Whether you are thinking to install new wood flooring or refinish your existing ones, you face a dilemma: how can you be sure your new floors match the design style and aesthetic of your space? It can be a stressful decision, for sure–after all, you plan on living with this decision for many years to come. Correctly matching your wood flooring with your interior design can create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere in your home. If you choose something that conflicts with the space, however, it can create an unsettled mood, and you may feel you have to do more renovations to fix the issue.

Fortunately, there are some basic interior design principles that can help you make an informed decision about what flooring color, style and type will best suit your current interior design style (assuming, of course, that you’re happy with your current style). Here are a few tips to help point you in the right direction.

Modern Style

Modern interior design is characterized by clean lines, minimalistic aesthetics, and a neutral color palette. When selecting wood flooring for a modern home, consider the following:

• Color Schemes: Opt for lighter shades and basic wood types like maple, or white oak. These lighter hues complement the sleek and airy feel of modern interiors.

• Patterns: Simple, straight plank patterns work best. Avoid intricate designs that may disrupt the clean lines typical of modern design.

• Finishes: Matte or satin finishes are ideal, as they provide a subtle, understated look.

• Textures: Smooth textures are preferred, enhancing the modern, streamlined appearance.

• Furniture Choices: Pair your light wood floors with contemporary furniture pieces in neutral tones, incorporating metal and glass elements for an added touch of sophistication.

Rustic Style

Rustic interior design embraces natural elements, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. Wood flooring is a natural fit for this style, and here’s how you can achieve the perfect match:

• Color Schemes: Rich, warm tones are ideal for rustic spaces. Consider wood choices walnut, cherry, or oak. These bring out the natural beauty of the wood and add to the rustic charm.

• Patterns: Wide planks often fit well within a rustic theme, adding an authentic, lived-in feel.

• Finishes: Go for hand-scraped or distressed finishes that highlight the wood’s natural imperfections. To “lean in” to the rustic look, consider reclaimed wood (just be prepared to pay more and to wait longer).

• Textures: Embrace rough and textured surfaces that contribute to the rustic aesthetic.

• Furniture Choices: Complement your wood floors with furniture made from natural materials, such as leather, wood, and stone. Earthy tones and handcrafted pieces will further enhance the rustic vibe.

Traditional Style

Traditional interior design is timeless and elegant, often featuring classic details and rich colors. To match wood flooring with a traditional style, consider these pointers:

• Color Schemes: Darker wood floors like mahogany, oak, or cherry are perfect for traditional settings, adding a sense of sophistication and grandeur.

• Patterns: Herringbone or parquet patterns can add an element of classic design and craftsmanship.

• Finishes: Satin or semi-gloss finishes reflect light beautifully, adding to the elegance of traditional interiors.

• Textures: Smooth and polished textures are preferable, maintaining the refined look.

• Furniture Choices: Opt for classic furniture pieces with intricate details and rich fabrics. Antique or vintage pieces can also add a touch of historical charm.

Industrial Style

Industrial interior design is edgy and raw, often featuring exposed brick, metal, and unfinished wood. Here’s how you can align your wood flooring with an industrial design:

• Color Schemes: Neutral and darker shades work well for these spaces. Aim for gray stains or weathered wood. These tones can complement the industrial materials and finishes.

• Patterns: Simple, wide planks are ideal. Chevron patterns can also add an interesting dynamic.

• Finishes: Matte or distressed finishes contribute to the raw, unfinished look typical of industrial design.

• Textures: Rough and distressed textures add to the rugged, industrial feel.

• Furniture Choices: Combine your wood floors with furniture made from metal, leather, and reclaimed wood. Look for pieces with a utilitarian feel, such as vintage metal chairs and wooden tables.

Choosing the right wood flooring to match your interior design style is key to creating a cohesive and attractive living space. Whether your style is modern, rustic, traditional, or industrial, there are wood flooring options that can beautifully complement your home’s aesthetic. Whatever your choice, our expert craftsmen can ensure your hardwood flooring is of the highest quality and installed to last for generations. For a complimentary consultation on choosing the right flooring for your home in the Tulsa or OKC areas, reach out to Renaissance Hardwood Flooring today using our convenient form.

Some style trends appear once, and you never see them again. Others, however, seem to make their way back into popular culture again and again. That’s exactly what we see happening with herringbone wood flooring. Although this flooring pattern has been around for centuries, it’s recently become one of our most requested floors yet again. It’s like this classic style has been rediscovered, and now, it’s making waves in modern homes, beautifully marrying old-world charm with contemporary design.

What’s the Story Behind Herringbone?

The herringbone pattern isn’t a newcomer. It’s actually been around since the days of the Roman Empire, deriving its name from its resemblance to fish bones. Originally used in brick roadways for its stability under compression, this pattern made its grand entrance into homes during the 16th century, dressing up the floors of fancy French chateaus and Italian villas. At that time, it was the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Fast forward a few centuries, and herringbone is still captivating homeowners all over the globe.

