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Behind the Design: A Downtown Loft for Everyday Living

Mar 22, 2023

Written by KATE O’HARA | Design by MARTHA O’HARA INTERIORS | Photography by SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY | Remodel by MDS REMODELING

After relocating from a large city where square footage came at a premium, this family of four was eager for more space, combined with the benefits of city living. Location and walking access to restaurants and shops remained a priority, but inside, the lofts were about creating connectedness for parents who love to entertain, while offering personal areas for two teenage boys.

What was originally a two-bedroom condo would no longer cut it for this family with teenagers. At the same time, because the condos wouldn’t be their forever home, the overall goal was to make changes that would support how the family wanted to live in their new home and city and increase the property’s value without any significant architectural changes.

Although boasting urban elements, this lofted condo was nothing like the sleek, basic studio you might rent in the high-rise apartments of the city —it had charm. Although it offered a great space for entertaining, the dated finishes, two bedrooms, and limited closets simply weren't enough. We found opportunities and solutions to modify this condo to fit all the needs of a busy, city-dwelling family of four.

Adding function & flow with focal points

There’s a reason this family fell in love with loft living, and it was our job to highlight all the best details while ensuring that it could accommodate their daily needs. By embracing the current architecture of loft living within the residence, we found ways to enhance flow while infusing our clients’ eclectic, contemporary style.

An updated palette.

A dated color palette in an array of beiges was adjusted to establish new focal points throughout the home that accentuate what the family loves most. A fresh coat of creamy paint and refreshed flooring in a dark finish created a backdrop that showcases the space, views, and furnishings.

Furnishing with intention.

Although spacious with high ceilings, this contemporary loft presented an oddly shaped floorplan. Given the unique layout of the main floor with its angled and asymmetrical spaces, our furniture plans had to be thoughtfully arranged. A fresh face meant an invitation to appreciate skyline views and help a useful stairway blend into the background. It meant transforming nooks into intentional and functional spaces with furnishings and finishes.

A sitting area is nestled within the staircase. Layered textiles add intimacy, and furnishings define this cozy spot to enjoy reading and unwinding. A velvet pinstripe adorns swivel chairs, and a diamond-patterned, oversized ottoman grounds the area. Favorite books, accessories from worldly travels, and personal artwork amplify the true coziness of the area.

Separate but together.

We had to be careful about furniture floor planning to ensure that the furniture did not interfere with the door to the balcony or the path to the dining room and loft staircase. The goal was to maximize seating without obstructing the view. A vibrant palette connects the sitting area to the living room, maximizing function for this family that loves to entertain while also allowing plenty of separation and privacy for everyday living.

The jewel-toned sofas in plush velvet are anchored by an area rug, carving space for conversation amid the exposed brick and downtown views. The mix of materials feels slightly industrial, with texture and color elevating this seating area. A lacquered linen console behind the sofa adds functionality as a perfectly positioned drop zone at the stairway’s base, leading to a loft for the boys.

Bold Oak Flooring.

The golden oak flooring needed new life, and with a mix of dated wood tones throughout the residence, it was time for a dramatic change. We kept the original hardwood floors and gave them a refresh with a dark look to complement the creamy color palette and modern design.

Uniform flooring throughout the residence makes the transition from one space to another feel natural, thereby creating a sense of cohesion and continuity. With the condo’s sky-high views, the rich tone is a grounded comfort, paired with bright walls, bold details, and ample natural light

Skyline views and natural light.

We painted the window frames black to frame skyline views and create a natural focal point. The clean lines of the windows juxtapose with the warmth and texture of the exposed brick wall and let in all the daytime and nighttime light. This sets the stage for bold color and statement pieces. Sconces, floor lamp, chandeliers, and pendants offer warm nighttime lighting and ambiance when paired with the evening glow of the city.

Eating and Drinking in Style

For many, especially those who love to entertain, the kitchen and dining areas are the heart of the home. These areas are natural spaces for gathering and making memories over food and drink. This family needed a kitchen and dining room that would not only serve their family of four, but also accommodate a crowd.

Two rooms made one.

