Starting a design project from the floor up
More often than not, we look up when entering a living space.
We look up at window treatments and love how they add style to a window and beautifully frame the outside view. We look up at chandeliers, sconces and pendants, admiring how they functionally or aesthetically illuminate a living space. We look up at upholstered furniture and focus on the cozy mix of fabrics, pleased with the colors, textures and patterns. We look up at artwork, mirrors and whatever view is just beyond windowsills.
But amongst all these “uppity” design elements, one very important factor is what’s underfoot.
Daily, we tread on our wall-to-wall carpeting, hardwood, luxury vinyl, cork and tiled floors without giving much thought to these hard-working surfaces until they need to be cleaned, refinished or replaced.
Flooring is just as important as any other design element that you source for your living space. In fact, flooring might even be more important because of the square feet required, how you’d like the floor to wear over time and, of course, the color, finish and composition.
Start with the basics
When starting a design project from scratch, you can really begin with any surface – from flooring to crown molding, cabinet colors and design, tile backsplash, or a chandelier or piece of art that held your attention enough that an entire living space had to be designed around it.
But if you are updating an existing space that requires new flooring, you may be limited by the surfaces and colors that are already present in your living space.
Regardless of the starting point of your project, when considering flooring, ask yourself these questions:
- Where will the floor be installed?
- What durability level is required?
- What color, texture and design best fits the space?
- What is the budget and is there a timing restriction?
- What does the contractor say about the installation?
Common sense essentials
Some flooring materials do not make sense in certain locations: Carpet in the bathroom – no. Glass tiles underfoot in the kitchen – no. 12 by 12 tiles on the shower pan – NO.
Always consider hard-working surfaces that are easy to clean and won’t cause accidents in regard to the tasks taking place in these spaces.
Carpet in working spaces like the kitchen, bathroom or entry is just a multitude of stains waiting to happen. Kitchens can be very dirty living spaces, too. Accidents happen and kitchen floors get downright filthy. Bathrooms may not have food, but they have water, messy hair products and dirty feet in and out of the shower. And carpet in a water closet? No thank you. Toilets and carpet just don’t mix in any design.
From a safety standpoint, big tiles in a shower can be very dangerous when wet – creating slipping hazards.
Having it all
Hard-working and beautiful, that’s what we want out of our floors. Floors that sparkle, feel grand and rich, have a modern satin texture and, when appropriate, a playful design and colorful palette. We want it all.
We spend so much time searching online retailers and visiting showrooms, we expect our floors to pretty much be perfection – and on budget. But “beauty” isn’t typically on sale, so don’t let the budget discourage you from searching for the flooring material that you dream about nightly.
Remember that rustic floor you saw in the tasting room in that Napa winery? Each and every board may have been shipped in from France. Yet that same flooring may have been duplicated in a luxury vinyl.
Never take no for an answer when on the hunt for the flooring of your dreams. It’s out there.
Get advice from a contractor
Contractors are a very important part of the flooring discussion. If you are starting your project from scratch, the contractor will want to know what material you have chosen so they understand how best to prep for the install. If you are editing an existing space with flooring, your home may or may not have restrictions that only your contractor will be able to answer.
Once you know what materials are approved for your living space, move forward assured that you are not wasting your time searching for a material that just won’t work.
Flooring truly is the foundation of a great design. With so many design details that make us look up, don’t forget to focus on what’s underfoot as you create a design plan.
Make wise decisions on your flooring when it comes to where it will be installed, your design vision and budget. And don’t forget to receive a blessing from your contractor.
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
Jennifer Leischer
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton, CA. Combining a public relations degree from California State University, Chico, with further studies in design and interior architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, Jennifer began her career as an interior designer in 1998, working for various firms in San Francisco and Orinda, and Denver, Colorado. She describes every designing moment, throughout her career, as a wonderful tutorial about the importance of relationships, open communication, and getting down to the basics of functional, yet stylish, living spaces.