Trends in Domestic Flooring for 2022: Wood Effect Flooring
It's that time again when we take a look at the trends in flooring for the year ahead! With interior design trends evolving and changing, new tastes and styles are represented across some of the leading brands in flooring including; Karndean, Amtico, Forbo and Altro amongst others.
With us all spending more time at home throughout the past 2 years, we are investing time and effort into creating spaces within our homes that are beautiful and comforting.
2021 saw the move away from cool grey tones with warmer brown and neutral tones rising in popularity among homeowners and designers. This was reflected in flooring hues and designs with everything from beiges through to deep ebony tones being popular. Imperfections also emerged in 2021 as a flooring trend, which looks set to continue through 2022. The aesthetic of imperfections such as knots and streaks are replicated across synthetic materials creating a natural feel. Wood effect flooring was also a huge trend which is set to continue (and if you ask us, it will always be en vogue in some form or another).
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the Wood Effect Flooring trends which are set to take 2022 by storm!
Wood Effect Flooring - Why choose it for your home?
Extract adapted from: Living Room Flooring: Carpet vs Wood
'Wooden flooring is a very popular choice in modern homes. With the benefits of wood effect flooring through Luxury Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Flooring and Linoleum means that expensive hardwood flooring is no longer necessary to achieve the stunning effect of wooden flooring. Furthermore, wood effect flooring has some interesting characteristics which make it a great choice for the home. Having said this, as with all things there are also downsides to wood effect flooring.
Why Choose Wood Effect Flooring for Your Home?
Wood effect flooring looks amazing. From an aesthetic point of view, a Luxury Vinyl Tile in Wood Effect is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing! Modern and contemporary design utilises the visual impact of wood effect flooring and the wide range of finishes available in wood effect flooring such as Karndean and Amtico’s Wood Effect Luxury Vinyl Tile and Forbos linoleum and marmoleum. Each of these brands feature traditional finishes like oak alongside modern light washes and reclaimed wood effect as well as trends such as scandi and industrial styles.
When it comes to realistic wood effect vinyl flooring solutions, Karndean and Amtico really are leading the pack! Both companies use the latest technology to achieve outstanding true-to-life wood effect vinyl options which feature intricate grain details and the unique characteristics of real woods to provide the unmistakable appearance of the natural material! It’s so convincing, no one needs to know it's not the real thing! Forbo is also well known for producing striking wood effect linoleum however it is perhaps not quite as realistic as LVT due to the manufacturing process. Find out more about linoleum flooring by reading ‘Is Linoleum Back in Fashion? Flooring Trends at Hamilton Flooring’
Wood effect Luxury Vinyl Flooring which has embossed elements to add to the textural realism of the product, these layers are always protected by a coating which can be recoated to refresh the flooring - although this is not normally required in the first decade of use. In terms of maintenance, Luxury vinyl Flooring requires only basic sweeping and mopping as needed and does not require specialist products (although you will be advised on products which are not suitable for use with this flooring by nature of overly harsh abrasion which will affect the longevity of the flooring).
With wood effect flooring there are a huge variety of costing options and you can create the effect of an extremely expensive wooden flooring for a fraction of the cost with the additional benefits associated with a synthetic flooring solution. One of the main benefits is the increased level of comfort experienced with Luxury Vinyl flooring when compared to natural wood. There is additional cushioning with LVT as well as the benefit of extremely tight connections meaning that you won't experience creaks and groans from moving wood. Because wood is a natural product with porous characteristics and quirks, planks can warp and move over time creating uneven surfaces due to moisture and changes in temperature. This is not something that is a concern with LVT. Although extreme exposure to UV light is not recommended from an aesthetic perspective, the materials used within the layers which make up LVT are resistant to changes in temperature and are resistant to moisture. On that note it should be said that unlike sheet vinyl, LVT is water resistant rather than fully waterproof. If there were to be a flooding situation, LVT can be taken up, dried out and relaid, or sections replaced because of its modular laying system.'
