People are getting ultra creative when it comes to the layout of their floor. Patterns, angles, you name it. Of course, not all patterns are created equal. Let’s look at what’s hot right now.
Herringbone & Chevron Laminate Floors
Okay, you’re probably wondering ‘what the heck is herringbone?’ or ‘aren’t those the same thing?’. Well, herringbone is a cool pattern that looks like chevron but isn’t. And chevron is, well, chevron.
In the chevron pattern, the two planks are angled at the end to come together and form a perfect point. In the herringbone pattern (basically, the easier, more affordable chevron for flooring), planks are laid in a zigzag, but stacked on top of each other to create the “point” – this means less cutting, less labor and less wasted materials.
This may not be the trend to do your entire home in. However, long entryways, hallways and bathrooms can look absolutely stunning.
If you’re going to go with either of these trendy layouts, we highly suggest going with herringbone (see above). Although this trend isn’t likely to last forever, it sure looks pretty while it’s here. If you’re someone who likes to change up their home often, or you’re looking to sell to a young, trendy crowd, it could be an excellent choice!
Diagonal Laminate Floors
My favorite. Homeowners are changing things up by laying their laminate flooring at an angle rather than straight on. This gives your floor (and home) a unique, expensive look.
It does cost more in materials (and often installation), but the outcome is dreamy, yet still uncommon enough to maintain its luster.
Can it still be a trend if it’s uncommon? We think so.
It’s more likely you’ll see this look with solid hardwood because it is more pricey, and people that tend to spend a little more on their flooring often go with hardwood. However, you can totally steal the show without spending an arm and a leg and achieve the same thing with laminate.
We predict it will not only stay relevant for years to come, but even up the resale value of your home.
Wide Plank Laminate Floors
It’s no secret that larger planks make your room look bigger. These large planks look modern, elegant and expensive in any room in the home.
In fact, manufacturers are only trending towards even larger, wider planks as we roll into 2017. However, this expansion can only last so long and will, eventually, become over the top like those “cell phones” that are actually sized like tablets.
So you don’t have to go with planks the size of a large human, but larger 8″-10″ wide planks are hot, hot, hot, and readily available on the market today.
Are you thinking about jumping on board? Well, you should!
As I mentioned, manufacturers are only trending towards even wider and longer planks. This trend will soon become a classic staple and will likely last the test of time.
Mixed Width Laminate Floors
Our eyes love detail and the unexpected. That is why it is no surprise that mixed width laminate floors are in demand.
Mixed width laminate floors (unsurprisingly) combine multiple width planks to make the flooring pop. This can be done in a pattern or randomly for more variety.
As far as longevity, we predict this trend will be around for a while, but it is unlikely that it will become a flooring staple.
