter, and follow the same guidelines that apply to all quality resilient floor tiles. The finished appearance of your floor will only be as good as the base over which it was installed, so good preparation is paramount. The base should be hard, smooth, clean, dry and free from defects; this in conjunction with an even surface will make it easier to achieve good fitting and adhesion. We always recommend consumers use a fully qualified fitter when having flooring laid in their homes.
When it comes to maintenance, LVT doesn’t pose the same sort of problems of natural flooring or carpet. It doesn’t need regular refurbishment, and with a few small steps it’s easy to keep your floor looking as good as new. Use furniture cups, felt pads, castors or glides to help reduce the risk of scratching and marking to the floor, and avoid dragging heavy furniture items across the floor as this can result in scratch marks.
Like other flooring options, you should avoid spray from aerosols, paints, shoe polishes, cigarettes, matches and very sharp grit getting on your floors, and if any of the above does make contact, then wipe up any spillages immediately. Avoid using steam mops to clean your LVT floor, as these can cause damage to it, and perhaps invest in barrier matting to help reduce the chance of water, excess grit, dirt, small stones and other debris being walked on to the floor. Finally, make sure your vacuum cleaner is suitable to use on LVT – some aren’t, so it’s always good to check.
