In 2020 unique trend narratives will unfold and begin to influence how we live and work.

In today’s fast-paced, scattered, multi-tasking culture; many of us are stressed and stretched. As a result, we’re looking for ways to gain balance in our lives — it’s, therefore, no surprise that wellness continues to be a huge area of focus in the interior design industry.

Below we’ve put together design trends predicted to transfuse into the new season and beyond.

Biophilia — connecting with nature

Architects and interior designers are realising just how crucial it is to design spaces with people’s wellbeing in mind.

This design ethos realises that both where we live and work can significantly influence our physical health as well as our emotional state of mind.

Therefore, it’s essential to create environments that positively stimulate our senses, that enhance productivity, creativity or relaxation, and that have health and wellness benefits to the people using them.

The positive benefits of biophilic design and its approach to our health and overall productivity are well documented and backed by science, too.

We live in a tech-centric age where we spend most of our time looking at screens, and less being surrounded by nature.

Biophilia aims to address this issue in urban environments by bringing elements of the outdoors into the interior environment. Research carried out by Human Spaces has found that workers reported feeling 15% more creative and 15% more productive when their workspaces made use of biophilic elements.

In 2020 we continue to witness the biophilic interior design trend becoming more and more of a necessity in the building of interior spaces, with both residential and corporate design moving towards introducing natural light, greenery, water features, natural materials such as wood and stone, and open spaces for quiet working.

Not only is biophilic design beneficial holistically for the home and workplace, it can also help to increase sales in retail spaces. Recent research indicates that customers judged that goods sold by businesses whose design was surrounded by nature were worth up to 25% more than those that were not.

Evidently, the hype surrounding biophilic design is not an empty one. It’s about more than just putting an indoor plant in your office or home — but rather, about weaving our ecosystem into our surroundings. After all, bioophilia covers wellness, productivity, and profitability in one, so expect this design trend to stick around throughout 2020 and beyond.

Environmentally-conscious and sustainable design

Essentially, the rapid growth in wellness building transpires partly from “consumer demand and lifestyle” and partly due to the swift environmental crises around the world.

Many businesses are moving towards ‘greener’ branding — and we can all do our part and invest in products, material and designs that won’t cost us the planet.

Sustainable design in 2020 will be more than just aesthetics and natural-effect surfaces.

The industry will see the rise of biodegradable materials and technologies being rolled out onto residential and commercial spaces.

Colours inspired by nature

Previous years have seen pared-back, minimalist designs and colours being extremely in vogue.

The Scandinavian approach often makes use of muted neutral tones: think grey, navy and beige to name just a few.

However, taking insights from this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week in London, one would see that “soft neutrals are slowly stepping aside”.

Although colours are such a personal thing, many interior designers suggest that restorative and earthy tones will remain big news in 2020.

It’s safe to say we will be swooning over hues such as forest green, ripe olive green, bronze, earth yellow and ochre to cohesively create inspired spaces that ooze calm and tonal balance, and yet maintain a luxurious feel.

Keep the look modern and fresh by incorporating an unexpected accent hue.

This could be any balanced pairings such as taupe with periwinkle blue, rust and pink or lilac, and mustard with dusty pink.

Reclaimed furniture, fixtures and materials

It’s going to be all about keeping a strong connection with the natural world via our interiors in 2020, and this means recycle, reuse, repurpose.

Natural materials and organic forms are already well and truly entrenched in our interior loving hearts and we can look forward to more of this next year and beyond.

This is a trend you can embrace wholeheartedly: think reclaimed wood not just on floors but on walls and ceilings too.

The power of patterns and fractals

Understanding of the natural world has moved far away from rosebud patterns plastered all over walls and furniture… Nature and organic life are visually a lot more geometric than we thought before.

If you zoom in or zoom out a thousand times, you get a pretty good view of the true beauty of nature’s intelligence.

One of the preferred ways to introduce patterns in interior design is taking inspiration from fractals in nature.

In 2020, we’ll see décor elements and fixtures that resemble patterns found in nature; from leaf veins and pinecones, to tree branches.

This is a significant trend as several studies suggest that the ordered complexity of fractals in nature can reduce stress and promote an overall sense of relaxation.

Open concept floor plan

Another significant trend in home design vernacular is the integrated living space that embraces large, open spaces and minimises small, enclosed rooms.

An open floor plan of kitchen, dining and living room (also referred to as “great room” combination) is a new must for modern life’s dynamic.

Such a distribution of living space works best in small footage homes but also lend an appealing layout for larger residential spaces.

Open concept layouts offer generous entrances and hallways that open onto courtyards or gardens and create a feeling of serenity from the moment you step inside the front door — and can enhance wider-than-average hallways that borrow light, air and floor area from adjoining rooms.

This spatial sharing visually eliminates interior barriers that can sometimes be conceived as dark, compact and unattractive.

Fascinating glass lighting

Light is increasingly becoming one of the most important elements in design — modern spaces are now designed around natural light sources, smart lighting systems to better match our natural rhythm, and artificial light that mimics daylight…

For 2020, the hottest trend is all things glass lighting.

What makes glass lighting fabulous is its ability to be incorporated into a range of interior aesthetics due to its multi-faceted design flexibility.

From a perfect trio of geometric shaped mid-century statement lights with stunning glass features (to bring back the mod look of the 60’s), to boho-chic chandeliers that give the style a modern flair, there isn’t an interior trend that glass lighting can not surpass.

Conclusion

The interior design world is dynamic and forever evolving — and whilst trends can be a big thing for a pretty short season, some stay with us for years and continue to surprise and delight. In 2020, wellness focused interior design will continue to take centre stage and offer new ways to update and transform our indoor environment. From the use of sustainable materials to incorporating colours that encourage us to relax. All upcoming wellness trends realise that good design can greatly influence our physical and mental well-being.

The Significance of Interior Designers

Interior designers are the curators of the old and the creators of new. They innovate to make our spaces functional, safe, and beautiful, relieving us of this arduous task. Simply by implementing the right colors, lighting, and materials, interior designers refashion our homes and elevate the appeal that they have on our emotions. In fact, their actions often subconsciously affect various aspects such as our lifestyle, work satisfaction, time spent with our families, and our wellness. 

Interior Designers And The Internet

The rise of blogging and social media allowed interior designers to connect with people far and wide, and thereby build quite an audience for themselves. In fact, you might be following an interior designer yourself. And there could be various reasons for this.

Perhaps, their designs appeal to your tastes and preferences. Perhaps, you might have worked closely with them in the past and would like to work again in the future. Or perhaps, you might simply like the interior design ideas that they provide via their blogs.

