Does Interior Design Include Flooring?
Flooring is a foundational interior design element influencing the overall aesthetics and functionality of a space. But does coordinator of all finishes, furnishings, and spatial layouts involve choosing surfaces to walk on? Interior designers certainly think so. Let’s explore why flooring remains a central component of interior design through the phases of any home project.
How Flooring Impacts Interior Design
Beyond covering bare subfloors, flooring materials set the tone for occupied areas through inherent qualities. Ceramic tile and stone feel cool underfoot while emitting crisp echoes. Hardwood’s varied grains offer visual warmth and muffle footsteps. Wool rugs layered over concrete lend softness without masking industrial rawness. Flooring influences experience of the space long before considering additional furnishings and accents.
Additionally, flooring unifies fixed elements like cabinetry and lighting fixtures with flexible pieces like furniture arrangements. Consistent wood species staining throughout rooms connects built-ins to movable items. Matching carpet swatches in bedroom lounge spaces and closets pulls together disjointed zones. Coordinated floors are the first step toward a holistic interior design plan.
“We never realized how much choosing the same tile for our kitchen backsplash and hallway would make the whole first floor flow together.” – Naomi D., Boston, MA
Flooring as Interior Design Foundation
Far from an afterthought, flooring constitutes an integral base layer impacting all other design decisions. Interior designers view floors as a pivotal puzzle piece allowing fuller picture to emerge.
For example, bold geometric tile guides selection of sleek midcentury furniture in overhead living spaces. Refined marble with subtle grey veining prompts incorporation of ornate furnishings and chandeliers in elegant dining rooms. Hardwoods mimic table tops and wall paneling for harmonious finish connections. Without settling flooring first, assembly of complementary surroundings elements proves difficult.
**The flooring foundation supports: **
- Furniture silhouettes
- Textile patterns and textures
- Lighting palette
- Accessory materials
- Wall colors
- Cabinet/shelving stain
Key Flooring Decisions
Interior designers streamline selection from today’s overwhelming flooring options to uncover best match for design priorities. They balance practical considerations like cost, durability and maintenance against aesthetic goals for tone, texture and pattern. Assessing traffic flow, activity levels and user lifestyles prevents misapplication of fragile surfaces or hazardous uneven materials unnoticed by homeowners blinded by visual appeal.
Guiding flooring installations is also imperative as proper subfloor preparation and seamless transitions between rooms ensure flawless function and form. By managing critical facets of the flooring process, interior designers enable realization of envisioned design concepts.
Flooring as Investment
Beyond pure design augmentation, flooring constitutes significant financial investment protecting structure from wear while enhancing livability and value. Budget-friendly resilient vinyl plank flooring achieves modern styling with family-friendly durability at fraction of natural wood cost. For more luxurious undertones, custom-stained white oak or exclusive exotic species merit investment offering timeless design. Just as crucial structural elements like framing and insulation aren’t cheaped out on during construction, flooring selection deserves adequate allocation to avoid aesthetically pleasing disappointments.
“Upgrading from composite to natural stone tile did cost more upfront but the increase in our home’s value and end user experience has been worth it ten times over.” – Lucas S., Austin, TX
The Takeaway
Quality, thoughtfully-planned floors interwoven throughout well-designed interiors represent pinnacle achievement of aesthetic cohesion and practical performance. By guiding all facets from product selection to installation, interior designers prove including flooring at the core allows fuller realization of intended design visions.