Tone it down with your wood flooring

17th February 2012

Versatile, hardy and suitable for almost any room of the house - wood flooring is rarely out of fashion as an interior design staple.

However, if you are thinking of laying a new floor, it is worth keeping an eye on the current trends within wooden flooring as styles can vary in terms of material, shade and finish.

Philiep Caryn, international communications manager at flooring manufacturer Quick-Step claims that the current trends in wood flooring are veering towards the more subtle tones and shades.

"There is a definite move towards lighter washes and varnishes, with wood flooring becoming pared back and subtle," he said.

"These paler, more refined looks are joined by grey shades that soften the feel of wood flooring."

Although a firm-favourite for the more traditional interior design look, part of the beauty of wood flooring is that it can also be used to make a room feel fresh and spacious and a paler shade of wood will help create that slightly more modern ambience.

However, even if you've got the choice of tone and material sorted before any feet cross your brand new flooring, it is important to create the perfect finish to your wooden floor.

If you've spent time and effort choosing the perfect tone for your flooring then you won't want the colour to fade with wear and tear so it's important to protect the material with a wood finishing oil.

Philiep notes that the trends in wood finishes reveal that "the delicacies of oil and matt lacquers" are becoming the preferred choices over glossy varnishes.

"These finishes help the natural beauty of wood to show through, giving a more textural quality to lighter washes and varnishes, he adds.

"There is also a movement towards more wood with more character, enhancing the look a little more."