The 16 flooring trends that we'll be seeing in 2024
Take a look at our expert flooring trends guide — an essential read if you want your home to look bang up to date going into 2024. Whether you are renovating an old property, building from scratch or extending, we've got you covered
With the advent of each new year comes an influx of flooring trends — and if you are on the hunt for a stylish new way to finish off your floors in 2024 you won't be disappointed.
We reached out to a range of experts in the industry for their thoughts on the trends and types of flooring homeowners should be considering as we get stuck into the new year and reveal their musings here.
However, do bear in mind that your flooring plays a huge role in the final look and feel of your home, as well as performing an important practical role — so don't rely on trends alone when making your decision.
Here, we bring you the latest materials, colours and patterns in the world of flooring so you can be sure you know all your available options.
What are the hottest flooring trends 2024?
It is always useful to get a feel for the kind of looks in general that are trending when beginning the hunt for any new interior fitting, flooring included. With this in mind, before we get stuck into exploring the latest looks around right now, what are the overriding themes you should be on the look out for? Getting to grips with this could just help you narrow down your selection, whether you are after wood flooring ideas or something a little more 'out there'.
Many of the trends forecast by the experts we spoke to very much seemed to reflect a desire to connect with nature, whether through materials or colours that reflected the natural world. There is also a focus on sustainable products, as well as those that can foster a sense of wellbeing and health. Additionally, there has been a definite move towards flooring materials that are likely to really stand the test of time, meaning there will be no need to pay out for repairs or replacement any time soon.
And, finally, it seems that 2024 is going to be all about creating a sense of warmth and a more 'simple life' vibe within our homes. Read on to see how you can achieve this with your flooring choices.
1. Get ready to take a light touch
According to the experts, there has been a definite shift towards paler shades across all types of wood flooring.
“We are seeing a particular interest in light wood flooring from our clients, as they create a casual yet versatile base, perfect for any room," reveals Katie Hudghton, head of marketing at Ted Todd. "Blonde wood in particular feels organic and establishes a coastal feel with subtle tones and interesting textures. The character of blonde wood is emphasised when laid in the ever-popular herringbone design which evokes a sense of movement and opens the space.
“The natural colour of lighter wood is also an excellent pairing for vibrant and patterned fabrics, as it provides a neutral base that will tone down busy aspects of the room. This is the perfect way to also incorporate Pantone’s 2024 colour of the year, Peach Fuzz, which boasts a fun and graceful blend of pink and orange which would look great with the blonde flooring aesthetic. Light wood also looks great with reflective materials, such as brass, for a truly modern aesthetic.”
“Lighter floors are definitely increasing in popularity, so softer blonde and honey-coloured woods will certainly be making their way into homes in 2024," agrees Yolande Meyer, purchasing and product development manager at Havwoods. "Providing a contemporary and clean aesthetic, lighter woods look fantastic when paired with both dark and light colour palettes thanks to their timeless texture and style. Add some pattern with a parquet design to give the space depth and character.”
2. Inject some heritage style with vintage designs
Not only does reclaimed wood flooring inject a lovely sense of heritage and plenty of character into the rooms they grace — they are also a good eco-friendly option.
"Designers have been moving towards longevity and vintage items in their designs and this trend will really gain momentum next year," says Katie Hudghton. "With an increase in desire for antique and reclaimed furniture pieces and flooring, these eco-friendly options don’t only do good, but look good too, by adding texture and character to a space and creating a truly unique interior.
“If homeowners are making decisions for their home based on sustainability, hardwood floors are a great option as they won’t need to be updated in a few years. Organic wood ages naturally but adds colour and character as its natural grain darkens. If cared for properly, these floors can last a lifetime to be passed on to the next owner. Reclaimed wood floors also establish a vintage aesthetic to a whole room, bringing a sense of history to the space whilst keeping our connection to the natural world.”
3. Don't expect herringbone to be going anywhere
The trend for herringbone flooring has really bloomed in recent years and it looks as though this is one home design style that is going to be with us for some time. In some ways, it never really left. Just think about how keen renovators usually are to get stuck into restoring parquet flooring when they find it lurking under old rugs. Herringbone floors offer a very similar, elegant look to this.