If, by any chance, the third reason is your motivation for following a particular interior designer, you will be elated. For we have a treasure trove of such notable blogs from the greatest interior designers providing ideas, news, insights into events, etc. Check them out, if you want. Who knows, you might find your preferred interior designer on this list. Or even better, you might find another blog to resonate with.

Alexander James Interior Design

Alexander James Interior Design is one of the most influential names in interior design. Now, this blog isn’t actually owned by an individual designer. Rather, it is maintained by the Alexander Group of Companies, a company that has been catering to the needs of property developers, private clients, and hotel groups, present all around the world.

Over the years, the group of companies has worked tirelessly to create an impressive list of clientele – Millgate Homes, Octagon Developments, and Berkley Homes being some of them. Alexander James Interior Design provides interior designing services for numerous fields, such as private residences, show homes, hotels, leisure locations, project management, interior architecture, and floor coverings.

Check out their blog, at: https://www.aji.co.uk/interior-design-blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Kia Designs

Kia Designs is a leading interior design firm established in the creative streets of London by Kia Stanford, a hugely-ambitious designer in her own right. The firm manages an interior design blog, set-up in the same name. Their blog showcases numerous effective and enchanting solutions, hinting their innovative nature.

Kia Designs primarily focused on providing designing and redesigning services to residential clients. With an ever-growing team, of the most innovative designers, coordinators, and installation crew, the team provides a bag full of exemplary services, such as planning, architecture design, furniture design, styling, product procurement, online project management, etc.

Check out their blog at: http://www.kiadesigns.co.uk/kia-designs-blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

René Dekker Design

René Dekker Design is one of the leading design studios, set-up in London by the eminent René Dekker. The business flourished owing to the philosophy and experience of the founder. Their high-quality work has enabled them to build long-term relationships with numerous clients, including prominent developers for buildings, workspaces, luxury homes, apartments, yachts, and hotels.

To showcase its excellence, the company launched a blog on its website documenting numerous aspects in its line of work. Not only are these blogs pleasant to read, but they also easily one can improve their home architecture. Moreover, with blogs showing how lighting and certain materials can innovatively enhance your designs, they certainly take interior designing a step ahead.

Check out their blog at: https://www.renedekker.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rockwell Group

The Rockwell Group, in their own words, is an interdisciplinary firm, focusing on innovating and creating thought-provoking solutions in each and every project that they undertake. Started way back in 1984, this firm was founded by David Rockwell and led by partners, Shawn Sullivan and Greg Keffer.

The first distinguishable aspect that you notice upon arriving at the Rockwell Group blog, is the aesthetically-pleasing interface. Created quite deftly, the blog serves as a perfect holster for the articles meant to be published. With their blog, the group perfectly showcases their numerous achievements over the years. Furthermore, it also contains leisurely articles, such as 11 Most Stylish New Restaurants in New York City, that are sure to please you immensely.

Check out their blog at: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/blogs

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rachel Laxer Interiors

Rachel Laxer Interiors’ specialty lies in the art and post-war functional art in interior design. This London and New York-based firm focuses its magic primarily on high-end luxury residential homes, hospitality, and corporate spaces to deliver exclusive results.

Coming to the blog, the Rachel Laxer Interiors blog is quite mentally-pleasing due to its minimalist nature. All articles provided are neatly arranged in columns. However, that’s not even the best part, the blog contains the sharpest batch of articles that you could come across.

Ranging from simple designs for homes to vintage design ideas to create the ultimate luxury spa, this blog has all that you could ever ask for. Furthermore, it also contains interviews with eminent individuals in the field of interior design, something that is quite missing in other blogs.

Check out their blog at: http://rlaxerinteriors.com/category/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Sue_Timney

When talking about eminent interior designers, there is no scope of ignoring the name Sue Timney. It has been over 30 years since Sue started working, and yet she is relentless. The widely-acclaimed designer has been working extensively on projects that celebrate her brand of exotic classicism under Timney Fowler and Sue_Timney brands.

When we said that Sue Timney works extensively on projects concerning exotic classicism, we weren’t joking. And the Sue_Timney blog is a testament to this. The blog is packed with articles that guide you through the wonders of classic interior designing. With articles focusing primarily on architectural spaces such as Sir John Soane’s Museum, its Decorex, its Postmodernism, 1980s Fashion Print, Living in Style in London, the Arkitextiles series, and so much more. All-in-all, this blog should be your one-stop-shop for exploring our elegant past.

Check out their blog at: https://suetimney.wordpress.com/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

TH2 Designs

TH2 Designs is another interior design firm, acclaimed for delivering spaces that stand out from the crowd. Started more than 20 years ago, TH2 Designs is hugely reputed for fiercely working on projects for private clients, while magnifying their effect on the landowners. And it was this ferocity that elevated them into a leader of the interior design industry.

Upon arriving at the TH2 Designs blog, the first aspect that catches your attention is the meticulousness observed detail while writing these blogs. Even the smallest things affecting the interior design, such as placing your wallpaper correctly, optimum bed suppliers, simple aspects for creating calm interiors, etc. And that’s not all. The blog also contains in-depth articles such as case studies, interviews, reflecting on the past designs that went viral, etc.

Check out their blog at: https://www.th2designs.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Vorbild Architecture

Vorbild Architecture is a registered Chartered Practice in the United Kingdom. Their practice focuses on bettering clients’ lives by complementing the small things surrounding their lives. Moreover, they provide consistent results, irrespective of your involvement with the project, that appeal to you at the best they can.

The Vorbild Architecture blog is another ingenious addition to this list. For their blog takes you on a graphic journey through the streets of the United Kingdom with blogs such as Visiting Salone di Mobile 2019 Milan, Neoclassical Architecture in Nice, France, Haussmannian Style Architecture in France, etc. Moreover, educational articles seal the deal with offerings such as Where to Find an Architect, Choosing a Plot of Land in France, Living Room Design, and much more!

Check out their blog at: https://vorbild.co.uk/articles-vorbild-architecture/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Cato Creative

Humility is a word that best defines Cato Creative. In their own words, they are a small London-based architectural practice, focused on creating homes for comfortable living. They practice produces beautifully-designed homes, that transform their clients’ imagination to reality. And with their diverse experience, they effortlessly tackle projects irrespective of their complexity or the individuality.

Social media might be an optimum means for connecting with the Cato Creative family. However, it is seldom as effective as their blog. With a diverse range of articles, the blog keeps you constantly updated about their work. Be it about tackling fresh projects or about introducing new members, or even their television appearances, the blog has it all. And, you also get to know about design ideas, newly-launched services, and their case studies.

