(ARA) – Wood floors aren’t just for classic and
colonial homes anymore. Design options are changing, and achieving a
contemporary look with a classical element such as wood flooring is a growing
trend.
According to Chris Sy of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, homeowners are growing
more and more creative in their use of wood flooring in contemporary designs.
“Many homeowners look at flooring as a work of art. Wood flooring can add a
contemporary element that is unexpected, dramatic and even fun. It really has
become one of the fundamental parts of interior design,” says Sy.
For those who want to achieve a more modern appearance with wood floors, the
choice of a mellow-grained wood is ideal. Cherry, maple and eastern white pine
have more subtle grain patterns. |
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Even exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry or
mahogany are a good choice. Some other types of wood, such as oak, have more
prominent grain patterns, knots, and imperfections that give it character and
are better used for country or classic looks.
 “For
contemporary wood floors, everything should be very linear. Single width plank
boards create a more formal and refined look,” adds Sy. Many choose quarter sawn
wood because the growth rings run uniformly parallel along the entire board,
adding to the linear style.
Adding texture to the wood floors can complement a contemporary design. An eased
edge floor takes the edges of each plank from a 90 degree corner down to 45
degrees. It creates a softer look and texture. For even more texture you can
request a hand-sculpted face and edge treatment that is a bit more rustic and
works well when combined with a modern décor.
Homes with contemporary styles feature a wide range of colors to enhance the
design, but generally wood floors are kept more neutral, light and consistent.
For a clean white look, floors can be stained white. The technique is called
white washed or bleached and the effect is very pleasing. “People are looking
for a fluid approach, tying the style of the floor into the different pieces of
furniture or art that they want to highlight in the home. Lighter colors are
popular, but sometimes we’ll see something really unusual and striking such as a
very dark red stain or use of black enamel paint,” says Sy.
 Finishes
can be gloss, satin or matte with matte adding a further element of contemporary
style. All three options can be appropriate for the contemporary look, but it’s
best to choose the one that works well with the other elements in your home,
such as your cabinets, furniture and walls.
Mixing materials is becoming common in contemporary wood flooring as well.
Materials like granite, steel, copper and even leather can be woven into a
design inlay throughout a floor, or specifically in a certain area, such as in
front of a fireplace. Perhaps you feature stainless steel appliances in your
kitchen and you want to highlight this element in the floor around the center
kitchen island. Some people even mix flooring materials and add tile or brick to
the flooring layout.
“There are really no hard and fast rules for contemporary wood flooring, but
people continue to produce creative elements in their homes that are far from
the classic country styling that many associate with wood floors. The most
important thing is to blend your design elements with your flooring to achieve
an overall coordinating décor,” explains Sy.
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors has worked with homeowners, builders, and
architects to achieve custom designs from contemporary to classic styles since
the 1960’s. For more information, visit www.wideplankflooring.com or call (800)
595-9663.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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