Trends in Wood Effect Flooring for 2022
Wood effect flooring is a timeless classic but there is so much more to wood effect flooring than one might think! Trends for 2022 are revealing some really interesting and beautiful ways to utilise wood effect vinyl flooring.
There are four main trends to look out for in 2022 relating to wood effect flooring, each of which can be utilised in just about any room of the home or even throughout large and joining spaces.
Smoked Wood Effect Flooring Trend
Amtico Spacia Smoked Timber SS5W2652
The smoked effect brings out the grain of wood and creates a luxurious and attractive look to your flooring. With an interesting patina and unique feel, smoked wood effect flooring can provide a rich backdrop to a moody aesthetic or a clean canvas around which to design a modern industrial feel. Smoked wood can work in any number of design schemes from country house to industrial loft; its versatility is perhaps part of its charm.
The Amtico Spacia range Smoked Timber tile is a great example of the Smoked wood effect flooring style with its weathered, ash-grey wood finish with rustic grains. This distinctive versatile design works in modern or traditional spaces and is extremely adaptive.
Bleached Wood Effect Flooring Trend
Karndean Looselay Longboard Bleached Tasmanian Oak LLP311
Bleached and whitewashed wood styles have been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years with styles such as Scandi and 'Japandi' interiors making their way into our homes. The comforting and fresh style of bleached wood creates a bright and open feel to any home and depending on tones and supporting interior design this wood effect trend can command a beach house aesthetic, Scandinavian chalet vibe, Eastern elemental home or ultra modern style.
The Bleached Tasmanian Oak from Karndean is a great example of the 2022 Bleached Wood trend.
'A striking colour carrier, this whitewashed plank allows the wood’s original features to show through whilst maintaining a modern finish. Look closely and you will see prominent, intricate detailing, from growth rings to subtle colour variation. With all the benefits of Karndean LooseLay, yet in extra-long plank format, Bleached Tasmanian Oak is perfect for spaces where you’re looking to reduce the transfer of noise. Like all Karndean products, it is also a low maintenance option for busy family homes.'
Weathered Wood Effect Flooring Trend
Amtico Spacia Weathered Oak SS5W2524
The popularity of worn flooring styles is growing and is particularly emerging for Wood Effect Flooring in 2022. An aged look doesn't have to mean dilapidated or run-down! Think of weathered flooring more as 'aged like fine wine' rather than 'decrepit'. The depth of tone and warmth of the emerging grain of weather wood effect flooring is effortlessly stylish and provides a homely feel without being too 'perfect'.
The weathered effect of Amtico's Spacia Weathered Oak gives a cool elegant and contemporary feel to the traditional rustic oak and is a fine example of how weathered wood effect flooring is trending for 2022.
Reclaimed Wood Effect Flooring Trend
Karndean Van Gogh Gluedown Salvaged Barnwood VGW123T
The reclaimed barn wood flooring remains a favourite due to its color variation and weathered look and is really coming into its own in 2022 with the development of wood effect flooring manufacturing techniques. Luxury Vinyl Tile has come a long way in terms of technology and manufacturers can now replicate the appearance of real wood to the extent that it is almost impossible to tell from the real thing.
Reclaimed wood is perfect for homeowners looking for a warm and rustic flooring solution for their home.
Karndean has this to say: 'Salvaged Barnwood incorporates a range of features throughout the floor, from its unique saw marks to rustic stress fractures. This deep reclaimed wood has hues alternating between warm to dark as a result of its weathering as beams, joists and walling of old American barns.
This design is also available in a smaller 28” x 7” plank which can be laid in a herringbone or block design for an extra sense of style. Why not use both in adjoining rooms to create a modern room to room design or consider a rug effect in open plan spaces?'
Wood Effect Flooring at Hamilton Flooring
Hamilton Flooring is a nationwide professional flooring company based in the West Midlands, offering a large range of products and services to suit any requirement. Our flooring experts can advise, plan, supply and fit your Wood Effect Flooring for 2022. Contact Hamilton Flooring to find out more.
Unless otherwise stated, Images are used for illustrative purposes and do not represent work untaken by Hamilton flooring - examples of work completed can be found in our Gallery