In the world of interior design, certain flooring ideas have been trodden to death. Neutral colors provide a versatile base, but if the floor itself doesn't excite you, what's the point? We've consulted experts to find six recently-popular trends that are now out and seven new options to consider instead.
Out: Cement and Encaustic Tile
Encaustic cement tiles are made from materials like marble dust, cement, sand, and natural pigments, resulting in Pinterest-worthy patterns. However, their porous nature makes them stain easily, and water marks are almost unavoidable. Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo says, "Cement tile is one of those materials that looks beautiful in theory," but it underperforms once installed. Ongoing sealing requirements are a reality most homeowners aren't prepared for.
Out: Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete brings a sleek, minimalist aesthetic but is prone to surface blemishes. "In real homes, they show every watermark, scratch, and footprint," says Lerner. Maintenance is high, and clients who have lived with them almost universally regret it.
Out: Cool Gray Tile or Wood
Cool gray has been popular for a decade but is now visibly aging. Gray undertones fight against warm finishes and natural materials that are trending, making spaces feel stark and disjointed.
Out: Large Format High-Gloss Floor Tile
High-gloss tiles look luxurious but are tough to maintain as flooring. "Gloss shows every scuff, every water spot, every dog paw," says Lerner. The glossy finish wears off, making porcelain beneath prone to damage.
Out: Low-Quality Builder-Grade Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is budget-friendly, but lower-quality versions feel plasticky and builder-grade. Craig Gritzen of Curated Style Collective advises looking for higher-quality products with richer textures and warmer tones for an elevated vibe.
Out: Overly Bold Patterns in Floor Tiles
Full-room bold-patterned flooring is losing momentum. "When you live with them every day, they can quickly become extremely tiring to look at," says Gritzen. Homeowners are choosing timeless options with handmade texture and quieter patterns for better balance.
In: Stone Inlay and Mixed Material Flooring
Homeowners are becoming more adventurous with custom floor detailing. Cara Woodhouse of Cara Woodhouse Interiors notes a rise in expressive stone inlay and mixed material flooring, combining different stones, subtle inlays, or oversized geometric layouts. "Flooring is becoming a focal point that adds personality and artistry to a space."
In: Darker, Moodier Wood Tones
After years of lighter oak, there's a shift toward richer walnut tones, smoked finishes, and espresso stains. Dark wood grounds a space and infuses it with warmth, adding sophistication and natural texture.
In: Unusual Plank Layouts in Hardwood Flooring
Rather than traditional straight planks, homeowners embrace customized approaches like oversized parquet, mixed plank widths, herringbone, and diagonal layouts. These bring movement and texture while feeling timeless.
In: Tonal Layering Instead of High-Contrast Flooring
Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Studio notes a move toward tonal flooring palettes—soft taupes, warm oaks, and honed stones. This creates a calm, cohesive foundation that supports the architecture rather than competing with it.
In: Authentic Materials That Have Character and Texture
Authenticity is key: wood with natural grain or limestone with subtle movement. Materiality does the storytelling, grounding spaces in nature and reflecting personality.
In: Matte and Honed Finishes
Matte finishes soften visual impact and perform well in busy households. They hide scratches and imperfections, are easier to maintain, and diffuse light for a relaxed, elevated environment.
In: Continuous Flooring Across Spaces
Seamless flooring from room to room enhances flow and makes spaces feel larger. It's especially effective in open-plan areas and can connect indoor and outdoor living spaces, deepening the connection to nature.
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