Check out their blog at: https://www.catocreative.com/cato-creative-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Ensoul

Based in a bustling corner near Wandsworth Common, South West London, is the award-winning architectural and interior design practice named as Ensoul. The practice delivers house renovation services, primarily to experienced clients including project managers or procurement specialists. Ensoul innovates like none other. By innovating every step that they take, the practice transforms their clients’ expectations into tangible results.

The Ensoul blog should be your foremost destination for last-minute designing or long-term implementations. Be it for transforming your homes before Christmas to tips for managing your home projects, to designing media rooms in your home this blog has it all. And unlike any other blog on this list, the blog also caters to the needs of your children ensuring that they get the best living experience as well.

Check out their blog at: https://ensoul.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Opun

Simplicity, straightforwardness, and transparency. This is the motto that Opun adheres to and abides by while working on their projects. The practice was set-up in 2014 by Rod Brown and John Cushing with one particular aim in mind – to improve homes simply, yet elegantly. And by minding these principles, the practice has successfully created innumerous revolutionary ways for improving homes across the entirety of the UK.

If you’re a novice in the field of interior designing, then the Opun blog should be your only stop for information. The blog covers articles from every aspect of interior designing, be it redoing bathroom architecture, or creating a cosy home office, or even designs for inflating your home value in the long run. Furthermore, this blog also dexterously informs you of factors to be considered in interior designing with creatively-written articles.

Check out their blog at: https://opun.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Studio G

To say that Studio G is a master at creating elegant, timeless, and unique interior designs would be a huge understatement. For this group of architectural designers, originating from Surrey, work their magic to guarantee the best experience that a client could ever ask for. Equipped with their vision to create unique and functional design solutions, Studio G combines expertise and discipline to provide you with the best solution for your needs.

Their creative flair is hugely visible on their blogs. Whether you need a solution to enhance your development needs or you just want to spend some leisure time reading, rest assured, their blogs are what you want. With blogs such as Rainy Day Brainstorming, A Fabulous Power Room!, Modern Living, Be My Guest! An much more, Studio G shows how easy it is to turn any architecture into an impressive and elegant design project.

Check out their blog at: https://www.studioginteriordesign.com/studioginteriordesign-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Jackson and Co.

Jackson and Co. is an interior design firm which stems from a British and Ghanian heritage. Set-up back in 2016, the firm is widely popular for its ability to meet the needs of their clients, irrespective of what it is. In fact, the company is widely known for its ability to redesign the most dreary of spaces and convert them into an area brimming with life.

Unlike the other blogs on this website, the Jackson and Co. blog is quite new. In fact, it is surprising to find relatively fewer blogs on this page. Regardless, the few blogs present are quite interesting in their might. For one, these blogs beautifully explore the interior designing ideas originating from the African continent. Besides, it also explores various other forms of designing, both basic and luxury.

Check out their blog at: https://www.jacksonandcodesigns.com/blog

Or, shoot them a mail at:  [email protected]

Maurizio Pellizzoni

Any interior designer, irrespective of where he lives, has to have heard about Maurizio Pellizzoni. This interior designer was born to be inducted into this exact field. Maurizio grew up near Lake Como, in an affluent family of the interior designing business. After establishing his consultancy in 2007, he embedded his Italian roots into his projects, giving an unrivaled superiority in his range of residential and commercial projects.

Although Maurizio has been working extensively in numerous avenues, the one area garnering most of his attention is yachts. His blog is a testament to this. For his blog is superbly adorned with interior yacht designs, segregated as per your needs and wants. As you dive deeper into the blog, you will find articles on other topics as well, including imperial bathrooms, interviews, residential projects, and much more!

Check out their blog at: http://www.mauriziopellizzoni.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them a mail at: [email protected]

Casa Forma

Casa Forma might appear to be just another website on this list, but you would be wrong in assuming that. The firm specializes in providing services associated with decorative and structural design. Having worked numerous projects, the firm has received immense clarity regarding client needs. This has enabled them to provide meticulous services that accord with uncompromisable standards.

Elegance and simplicity. These two words perfectly define the Casa Forma blog. Defined in a manner where you can preview all topics, this blog enables you to read through these topics without actually opening them. Moreover, the blog features several topics of articles, comprising of trends, designs, tips, and tricks, etc. that are sure to engross you in no time.

Check out their blog at: https://www.casaforma.co.uk/blog-pages/page-1/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Catherine Wilman

Catherine Wilman is another interior design firm set-up back in 2000 in the bustling city of London. Since then, they have been actively tackling projects concerning contemporary homes for residential clients and property developers in the city of London. With their experience in interior design, architectural drawings, and project management, the firm has delivered numerous projects providing significant experience increase in the lives of their customers.

The Catherine Wilman blog is, by far, one of the most active blogs that we have ever seen. For one, the blog actively propagates simple design ideas, easily enforceable by anyone. Be it planning in your kitchen, fitted wardrobes, luxury bathrooms, bedrooms, and so much more! The content present on the blogs is quite engrossing to the point where you might even keep them.

Check out their blog at: https://www.catherinewilman.com/interior-design-ideas

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Roselind Wilson Design

Started back in 2010, Roselind Wilson Design is an interior design firm led by the Wilson sisters – Roselind and Geraldine. Started primarily by Roselind Wilson, the firm witnessed Geraldine joining the firm six years later as the Chief Marketing Officer. Today, these sisters, and best friends use their unshakable bond to tackle exciting and unique ventures in the UK as well as on the international marketplace.

If you are a fan of ongoing trends, awards, and tips and tricks, then the Roselind Wilson Design blog is bound to appeal to you. With trends that comprise articles from prominent magazines such as, the Interior Design Magazine, the Irish Times, the Homestead Magazine, etc. And that’s not all. The blog actively features a section dedicated specially for notable design awards as well as simple guides that you can implement in your home environments.

Check out their blog at: https://www.roselindwilsondesign.com/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

The Open Plan

A massively-affluent designer, Lisa Roberts-Goldner had worked with numerous glorious interior design companies. However, there came a time in her life when she felt it was time to showcase her skills and shine as one of the greats. And that’s exactly what she did after the launch of The Open Place in 2008. For, she brought forward a wave of fresh designs that completely dominated the market. In fact, it was due to the efforts of her and her team that she won numerous accolades.

However, the firm didn’t just win accolades for their designing efforts. In fact, their blog is so magnanimously creative that it has won numerous awards on its own, the most recent one being nominated for the Best Interior Designer Blog by the Amara Interior Blog Awards. A few most notable articles greet on you here include interior design guides, using eco-friendly materials, ongoing trends, design news, and such.

Check out their blog at: http://www.theopenplan.com/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Owl Design

Founded by Simone Gordon and Sophie van Winden, Owl Design focuses its services on clients present both in the residential and commercial sectors, all ranging from homeowners to businesses and even developers. The firm specializes in creating spaces and experiences, something that you will never want to leave behind. Moreover, their timeless and unique interiors not only extend a warm welcome but also help the inhabitants to function properly as well as enjoy the aesthetics.

