In the past, high traffic areas were covered with tile, and lower use areas were covered in carpet or wood. Today products are more durable and that opens a wide array of options. The photo at the top of this article is an example of luxury vinyl plank that was used throughout the main floor.
The trendy color right now is sage green. Why consider the paint color when you are purchasing flooring? Because the largest portion of your room’s color palette are on the walls and the floors. It makes sense that those colors work together. How do you know if your colors are working together?
One way to know is to decide what look are you trying to create. The least risky choice is a neutral color palette. It is a very popular choice, and it is a common look for rental properties. Neutral means that the main colors in the room are light and have low contrast. A practical approach is to go with neutral colors on the walls and floors then bring in contrasting furniture or artwork. It is practical because it is much easier to switch out furniture and artwork than flooring and wall color.
To help you decide whether to go with the contrasting approach or the neutral approach to the color of your flooring, respond to these statements with a score of 0 or 1, with 1 meaning you strongly agree.
The main floor gets lots of natural light from windows and high ceilings.
Please keep a tally in your mind for 0 or 1 for each of the 6 questions
The walls are painted with light colors.
Please keep a tally in your mind for 0 or 1 for each of the 6 questions
The furniture colors are light.
Please keep a tally in your mind for 0 or 1 for each of the 6 questions
There are no dark hallways.
Please keep a tally in your mind for 0 or 1 for each of the 6 questions
The floorplan is open. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are all visible from the front door.
Please keep a tally in your mind for 0 or 1 for each of the 6 questions
The stairway is large and prominent.
A total score from 0 to 3 indicates that a low contrast color flooring is a good place to start. A total score of 4 to 6 indicates that a stronger contrasting floor color may be appropriate. A few general rules to think about or break: 1. Light colored and subtle patterned carpet works well with colorful furniture. 2. A room full of light-colored furniture would invert the rule above. 3. Avoid matching the main color of the room with the floor.