“Parquet is still as popular as ever, with many homeowners opting for herringbone and chevron styles in their homes," confirms Natalie Mudd, creative director at The Wood Flooring Co. "We’ve noticed that more people are looking for ‘cleaner’ parquet planks. What we mean by this is a board with less knots and markings in contrast to a rustic grade floor. Our parquet collection uses a clean grade of Oak, characterised by less nuances and colour variations for an overall more balanced and elegant effect."
These days, herringbone floors come in all kinds of guises, from timber to tiles. However it is still wooden herringbone floors that are high on the hit list, albeit in slightly warmer shades than we have seen previously.
“I’m seeing a lot more consumers opting for herringbone styles in a more standard oak shade rather than grey and white tones to allow for a timeless wooden floor covering that will last forever,” says Nina Whiley, residential sales consultant at Havwoods.
“For open plan spaces, I recommend selecting wide planks or an oversized herringbone or chevron design," says Sophie Zacha-Lamaret, project director at Havwoods. "For smaller spaces, homeowners should opt for a small size herringbone in a lighter finish as this will make the room appear bigger and more spacious.”
4. Get cosy with warmer toned floors
Perhaps it has something to do with the time of year, and people trying to create a cosier feel, or maybe it is just a reaction to the fact that many of us seem to be spending a little more time in our homes these days, but it seems we are keen to create a warmer, more welcoming feel now than ever before.
“Beige tiles are coming back in — classic warm tones will reflect the times we're living through," says director of Porcelain Superstore, Abbas Youssefi. “In a similar vein, we expect to see the trend for terracotta to continue. These tiles are all about the rustic side, designed to create lived-in spaces rather than a room that looks 'brand new'."
"We recommend incorporating warmer colour palettes into focal furniture pieces such as rugs and statement lighting or adding minimalist Scandinavian interior features for those who want to make a more subtle refresh for the seasons changing," says Mike Head, director at Atlas Ceramics. "If you’re looking for more of a statement transformation, consider switching your hallway or kitchen flooring ideas for terracotta tiles. Terracotta tiles have a natural deep-red or earthy clay colour and are the perfect way to bring an outdoor aesthetic indoors for the seasons changing."
5. Connect with nature through earthy tones
This year, expect to see an increased interest in using interior fittings as a way to make homes feel more connected with the outside world — this is a great one for those after bedroom flooring ideas where it helps create a sense of calm.
“Nature-inspired hues are really popular at the moment, particularly mushroom and warm browns which contradict the paler beiges and greys we’ve seen in previous years," says Katie Hudghton. "Warm tones such as ochre, sandstone and salmon pink can be used on walls, cupboards, and furniture to create a relaxing and coherent scheme in any room. 2024’s twist on the salmon pink accent may include the incorporation of Peach Fuzz which adds slightly brighter hues for a starker contrast.
“These earthy tones pair perfectly with rich wood floors, creating a soulful environment that captivates year-round. Muted greens and blues also evoke a sense of calm and combine well with blonde wood flooring for a natural aesthetic. I’d recommend wide plank flooring with these colours to make the space feel bigger and avoid making the room feel busy.”
6. Get onboard with the English eccentric look
The English Eccentric look (currently being termed 'Saltburn Style') has seen a surge in interest in interiors that add plenty of old-school charm and character to homes.
“As we look for new ways to add personality to our homes, English Eccentrics fuses classic English design with a maximalist twist," explains Carly Greening, creative product manager at The Floor Room. "With maximalism, anything goes, and the key to this trend is to embrace bold patterns, colours and textures whilst allowing traditional architectural details and antique furniture to shine.
"The best place to start is always with the floors, creating a canvas for the rest of the room. Whether you wish to have an eye-catching, statement carpet to act as the main focal point, or are looking for traditional wooden flooring to complement a statement headboard or decorative walls, English Eccentrics is an explosion of colour and pattern with a mischievous twist.”
Don't forget to consider stone flooring ideas too — they can be perfect for this look.
7. Add interest with combination flooring
While flooring was sometimes seen as a mere backdrop in days gone by, more and more homeowners are now realising how much of an impact it can really have and are turning to their flooring choices to make a real design impact. If you are after hallway flooring ideas that make a great first impression, this could be something to consider.
“To add an elegant design element to the home, more homeowners and designers are looking to combination flooring to make a statement," says Yolande Meyer. "A pairing of two different styles, colours or patterns, combination flooring allows you to be more experimental and adventurous in your home, providing a real focal point.