However, being timeless and unique aren’t the only prominent factors of this firm. Their blog also plays a wide role in the lives of their clients. For this blog is a boon for people who like blogs focusing on a particular series. The blog contains numerous series including the Evolving Home series, the Own Design Trails, the Insta-Interior Series, and much more. Each of these series focuses on a particular theme and investigate its entire composition.

Check out their blog at: https://www.owldesign.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Pia Design

Pia Design is all about sustainability in design. Started by Pia Pelkonen, Pia Design uses the power of sustainability in their services while working their magic on their clients’ spaces. Furthermore, Pia Design focuses exclusively on a green approach, by working on projects involving paperless and plastic-free initiatives. Such an initiative has long-since been helping them to provide better, authentic interiors for their clients.

The blog for Pia Design shows how the firm has been using green initiatives and staying true to their word. However, you might also be taken by surprise when you arrive at it. For one, this blog has relatively few articles focusing on interior design. Rather, they give insights on the life of the owner, Pia Pelkonen. Furthermore, the blog also imparts wisdom regarding various philosophies such as soft skills, using the power of self-confidence, and such, etc.

Check out their blog at: https://www.piapelkonen.co.uk/journal

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Casa Botelho

Casa Botelho was established by João Botelho. Before establishing his firm, João worked in the global luxury retail for more than 22 years. However, João wanted to do more. And this pushed him to move to London where he began to work under prestigious interior designers. After working with such designers, there came a point where João gained enough experience, inspiring him to explore the undiscovered areas of interior designing through his creations.

Titles are the one thing that will attract you to the Casa Botelho blog. The titles present with the blog articles are so good that they are bound to compel you to read through one article, then another, and then another, before you realize the sheer number of articles that you read. Written crisply, these articles mesmerize you to point where you don’t want to put them down until the end.

Check out their blog at: https://www.casabotelho.com/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Topology

Topology is completely in contrast to the other websites present on this list. For this blog deals with providing design services via the means of their blog. Set-up by the design duo Athina Bluff and Amy Brandhorst, the blog propagates knowledge primarily revolving around the theme of affordability. To ensure this, they share the top tips and secrets that you can use to enhance your living environment, irrespective of the space.

Focusing primarily on providing services in the form of ideas, the blog provides a few of the most top-grade articles that you might have ever come across. They provide everything that you need to know to keep up with the trends, new and improved materials, project reveals, decor for outdoor, and much more. Moreover, they also take you through the journey of exploring homes through some of the most eminent celebrities.

Check out their blog at: https://www.topologyinteriors.com/topology-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

AB Design and Interiors

AB Design and Interiors focus massively on minimalism. This is made well-aware when you approach their blog, the first quote that you notice is, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know how to be useful to believe to be beautiful.” Born out of a collaboration between two childhood friends Annie and Anna, the firm is led by two strong individuals with a background of art and antiques respectively.

The AB Design and Interiors is another blog that focuses hugely on providing articles in the form of series. They provide articles with comprised festivals, interviews, introducing new art styles and so much more.

Check out their blog at: http://abdesignandinteriors.co.uk/index.php/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Cherie Lee Interiors

Based in cities of Hertfordshire and London, Cherie Lee Interiors specializes in blending classic features with the contemporary to create diverse forms of modern stylings. As a result of such efforts, the firm worked an impressive number of projects, adding up to form an extraordinary portfolio. Simply by understanding the personality of the client, the firm redesigns properties that exactly meet the needs of the clients.

The Cherie Lee Interiors blog focuses on a diverse range of topics that include styles, trends, must-have products, home comfort products, how to welcome the holidays and so much more. Spend some time and you will find yourself in the midst of some of the greatest articles ever written.

Check out their blog at: https://www.cherieleeinteriors.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

Founded in 2000 by Martin Brudnizki, the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has a team comprising of more than 70 interior designers, architects, lighting designers, product designers, and much more. The studio exhibits extraordinary levels of commitment to provide out-of-the-world experiences for their customers, simply by carefully studying the project context, client lifestyle, and much more.

The blog contains a few of the most profound articles that you will find which are created in a classic design and bestowed with more contemporary content. The crisp language, elegant design, clutter-free environment is sure to consume a beautiful afternoon of yours as you continue reading through the blogs.

Check out their blog at: https://mbds.com/journal/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rose Uniacke

Rose Uniacke is an interior designer, a designer of furniture and lighting, and a dealer in antiques. She is truly a high-performance person who has been catering to numerous clients along the length and breadth of the UK. The designer has been extensively implementing her skills to combine the old and the new, creating a style that is well-revered by designers all around.

And upon her blogs, you will find solutions relating to exactly this. With articles on antiques, trends, lighting and such, the Rose Uniacke blog is certainly one for you if you’re hugely a fan of the skills provided by the owner.

Check out their blog at: https://www.roseuniacke.com/magazine

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Bergman & Mar

Bergman & Mar was started and is led by Petra Arko, the founder and creative director. Born in Slovenia, Petra studied economics and international business in Slovenia and Australia. And it was after working with a business consultancy and with human resources, that she finally worked on pursuing her lifelong passion for interiors.

The Bergman & Mar blog, too, contains a multi-varied list of articles that you can go through. Multi-varied, because there is no limit to the types of articles that you will find here. A few include; discussing important topics, such as real estate, talking about their new projects, interviews about notable celebrities and much more!

Check out their blog at: https://bergmanandmar.com/new-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Conclusion

And there you go. Those are some of the most profound, thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and interesting blogs that you will ever need for your interior design needs. Do you want to get a more minimalistic approach, or do you want your space to be adorned with the best antiques placed from around the world? Regardless of either, these blogs will quench your needs for all that you need. Moreover, they will also keep you updated with the trends, the news, and the other happenings in the world of interior design.

A walk in a forest full of trees can be rejuvenating and healing.
Each tree stands tall and solitary, yet there is so much going on in the forest that a naked eye can’t see.
Imagine a chitter-chatter between a collection of trees.
Is it possible that trees actually do talk to each other?

