The word 'Trend' is often overused and most 'Trends' come and go, BUT like me you too have enjoyed letting yourself be excited, seeing something new, something different and knowing that sense of being contemporary, of being ... on trend. It may have been the latest shoe model, the TV series that everybody's watching, the contemporary haircut... Trends come and go, and this is fine as they express a feeling, a statement of 'now'; the only problem is that some of these may leave you flat as they fade away too soon. When it comes to interiors, for example, we have all replaced furniture that didn't really fit our taste anymore, or didn't work for the latest look we're creating, and spent hard earned money to purchase more contemporary things, and again this is a normal process. At least, furniture and décor items can be moved around or replaced relatively easily. But what about if the new trend is a fixed item like brand new flooring tiles? It is an expensive item to replace, and raises a whole lot of other issues when renovating your home, so getting this right will dramatically change the look and feel of a home. As you know by now I really love tiles; so, if you ask me about flooring trends... I'm excited!
The truth is that the building industry is continuously evolving, and having worked in it for some time now, I know that very well, as discovering new products is one of my favourite excuses for traveling overseas. Just last week I spent one entire week in Bologna, where every year CERSAIE [International Fair of Flooring and Bathroom] excites me with new products and modern takes on old classics. As I consider flooring one of the most powerful ways to transform your home into the one you love, I explore the Fair looking for products and trends that suit our Australian market. Below you can see some of the three thousand inspiring images, (YES, I know! I get a bit damn excited) which I took last week as I walked through CERSAIE, aisle after aisle , stand after stand.
As this can be a costly exercise, the flooring you choose must be the right one, in taste, functionality and longevity. So, if being on trend is important for you, I suggest you go with any that tickles your fancy, as long as you also pay particular attention to the following points:
ALWAYS be aware of your budget and stick to it,
Consider the durability of the product you choose, and ensure it suits the traffic and use of the destined area,
Always choose a product that works with the overall personality of your home, be it with colour, shape or style.
Buy only quality products as with flooring, more than anywhere, getting a bargain may cost you much more in the long run.
As flooring is one of the most costly items in your home, and one that's fixed in place, if in doubt get valuable advice from a qualified interior designer, that what we're here for. Going to a professional can save you thousands of dollars and help to avoid costly mistakes!
Remember that old saying: 'It doesn't matter what you wear, but how you wear it?' Well, taste is very subjective and any trend that attracts you may be 'too much' for others... and may also mean it's not necessarily the right fit for your home! But, if you're able to sport it and it gives you pleasure, welcome the trend and make it truly yours. Remember that "Art Deco', 'Mid Century Modern', 'The eighties" styles evolved and passed too, so get it right and create a design statement that will add value to your home, and make you smile for decades to come!
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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