"While commercial spaces have been incorporating this design for decades to designate zones or areas, we are now seeing a rise in residential projects looking to explore this trend. From sophisticated borders to multi-coloured patterns, use products which complement one another or, alternatively, those that beautifully contrast for an eye-catching design.”
8. Expect to see supersized wooden floors
Maximalism is a term we heard a lot about towards the end of last year and it continues to be a popular movement as we head into 2024. For now, subtle and understated is having to take a back seat to bolder, more impactful and brave design options — and this includes living room flooring ideas.
“Wide and oversized planks deliver a beautifully impactful look, so it’s easy to see why we’re seeing more designs like this being introduced into people’s homes in 2024," observes Yolande Meyer. "Adding instant drama and personality to any room, large boards can truly accentuate a space and create a real talking point of their own. Offering wall to wall flooring with no end joints, the result is a seamless, statement solution that delivers on visual appeal, stability, quality and spaciousness. Ideal for smaller rooms too, the wood draws the eye across creating the illusion of a larger space, plus if you pair it with a lighter finish, it will reflect light further.”
9. Incorporate plenty of character and texture
Touchy-feely surfaces that stimulate the senses are also making headlines right now, adding interest and character wherever they are incorporated. Even though wood floors might be the first thing to spring to mind, plenty of laminate flooring varieties, as well as polished concrete floors and vinyl can be produced with interesting textured surfaces.
“More homeowners are opting for character and rustic grade boards now," says Steve Clent, Global client director at Havwoods. "This helps to add texture and enhance depth to interior spaces whilst also creating an authentic feel.”
10. Make sustainability a priority
As might be expected in the times we are living in, flooring trends are reflecting the need we are all aware of for the products we buy to be both kind to the planet as well as on our wallets.
This means using products designed to reduce our carbon footprints as well as those designed to stand the test of time in our homes.
“The use of sustainable and eco-conscious materials in the home, such as cork, will continue to be popular into the new year as homeowners value where things have come from, now more than ever," confirms James Scully, founder of Recork. "For flooring, swapping mass-produced ‘fast’ manufacturing means championing the use of green materials. Cork flooring is a versatile option for the home that not only provides a Scandi-inspired natural flooring choice, but it has health and wellbeing benefits too.”
“There has been a clear shift towards more conscious choices, with homeowners choosing to extend the life of their existing fixtures, buying from second-hand shops or purchasing homeware which has been produced sustainably," agrees Simon Myatt, Specification Consultant at Havwoods.
“Creating a mindful home with sustainable choices will continue to be big news in 2024 and beyond,” says Darwyn Ker, managing director of Woodpecker Flooring, who source all the wood used to manufacture their boards from responsibly managed forests and have also committed to becoming the first carbon positive flooring company by 2030. They also launched the Woodpecker Forest of Tomorrow in 2021, which will see 50,000 saplings planted across a 200-acre piece of countryside in South Wales.
11. Do consider vinyl flooring for its durability
In recent years homeowners really began to let go of any preconceived ideas they may have had about vinyl flooring and embraced all the benefits offered by LVT flooring — luxury vinyl tile. What this means is that vinyl flooring continues to be big news.
“Textile-backed vinyls have become increasingly popular, as customers continue to invest in good quality, durable floor coverings, while retaining the style and design options that vinyl offers," predicts Inga Morris-Blincoe, general manager at Lifestyle Floors. "In terms of colours, there is a definite move away from grey woods and a strong move towards warmer tones particularly in herringbone designs.
"Pattern is also making a resurgence, in particular monochrome and blue shades. Beiges and neutrals remain popular, albeit being slowly replaced with more vibrant, bolder choices in many instances.”
12. Be on the lookout for refined antique shades
When it comes to stone flooring, it seems there has been a shift away from the deeper, more dramatic tones towards a softer, more refined look.
“For years, our most popular stone has been the darkest option in our collection," says Hege Lundh, marketing and business development director, Lundhs Real Stone. "However, we have recently noticed a sharp shift and increase in the popularity of Lundhs Antique — our more earthy, brown-toned natural stone.
"Teamed with wood cabinetry and nature-inspired palettes, we expect the demand for warmer surface colourways and finishes to continue to rise throughout next year, especially as homeowners and designers seek to create more inviting and laid-back, welcoming interior schemes.”
