Introducing Our Curated Flooring Collections
As the founder and lead designer of I Living Homes, a custom home building and renovation company, I've had the privilege of working with countless homeowners to bring their dream spaces to life. One of the most integral - and often most challenging - elements of any design project is the flooring. After all, it sets the foundation (pun intended) for the entire aesthetic.
That's why I'm so excited to share our curated flooring collections with you today. These aren't your average big-box store options - oh no. These are the crème de la crème of designer flooring, hand-selected by yours truly to elevate any space. Whether you're building a custom home from the ground up or refreshing an existing space, these flooring picks are sure to inspire.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or perhaps a glass of wine, if it's that kind of day), get cozy, and let's dive into the world of designer flooring. Trust me, by the end of this article, you'll be dreaming of plush, luxurious carpets and gleaming hardwood floors. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Hardwood Wonders: The Epitome of Elegance
When it comes to flooring, hardwood is the undisputed king. The rich, warm tones, the intricate grains, the timeless appeal - what's not to love? But not all hardwood floors are created equal. Oh, no, my friends. Let me introduce you to some of my absolute favorite hardwood species and their unique characteristics.
The Classic: Oak
Ah, the noble oak. This sturdy, dependable wood has been the go-to choice for hardwood floors for generations, and for good reason. Whether you opt for the cool, gray-toned white oak or the warm, honey-hued red oak, you can't go wrong. Oak's tight, uniform graining and exceptional durability make it a perennial favorite among designers and homeowners alike.
But don't just take my word for it. Let's hear from one of our recent clients, Sarah, who chose a stunning white oak floor for her modern farmhouse-inspired home: "I was immediately drawn to the clean, minimalist look of the white oak. It perfectly complemented the shiplap walls and exposed beams we had throughout the space. And the fact that it's so durable and easy to maintain was the icing on the cake."
The Exotic: Brazilian Cherry
If you're looking to make a statement with your flooring, look no further than Brazilian cherry, also known as jatoba. This species hails from the lush rainforests of South America and boasts a truly mesmerizing appearance. The rich, reddish-brown hues and striking, dramatic graining patterns are simply unparalleled.
But don't let its exotic good looks fool you - Brazilian cherry is also an incredibly sturdy and scratch-resistant hardwood, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. As our client, Tom, who installed Brazilian cherry floors in his luxury mountain retreat, can attest: "I wanted a floor that would withstand all the wear and tear of my active family, but I also craved that wow factor. Brazilian cherry delivered on both fronts. It's the centerpiece of our home."
The Chameleon: Maple
Maple is the chameleon of the hardwood world. Its clean, uniform appearance and light, neutral tones make it incredibly versatile, allowing it to seamlessly blend with a wide range of design styles - from modern farmhouse to sleek, contemporary. But don't let that fool you into thinking maple is boring. Oh, no, my friends.
Depending on the finish you choose, maple can take on a whole host of different personalities. A high-gloss, lacquered finish will give it a smooth, glossy look, while a matte, hand-scraped treatment will lend it a rustic, artisanal vibe. And let's not forget about the stunning, ribbon-like grain patterns that emerge when the wood is quarter-sawn. Truly a sight to behold!
As our client, Emily, who selected a quarter-sawn maple floor for her eclectic, mid-century modern home, can attest: "I loved how the maple's grain gave the space such an organic, natural feel, but the sleek, modern finish kept it from feeling too traditional. It was the perfect balance."
Captivating Carpets: Plush, Luxurious, and oh-so-cozy
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Carpets? Really? Isn't that a bit...outdated?" Well, my friends, let me tell you, the world of designer carpets has come a long way since the shag-filled days of the 70s. In fact, some of the most cutting-edge, high-end flooring designs are happening in the realm of luxurious carpets and rugs.
The Timeless: Wool
When it comes to carpets, wool is the gold standard. This natural fiber boasts unparalleled durability, stain resistance, and - perhaps most importantly - unbelievable softness underfoot. Wool carpets come in a seemingly endless array of colors, patterns, and textures, making them the perfect canvas for creative, one-of-a-kind designs.
Take, for example, the hand-knotted wool rug we selected for our client, Lisa, who was renovating her traditional-style living room. "I was a little hesitant about going with a patterned rug at first, but the moment I saw this design, I knew it was perfect. The intricate, vintage-inspired motif added so much visual interest, but the plush, pillowy texture made it feel cozy and inviting. It's the centerpiece of the whole space."
