The new flooring trends

Versatile and cost-effective laminate is one of the most frequently laid floor coverings in Europe. However, alternatives such as wood, natural stone and bamboo are becoming increasingly popular and taking the place of that composite material, which is often cold underfoot and not very sustainable. The latest flooring trends reflect the desire for a more natural approach in interior design. We reveal which flooring and carpeting trends are set to come out on top in 2021.

Not only can “Velvet&” carpet tiles from modulyss be laid quickly, they also allow for more creative layouts, whether in offices or homes. (Photo: Modulyss)

The choice of floor coverings is vast. Each has its particular advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different interior design styles.

Hard-wearing rugs and carpets

Comfortable underfoot, sound-absorbing and made of natural materials that are particularly sustainable: in the carpeting trends for 2021, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on hard-wearing wool, soft felt and robust sisal. Rugs made of virgin wool tend to sport trendy colours and modern patterns , while sisal – a natural fibre – is often used in earthy tones. But even here, dyed variants are becoming increasingly popular and, in elegant black , are well-suited to office premises. In these contexts, there is growing demand for carpet tiles, because the robust squares with soft surfaces can be laid quickly and also allow for more creative arrangements than conventional carpet sold by the metre. Unusual variants such as these velour tiles with an irregular texture add a strong feeling of individual sophistication to private homes.

The variety of possible carpet designs make this floor covering a versatile all-rounder. Traditionally, Scandinavian-inspired homes are at the forefront when it comes to rugs in muted colours or with geometric patterns. These work particularly well with light-coloured wooden furniture and understated Nordic design.

The “Velvet&” carpet tiles from modulyss introduce a strong feeling of individual sophistication to private homes.

Long established as a material for furniture construction, it is now becoming increasingly popular as a floor covering. Concrete floors boast the key advantage of being highly durable and are at the same time sustainable and comparatively inexpensive. For interiors, they offer a pleasant contrast to soft home textiles or wooden furniture. The surface finish is important – whether sanded, sealed or oiled, it has an influence on, among other things, the feel and temperature of this minimalist building material, and how it can be cleaned.

Concrete floors can be combined with both rugged industrial design and modern minimalism. The muted colour palette brings out neutral tones well and is ideal as a background to wooden furniture and Bauhaus-inspired design .

Modern concrete flooring in neutral grey is in keeping with minimalist furnishings. (Photo: Ahmed Amir on Unsplash )

In bathrooms and kitchens , rustic stone tiles offer an alternative to classic white tiles. Natural stone floors or ceramic tiles can even be used to add a new texture and a pleasantly pared-down look in living or dining rooms. The choice of colours and surface structures, from marble to slate, is inspiring more and more interior architects. Ceramic tiles with natural inclusions, artistic mosaics or rediscovered terrazzo flooring designs give scope for a high degree of vibrant individuality. In addition, the natural material can be combined effectively with underfloor heating. Depending on the manufacturer, however, prices for stone floors are at the upper end of the scale.

If you’re looking for high-quality interior design with a touch of luxury, this material is the perfect backdrop for the rest of your decor. At the same time, nature lovers will be in their element – after all, understated materials with close links to the natural world are the new luxury .

Parquet flooring laid in a herringbone pattern gives the room a warm and comfortable atmosphere. (Photo: Yolk CoWorking-Krakow on Unsplash )

This familiar classic continues to play an important role in the latest flooring trends. When laid as parquet in herringbone design or installed in the form of oiled solid wood boards, wood is a natural material that looks great with almost all interior styles. Environmentally friendly bamboo floors, the raw material for which grows back quickly, are breaking into the market with the promise of underfoot comfort. When properly cared for, wooden floors even cope well with humidity in bathrooms and contribute towards a pleasant feeling of well-being in any home spa .

Wood, a natural building material, suits a wide variety of interior design trends. In combination with warm brown tones, mid-century furniture, for example, looks superb – whether in the form of old original pieces or new interpretations. Asian styles such as Japandi traditionally feature bamboo or wood and thus combine minimalism and cosiness to create an interior style that’s also popular in Central Europe.

Homely solid wood floorboards can be used in combination with almost any interior style. (Photo: Kam Idris on Unsplash )

Global issues like sustainability are driving the demand for and development of flooring. Trends are clearly moving away from laminate, the disadvantages of which outweigh its advantages, especially when the focus is on recycling. Instead, durable and sustainable alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. Thanks to new processing methods, these options offer just as much room for creativity as laminate or other plastics, with oils enhancing the grain in wood or conjuring up desired shades, while the range of natural stones and their surface textures is steadily expanding. Even concrete is developing into a versatile composite material that can be adapted to meet individual needs. The possibilities open to fans of DIY are growing too, making it possible for people to achieve more and more themselves in terms of interior design. Coupled with 2021’s carpeting trends, an unprecedented variety in the choice of flooring is emerging.

Just like the flooring industry, furniture manufacturers are also increasingly prioritising sustainability. We report on what customers are looking for and how green the industry has now become .