Flooring Ideas for Nature Inspired Design
Nature can mean different things depending on whom you ask. For some, it may mean the forest, mountains, or lake. For others, nature can mean the beach, or even the desert. When designing a home with a natural style, choosing the appropriate flooring is crucial. Floors anchor the design and, like the flex pieces in your wardrobe, can be dressed up or down. A significant investment, flooring isn’t something you want to swap out with the trends, so choose wisely!
Natural Materials
Using natural materials is the most logical way to get a nature-inspired vibe in your space. hardwood flooring, bamboo and cork floors are available in a variety of tones and finishes. Whether you opt for a warm tone, or more of a driftwood gray, rustic floors are an excellent choice. Consider finishes that showcase the natural qualities of the flooring material, such as a clear coat in either a gloss or a matte finish.
Authentic stone tile, such as slate, pebble or river rock, are also great choices, especially in areas that could become wet. They bring the outdoors in, making your home feel like an outdoor oasis. Natural stone is porous, so it can absorb some water and stains. Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for sealing to keep your stone floors in good shape.
If truly natural materials will blow your design budget, look for vinyl or laminate with the look that you desire. They tend to be more cost friendly and are easier to DIY, which can save you some installation dollars. Choose varieties that incorporate some of the qualities or imperfections of actual stone or wood, such as veining, knots or wormholes. Rather than stuffy, these floors come across as organic, even if they aren’t.
Natural Textiles
If area rugs are more your style, you can find many possibilities made from natural materials such as jute or sisal. These rugs are sustainable, as they are made from fast growing plants that are harvested, and then woven into rugs that can suit many different decorating styles. Sometimes the fibers are dyed. If not, you can expect to find these rugs in a variety of warm neutral tones.
Natural Colors and Patterns
When designing a home with a natural style, look for colors and patterns that are inspired by nature, which can mean anything from throw rugs the color of the ocean, to tiles printed with floral patterns. The sky’s the limit; you are literally limited only by your own ideas of what nature means to you personally, your space, and the size of your budget.
If you need some help nailing down your design decisions, visit the helpful staff at Baker Valley Floors. They can review different flooring options that would work for your space and set you up with an installer who can help make your natural design dreams a reality, sooner than you thought possible!