Just two decades ago, forest ecologist Suzanne Simard from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, found out that trees are immersed in deep relationships with each other, communicate often and over a vast distance.
This astonishing discovery came about while researching her doctoral thesis.
And if trees do talk to each other, how do they do it? Simard suggests that trees communicate their needs and send each other nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen via a complex network of fungal filigrees hidden underground.
This sophisticated and interconnected social network of latticed fungal filigrees has been nicknamed the “internet of fungus” or “Wood Wide Web”.
Simard compares these symbiotic networks to neural networks in human brains…

And it is through this elaborate system that trees are able to send warning signals about environmental change, search for kin, share resources and nutrients with neighbouring plants before they die, and, surprisingly, use their leaves to sabotage unwelcome plant-eating animals and insects by spreading toxic chemicals that repel the intruders.
Simard, together with her research team has helped change scientists’ attitude towards the interactions between plants. “A forest is a cooperative system,” she said in an interview with Yale Environment 360.
“To me, using the language of “communication” made more sense because we were looking at not just resource transfers, but things like defence signalling and kin recognition signalling. We as human beings can relate to this better. If we can relate to it, then we’re going to care about it more. If we care about it more, then we’re going to do a better job of stewarding our landscapes.”

And now, an international team of scientists believe almost all plant species worldwide are in relationships with fungi living in the soil.
These fungi can connect one tree root system to another tree root system to create what’s known as a mycorrhizal network.
Some of the important things that the mycorrhizal network can influence include survival, growth, health, and behaviour of the trees linked within it.
Simply plugging into mycelial networks makes a plants’ internal core respond quicker and more efficient, a phenomenon called “priming”.
How trees naturally communicate, even if quietly, above and underground using sound, scents and signals have been an amazingly fascinating topic for years.
In his book, The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben, a German forester and author, came to a similar realisation and uses a human family analogy to describe how adult trees, dubbed “mother trees”, play a key role in supporting other neighbouring trees as well as “suckle their offsprings”.

Trees are interconnected, supporting each other as they grow, sharing nutrients with those fighting diseases or struggling.
The key aspect of this interconnectedness is to create an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group.
As a result of such interactions, trees among the same family or between species are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.
Wohlleben views the forest as a sophisticated, superorganism of unique individuals — and spends his time managing an ancient beech forest reserve in Germany’s Eifel region.
In his interview with The Guardian, he explains that after stumbling upon an old stump still living after about 400-500 years, without any green leaves: “Every living being needs nutrition. The only explanation was that it was supported by the neighbour trees via the roots with a sugar solution.”

It was at this moment and many more after that he opened his mind to the trees.
He further states that “As a forester, I learned that trees are competitors that struggle against each other, for light, for space, and there I saw that it’s just the opposite. Trees are very interested in keeping every member of this community alive.”
Wohlleben talks about trees admiringly and in a way that makes them seem quite human — describing them as “plant elephants” — and wood as “tree bones”. He believes that human connection with the natural world isn’t lost, but perhaps distant because for the last 20 decades, scientists have taught us that nature works without a soul.

Both Simard and Wohlleben alike, would no doubt agree that conservation is key. Understanding that trees are masters of connection and quiet wisdom could be what leads to a more sustainable commercial-wood industry.
Because when it’s all said and done, the influence of our natural forests to the well-being and survival of humankind are extraordinarily vast and far-reaching.

Conclusion
There is an incredible body of research conducted in North America and Europe which indicate that trees are “sentient beings” — with the ability to transmit information and communicate among each other in ways that enable a beneficial tree-to-tree sharing system and aid in their collective survival.
When we recognise that there’s a lot happening under the surface of the forest floor, perhaps we can then begin to have a broader understanding on the significance of worldwide forest conservation, and how this phenomenon is crucial even to our own survival.
The evidence pointing to how these mysterious gigantic beings communicate and defend themselves against imminent attacks can also inform smart ways to preserve and replenish our greenspace respectfully in years to come.

From a purely aesthetic perspective, solid and engineered hardwood are indistinguishable when installed properly — however, in the end, there are several reasons why architects and interior designers lean towards engineered flooring.

Versatile style to suit every need

Flooring is often the most dominant aspect of a room — it gives an aura of timelessness, comfort and warmth. It can also define the room and pull every element together. One of the reasons why engineered wood flooring has swiftly emerged a preferred choice for many interior designers is its ability to perfectly complement a wide range of interior styles and atmospheres.
From a selection of darker colours and cooler tones to complement sleek, modern aesthetics; to warm tones and natural grain patterns to create a unique and forgiving rustic appearance. No matter how unique the design project is, there’s always a variety of styles, colours, widths and finishes available to create a really interesting effect in both residential and commercial buildings.

All prepped and ready for use

The nicest thing about engineered wood flooring lies in the fact that it has been fine-tuned for custom needs, and can be used right after the installation process is complete. Prefinished boards with factory-applied coating by the manufacturer are generally tougher and last longer than those applied on-site by the installer, which increases the long-term durability of the floor.

Flooring that last

Because of its multi-directional bonded and layered synthetic core, engineered wood floor delivers more dimensional stability and is less prone to swelling or warping due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. For this reason, it gives architects and designers a far greater range of installation locations, including bathrooms, kitchens, basement and even over underfloor heating. No grade level is off-limits.
The benefit of increased moisture resistance means this type of flooring has a better capability to hold its shape better in the case of flooding or other water damage. With little care and effort, it further makes a great candidate for high traffic areas due to this strong lattice structure.

Conclusion

The fact that engineered wood flooring provides versatility in design, more sustainable manufacturing process, greater substantial structural stability and better resistance to variations in temperature and moisture — often at a better value — explains why it has become a reliable and better-performing choice for informed homeowners, architects, as well as interior designers.
Whether upgrading an existing residential or commercial interior space or building a new one, opting for engineered floorboards is a fantastic way to bring in a classic, elegant and long-lasting natural appeal.

Choosing wood flooring to install in a below-grade basement can be quite a challenge.

Not all flooring can stand up to damp conditions and high levels of humidity. Solid hardwood floor, for example, absorbs moisture and will warp, crack, cup or crown when exposed to harsh conditions — making it an unfavourable option for basements.

Engineered wood flooring, however, lets you enjoy the warmth and beauty of real wood, whilst maintaining the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction.

Why are basements so damp?

Due to persistent condensation, basements are often too damp (especially in old homes) to be comfortable for hardwood flooring. Water vapour from warmer outside air sinks to the basement where it condensates cooler surfaces such as the solid concrete foundations that support our homes and make up the walls and floors.

Other moisture and humidity sources can be caused by water seeping against the walls or entering through cracks in window casements. Too much dampness will ultimately lead to rot and decay, architectural damage, and other types of biological growth.

Because of its construction — a top layer (known as wear layer) of hardwood adhered to three or more layers of backing material, either plywood or HDF — engineered flooring can tolerate large swings in temperature and humidity better, making it an ideal option for basements.

Engineered wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat, floated, glued directly to a concrete slab, and nailed or glued to a plywood subfloor.

