How to determine flooring requirements

Flooring is usually one of the first things you notice when you walk into a room. It plays a significant role in determining a room’s overall aesthetic and functionality, and it can make or break the finished look.

As an Interior Decorator, choosing the perfect type of flooring is one of the major tasks you will need to perform.

Not only do you need to consider which material is best suited to a room, but also the color and pattern.

From hardwood to carpet, the type of flooring you choose can affect the room’s color scheme, texture, and even the level of comfort.

Choosing the Right Flooring Material

When choosing a flooring material, first consider the intended use of the space.

Durable flooring options such as hardwood or tile may be the best choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

In contrast, softer flooring options like carpet or area rugs may be more suitable for rooms where comfort is a priority, such as bedrooms.

Another key consideration is maintenance.

Certain flooring types, like tile or vinyl, are easy to clean and maintain, making them an ideal choice for households with children or pets. On the other hand, hardwood or natural stone requires regular maintenance and may not be the best choice for those with busy lifestyles.

The choice of flooring can also impact the overall aesthetic of a room.

For example, hardwood flooring can add warmth and character to a space. While tile can create a sleek and modern look and feel. Carpet and area rugs can add texture and color to a room while protecting the flooring underneath and providing warmth.

Ultimately, the choice of flooring comes down to personal preference and the client’s specific needs. By considering factors like durability, maintenance, and design, you can choose a flooring material that looks great and meets the practical needs of the home you’re decorating.

Before making any recommendations, gathering information about your client’s flooring preference is essential. This will help you narrow down the options to make more informed suggestions. 

To get started, consider asking your client the following questions:

Does the flooring need to be durable? 

Durability is essential if your client requires a flooring material that can tolerate considerable foot traffic or wear and tear from pets or children.

Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and available in several styles.

In addition, tile is a long-lasting solution that can survive spills and stains, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Does the flooring need to be easy to clean?

For clients who prioritize easy maintenance, flooring options resistant to stains and spills can be a great choice.

Vinyl and laminate flooring are both easy to clean. Whereas hardwood flooring can be treated to resist stains and spills. Tile flooring can also be easily cleaned with a mop and mild detergent.

Does anyone in the household have allergies? 

If your client or anyone in their household has allergies, choosing flooring that doesn’t trap dust, pet hair, or other allergens is essential.

Hardwood and tile flooring are great choices because they are easy to clean and do not trap allergens. Whereas, carpets can harbor dust and other allergens, making them a less ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

Is it essential for the flooring to be warm under your feet? 

For clients prioritizing comfort, flooring materials that provide warmth and softness underfoot can be a great choice.

Carpet is a popular choice because it offers warmth and softness and comes in various styles, colors, and textures. Area rugs can also add warmth and comfort to a space while protecting the flooring underneath.

Are color and design essential factors in your flooring? 

If your client prioritizes design and color, flooring materials like carpet, area rugs, vinyl, and tile can offer various design options.

Carpet and area rugs come in multiple colors and patterns, while vinyl and tile flooring can mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone.

Does the flooring need to absorb sound? 

If noise reduction is a priority, flooring materials that absorb the sound can be a great choice.

Carpet and area rugs are excellent at absorbing sound, making them ideal for use in bedrooms, home offices, or other areas where noise reduction is essential.

These materials offer a soft, cushioned surface that absorbs footfall noise and creates a more peaceful and relaxing environment.

Does the flooring need to be easy to maintain? 

If your client values low-maintenance flooring, options like vinyl, laminate, and tile flooring are all great choices. These materials are all easy to clean and require minimal maintenance over time. On the other hand, wood flooring requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance.

Keep in mind the impact that the color and pattern of the flooring can have on the overall appearance of a room.

For instance, lighter shades of carpet, laminate, vinyl, or tile with no discernible pattern can make a space appear more spacious. Darker hues or floors with intricate designs, such as wood or tiles, can make the room feel smaller. 