One of our first goals was to unify these spaces. We converted these rooms into an open concept layout by adding weight to the colors of the dining table, metal buffet cabinet, and vice versa in the base of the island and kitchen backsplash.

Quartz countertops match between spaces, and a metal and glass buffet cabinet stands out in the dining room. White lower cabinetry blends gracefully within the space without contributing too much visual weight. Adding even more cohesion is a wood veneer wallcovering backsplash in a bold diamond pattern, paired with a smaller scale diamond backsplash in the kitchen. Brass and silver leaf finishes add opulence and connection.

Serving up style and purpose, these details create an interesting canvas with clean lines that showcases a connectivity between rooms so that dinner parties can now happen with ease.

Furnishings make the space.

Counter stools and dining chairs are lavish in light performance fabric that is made for messes. They provide visual relief from the heavier furnishings around them. Brass accents, like the kitchen pendants, nailhead detail on the counter stools, dining chair ferrules, and buffet cabinet accessories, are understated and elegant.

The result is a kitchen transformed into a modern showstopper, blending seamlessly with the nearby dining room. Contrast and cohesion result from a balanced color palette that feels modern and elegant.

Playing Up the Primary Suite

Like much of the condo, the biggest challenge in the primary suite was an uncommon floor plan. The lack of wall space for a bed or dresser required an unconventional approach. To make the most of the room, we angled the king-sized bed in the corner between the windows. The door into the suite, which is also on an angle, is directly across from the bed and creates a welcoming feeling upon entering.

Layered wool rugs and oversized artwork anchor the space and create defined areas within this large room. The room is not only a clear sleeping space, but features a secondary area for reading and lounging near the balcony. Because this is the main suite, we wanted to create the impression of a boutique hotel in the comfort of the client’s home. Finishes and furnishings accomplish this goal with clean lines, unique shapes, crisp white bedding, and plush textiles. The bold floral velvet on the ottoman served as the initial inspiration for the overall color palette and invites fresh color accents amongst the otherwise moody space.

The ensuite features a timeless yet modern black-and-white aesthetic that will never go out of style and can be paired with any accent color to instantly transform the space.

Making Room for Teenage Mood

This bedroom perfectly captures the spirit of a teenager in need of his own space, a room that is equal parts modern and mature. Tall ceilings provide the necessary expanse for the youngest son to sleep, work, and play. A bold navy on the walls and ceiling offers a daring canvas for artwork and lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, and geometric elements creates a sophisticated and modern atmosphere. Natural light streams through a large window to showcase this teenager’s love of plants and to highlight architectural details.

We selected furnishings that could grow with this teenager into adulthood. Vertical space maximizes the room's function with a lofted bed and designed entertainment center underneath. This is great for watching movies or playing video games. In addition, an adjacent sleeper sofa offers comfortable overnight hangouts with friends.

This room is all about fun and function, with city skyline views and modern accents that feel grown up for a teenager who is ready for adulthood.

A Loft that Packs a Punch

The upstairs loft features a cozy hangout for teens away from the busyness of the main floor. With an additional bedroom, the loft ensures that each teen has his own private space. This loft has it all, with easy access to the rooftop patio and a hidden office.

Repurposed room.

With big architectural changes out of the question, we decided to wall off a private room for the eldest son. The remaining area was repurposed for the boys to share—a TV hangout, a music room for piano practice, and a homework station built into a closet and framed by a sliding door.

A hidden workspace.

This downtown condo packs in function, taking a modern twist on home office closets, with a hidden desk behind a sleek, sliding door. This office is the perfect mix of storage and workspace that maximizes the square footage.

Planning a design is about relying on your team of designers and contractors to tailor your space to suit your family’s needs. You don’t need to know exactly what you want, but you should share must-haves, pain points, and inspiration to cultivate a space that’s right for you.

By seamlessly mixing the couple’s contemporary and eclectic styles and paying thoughtful attention to the family’s everyday and hosting needs, this loft can now accommodate daily functions in the most breathtaking city landscape, offering the best of urban living.

Looking for more design inspiration? Don't miss out on the latest in flooring and interior design trends when you keep up to date with our blog. Read the latest issue of Design at Home magazine to get more designer advice and go behind the design.