Before installation

If you have a plywood subfloor, fill any gaps with levelling compound for an even surface. You would generally be best off to have a standard engineered wood floor that can be nailed into the plywood. For a smooth and fairly levelled concrete subfloor, a regular engineered wood floor can be installed by glueing it to the substrate.

If the subfloor is uneven, proper installation preparations are essential to the durability of the finished engineered floor. This may mean grinding off any high spots and smoothing out cracks or imperfections.

In a case where the subfloor is fairly level but not smooth, you have the option of installing clickable floorboards that can be floated on top.

Why is moisture so critical to surface preparation?

While engineered wood flooring is sturdier than traditional floorboards, it does expand and contract due to temperature and moisture changes. For this reason, your choice of adhesive will be determined by the environment and the conditions during installation. Certain wood adhesives are formulated to provide the necessary moisture barrier

Installing on concrete subfloor

Before you put down any floor in the basement, you may want to cover the concrete with a moisture barrier. This could be anything from poly sheeting, paint-on products designed to seal concrete slabs or underlayment with a built-in vapour barrier.

A moisture barrier does a great job at preventing moisture and water vapour from wicking up through the cement slab into the wood planks. Alternatively, a subfloor can be installed as a supplementary floor that keeps engineered wood boards from contacting the concrete directly.

What’s more, subfloors provide support for floating floors, and can act as both sound and heat insulators. A layer of 3/4 inch plywood-on-slab and sleeper are great subfloor systems for concrete installation.

A supplementary subfloor and moisture barrier will create additional floor height, which may require you to cut any basement doors shorter.

Like any other hardwood installation, it is required to acclimate the floor boards by unpacking and placing them in the area they are to be laid. Let the open boxes of wood sit in the room at least 4-7 days to absorb the ambient temperature and humidity.

Conclusion

Basements are often complicated; hence the wrong type of flooring faces a variety of defects that may not be apparent until sometime later. Engineered floorboards make hardwood flooring an ideal choice for the lower level of your home.

Many of the damage risks can be minimised because of the core components of the materials that make up engineered flooring. Plus, it offers the natural characteristics of almost any hardwood species.

Proper damage preventive measures include consulting a flooring professional before installation. They will advise on the best structure/installation method and whether floor prep is required since most basements are uneven.

Wood flooring has a timeless aesthetic that seems to never go out of style. Besides its durability and low maintenance care benefits, it offers a great way to usher in an organic, biophilic feel into an office environment, coordinating different styles around its sophisticated and classic appeal

For a remodel or a newly built office, you may want to select material that balances function with beauty. If you’re looking at hardwood flooring as a possible option, there are many reasons why you should go for engineered floor — it offers a wider variety of style options, easier installation and lasting peace of mind.

What exactly is engineered wood flooring?

With so much demand for long-lasting hard surface flooring today, one of these choices include engineered wood flooring. This type of flooring is made up of layers — the top layer being genuine hardwood, bonded over a substrate of 3-9 high-quality plywood.

The middle and back layers are positioned in different directions for dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, humidity and arid conditions.

Engineered wood flooring with a thicker wear layer can last 40-80 or more years before having to be replaced.

The hardwood veneer that sits atop comes in a variety of species including oak; with multiple finishes available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss; and in a number of surface effects such as hand-scraped for a time-worn appeal, distressed for a slightly rustic charm, or wire-brushed.

A sustainable choice

The construction process of engineered floors is highly resourceful and utilises less hardwood, making this type of flooring a more eco-friendly option.

Deforestation has become a worrying issue, and striving to choose “greener” products for an office project helps the environment around us.

It’s important to purchase flooring through manufacturers that harvest from responsible forests. An easy way to ensure that you’re playing your part is to check if the company is FSC certified.

Keep a clean, fresh office environment

High-quality engineered floor can be next to indistinguishable to solid wood flooring, even by a trained eye. And like solid hardwood, it has both aesthetic and positive health effects when used within an interior environment.

When you’re building a space any employee would love to work in, you want the results to be as beautiful and useful as possible.

Well-documented research indicates that the naturalness, warmth and aspirational appeal of wood flooring can positively impact workers psychological and physiological well-being.

Engineered flooring is no different — it helps promote a clean, healthy and hospitable workplace for everyone.

According to a study conducted by HOK Architects, wood offers a sensory stimulation both visually and tactilely, which can contribute to employees’ ability to rally their best in terms of productivity and performance.

Another study carried out by the University of British Columbia reveals a link between wood biophilic properties and stress reactivity in occupants of the built environment — a similar effect humans experience when their desire to connect with nature is fulfilled. These positive results promote improved health, happier employees and a reduction in sick days — a profound benefit to any company’s bottom line in more ways than one.

Engineered wood flooring can also benefit air quality in an office setting. Unlike other flooring options such as carpet, dust and dirt don’t cling to the floor due to its hypoallergenic properties. This solid foundation of knowledge reinforces the idea that this type of flooring is a sound investment choice for any corporate environment.

Easier installation

Engineered flooring is almost always sold prefinished, which eliminates the time-consuming step of sanding and finishing on-site.

Another advantage of using engineered flooring in the office is the ease of replacement should the boards get damaged for whatever reason.

Wide range of choices

Unlike classic wood, engineered flooring offers far greater styles, widths (from 3”-7” wide and 3/8” to 3/4″ thickness) and finishes that make it easier to find the perfect match for the office design of your dreams.

From the deepest charcoal to a light, natural finish — domestic and exotic species to hand-scraped and wire-brushed styles, your imagination can truly go wild when creating an aesthetic that you desire.

Engineered wood flooring boosts a prestigious and dignified aura that’s well suited for any corporate space.

Conclusion

When searching for the perfect flooring material, it’s important that you consider its durability, lifespan and how well it will complement your offices’ overall aesthetics. Engineered wood flooring has become a favourite option in recent years because of these features and flexibilities.

When compared to other wood flooring material, it stands up exceptionally well in terms of the range of design choices available, durability, dimensional integrity, resilience to moisture and foot traffic with very little competition.

No matter how you look at it, the return on investment for engineered wood floors is incomparable.

If your flooring is going to be the ‘pièce de résistance’ of your kitchen, parquet offers the best opportunity to make an impact.

One thing that is indisputable is that this style of wood flooring performs on many levels — it’s durable, easy-to-clean and long-lasting — and it looks stunning, too.

Because parquet wood floors are currently very popular, they’re a fantastic way to introduce depth of texture, charm and timeless beauty to even the simplest kitchen.

Below we look at stylish ideas that will truly inspire your next remodel.

Make a bold statement

Parquet floors are the standout piece in any stylish kitchen.

Even better when your scheme is open plan — you could run the same floor throughout the space as a connecting thread to different areas — dining, cooking and lounging, for instance.

The striking results add definition to the large space and elevate it with a designer finish.

