In the realm of interior design, a new year introduces fresh trends in flooring, and we’re here to ensure you’re well-informed about them. We’ve consulted with industry experts to provide you with their top tips and insider insights. Before delving into the world of flooring options, you can now confidently explore knowing not only the styles you’re likely to encounter but also which ones will seamlessly integrate with your planned interior scheme.
From the latest color palettes and patterns to innovative uses of classical materials, our guide covers it all. Before embarking on your flooring search, make sure to familiarize yourself with what’s currently in vogue underfoot.
2024 Trends in Conservatory Flooring
Before delving into the latest and most stylish flooring trends, we consulted with experts to identify overarching themes that shoppers should be on the lookout for. This insight aims to assist you in narrowing down your selection, whether you’re seeking wood flooring ideas or something more unconventional.
Predictably, many of the forecasted trends revolve around highly sustainable products that contribute to the homeowner’s well-being and health. There’s also a noticeable shift towards flooring materials known for their durability, minimizing the need for repairs or replacements in the near future.
Lastly, it appears that 2024 will emphasize creating a sense of warmth and a ‘simple life’ vibe within our homes. Continue reading to discover how you can achieve this through your flooring choices.
1. Expect to see herringbone everywhere
The popularity of herringbone flooring experienced significant growth in 2022, and it appears to be a home design trend that will endure for the foreseeable future. In many ways, it never truly faded, considering the enthusiasm renovators often exhibit when uncovering herringbone-patterned parquet flooring beneath old rugs.
Herringbone floors now come in various forms, ranging from timber to tiles. Nevertheless, wooden herringbone floors, particularly in slightly warmer tones than previously seen, remain highly sought after.
Nina Whiley, Residential Sales Consultant at Havwoods, notes, “I’m observing more consumers choosing herringbone styles in a more traditional oak shade rather than grey and white tones, aiming for a timeless wooden floor covering that will endure.”
Sophie Zacha-Lamaret, Project Director at Havwoods, provides guidance on selecting herringbone styles based on space, and recommending wide planks or oversized herringbone or chevron designs for open-plan areas. For smaller spaces, she suggests opting for a smaller-sized herringbone in a lighter finish to create the illusion of a larger and more spacious room.
2. Cosy up with warmer-toned floors
Perhaps influenced by the season or a desire to create a cozier ambiance, it appears that there is a heightened inclination to establish a warmer and more inviting atmosphere than ever before.
According to Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, “Beige tiles are making a comeback — classic warm tones will resonate with the current times. In a similar vein, we anticipate the ongoing popularity of terracotta. These tiles embody a rustic charm, intended to craft spaces that feel lived-in rather than overly pristine.”
Mike Head, Director at Atlas Ceramics, recommends infusing warmer color palettes into focal furniture pieces like rugs and statement lighting. For a more subtle seasonal refresh, he suggests incorporating minimalist Scandinavian interior features. For those seeking a more impactful transformation, he proposes considering terracotta tiles for hallway or kitchen flooring, as they exude a natural deep-red or earthy clay color, bringing an outdoor aesthetic indoors with the changing seasons.
3. Incorporate plenty of character and texture
Textures that engage the senses and evoke a tactile experience are currently garnering attention, infusing spaces with intrigue and character when integrated. While wood floors may be the immediate association, numerous options, including various laminate flooring styles, polished concrete floors, and vinyl, can be crafted with captivating textured surfaces.
Steve Clent, Global Client Director at Havwoods, notes a growing preference among homeowners for character and rustic-grade boards. This choice not only introduces texture and enriches the depth of interior spaces but also fosters an authentic ambiance.
4. Check your products are sustainable
As expected in the current era, flooring trends are aligning with the growing awareness of the need for products that are both environmentally friendly and budget-conscious.
This entails the utilization of materials designed to minimize our carbon footprints while also ensuring longevity in our living spaces.
James Scully, Founder of Recork, affirms the enduring popularity of sustainable and eco-conscious materials like cork in the coming year. He notes that homeowners, now more than ever, value the origin of their possessions. Cork flooring, in addition to offering a versatile, Scandi-inspired natural flooring choice, boasts health and well-being benefits.
Simon Myatt, Specification Consultant at Havwoods, observes a clear shift toward conscious choices, with homeowners opting to prolong the lifespan of their existing fixtures, exploring second-hand shops, and embracing homeware produced sustainably.
Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring, emphasizes the significance of creating a mindful home with sustainable choices in 2024 and beyond. Woodpecker Flooring sources all its wood from responsibly managed forests and has committed to becoming the first carbon-positive flooring company by 2030. The Woodpecker Forest of Tomorrow initiative, launched in 2021, involves planting 50,000 saplings across a 200-acre expanse of countryside in South Wales.
5. Look to vinyl for a durable option
It appeared that in 2022, homeowners started shedding any preconceptions they held about vinyl flooring and fully embraced the advantages provided by Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring. Consequently, vinyl flooring is expected to be a major trend in 2024.
Inga Morris-Blincoe, General Manager at Lifestyle Floors, anticipates a growing popularity of textile-backed vinyls in 2024. Customers are increasingly investing in high-quality, durable floor coverings while appreciating the style and design options that vinyl offers. Regarding colors, there is a noticeable shift away from gray woods, with a strong inclination toward warmer tones, especially in herringbone designs.
“Pattern is also making a resurgence, particularly in monochrome and blue shades. Beiges and neutrals remain popular, though gradually being replaced by more vibrant and bolder choices in many instances.”
6. Swap dark brown for antique shades
When it comes to stone flooring, there appears to be a departure from the deeper, more dramatic tones in favor of a softer and more refined aesthetic.