13. Opt for matt finishes over gloss
Matt finishes are enjoying incredible popularity right now and this looks set to be a trend on the rise as we head into 2024. From brassware and light fittings to decorative accessories, these matt finishes are elegant, subtle and sophisticated — particularly when used over large spaces such as the floor.
“I see a clear incline towards matt finished products and patterns," says Carlos Izaguirre, showroom consultant at Havwoods. "Herringbone in particular looks great with a matt finish, with bevelled edges and in light, medium tones.”
"Matt, structured textures have taken over high-gloss, shiny surfaces and this will continue to be the case for next year," agrees Hege Lundh. "Whilst homeowners are still wanting to make a luxurious statement with their living room flooring ideas, the trend for creating a more lived-in feel means that design choices have become increasingly tactile. Surfaces like natural stone offer a luxurious yet pared-back appearance, meaning requirements for both design and aesthetic can be met with ease.”
14. Marble finishes remain a route to the luxé look
It seems it isn't all about rustic, laidback looks though — there is still a place for a little luxury going into the new year — and the best bit is that, in the world of flooring at least, a more sumptious look won't have to cost the earth.
“The luxury look will continue to be popular in 2024 and with the developments in tile print technology it’s possible to achieve this without breaking the bank," says Colin Lincoln-Evans, Buyer at Tile Mountain. "Marble and onyx effect tiles are no longer confined to bathrooms, we are seeing these carried throughout living areas and the more traditional grey veining is being replaced with colours such as pink and green.”
“On the luxury side, there is a move from white marbles to more striking designs such as onyx tiles, which are available in a wide range of colours,” advises Abbas Youssefi of Porcelain Superstore.
15. Explore the world of checks and stripes
Although checkerboard floors have been hugely popular in the past – the Victorians loved a check tile floor, for instance – they are back once more and are proving particularly popular in the world of bathroom flooring.
"Checkerboard pattern, once subsumed within traditional design, has now emerged as its very own trend and evolved into one of the hottest surface and tile trends within bathrooms," says Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. "We should also mention that stripes are just as popular and, for the ultimate combination, the two can be contrasted together.
"A checkerboard floor is a great way of adding pattern and colour to a bathroom without it becoming too complicated or over the top. The overall look will be dependant more on the colours chosen than anything else, as it doesn’t have to be traditional white and black," points out Barrie. "Instead, contrasting, or similar shades can be used that can soften and warm the space.
"Checkerboard flooring has a long history, but used with modern colour palettes, it is a great way of bringing the two periods together. They are versatile and can work in most spaces. They work just as well in cloakrooms as they do in larger bathrooms, though in smaller spaces, it is best to work with smaller tiles so you can see much more of the pattern than you can in a larger bathroom. “
16. Expose yourself to the elements
One of the best things about the latest trend for natural, earthy and textured materials (unlike some of the more high shine and brightly coloured finishes) is that they really can stand the test of time without quickly looking dated.
"Exposed elements and natural textures show continuity across flooring due to their evergreen adaptability," says Louisa Swannell, head of creative design at Walls & Floors. "An indulgent semi-polished lappato finish will enhance and highlight mottled textures to provide the perfect base for your home.
"Accessorising with high shine metallic, chunky neutral fabrics and minimalistic pops of your favourite colour will achieve faultless industrialised interior styling this winter whilst investing in a long-term canvas for your home."
Which flooring trends are the most cost effective?
There really is no need to spend a fortune in order to update your flooring — many of the latest trends are achievable on a budget.
Great cheap flooring ideas include opting for ceramic tiles over natural stone, or vinyl flooring that mimics the appearance of a parquet floor. If you like the look of marble, you can achieve the luxury look using porcelain and ceramic tiles — plus they are easier to fit on a DIY basis.
And, finally, laminate flooring has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and offers a very budget-friendly for those after a home update.
How can I update my bathroom flooring?
It is worth bearing in mind some of the latest bathroom trends when choosing flooring for this room.
Tiles (both porcelain and ceramic) remain popular options for bathroom flooring, but don't discount vinyl either — and remember, some laminates will also be suitable, providing your choose one that can withstand moisture.
Katie is Head Of Marketing (Global) at Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors.
Natalie Mudd is creative director at The Wood Flooring Co
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Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. She is now looking for her next project — something which is proving far harder than she thought it would be.