Create a subtle feature

For an understated yet delicate finish that will never date, parquet wood floor can be used to welcome a sense of warmth and elegance without being too over the top. Classic parquet with natural markings and textures can be laid beautifully to blend into a kitchen scheme with subtle style. Opting for neutral kitchen cabinets and walls will allow warm tones of wood to shine through.

Call on contrast

Dark-stained parquet floors are a great choice for the kitchen if you’re looking to add to the atmosphere. The intricately patterned floor offers an interesting contrast when partnered with white walls and high, airy ceilings. Rich, dark floors not only add character, but they are also perfect for heavy traffic areas such as a busy family room.

Create a surface for natural light

If you’re looking to combine two of the hottest interior trends, then lighter, natural wood flooring in a geometric pattern is a perfect choice.

Light tones of flooring enhance the sense of space — a great choice for a pared-down contemporary kitchen style. Beautiful, sophisticated and versatile — lighter-toned parquet floors tick all those boxes and more.

Double it up

If you can’t get enough of traditional herringbone design, why not double-up for a rather modern touch. This involves pairing up the planks and creating a bolder impact visually.  For a more impressive effect, mix up the colours, grains and finishes. Warm and slightly darker doubled-up herringbone lend a contemporary feel, while a lighter, natural tone adds an authentic look to the kitchen’s scheme.

Timeless grey tones

A medium-toned grey that sits right in-between dark and light spectrum will complement any style of kitchen cabinetry — everything from relaxed to upscale. Even more appealing is how grey parquet floors level up the sophistication of kitchen design. They serve as a foundation for lighter, brighter colours and also balance out darker hues and design elements.

Conclusion

Improvements in products and sealers make parquet wood floor a great pick in kitchen design. What’s more, this flooring style is loved for its sense of timelessness and warmth that complements a range of decor styles — from contemporary to cosy Scandinavian to traditional spaces. If you’re thinking about remodelling your kitchen, consider these flooring ideas to create a clean and finished look with parquet.

Like ordinary wood flooring, parquet creates a natural, cosy and sophisticated atmosphere in any interior setting.

It is constructed from smaller pieces of wood or planks laid at angles to form a variety of geometric patterns.

Derived from the French term “parquetry,” meaning “small compartment or enclosure”, parquet wood floors originated in France in the 17th, Century, and were a widely acclaimed option for wealthy residences, museums, galleries, church halls and grand public spaces.

In early days, parquet was handcrafted from solid hardwood, installed one piece at a time.

Today, modern parquet options are just as durable and elegant, but a lot easier and quicker to install.

They have remained a sign of quality and craftsmanship throughout Europe.

What makes parquet flooring special?

Parquet floors are made from different species of wood.

Apart from adding character and depth to a room, they can be used to create an optic illusion of a bigger space.

Light parquet wood floors a are a designer’s canvas: they lend themselves beautifully to soothing neutral hues in minimalistic and Scandinavian settings, as well as more colourful and eclectic décor ideas.

Dark parquet wood floors are ideal for spacious rooms and can be used to create a stunning contrast with lighter colours. “Lived in”, or “distressed” parquet add instant interest and texture to rustic décor style.

Parquet wood options and designs

Parquet wood flooring comes in a range of different wood including oak which is especially loved for its natural appeal.

Parquet available as solid and engineered:

• Solid parquet floors are crafted entirely from solid wood (top to bottom).
• Parquet flooring featuring engineered hardwood is made from a fine veneer of solid wood overlaid on top of plywood.

In areas where moisture and temperature are in constant flux (such as the kitchen or bathroom), solid parquet will expand or contract.

This natural reaction can cause gaps or cracks in the wood as the floorboards rub up against each other.

Essentially, engineered parquet flooring maintains its quality in fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels, making it an ideal flooring options in humid areas or where underfloor heating has been installed.

Wood planks can be arranged virtually in any pattern imaginable.

Versailles, brickwork, basketweave, herringbone (with single, double and diagonal variations) and chevron are of some extremely elaborate floor patterns that are highly sought after.

How do I care for Parquet floors?

Parquet flooring is known for its long lifespan and natural beauty thanks to its perfect technical properties. But like any other type of wood floor, it requires proper care from the moment it is installed.

• Regular cleaning: Firstly, of course, dry mopping regularly or simple hoovering is often sufficient to get rid of loose dirt. A deep clean monthly with an appropriate care product is all you need to keep your floors looking good as new.

• Refresh wood floors: Oiled parquet flooring should be re-oiled with a product that is specially designed for floors as soon as the first signs of wear appear, and even lacquered parquet has its own specialist care products to keep it looking beautiful for a long time.

• Wipe spills immediately: Use the right products with a slightly damp cloth as soon as liquid spills occur to avoid permanent stains. Bringing out a wet bucket and soaking your parquet floors may eventually cause the wood to swell. It’s crucial to understand the environment that surrounds your flooring in order to avoid any further damage.

• Refrain from using wrong cleaning products: Old-fashioned remedies involving water and vinegar will strip away or dull the floor’s finish, while soap or wax-based cleaners will cause a hazy build-up that’s hard to remove. Unfortunately, steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on wood floors, which eventually leads to cupping and long-term damage.

• Protect flooring from harsh sunlight: Sunlight can cause discolouration since parquet is made from natural wood material. Wood may turn lighter, darker or take on a yellow tinge. If you have full-length windows make sure to close drapes or shades on sunny days to prevent the sun from fading the floor.

• Refinish every 7-10 years: Over time, parquet floors start to look a little dull from normal wear and tear. This can be renewed through refinishing the floors — which involves heavy sanding to remove all finishes and to take off enough wood with scratches and discolouration. Since parquet floors are made up of small pieces, this process should only be undertaken by a professional. Restoring the wood’s beauty can be done every 7 to 10 years — but this will depend on use, wear and tear, as well as lifestyle.

Conclusion

The geometric and angular pattern options presented by parquet flooring makes it a timeless and elegant flooring design. It is built to last and it’s easy to customise the patterns, wood grains and colouring of your floors, making no two rooms alike.

There are plenty of fitting options to consider, and all present pattern in a subtle, stylish, and enduring way. Parquet, whether in solid or engineered floor construction, suits all decor settings because of its universal style.

Install it in your entrance space for a stunning first impression, in your living room to add an elegant charm or your bedroom to bring a cosy and warm touch. Wherever it is place, this intriguing flooring style can create any beautiful effect you desire.

When it comes to timeless flooring crafted from unique shapes and sizes, parquet reigns supreme. The decorative artistry of small pieces of wood fitted together in simple or complex geometric patterns dates back to the late 1600s, and tells stories of castles, classical mansions, galleries and museums…

Today, parquet flooring is again seeing something of a revival; due in part to a wider range of wood species and finishes that add artistic beauty and depth to any interior setting.