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A Bar for Every Mood: Finding the Right Personalized Bar for You

Mar 08, 2023

Planning your next home renovation? Consider adding a personalized home bar to your “must-have” list! A cocktail home bar or a basement lounge is a great addition to home renovation design. Not only do built-in at-home bars give you a designated space for entertaining, but a home bar makes for an excellent extension to family dinner nights!

The best part about having a home bar in your house? Not needing to go out for drinks! Customize your dedicated home bar with one-of-a-kind accessories, from bottles and glassware to silly aprons and personalized bar logos.

The Basement Entertainment Zone

Transform your basement into a lounge space fully furnished with a wine cooler, a mini-fridge with ice for storage, a bar cart, bar stools, and colourful glassware that's perfect for entertaining guests. Throw in some comfy chairs and a cozy area rug that suits your style to create the perfect space with seating to entertain, connect with guests, and watch the next game. We recommend luxury vinyl flooring or laminate near the wet home bar in your lounge space because they perform well in high-humidity areas like the basement. Plus, the style of waterproof floors makes cleaning up those drink spills easier!

Get the Look: Gray-Washed Wood-Look Laminate by Flooring Canada

The Espresso Home Bar

Personalized home bars don’t have to be just for alcoholic beverages—espresso bars and tea stations make crafting at-home brews fun, too! Maybe you’re a coffee aficionado, or your partner is a tea snob—look to install a custom home bar in rooms fully equipped with a hot water faucet, glasses, a cute coffee sign, and a built-in espresso machine available in many different styles. You can even add custom drawers in the wall of your coffee corner for essentials like Keurig pods, coffee mugs, and creamer.

Get the Look: White Oak Hardwood by Flooring Canada

The Breakfast Nook

Perfect for the early-bird crew, a breakfast bar nook has all the essentials for your first meal of the day. Often, breakfast bars include hot beverages, cereal, and freshly baked goods, so think of the equipment that you are most likely to need, such as a prep sink, an elegant French press, an electric kettle, glassware, or a small mini fridge for juice. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit and a blender on hand so you can kick off your morning with a refreshing smoothie.

Get the Look: Waterproof Vintage Gray Plank by Flooring Canada

The Cocktail Lounge

The perfect place to prepare your signature martini with a twist, cocktail bars are a simple addition to any kitchen,, or entertainment space. These bars are perfect for entertaining guests and turning your space into your own little speakeasy. All you need is a bar cart or extra counter space. You can keep your cocktail lounge casual by displaying your prized bottles of liquor or showing off your space with a bar sign. Don’t forget to fully equip the design of your cocktail bar you create with the essentials, including a cocktail shaker, glassware, a fine strainer, and a mixing glass for cocktails . You can even level up with a built-in wine fridge to keep your favourite bottle of red close at hand.

Get the Look: Waterproof Rustic Oak Hardwood by Flooring Canada

The Butler’s Pantry

If you’re currently renovating your kitchen, you might consider adding a butler’s pantry. These pantries have grown in popularity over the past few years as an extra space to have storage for equipment, glasses, bulk ingredients, and baking goods that you feel you might not want on display in the main area. Plus, with a built-in fridge, a butler’s pantry offers the perfect space to prep a range of before-dinner drinks and keep your mixers and other ingredients out of the main fridge space.

Get the Look: Medium-Finish Oak Hardwood by Flooring Canada

The Kitchen Minibar

Who doesn’t love a little extra fridge storage and prepping space? Kitchen mini bars provide just that, offering a place to beverages and more counter space to prepare your drinks. Plus, because your flooring style is already designed to be waterproof, you won’t have to worry about dripping when preparing that Taco Tuesday margarita.

Get the Look: Bel Terra Quartetto in Cobalto Unpolished by Flooring Canada

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Transitioning Flooring in Your Home

Feb 15, 2023

Creating Seamless Flooring Transitions Between Rooms

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, finding a one-size-fits-all solution can be a challenge. Therefore, in many homes, you’ll find varying flooring solutions as you move from room to room.  

