Ditch the outdated and embrace the iconic! This year, flooring trends are taking a trip down memory lane. We’re talking about vintage styles that once ruled the roost, are back in a big way, and perfectly suited for the maximalist aesthetic that’s all the rage.
Forget endless browsing – these are 6 timeless flooring trends that experts say will dominate 2024. As Rotem Eylor, CEO of Republic Floor, puts it, “Trends come full circle,” and these vintage revivals are a perfect example. Buckle up for a flooring flashback that will leave your home looking oh-so-now.
Checkerboard Chic: A Timeless Pattern Makes a Playful Return
Classic and ever-versatile, checkerboard tiles are reclaiming their rightful place in the spotlight. Eylor highlights how these tiles embody the maximalist trend, “intermixing patterns, layers, and depth” for a dynamic visual effect. He suggests the resurgence might be driven by a desire for “a retro ambiance with a modern twist.”
This iconic pattern, previously a staple for decades, is experiencing a refresh, particularly in black and white with marble or porcelain as the material of choice. The clean, grid-like aesthetic makes it a perfect fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, adding a touch of classic, retro flair to these high-traffic areas.
Earthy Elegance: Terracotta’s Warmth Takes Center Stage
Interior designer Kat Coleman of Grip Construction observes a surge in terracotta’s popularity, particularly Saltillo tiles. “Terracotta is readily available,” Coleman says, “but Saltillo stands out with its unique clay color and handcrafted finish, making it especially desirable in California and the West Coast.” She highlights the uneven surfaces and unique character of each tile, creating rich texture with deep grout lines (though she acknowledges this might be a maintenance concern for some).
For clients seeking a touch of Spanish revival or a Mediterranean aesthetic, Coleman utilizes 12×12 Saltillo tiles to achieve a warm and vibrantly textured look. She also leverages Saltillo’s ability to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless transition through contiguous flooring. While regional trends and design goals may influence the popularity of terracotta, its inherent qualities – color, material, and finish – remain timeless. Coleman emphasizes the trend towards warm tones in 2024, and terracotta offers the perfect way to introduce this warmth into your home through beautiful flooring.
Timeless Timber: Embracing the Warmth of Original Wood Floors
The allure of old-world charm extends to wood flooring as well. According to Coleman, there’s a growing desire to restore existing floors rather than installing new ones. However, finding the narrow planks (around 1.5″ wide) commonly used in vintage floors, often crafted from red oak, can be a challenge. While red oak adds a touch of cozy nostalgia, its reddish hue isn’t for everyone. “Staining is an option to tone down the red,” Coleman explains, “though white oak is a more natural choice for those seeking a non-red result.”
Real wood floors, while susceptible to wear and tear, develop character over time. To enhance this natural beauty, Coleman recommends a matte finish over a high-gloss one. This trend reflects a desire to “honor the home’s past integrity and original design,” says Coleman. “Homeowners take pride in their home’s history.” While trends are important, classic choices never go out of style. Ultimately, your flooring selection should reflect both your personal style and design goals.
Victorian Revival: A Touch of Ornate Elegance for Entryways
Victorian-inspired flooring is making a grand entrance! Eylor describes these designs as an homage to the era, featuring “monochrome shapes to rustic motifs,” creating a “traditional aura” rich with color and intricate patterns.
Expect to see Victorian tiles gracing foyers and entryways in 2024, adding a touch of timeless beauty and charm even to compact spaces.
Eylor attributes the resurgence to the “elegance and detailed craftsmanship” embodied by Victorian tiles, perfectly complementing the current maximalist trend in home decor with their bold colors and captivating patterns.
Enduring Elegance: Terrazzo’s Textured Versatility Makes a Comeback
Terrazzo flooring offers a unique opportunity for self-expression through design, says Eylor. This composite material, typically crafted from a blend of chips like glass, granite, quartz, or marble and bound with epoxy resin, adds instant textural interest and contrast to any space. Eylor credits terrazzo’s timeless character to its “mid-century roots,” perfectly suited for those seeking creative freedom in their design choices. As homeowners increasingly view their interiors as a platform for personal expression, terrazzo’s popularity is poised to surge in 2024.
Retro Revival: Hexagonal and Penny Mosaic Tiles Make a Splash
Classic mosaic tiles, both hexagonal and penny-shaped, are experiencing a well-deserved resurgence. Their retro charm and surprising ease of installation are fueling their popularity, says Coleman. “There’s a definite 1920s influence, a touch of Art Deco,” she remarks, “and I’m getting a lot of client requests for this, particularly for bathroom floors.” This timeless look typically features a black and white color scheme, offering a versatile update for both traditional and modern design aesthetics. If a softer, curvier look is what you crave, fret not – this same mosaic magic can be found in the ever-stylish penny tile format.
Conclusion
So, ditch the bland and embrace the grand! Flooring in 2024 is all about celebrating the past. From the playful checkerboard to the earthy elegance of terracotta, these vintage revivals are perfect for creating a show-stopping maximalist aesthetic.
Whether you’re seeking timeless timber or a touch of Victorian grandeur, there’s a vintage flooring trend waiting to add character and warmth to your home.
Remember, classic choices never go out of style, so don’t be afraid to embrace the past and create a floor that reflects your unique design vision.