New manufacturing techniques offer consumers products that are extremely durable, stable and versatile.

Considering parquet flooring for your new project?

Keep reading to learn more about this bold statement flooring.

New design possibilities

Whether you’re working on a new build, remodel or restoration, essentially you are either after a contemporary or a traditional look.

The variety of woods used to construct parquet floors today marks a whole new aesthetic dynamic shaking up the interior design scene.

There are also numerous patterns that you can achieve with parquet including chevron, versailles, herringbone, basket and brick weave. All provide not only something different but an instant texture and interest to your floor. The most predominant of these are herringbone and chevron pattern.

Probably the most common flooring pattern, herringbone flooring gets its name from its resemblance to fish bones. It uses simple rectangular blocks laid in a zigzag arrangement to create a mosaic effect. Herringbone oozes sophistication and when planned well, makes a tiny room feel larger and spacious.

Unlike herringbone, the chevron pattern involves arranging individual blocks of wood to a sharp ‘v’-shaped point. It’s this unique yet regulated zigzag pattern that makes chevron instantly recognizable and easily distinguishable from other parquet styles. The flow of the directional chevron pattern makes small and narrow spaces feel far longer, and it naturally lends a tasteful appeal to Scandinavian style interiors thanks to its refined look.

Type of wood

Parquet flooring can be made from either solid or engineered wood, so there are very few restrictions if you desire a style that’s unique to you. Different wood grains, patterns and a full spectrum of colourways simply set any space apart, offering a lot of creativity and a lot of individuality to shine through on your floor.

The most common species of hardwood used is oak. Oak has a deep natural glow that adds a contemporary spin to bring this traditional flooring up to date. And thanks to its light colour, it’s easy to stain with a host of colours. Over time, the natural ageing of oak gives your floors an authentic appearance.

Wood flooring size

With regards to the size of wood planks, parquet woodblocks unlike normal boards, have fixed width and height dimensions. This allows the blocks to be laid in repeating patterns to create the desired style.

For modern, open plan spaces, opting for wider blocks of wood in smoked/fumed effect on brushed oak boards creates a bolder impact visually. On the other hand, a smaller space (for example, a narrow hallway) can only fit in a certain number of ‘arrows’, so oversized chevron or herringbone may not be an ideal option.

Finished and unfinished boards

As the name suggests, finished parquet flooring are treated with an extremely durable, factory-applied wood finish. Unfinished flooring comes without any kind of wood finish and have to be sanded, stained, and finished in situ.

The advantage of unfinished parquet flooring is that it allows for a level of customization, which gives you a wealth of decorative options. However, factory-finished floors are pretty much ready to use, therefore quicker to install (because there’s no need to allow for drying time).

Parquet pros and cons

It’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before investing the time and money in parquet flooring.

Pros:

• Offers numerous designs, with dozens of complex patterns available.
• Performs much like hardwood, with an appeal that creates a warm feeling in an interior space.
• Perfect stylistic fit for mid-century modern home styles.

Cons:

• Can be challenging to refinish.
• Installation below ground may affect the floors shape and size due to moisture issues.
• Not ideal for humidity areas such as bathrooms. However, engineered parquet is less susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations, and may prevent water penetration.

Conclusion

For decades, parquet flooring has been used to add a classic and contemporary twist to traditional or modern homes. More recently, the wide variety of wood shades, styles, dimensions, thickness and finishes offer a level of visual appeal that cannot be achieved with traditional strip flooring boards.

The vast selection of intricate patterns makes this timeless flooring suitable for a variety of spaces, including hallways, kitchens and lounges. Having an understanding of the different styles available, the type of wood used, as well as the size of wood planks will ensure that you find the perfect match for your unique preferences.

Solid and engineered hardwood flooring still remains perhaps the most sought-after type of flooring for many residential and commercial properties across the world. It is an integral part of any interior space, and for obvious reasons — hardwood floors are comfortable, warm and best of all, add timeless charm and sophisticated flair in a range of room settings.

The latest colour preferences go in opposite directions, very dark or very light (the two extremes) as well as natural hues. The warm reddish tones that were desired a decade or two ago have become less popular.

Whether you’re planning on refinishing current wood floors or installing brand-new ones, you want to pick not only a colour that will complement your interior space but a colour that you will love for years to come. Below we discuss in-demand wood flooring colours for 2020 and beyond.

Natural white oak wood floors

When it comes to natural wood, white oak flooring is an excellent choice. White oak’s neutral, light hue is extremely versatile style-wise — it perfectly brightens up a room, making it feel more spacious and airy — and lends organic texture and warmth in a way that’s subtle, clean and contemporary.

The best part? Its natural shade is very forgiving — it aids in hiding dirt and dust, making it a desired choice in busy homes. Lastly, should your aesthetic preferences change; you can always build layers and layers of colour, which isn’t common to do with many other stained wood boards.

Light brown wood floors

For a number of years, light brown hardwood floors were a favourite in mid-century living spaces. But these fair-hued floors have gotten prettier and trendier for the 21^st century. And like white walls, they fit a range of interior aesthetics: adding a warm and modern edge to Scandinavian, eclectic, minimalist, or a fresh coastal cottage.

With pale neutrals, light brown floors can effortlessly unify the space, creating an open and airy finish.

Lightly whitewashed wood floors

Once upon a time, dark stained floors were all the rage. In contrast, interiors are now trending towards light, whitewashed floors that make any size of room seem bright, inviting and warmer especially when teamed with furniture in light, natural colour tones. This light/almost white hardwood finish may not be for everyone, but it looks good for a farmhouse, coastal style or a mix of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Grey neutral wood floors

This incredibly versatile and aesthetically balanced colour is timeless, classic and with lots of shades. The slightly more muted scheme of grey offers more texture and dimension that gives a range of interior styles a modern and spacious finish.

What’s more, grey hardwood floors are easier to maintain and keep clean as they show less dust. To really give the room a spacious and airy feel, light grey shade is your best bet, while darker grey wood floors visually reduce the space but make it cosier and comfier.

Additionally, installing floors in a dark charcoal shade makes for a dramatic contrast with light-coloured walls — at the same time, providing the perfect canvas for vibrant accents such as gold and honey tones, red and teal décor.

Conclusion

Hardwood is always a chic material for flooring and can set the tone for your colour palette and decorating style. Selecting the right wood colour can be a taunting task. But when done right, flooring colour has the power to transform your space. From grey tones and blonde hues to greige shades, this hardwood floor colour guide is a great starting point to selecting flooring that will create a look that’s timeless, stylish and on-trend.