Each space has unique needs. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms typically need waterproof and durable flooring, such as tile or laminate flooring. But for other spaces, like your bedroom or living room, you might be in search of warmth and comfort, so a carpet or warm-toned hardwood flooring are likely contenders.  

With so many different elements at play, it often makes sense to choose multiple flooring options to fit the needs of each space. When this is done well, it creates a seamless design while still allowing for separate spaces. When done incorrectly, however, the change in flooring can feel abruptly jarring and, in some cases, can cause a tripping hazard at the threshold. 

So how do you design a seamless flooring transition? With so many flooring options and factors to consider, it can feel like a daunting task. However, seamless room transitions are easy to create when you follow simple guidelines for choosing the best floors for your space. 

Choosing Your Floors  

The first thing you need to do is identify your primary flooring. If you’re starting from scratch or conducting major home renovations that aren’t limited to just one room, your primary flooring is simply going to be your first choice—whether that be hardwood flooring, laminate, tiles, vinyl, or carpet.

If you are going to renovate one room only, your primary flooring will be the floor you are not changing, which borders the room you are changing. Identifying your primary flooring choice is essential as you create a seamless room transition because you’ll base your secondary floor on your primary floor.  

Your secondary floor may be the more difficult choice of the two. With your primary flooring, you have only to consider the needs of the space and your personal taste, but you must weigh your secondary flooring as an option not only for the designated space but in relation to the primary flooring. So, what questions should you ask yourself as you design your interesting transition?  

What are the needs of my space?  

To narrow down your choices, you should first consider the purpose of the space. What you plan to do in a room plays a huge role in determining the right kind of flooring. Is it a living room that doubles as an at-home game room? You may want a floor such as a carpet or engineered hard surface floors that absorb sound for those lively game nights but is durable enough for a high-traffic area.

Will it be exposed to a lot of moisture? It may be beneficial to consider waterproof options, like laminate, vinyl, or tile floor. Do you want your bedroom to feel warm and cozy, but need a smooth surface for your corner home office? A warm-toned hardwood or wood-appearing laminate would be a great option to explore.  

How do I choose a secondary floor?

As you determine your wants and needs for the space, narrow down your choices to whatever solutions fit best. Doing so will help you decide on a complementary secondary floor, like hardwood floors or engineered wood flooring. After determining the kind of flooring you want, you can consider other elements that are important for creating a seamless transition between two different floors and different zones.  

What colour flooring should I choose?  

There are a few things to consider when selecting colours for your flooring transition. First, consider the colour of your primary floor. If it’s wood or has a wood-like appearance, what are the undertones? Is it a warm brown, or is it a cool grey? Is the flooring dark, light, or an in-between shade? Is it one solid colour, composed of multiple colours, or shades of the same flooring colour? These questions will help you determine what colour your secondary flooring should be.  

It’s best to err on the side of complementary, but not identical. Oftentimes, when you try to make an exact colour match you might create the impression that you tried to match but couldn’t. It’s a better practice to choose a colour that’s complimentary and has similar undertones to the original to avoid clashing colours and flooring materials for your transition piece.

For example, if your hallway floor is warm, medium-toned hardwood and you want carpet in the bedroom, you could go lighter in colour with a warm beige or go in a different direction with darker, deep brown transition pieces. Similar but different is a good rule to follow as you create your room transition.  

Do I want or need a transition strip?  

Floor transition strips are a piece of flooring material that covers the edge between one space and the next. Specifically, a transition strip (t strip) has construction adhesive that connects works to transition one kind of floor to another.

Although a transition strip is often made of wood, they also come in a metal strip, aluminum strip, or vinyl strip. If you chose floors of the same material, like two different types of hardwood floors, it may be that you don’t need a transition strip between the edge of the rooms.

However, if your floors are different materials, like carpet and laminate, you will need transition strips to account for varying floor heights in the rooms and to smoothly transfer from one of the flooring types to the next, such as hardwood flooring or engineered wood flooring.

There are three major types of transition strips for floors; which type of transition strip seam binder you choose will depend on the transition piece and the two floors you’ve chosen to bridge together with the transition strip. 

