Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, shares his expert insights on the styles and finishes set to dominate on the kitchen flooring front in the year ahead.
1. A Return to Warm-Toned Wood Flooring
Warm-toned woods provide a versatility that works well in both modern and traditional settings. These tones complement the natural elements popular in today’s interiors such as stone, linen and soft organic textiles, while adding a rich foundation that can tie a space together.
While lighter-toned, whitewashed oak remains a staple, we're seeing a resurgence of mid-tone browns and rich, earthy shades. Homeowners are looking to create interiors that feel cosy, grounded and connected to nature. Warm-toned woods help to create this atmosphere and their timeless appeal reflects a return to classic, enduring design.
2. Sustainable Engineered Wood Flooring
Eco-conscious customers are prioritising sustainable choices that are both beautiful and built to last. Sustainable engineered wood flooring is the perfect balance of durability and environmental responsibility. These floors not only provide excellent resistance to natural expansion and contraction caused by heat and moisture. They are also compatible with underfloor heating, which is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes.
Chaunceys’ FSC-certified sustainable engineered wood flooring is crafted using less slow-growing hardwood than traditional solid wood floors, relying instead on a multi-ply base of faster-growing birch. This engineered wood base also offers much better stability than a solid wood floor. Sustainable engineered wood offers a green alternative to solid wood without compromising on quality. By choosing this type of flooring, homeowners can create a stylish, sustainable floor that will stand the test of time, and a home that supports the well-being of both their family and the environment.
3. Playful Parquet Patterns with a Modern Twist
Parquet flooring continues to hold strong in design trends and now has a contemporary edge. We’re noticing an exciting shift towards eclectic geometric patterns and larger-format designs. Parquet styles like herringbone, chevron and Versailles offer sophistication and visual depth and we’re also being asked to create bespoke patterns. These custom designs really make a unique statement in a home.
Larger-format parquet patterns add a striking, modern twist to traditional floors, allowing homeowners to explore creative designs while preserving the elegance parquetry is known for. These patterns infuse personality into any space with a sense of artistry underfoot, whether it’s a high-traffic entryway or a serene living room. We are also seeing customers play with mixed finishes and varying plank widths within a single installation, pushing boundaries and giving every room a distinct identity.
4. Bespoke Textures and Colours to Match Individual Style
Bespoke flooring options allow clients to tailor each element to match their overall design vision, blending harmoniously with their furniture, wall colours and fixtures. This level of customisation brings a deeply personal touch, creating a sense of individuality and allowing the floor to serve as a true focal point.
Clients today want more than just beautiful wood, they want it personalised. The demand for made-to-order floors that align with individual style is stronger than ever. With bespoke finishes, textures and colours, Chaunceys offers customers a chance to infuse personality and unique charm into their flooring. From lightly brushed textures to distressed finishes and custom stains, homeowners can select each detail to ensure a one-of-a-kind result.
5. Extra-Wide, Extra-Long Planks for a Luxurious Look
With the desire for more spacious and luxurious interiors, Chaunceys is seeing increased interest in extra-wide, extra-long planks. These oversized planks showcase the timber beautifully and add a sense of continuity and openness. They’re a great way to make a room feel larger while emphasising the natural grain of the wood.
The scale of these planks contributes to an elegant, streamlined look, reducing the number of seams and creating a clean, continuous flow. This style not only enhances the visual spaciousness of a room but also allows for the full beauty of the wood grain to shine. Larger planks work beautifully in open-plan living areas, where they help unify the space, but they’re also an excellent choice for smaller rooms where they add depth and prevent visual clutter. By making such a bold design choice, homeowners can enjoy a high-end look that elevates the overall interior.