Hege Lundh, Marketing & Business Development Director at Lundhs Real Stone, notes a significant shift in customer preferences. “For years, our darkest stone option has been the most popular in our collection,” she says. “However, we have recently observed a notable surge in the popularity of Lundhs Antique—our more earthy, brown-toned natural stone.
“Paired with wood cabinetry and nature-inspired palettes, we anticipate a continued increase in the demand for warmer surface colorways and finishes throughout the next year. This trend is particularly evident as homeowners and designers strive to craft more inviting, laid-back, and welcoming interior schemes.”
7. Create contemporary chic with matt finishes
Matte finishes are experiencing remarkable popularity at present, and it appears that this trend will continue to gain traction as we enter 2024. Whether applied to brassware, light fixtures, or decorative accessories, these matte finishes exude elegance, subtlety, and sophistication—especially when used across expansive areas like the floor.
“I notice a definite inclination towards products and patterns with matte finishes,” remarks Carlos Izaguirre, Showroom Consultant at Havwoods. “Herringbone, in particular, looks fantastic with a matte finish, featuring bevelled edges and in light to medium tones.”
“Matte, structured textures have surpassed high-gloss, shiny surfaces, and this trend is expected to persist into the next year,” concurs Hege Lundh of Lundhs Real Stone. “While homeowners still aim to make a luxurious statement with their living room flooring ideas, the trend of creating a more lived-in feel suggests that design choices have become increasingly tactile. Surfaces like natural stone offer a luxurious yet understated appearance, meeting both design and aesthetic requirements effortlessly.”
8. Create character with texture
Have you come across the term Cottagecore? If not, don’t worry; you’re likely not alone. Nevertheless, it stood out as one of the most significant design trends that emerged in 2022. This movement championed all things rustic, minimalist, and simple, drawing heavy inspiration from nature.
The result was an array of interior design elements that exuded coziness, a touch of nostalgia, and introduced a generous dose of warmth.
“Texture, texture, texture — 2024 is the year for homeowners to explore more with texture, partly influenced by the rise of Cottagecore,” remarks Alex Main, Director at The Main Company. “This entails incorporating warmer and more tactile materials into the home, such as reclaimed wood flooring, which has gained increasing popularity due to its sustainable nature and its inviting visual appeal, imparting a rustic aesthetic to a home.”
9. Create a luxurious feel with marble finishes
It appears that heading into the new year, it’s not solely about rustic, laid-back aesthetics—there’s still room for a touch of luxury. The best part is that, at least in the realm of flooring, achieving a more sumptuous look won’t necessarily break the bank.
“The luxury look will remain popular in 2024, and with advancements in tile print technology, it’s possible to achieve this without breaking the bank,” notes 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 colors such as pink and green.”
“On the luxury side, there is a shift from white marbles to more striking designs such as onyx tiles, which are available in a wide range of colors,” advises Abbas Youssefi of Porcelain Superstore.
10. Fashion a farmyard finish with exposed brick
By now, it should be evident that the flooring trends of 2024 are firmly centered on the simple life and rustic aesthetics, and the resurgence of the exposed brick floor serves as another testament to this.
“There was a 100% increase in searches for herringbone brick floors at the end of 2024, signaling the resurgence of brick flooring in homes,” notes Rhiannon Cooper of Wooden Floors. “You can use exposed brick to create an easy-to-clean floor in your dining room or kitchen, as well as a rustic look in a bedroom or cottage. A statement rug can add warmth and softness to a brick floor in rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms.
“Choosing exposed brick flooring can be a wise choice, but you must avoid the mistakes associated with its care. To clean your floor, use a vacuum cleaner designed for hard floors or a normal brush, but be careful not to damage the grout in between the bricks, as it can make the floor unstable.”
11. Get ready for checks and stripes
Although checkerboard floors have experienced significant popularity in the past – the Victorians were particularly fond of check tile floors – they are making a comeback and are especially favored in the realm of bathroom flooring.
“The checkerboard pattern, once confined within traditional design, has now emerged as its very own trend and evolved into one of the hottest surface and tile trends within bathrooms,” states 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 to add pattern and color to a bathroom without it becoming too complicated or over the top. The overall look will depend more on the colors chosen than anything else, as it doesn’t have to be traditional white and black,” Barrie emphasizes. “Instead, contrasting or similar shades can be used to soften and warm the space.
“Checkerboard flooring has a long history, but when used with modern color 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.”
12. Make a bold feature out of your floor
While the floor has traditionally been viewed as a backdrop element in interior design, rather than one that captures attention or introduces a distinctive feature, 2024 seems poised to challenge this perspective.
“2024 is poised to be an exciting year for tile flooring trends, with numerous patterns crafted to create a bold feature underfoot,” states Amanda Telford, Creative Manager at CTD Tiles. “Geometric and decorative tiles, in particular, have proven to be especially popular in the latest designs, and we can anticipate this trend continuing into the new year. These styles also offer the practical benefits associated with the use of ceramic or porcelain, ensuring they are incredibly easy to maintain in any setting.”
13. Expose yourself to the elements
One of the notable advantages of the current trend favoring natural, earthy, and textured materials, in contrast to some of the more glossy and brightly colored finishes, is their enduring ability to withstand the test of time without quickly appearing outdated.
“Exposed elements and natural textures exhibit lasting relevance in the flooring landscape of 2024, owing to their timeless adaptability,” remarks Louisa Swannell, Head of Creative Design at Walls & Floors. “An indulgent semi-polished lappato finish will accentuate and showcase mottled textures, providing the ideal foundation for your home.
“Accessorizing with high-shine metallics, substantial neutral fabrics, and minimalist accents of your preferred color will achieve flawless industrialized interior styling this winter, all the while investing in a long-term canvas for your home.”