  • T-Bar is a seam binder made of solid wood and is good for transitioning from hardwood floors to other floors in rooms with a hard surface and the same height, like another hardwood or ceramic tile floor.  If you have two floors that are different heights, the next transition strip is recommended for those two floors.

  • Reducer Molding is a transition strip that is also often made of wood and is used to bridge the edge of two floors that are different heights such as laminate floors and carpet floors.  

  • End Bar is a transition strip that is used in the installation process to bridge the gap between the edge of hardwood or laminate in rooms with another type of flooring, like carpet. Like the reduced molding, it is designed to bridge the gap between floors going in different directions of thickness and ones of the same thickness as well.  

Go with your gut 

Above all else, the best room transition is one made with two floors you love. Be sure to choose a flooring type that fits not only the needs of you and your space, but also suits your unique home design vision. While considering these helpful guidelines, know that if you go with your gut when transitioning floors, there are ways to fill in the gap and seamlessly transition any two floor options.  

When it comes time to start transitioning your flooring in your home, the flooring and design experts at Flooring Canada are here to help you with your next project. Check out our design blog to learn more about the latest trends in flooring and design!

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Coveted Colour: True Blue

Jan 31, 2023

Benjamin Moore Delphinium CC-872, Nourison Whimsicle Ivory Navy Area Rug, CB2 Pebble Matte Cobalt Melamine Salad Bowl, Elk Home White Burlap 10” Wide 1-Light Pendant, Arhaus Kalinda Narrow Floor Mirror in Blue, Pottery Barn Ashworth 63” Buffet in Royal Blue, Scout & Nimble Vintage Sea Glass Beads Dark Blue, Kathy Kuo Home Aspyn Coastal White Upholstered Cane Back Blue Chair, Williams Sonoma Home European Novelty Jacquard Cashmere Throw, Daltile Cameo Blue Mix 

It’s official: True blue is one of the hottest colours of the year. From home décor to fashion, this vibrant hue has been popping up everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re looking to inject some energy into your wardrobe or add a touch of calming cool to your living space, true blue is the perfect choice.

The beauty of true blue lies in its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a subtle background shade or a bold statement piece, this colour has it all. Try pairing it with other vibrant colours for a bright and cheerful look, or tone it down with soft neutrals for a more calming effect.

Since true blue is such a versatile colour, it’s easy to incorporate into any style of decor. From modern to eclectic, it’s the perfect way to introduce a pop of colour without being too overwhelming. So, how do you incorporate this colour into your home?

Add Blue Accent Pieces

Graber Natural Drapes

One of the easiest ways to elevate any design scheme is by adding pops of colour. In this case, incorporating true blue accent pieces can bring life to even the dullest of spaces. Incorporate different textures and materials in the process to make your decor really stand out among the rest. Decorate with throw pillows, throw blankets, or even blue-hued furniture to bring out the best of this classic colour.

Use a Statement Rug

Nourison Whimsicle Ivory Navy Rug

Decorating with a statement rug is another simple way to tie in the true blue colourway. Whether you opt for a fun, geometric rug or a hand-knotted oriental rug, this statement piece is sure to elevate your interior design.

Paint with True Blue Hues

Daltile Cameo Blue Mix

An easy way to incorporate this trending colour is by painting it on your walls. Douse your walls in an electric blue with wall tile or add a softer blue statement wall to your design scheme for a great way to make your decor pop. Feel free to incorporate fun wallpaper, textured tiles, and backsplashes in true blue shades for a great way to mix it up.

If you choose to incorporate this stunning colour into your design scheme, the flooring and design experts at Flooring America are here to help you with your next project. Check out our design blog to learn more about the latest trends in flooring and design!

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kitchen renovation

Kitchen Reno Survival Guide

Jan 18, 2023

Written by Patti Wilson | Design by Patti Wilson Design | Photography by James Lee Photos

If you’ve ever lived through a kitchen renovation, seen one in progress, or heard about the trials and tribulations second- or thirdhand, then you already know that a kitchen renovation takes time, patience, and a budget. At the end of it all, a well-designed and well-executed kitchen is worth every dime, every minute, and every bead of sweat spent. A successful kitchen remodel can make life easier, elevate your enjoyment of the home, and increase its market value. All in all, a kitchen renovation is a worthwhile investment.