Similarly, flooring with a horizontal linear pattern that runs across the room’s width can create the illusion of extra width. At the same time, a vertical linear pattern running the length of the room can create a sense of extra length. Considering the visual effects of color and pattern, you can help your client achieve the desired look and feel of their space.

Decorators Tip: Be aware of the costs involved when ordering flooring, as the installation charges may or may not be included in the square yard charge. For instance, some types of flooring, such as carpet, may consist of the installation costs in the total price, while others may not. It is also advisable to enquire about the removal of any existing flooring such as carpet. Additionally, consider the delivery and installation timelines to ensure the project is completed on time and within the budget.

Select the Area Rug

If you want to add a splash of color, texture, and personality to a room, consider adding an area rug.

When it comes to decorating a room, selecting the right area rug is one of the essential design concepts to be considered.

A large area rug can help set the color direction, fabrics, textures, and patterns for other soft furnishings to be incorporated into the room. If some of these elements have already been chosen, you may need to work around them and select an area rug that complements them.

Adding an area rug to a room is a simple and easy method to enhance its style and character.

Area rugs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, designs, and materials such as wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.

The type of rug you select will be determined by the room’s style and function, as well as your client’s taste and budget.

• When deciding whether to add an area rug to a room, keep the purpose of the room in mind. If it’s a high-traffic area, such as a hallway or living room, you might want to go for a rug that’s both durable and easy to clean. If it’s a bedroom or a home office, you might want to choose a rug that’s soft and cozy underfoot.
• After determining that an area rug is a good fit for the room, the next step is to select the right rug. While choosing an area rug, consider the size of the room, the existing furniture, and the color palette. A rug that is either too small or too large for the room may appear awkward and out of place. You should also ensure that the rug complements the furniture and does not clash with any existing patterns or colors in the space. Finally, when selecting an area rug, measure the room and furnishings to ensure it fits the space and matches the furniture.
• Choosing an area rug early in the decorating process is crucial as it can help set the tone for the rest of the room’s decor. A large area rug can act as a focal point and establish the color direction, fabrics, textures, and patterns used in the room. Choosing furniture, accessories, and wall art that complements the rug is much easier than finding a rug that matches everything else.
• It’s also important to consider the durability of the area rug when making a purchase decision. For example, a rug made from synthetic fibers such as nylon would be more suitable if the room is in a high-traffic area. However, a rug made from natural fibers such as wool or cotton can be a good choice if the room is in a low-traffic area. Natural fiber rugs tend to be more expensive than synthetic ones but offer a more luxurious feel and texture.
• Another aspect to consider when selecting an area rug is the style of the room. For example, if the room is designed in a modern style, a rug with clean lines and geometric patterns would complement the decor. In contrast, if the room has a traditional or classical style, a rug with a more ornate design and muted colors would work well.
• It’s worth considering the maintenance requirements of the area rug. Some rugs, especially those made from natural fibers, may require more care than others. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the rug remains in good condition for as long as possible.
• Finally, when selecting an area rug for your client, you must consider their budget. Area rugs are available in many different fibers, including synthetic fibers (such as acrylic and nylon) and natural fibers (such as wool, cotton, or jute). As a result, the costs can range from inexpensive to very costly.

When shopping for area rugs, it is helpful to bring swatches.

These can be fabrics, wall coverings, or paint and flooring that are already being used or that you propose to use in the space.

This will ensure that the colors in the area rug will coordinate with the other room elements.

All elements within the room will need to be taken into consideration, such as any current flooring, wall treatments, and upholstery.

For example, if the flooring or wall treatments are busy or have an ornate pattern, choosing an area rug with a subtle pattern is best.

However, if the flooring and walls are simple, a more patterned area rug can be selected.

Decorator’s Tip: When purchasing an area rug, don’t forget to also buy a similar-sized non-skid pad to go underneath the area rug. This will prevent the rug (and people) from slipping. It will also make it easier to vacuum and, most importantly, protect the area rug from wear.

By carefully selecting a suitable flooring material that meets the client’s practical needs and design preferences, interior decorators can create beautiful and functional spaces.