We all want homes we are proud to welcome others into, and yet they can’t be showpieces, perfectly staged and decorated sets that don’t allow for everyday life. After all, with kids, pets, and the regular wear and tear of daily living, some durability is definitely required.
Flooring should be stylish, easy to clean, and tough enough to stand up to everyday life. So what are your options when you want a home that looks good and also stands up to busy family lifestyles?
House of Broadloom carries a wide assortment of flooring options, including cork, luxury vinyl plank and tile, laminate, ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, engineered wood, sheet vinyl, carpet, and area rugs. We spoke with Owner Larissa Stewart to get her recommendations:
Laminate
Laminate is elegant and affordable, and with it you get the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to a scratch-resistant top layer, you won’t have to worry about stains and indentations; it stands up to moisture well too. Make sure to choose a brand that doesn’t contain any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), especially if you have kids and/or pets. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all you need to keep this material in tip-top shape.
Luxury vinyl plank
With luxury vinyl plank flooring, you get the look of wood with greater durability. You won’t have to worry as much about spills, stains, scratches, and dings, which are common occurrences with little ones around. It simply can’t be beat for ease of maintenance. The underlayment that comes with LVP also provides an added layer of comfort; the material is often softer underfoot and more forgiving when compared to traditional tile or wood. Even better, you can choose one that looks just like wood, tile, or stone.
Carpet tile
In some rooms, like a child’s room, playroom, or basement, you may want added softness but worry about practicality and being able to keep carpeting clean. Carpet tiles are the perfect solution, as they allow you to get that wall-to-wall comfort, while at the same time having the flexibility to deal with spills and messes, if needed. Washable carpet tiles offer incredible, soft comfort and warmth, especially for kids, who tend to spend a lot of time on the floor. If you’re handy, this is a relatively easy DIY project; you can even create custom designs and patterns, and switch colours as the mood strikes. Another bonus: carpet is good for acoustics, helping to contain sound.
Hardwood
The gold standard in flooring continues to be hardwood, prized for its natural materials, durability, and general kid-friendliness. Hardwood is always a sound investment as it is so high quality and helps increase home values. Keep in mind that this is a more expensive option and the material is prone to scratching, so you have to be able to make peace with imperfections.
Engineered hardwood is another smart choice. It contains a layered core that provides extra stability and is topped with real wood. With this product, you get the look of traditional hardwood without the stress of how easily it can be damaged.
Tile
Tiles, whether ceramic or porcelain, are tough materials that can handle it all: heavy foot traffic, pet accidents, and spills. They’re also resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making them a practical choice. Easy to clean and maintain, you’ll enjoy the great selection of patterns, colours, and styles available, and can make a unique design statement in your home. A cool floor provides relief from the heat in the summer, and, if you install radiant heating, that same tile can keep your feet feeling ultra-cozy throughout the fall and winter.
“It’s all about a relatable lifestyle, having our homes look their best without having to compromise on performance,” says Larissa.
For suggestions tailored to your home and layout, visit House of Broadloom, shop in store at 68 Lorne Street, Sudbury, or call 705-674-4444.
Follow them on Facebook, Houzz, and Instagram @houseofbroadloom.