Floors are one of the biggest design elements in a home. They set the tone and provide a beautiful canvas for your decor.

This year, flooring trends are embracing darker colors and rustic textures. Wide planks offer an open feel while also catering to the popular minimalist wave. Distressed wood floors are another option, featuring historic nail holes and saw marks for a natural feel.

1. Dark Wood Floors

Dark wood floors add a dramatic and sophisticated look to any space. When paired with light neutrals, they create a classic combination that never goes out of style. Dark floors can also highlight darker furniture pieces, accents and wall colors. Just like how epoxy flooring is useful for high traffic areas, this type of flooring can also help a high traffic room and area feel bigger and more spacious because they absorb and accentuate natural light.

However, one drawback of choosing dark hardwood flooring is that dust and scuff marks can show up more easily on dark floorboards than they do on light ones. This is something to consider if you plan to have children or pets who frequently use the floors.

Fortunately, there are some ways to strike a balance between the drama of dark wood floors and their maintenance needs. For example, if you choose a stain that is darker than ebony but still a shade lighter, it will hide dirt and dust better than the absolute darkest hues on the market.

Another way to enhance the beauty of your dark hardwood floors is to choose a wider plank design, like Carlisle’s wide-plank flooring. This will create fewer seams and allow you to see more of the beauty of each individual floorboard. Then, a skilled flooring expert can apply texturing techniques to the floorboards that will add warmth, depth and character.

2. Mixed Width Planks

In an era where open floor plans are a standard, wide plank wood floors are more popular than ever. Wider planks allow more space to showcase the natural beauty of hardwood, creating an airier and more spacious interior. This flooring trend is also ideal for rooms that are larger in size, such as living spaces or great rooms.

The beauty of wide-plank wood floors is that they work well with all design styles, whether you prefer eye-catching knots and grains or sleek minimalist elegance. These floors create a sense of sophistication and refinement that elevate any room.

Narrower wood floors are also a timeless flooring option, adding classic charm to any home. Narrower boards tend to show fewer blemishes and are more durable than wider options, making them a smart choice for busy homes or high-traffic areas.

A new take on this flooring trend is the use of varying widths of planks in one installation. The resulting pattern adds character to any room while enhancing the look of parquet and other patterns. Generally, the use of three different plank sizes is recommended, including three-inch, five-inch, and seven-inch widths in a staggered or alternating pattern. The result is a customized hardwood floor that’s uniquely yours.

3. Herringbone Patterns

Herringbone patterns are making a strong comeback in wood flooring as they add a touch of classic elegance and a luxurious European feel to rooms. This intricate design, which features a staggered broken zigzag pattern of rectangular planks, can be used in tile or hardwood floors and is versatile enough to complement a variety of styles.

While herringbone and chevron patterns have similar looks, the key difference is how they are arranged in the floor. While herringbone uses rectangular planks cut at a 45-degree angle to create the pattern, chevron pieces are straight and fit together as a continuous V shape. While herringbone floors have a more subtle effect, chevron floors can be dramatic and eye-catching.

While herringbone patterned wood floors can be time-consuming to install due to the precision required, many companies now offer pre-cut herringbone planks to make the process easier. This can help homeowners save on labor costs while ensuring the correct pattern is laid out in each room. To achieve a truly stunning herringbone floor, consider choosing bold tile colors in amalgamation with light grout for a visually striking effect. Or, go a little more neutral and choose a grey or white herringbone for a classic look that can work with a wide range of interior designs.

4. Bold Monochrome Tones

A bright monochrome interior that’s been thoroughly considered creates vibrancy and a sense of sophisticated elegance. It’s a great way to elevate certain design features and accents within the room, from a plush upholstered sofa to an exquisite chandelier.

Despite being a bold choice, this trend is also versatile because of the wide variety of shades available. “To get a true monochromatic scheme, it’s important to choose a core color and layer it with different tones, tints and shades,” says the Director of Interior Design at Lick. “This technique can work well for any color and allows you to make the room look bigger or smaller depending on how many shades are used.”

In addition, light woods such as bleached oak and pale pine continue to be a popular option. They add a clean and Scandinavian look to rooms, which is a popular style for modern homes. Additionally, ashy white floors are a trending choice as they provide an airy feel to the home and leave a lot of room for creativity with furniture and decor.

Patterned floors also continue to be a major flooring trend, from herringbone to chevron patterns. They’re a great way to add a unique touch of personality to the space and can help create a focal point that attracts attention from guests and family members alike.

5. Natural Materials

With a focus on sustainability, homeowners are increasingly choosing eco-friendly floors. Options like bamboo, cork and linoleum made from natural materials are gaining popularity because of their unique aesthetics and durability. These floors are also healthy and comfortable underfoot, and can withstand the test of time and family life.

Another sustainable option is reclaimed wood flooring, which can provide a unique, vintage look to any home. Reclaimed wood can also be more affordable than traditional hardwood floors and adds a sense of character to any space.

Concrete is another option that’s gaining in popularity as an alternative to stone and other traditional materials. This durable material can be stained, stamped and polished to create a variety of different aesthetics, from modern to industrial. Another option is terrazzo, which uses chips of marble, granite and other natural stones mixed with cement to create a one-of-a-kind flooring surface that can elevate a room.

6. Luxurious Stains and Finishes

While white and blonde hardwood floors have dominated in recent years, darker tones are making a comeback. This flooring trend is a great way to add character and luxury to your home. Plus, dark wood flooring is more durable and less susceptible to wear and tear than lighter options.

In addition to dark wood floors, homeowners are also choosing more natural finishes and stains. Natural, earthy tones like browns and grays add a timeless look that pairs well with any design style. Plus, they are a great choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and home gyms.

Another popular option is hand-scraped floors. These floors are scraped by hand, so no two boards are the same, adding a unique texture and one-of-a-kind look. Plus, they are easy to clean and maintain. If you want to take your floors up a notch, consider using a matte finish. Matte finishes are less shiny and reflect less light, which makes them a better option for rooms with natural sunlight or high foot traffic.

7. Parquet Flooring

Parquet flooring can add a sense of artistry to your home. It involves arranging wood tiles into geometric patterns that can range from classic herringbone and chevron to more modern basketweave and diamond designs. These unique floors are a stunning choice that can elevate any living room, dining room or kitchen.

While smooth floors are a timeless design, homeowners are starting to appreciate the beauty of distressed and weathered looks that add character and interest. Wirebrushed finishes, which consist of carpet fibers that have been twisted many times, and hand scraped options are among the most popular choices.

These unique floor textures are also available in laminate and hardwood floors, making it easy to customize your style. However, it’s important to note that these materials are more susceptible to moisture and humidity than traditional hardwood, so proper maintenance is essential.

In addition to herringbone and mixed width planks, other flooring trends that are gaining popularity this year include luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which is a waterproof and durable alternative to hardwood. It is also a great option for those who prefer the look of hardwood but are concerned about maintenance or cost. Cork is another eco-friendly option that is gaining in popularity. Made from one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, this material is durable and provides a warm feel underfoot.