Anyone who walks into a classical building, expecting to see tile or stone flooring, understands the importance of flooring choices in room design. In a room, flooring provides more than a reasonable surface to get from one point to another. Rather, flooring can be a fundamental design element, providing a cohesive look that meets the needs of each space. With this information, designers will understand how to choose flooring that maintains the flow of an open-concept space, without feeling boring or uncommitted.

Flow 

Most flooring types seem to have a specific flow, and that flow should coincide with the anticipated flow of the space. For example, people usually install plank flooring to run along the length of the room. Installing it along the short side can interrupt the flow or create an interesting pattern that draws the eye. In either case, designers should aim to position the flooring in a way that maintains the overall flow of the room.

Layout 

Open-concept spaces usually need a specific layout for zones for dining, relaxing, working, entertainment and more. Although the floorplan can often demarcate obvious zones, property owners do not necessarily have to go with those conventions. Sometimes function requires a change, such as converting a little-used dining area into a home office or entertainment space. Flooring can become the visual marker for individual zones, guiding occupants to areas with designated purposes.

Material 

The choice of flooring material often starts with practical considerations, but style remains an important factor. People might not want to install carpeting in the kitchen, preferring the material for a bedroom instead. The use of materials in open-concept spaces should lead to a cohesive look that unifies the space. Even if the room is split into multiple zones, it may not make sense to use four different types of flooring. Instead, designers should consider the best flooring options for the use of the space and recommend materials that work well together or provide a seamless transition.

Layers 

To create contrast in a room, layers can provide plenty of opportunities. Hard flooring in the main living spaces of a home is the current trend, but hard flooring can be loud, cold or slippery. Adding layers, usually in the form of rugs, can help to separate the zones without compromising the general flow of the room. For example, a room with two zones might use the same hardwood flooring throughout with different rugs to distinguish each zone. Similarly, designers might use hardwood and vinyl to break up the dining and entertainment spaces but use identical rugs to keep the design cohesive.

Color 

Hue, shade and temperature affect the types of flooring that will go together in a single space. Trends change significantly every few years, which emphasizes the importance of property owners choosing a design that they can live with. When recommending styles for adjoining spaces, designers should first consider the hue and temperature. Colors with a similar temperature or hue are more likely to work well together. By comparison, choosing different flooring types with a too-similar shade or drastic change from cool to warm may appear disjointed or confusing.

Texture 

Texture can add layers of interest without compromising the function of the space. Property owners can probably identify the difference between hard and soft flooring, but variations continue from there. Tile, hardwood and vinyl can be textured or smooth, cool or warm. Carpeting can be smooth, plush, thick or even furry. Selecting textures should start with the space’s main function, finishing with the styles that the property owners prefer underfoot.

Patterns 

Patterns can distinguish between different zones and guide the eye to the focal point of the zone. Patterns include anything that is not a solid block of color, and they can be bold or understated. As a rule, designers should avoid too many clashing patterns in a space, which can become distracting. A statement rug or tile inlay can provide a unique touch to the area.

Transitions 

The transition for each zone requires attention, to keep the flow without making it seem like the room is just one zone. Transitions come in a variety of materials, colors and styles. Transitions allow designers to break up a space or create a seamless transition from one flooring type to another. Transitions can blend seamlessly into the flooring to minimize distraction or lend cohesion to the entire area.

Flooring is functional, but it also meets important goals for room design. Designers must choose flooring that unites an open-concept space, avoiding both haphazard transitions and a feeling of blandness. By considering these factors in the decision, designers can select flooring options that work well and feel well-suited to each part of the space.