On the other hand, a poorly built and finished kitchen can drain your wallet and suck the soul right out of you and your home. Don’t fall prey to a poorly planned kitchen project. Here are my tips for surviving the renovation—from someone who’s done it a few times!

1. Know what you’re in for.

A kitchen is by far the most complicated room in the home to renovate. It’s also the most expensive and arguably, the most important when it comes to the function of your home and your quality of life. With all the various moving parts involved, many people choose to work with a professional designer or company that specializes in kitchens to handle the heavy lifting, from creating a design that’s reflective of your lifestyle and aesthetic, to balancing the budget, sourcing and scheduling trades, ordering materials, and maintaining a timeline. If you choose to manage the renovation on your own, be mindful that all these elements require careful consideration and coordination. Before starting a kitchen project (or any renovation), be prepared for what lies ahead.

In my career as a designer, I’ve seen many well-intentioned kitchen renovations go wrong because of inexperience, overshot expectations, underestimated budgets, and unrealistic timelines. More often than not, a kitchen renovation will take longer and cost more than you think, so plan for this!

Tip: Book your installations well in advance. Depending on the time of year, your location, and preference, you may have to wait from six months to a year to complete your renovations. Discuss the scope of work, material details, and the timeline with your team. Beware of those promising to deliver the world in a weekend. Whether you’re working with a designer or going solo, engaging your professional team early in the process affords you time to plan and prepare for the inconvenience of living without a kitchen for a period, and it gives the pros plenty of notice to schedule installations, order materials, arrange for delivery, and do the work.

On Tour: A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

The kitchen in our most recent project struck a balance between function and style; it was designed for an energetic retired couple who love to cook and host family gatherings. The existing kitchen was in decent enough shape but lacked functionality and storage—a huge miss considering the kitchen is the busiest room in the home. The original cabinets were dark wood, which our clients wanted to trade for something brighter and more contemporary. Living so close to the water, they asked for a kitchen with a modern farmhouse vibe that reflected their location and love of the outdoors.

To achieve the casual, airy vibe and sense of community they were going for, we opened up the main floor by removing a non-load-bearing wall separating the kitchen and dining room. This layout also created an open sightline to the family room, allowing natural light to flow freely throughout the entire space, with a brightness that’s amplified by the light cabinets and countertops and the neutral walls.

A large island at the center of the space is the star attraction for function and style, offering more counter space and the perfect place to prepare a meal, serve, and dine in style with comfy seating. The island, together with the range hood, is finished in a muted, mossy gray colour that complements the off-white cabinets and carries the country-kitchen theme.

We reviewed and curated every detail, including appliances, cabinets, the faucet, furniture, draperies, lighting, countertops—right down to cabinet hardware.

2. Create a budget and, more importantly, stick to it!

The kitchen is the most expensive room to renovate, with lots of big-ticket items such as installing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. A little extra spent here and there can quickly send your budget into a tailspin. This doesn’t even factor in those unexpected, unwelcome surprises that will inevitably arise once you open up walls. Any problems with the plumbing or electrical system, or other issues such as mold, will need to be addressed before any cosmetic work can begin. And yes, it can become more expensive.

To ensure that unforeseen circumstances do not force my clients to give up preferential design features or function, I typically dedicate between 10 and 15 percent of the total renovation budget as a “just in case” fund. If nothing comes up (but trust me, something always comes up), then you’ll have some money left over to indulge or put away for the next project on your to-do list.

Buyer Beware: On the topic of budget, I’m all for finding great deals, but be careful about buying clearance or “on sale” items online. Buy from a trusted retailer who stands behind the quality of their product and service. How will the vendor handle items that are damaged during shipping, and how long will it take to replace them? When it comes to critical components, don’t skimp out.