The Sustainable: Sisal
If you're looking to incorporate more eco-friendly materials into your home, look no further than sisal. This natural fiber, harvested from the leaves of the agave plant, is not only incredibly durable and stain-resistant, but it also has a wonderfully organic, textural look and feel.
One of my favorite sisal designs is the one we used in the entryway of our client, David's, modern farmhouse. "I wanted something that would hold up to all the foot traffic, but I also wanted it to complement the warm, rustic vibe we were going for. The sisal rug with its chunky, woven texture was perfect. It adds so much visual interest and really grounds the space."
The Luxe: Silk
If you really want to take your carpeting to the next level of opulence, silk is the way to go. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Silk? Isn't that going to be an absolute nightmare to maintain?" Well, dear reader, let me put your mind at ease. Yes, silk carpets require a bit more TLC than their wool or sisal counterparts, but the unparalleled softness and sheen they bring to a space is truly worth it.
Just ask our client, Samantha, who splurged on a custom-designed silk area rug for her formal living room. "I know it was a bit of an indulgence, but the moment I felt how plush and sumptuous the silk was, I knew it was the perfect choice. It elevates the entire room and makes it feel so...luxurious. Plus, with the proper care and cleaning, it's held up wonderfully."
Tile Treasures: Beyond the Backsplash
When it comes to flooring, tiles are often relegated to the backsplash or the bathroom. But, my friends, I'm here to tell you that tiles can - and should - be so much more than that. In fact, some of the most stunning, show-stopping flooring designs I've ever created have involved the strategic use of tiles.
The Timeless: Marble
Ah, marble - the epitome of elegance and sophistication. With its swirling, veined patterns and cool, glossy finish, marble tiles have the power to transform any space into a true work of art. Whether you opt for classic Carrara, dramatic Calacatta, or the ultra-luxe Statuario, marble tiles are sure to make a lasting impression.
Take, for example, the stunning marble floor we installed in the foyer of our client, Jennifer's, grand, Georgian-style home. "I wanted something that would really wow guests as soon as they stepped through the door, and the marble tiles did not disappoint. The intricate veining and high-shine polish create such a regal, opulent feel. It's the perfect introduction to the rest of the home."
The Artisanal: Terracotta
For a more rustic, earthy vibe, terracotta tiles are the way to go. Originating in the Mediterranean region, these warm, terracotta-hued tiles have a beautifully imperfect, handmade quality that adds instant character to any space. And the best part? Terracotta tiles only become more charming and full of personality as they age and develop a natural patina.
One of my favorite terracotta tile installations was in the kitchen of our client, Sarah's, Spanish-style hacienda. "I wanted the floors to feel like they'd been there for centuries, to really capture the historic, artisanal essence of the home. The terracotta tiles, with their slight variations in color and texture, were just perfect. They make the space feel so warm and inviting."
The Trend-Setting: Porcelain
Don't let the name fool you - porcelain tiles are anything but delicate. In fact, they're one of the most durable, low-maintenance flooring options on the market. But the real magic of porcelain tiles lies in their boundless design possibilities. From sleek, minimalist concrete looks to striking, large-format stone-inspired patterns, porcelain tiles can do it all.
One of my favorite porcelain tile installations was in the home of our client, Emily, who was looking to achieve a modern, industrial vibe. "I loved the idea of having the look and feel of concrete floors, but without all the maintenance and upkeep. The porcelain tiles we chose have this amazing depth and variation to them, almost like real concrete, but they're so easy to clean and keep looking pristine. It's the perfect foundation for the rest of the space."
Bringing it All Together: Flooring as the Foundation
There you have it, folks - my curated collection of designer flooring picks. From the timeless elegance of hardwood to the plush, luxurious allure of carpets, and the endlessly versatile world of tiles, I hope this article has inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to your own flooring choices.
Remember, your flooring isn't just a practical necessity - it's a key design element that can truly make or break the overall aesthetic of your space. So, take the time to carefully consider your options, explore different materials and textures, and don't be afraid to get a little creative. After all, your floors are the foundation upon which your entire home is built. Shouldn't they be a true reflection of your personal style and vision?
If you're ready to elevate your home with designer flooring, I'd be more than happy to chat. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our custom home building and renovation services. Trust me, your feet (and your designer's heart) will thank you.