Flooring does more than you think. It shapes how your home looks and feels. What do you choose? You’ve probably noticed several styles showing up like wider planks, waterproof vinyl that looks amazing and textured carpet. How do you know which trends are here to stay and which ones will look dated within a few years?
The key is knowing the difference. At Easton Flooring, we’ve been helping homeowners across East Montgomery and Bucks County make flooring decisions they won’t regret for over two decades. Rather than chasing what’s “in,” we help you choose flooring that suits your home, lifestyle and personal taste. Here’s what’s popping up in the area and worth paying attention to.
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Everywhere
People used to avoid vinyl because it was “dated and cheap looking.” That isn’t the case anymore. Waterproof vinyl plank and tile are changing the game and some homeowners are starting to pick them over real hardwood. Beyond pricing, it just makes more sense for their lifestyle.
Modern waterproof vinyl won’t warp with splashes from the dog’s water bowl or juice spills at the dinner table. Plus, the image layer looks like real hardwood and the waterproof core lets you install this flooring in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and basements.
Know there’s a difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant.” Truly waterproof floors have rigid cores that won’t swell or buckle with standing water right away. However, you do have to wipe up water before it gets between the seams and penetrates the subfloor. Also, quality products have thick wear layers. Cheap vinyl still looks and performs like cheap vinyl.
Carpet’s Textured Comeback
Carpet is perfect for those chilly Pennsylvania winters, but for a while, everyone was ripping out carpet and replacing it with hard surfaces. This is starting to change. People are rediscovering what carpet does best: warmth, comfort underfoot, sound dampening and bringing a cozy feeling to any space. That’s why it’s still a favorite for bedrooms and upstairs living spaces.
Styles are different now. Wall-to-wall plush carpet isn’t as common now. Instead, people are gravitating toward textured patterns, cut-and-loop constructions and subtle geometric designs. Carpet tile is also getting recognition for its versatility and easy replacement if a section gets damaged.
Performance hasn’t gone out the window, though. Stain-resistant treatments and pet-friendly fibers are made to handle real life better than the carpet your parents had. If maintenance concerns were pushing you away from carpet, it’s worth giving it another chance today.
Wide-Plank Hardwood: Still Going Strong
Newer homes and recent renovations tend to feature wider hardwood planks. In recent years, trends have shifted from traditional 2-3 inch strips to 5-7 inch (or wider) planks and it’s still holding steady.
Wider planks show the natural grain of the wood and have fewer seams, making the room feel more open and less busy. Oak and maple are the most popular options in the area. Oak has prominent grain patterns, while maple has a clean, subtle grain.
In large, open-concept homes in East Montgomery and Bucks County, wide-plank hardwood floors work like a dream. Just consider that wide planks can overwhelm small rooms. You have to choose floors that suit the proportions of your space.
Trying to find the perfect hardwood floor for your space? Schedule a free in-home consultation to find the best options for your needs.
Bold Tile Patterns for a Touch of Personality
Tile flooring isn’t only for bathrooms anymore. Tiles can be used to make design statements throughout the home, including in powder rooms, entryways and mudrooms. Geometric patterns, Moroccan-inspired designs and encaustic-look tiles are taking over.
Tile patterns can act as accent pieces that add character without overwhelming the space. With strategic use, tiles become a talking point in any room. Whether you go bold or subtle is up to you.
The beauty of tile is you experiment in a smaller space without committing your entire main floor to a single look. It’s an easy way to bring personality and visual interest into your home.
Mixing Materials Throughout the Home
Why limit yourself to one product? Nowadays, homeowners are becoming more intentional about using different flooring materials for each area of the home. Having a functional space is more important than attempting to match everything.
For example, you could have hardwood in the living room and dining room, luxury vinyl in the kitchen and mudroom, carpet in the bedrooms and tiles in the bathrooms. This approach uses each material’s unique strengths instead of using one material throughout the home.
Visual flow and intentional transitions are still important here. Instead of jarring shifts, you should have thoughtful boundaries like tile in the entryway transitioning to hardwood in the living room. Define spaces and your home will look well designed.
Make Trends Work for Your Home
After two decades in the business, the Easton Flooring team has seen several trends come and go. That’s why we strive to recommend what will work for you. While you can choose those beautiful floors off your Pinterest board, we work with you to find options that fit your needs. The goal is to choose something you’ll love for years to come that lasts.
Ready to see flooring options in person? Visit our Willow Grove showroom or contact us to book an in-home consultation!