3. Be selective when it comes to upgrades.

What features and upgrades make sense for your family and your lifestyle? Stay focused on the end goals of the renovation and ask which features will help you achieve that. Kitchens remain a huge focus for manufacturers and suppliers in the industry, and trust me, there’s always something new on the horizon. But just because it’s new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for your renovation. Ensure that your design choices and upgrades make sense for practical purposes and property value. Features such as custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and extra storage space are always in demand and are generally a safe splurge. Conversely, avoid being too trendy, especially when it comes to the key items that are expensive and inconvenient to replace, like exposed beams or crown molding. When choosing things like cabinets, floors, and countertops, I always recommend opting for neutral choices that have more staying power.

Some things to consider when planning your kitchen remodel include:

  • counter space

  • cabinetry

  • open shelving

  • task lighting (such as under cabinet lighting)

  • backsplash tile (i.e. subway tiles, mosaic tile backsplash, or sleek marble tiles)

  • creative ways to include added storage (like hidden shelves in the kitchen island)

A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest projects you’ll undergo. It’s also the one that will have the biggest impact on the function, style, and value of your home. Be prepared before going all in, and most importantly, be realistic. Yes, you’ll be out-of-kitchen for a few weeks or months, depending on the scope of the project. Although it will be an inconvenience, remember that it’s only temporary. When the renovation is complete, your pleasure will outweigh any pain you endured along the way. The secret to surviving the kitchen renovation is ensuring that you have the right team and resources, a thoughtful plan, and a clear path forward for a kitchen that checks all the boxes: function, style, and budget.

Ready to start your next home renovation? Let your local Flooring Canada experts help by contacting us today and start planning with our digital design tools!

If you're looking for more home inspiration ideas, check out our Flooring Canada blog for the latest flooring trends and design advice.

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the top five 2023 flooring trends

The Top Five 2023 Flooring Trends

Jan 11, 2023

With the new year underway, many of us are eager to start on those new years resolutions! If some of your resolutions include making home improvement projects a top priority, then you're probably wondering what's trending in the world of modern design?

Let us look into our crystal balls and see what trending styles will be making their way into our homes in 2023. When it comes to predicting flooring trends for 2023, Flooring America is looking forward to a flooring future filled with style influences that have trickled down from the catwalk to the carpet.

The Top Five Flooring Trends for 2023 are...

1. Going Gucci

Design by Margarita Bravo, Photography by Tia Curran

Interior design trends take a hat tip from style that originates on fashion runways. That’s exactly what’s driving the “old with the new” trend of combining throwback vibes with modern graphic design inspired by the Metaverse.  

“Based on the 2023 Gucci collection, interior design will follow suit in creating retro atmospheres paired with a futuristic aesthetic, creating new designs and settings with an interesting new style,” said Margarita Bravo, a luxury interior designer based in Denver and Miami. “Think embellished and tactile wallpaper, crystal embellishments, floral appliques, Victorian ruffles, leather adornments, and velvets as accessories in a contemporary home. Now infuse these accessories with bolder choices for colours and shapes and use them as accents in furniture.”

Translating the Trend to The Floor: For the retro part of the trend, look for flooring options with hand-scraped hardwood flooring, wood-look laminate, or luxury vinyl tile. Hardwood floors provide the look and feel of tradition and history, so they're the ultimate in retro flooring.

Incorporate futuristic flair with sleek modern texture and material in your flooring, eco-friendly options, natural textures, and fashion-forward prints like leopard, tiger stripe, and other animal prints mixed with traditional old-world hardwood flooring to follow the top flooring trends for the upcoming year.

2. Embracing Curves

Design by Lisa Kooistra, Photography by Blynda DaCosta

When it comes to predicting style for “below your feet” fashions, look around at other styles in interior design for your home decor, like furniture. Curves are in for 2023 from furniture to the floor.

“We’re moving away from crisp, straight lines and are adding curved furniture pieces and interior archways. We have seen this trend in Europe for a while now,” said Lisa Kooistra, of Kooistra Designs in Ontario. “Curved furniture has the same effect because these pieces add interest and can be placed organically in an interior. This style was made famous by mid-century modern furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, who created the iconic Serpentine sofa in 1950. These sofas are largely referred to as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. They are not only meant for snuggling and watching TV, but also for cultivating aesthetic pleasure and conversation.”

Translating the Trend to The Floor: To mimic the twists of serpentine-shaped furniture in flooring, sculpted and tufted pattern carpet can create a sense of movement and give a room flow with your flooring. Vintage hardwood floors can do the same by showcasing the natural curved lines and knots of the hardwood flooring.

3. Much Ado About Hues

Design by Kandrac & Kole, Photography by Emily Followill

The naming of Pantone’s “colour of the year” is always a harbinger of style trends to come, and 2023’s bold Viva Magenta is no exception. Look for punches of vibrant colour in interior design for your home decor – including flooring solutions. 

Trending for 2023 is colour. As we emerge from the pandemic, people are energized and ready to jump back into a life of travel, entertainment, and social events. This energy translates to colour,” said interior design duo Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs in Atlanta. “The colours trending for 2023 in home furnishing will be ochre, persimmon, tobacco, moss, and other staples such as blush and navy. We will also see colour brought into homes through biophilic design, aka bringing nature indoors to foster a feeling of health and wellness. We will continue to maximize big punches of colour in our designs through art, lamps, rugs, and pillows.”

Translating the Trend to The Floor: Look for consumers to embrace the rainbow when it comes to carpet flooring with vibrant shades of yellow, red, blue, green, and more; while tile comes in shades ranging from cobalt to cadmium. Even wood flooring features contrasting shades from dark to light. Combine multiple flooring options in a room to make your space even more vibrant and visually interesting.

4. Tactile Textiles

Design by Kate Davidson, Photography by Mike Chajecki

There’s a pattern to the 2023 design trends, and one is that patterns themselves will flourish. Beige, plain, and vanilla aren’t in the “floorcast”, but pattern and texture are firmly planted in the latest trends.

“Floor patterns are trending—from herringbone flooring to patterned tile. The herringbone is incorporated into tile or wood, sometimes throughout a main floor or in smaller spaces such as an entryway. The eye-catching patterned tile is created in a geometric style and is used primarily in powder-room floors, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. Terrazzo tile gives a nod to the hugely popular European vibe for interior spaces—one of my favourite looks. It’s available in both muted colours and vibrant tones,” according to Kate Davidson, the lead designer at Toronto-based Kate + Co.

Translating the Trend to The Floor: Terrazzo, graphic patterns, marble inlays, and boldly coloured slabs and tiles are several flooring options that will be a hit in luxurious interiors. Look for herringbone flooring incorporated into luxury vinyl tile or wood floors, sometimes throughout a kitchen floor or in smaller areas such as an entryway.

Hardwood flooring in patterns like herringbone, checkerboard, and chevron are increasingly popular flooring choices and can provide an interesting contrast to existing –or new –tile, carpet, or other wood flooring choices. From carpet and wood floors to laminate and tile flooring, mixing and matching patterns of flooring can add character and visual interest to any room.

5. The Pull of Vintage

Design by Patti Wilson, Photography by Mike Chajecki

Following a few years spent mostly hunkering down at home, many homeowners have really turned to the comfort of vintage home décor. “We are introducing more vintage and repurposed elements into contemporary and transitional spaces, and clients are embracing it big-time,” said Patti Wilson of Patti Wilson Design in Ontario. “Lovingly cherished, repurposed furniture, antiques, quilts, and artwork invoke childhood memories at grandma’s house and can be seamlessly integrated into redesigned spaces that feel thoughtfully curated and gathered over time.”

Translating the Trend to The Floor: Everything old is also new again for flooring trends in 2023 with laminate, luxury vinyl flooring, natural stone, and the rustic look of hardwood flooring designs giving off serious vintage vibes. Embossed dark stain laminate and sliced black hickory hardwood are just two examples of distressed, repurposed flooring looks for your room that will be big in the new year. Plus, this rustic look of the flooring is a cost-effective way to create your next project for new flooring to elevate your room and stay on trend.

Read more about top design trends for 2023 and discover what interior design experts have to say in our latest issue of Design at Home magazine. For more inspiration on design, floor care, and the latest in flooring technology, read our blog.

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