Why We’re All Falling for Herringbone

There’s something about the zigzag pattern of herringbone that just draws you in. It’s not your ordinary flooring; it’s got character and drama. It plays with light and space, making rooms look bigger and more interesting. Whether your home design is ultra-modern or more Downton Abbey, herringbone wood flooring fits right in.

It’s Not Just Pretty—It’s Practical, Too

Herringbone isn’t just about good looks; it’s also incredibly durable. The interlocking pattern of the wood planks is not just for show–it adds an additional layer of stability that can withstand lots of foot traffic and plenty of weight. (Remember–the Romans used the herringbone pattern as a way to reinforce their roads!) Ultimately, when it’s properly installed, herringbone wood flooring can last for generations–not just in style, but in substance.

Boosting Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of selling your home someday, herringbone floors might just be your secret weapon. Wood flooring in itself is known to boost home values, but the herringbone pattern amplifies this trend because it attracts more attention. It’s an investment that pays off by making your space more desirable to future buyers.

Trendy, Yet Timeless

Yes, herringbone wood flooring is having a bit of a moment–but considering this style has been around for ages, there’s also a timeless quality to it. This style is the perfect blend of beauty, versatility, and durability, with a splash of history thrown in for good measure. It’s a choice that says, “I love my home, and I want it to have something special.”

One important thing to keep in mind: herringbone flooring should not be installed by novices. It’s a complicated process that requires precise measuring and a high level of craftsmanship. That’s why you should only use a trusted wood flooring company to install it. At Renaissance, our team of master craftsmen are highly skilled in installing herringbone wood flooring, along with many other intricate patterns and styles. For a complementary quote in Tulsa, Catoosa, Claremore, Oklahoma City, or other parts of Green Country, contact us here.

Despite the timelessness of wood flooring itself, preferences do change over time as to how these floors look and what people are asking for. Now a few months into 2024, we’re noticing some specific design trends taking the forefront. Some of these are timeless looks that are making a comeback, while other trends seem to be new and innovative. Let’s dive in and explore some of the top wood flooring design trends we are tracking this year.

Natural & Light Wood

In keeping with the ongoing popularity of the “modern farmhouse” style, we’re seeing a consistent demand for natural finishes, lighter wood tones, and a more “unfinished” look that embraces the natural imperfections of the wood such as knots, grains, and color variations. This move toward nature and authenticity makes each floor unique and tells a story of its own.

Mixed Tone Wood Floors

Mixed tone wood floors are gaining popularity as they offer a unique and visually interesting aesthetic. This trend involves combining different shades and tones of wood within the same floor, creating a beautiful blend of colors that adds depth and character to your space. Watch for this trend to grow in popularity this year.

Wide Plank Floors

While some previously dismissed wide plank hardwood as a fad, its popularity is continuing to rise. The wider planks give a sense of luxury and spaciousness, making them perfect for open-plan living spaces. Additionally, these wide planks can feature natural imperfections and saw marks, further enhancing their rustic charm.

Large Format Flooring

Hand-in-hand with wide plank floors is a trend known as large format flooring. These floors not only integrate wider planks, but larger and longer planks, to create a dramatic and expansive look. This style is particularly suited to larger rooms where the scale of the flooring can truly shine.

Patterned Wood Flooring

While patterned styles have been around for centuries, herringbone floors are making a huge comeback in 2024, along with other classic patterns like parquet flooring. There’s also a trend toward more innovative, modern, and abstract patterns as homeowners seek to add a one-of-a-kind look to their homes. This trend truly gives homeowners an opportunity to express their creativity and individuality.

Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, these wood flooring trends offer a wealth of inspiration. That said, remember that the best floor is one that fits your personal style and meets your practical needs. At Renaissance, our skilled craftsmen are highly experienced in all wood flooring styles. Whatever style you choose, you can trust that you’re getting the highest level of quality, both in product and in installation. For a complementary quote on your next wood flooring project in Tulsa, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Oklahoma City, or anywhere else in Green Country, contact us here.

It’s a fairly common practice for homeowners to place area rugs on their hardwood floors, as much for decor as for protection. But there are ways to use area rugs optimally, and there are ways that the rugs themselves could have unintended consequences for your floors. Fortunately, if you take a few precautions and place your rugs strategically, those rugs can add warmth and beauty to your space while offering maximum protection. The following guide tells you what you need to know.

Why Use Rugs on Hardwood Floors?

By adding rugs to your hardwood floors, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your rooms but also provide a layer of protection to your floors. Rugs help to prevent scratches and scuffs caused by foot traffic or furniture movement. They also add warmth to your space, making it feel more cozy and inviting. Furthermore, rugs act as a sound buffer, reducing unwanted echoes throughout the space.

Tips for Optimal Rug Choice and Placement

Determining where to place your rug largely depends on the room’s layout and function. In living rooms, a common practice is to center the rug under the coffee table, with furniture either all on or partially on the rug. For dining rooms, ensure the rug extends past the dining table so chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. In bedrooms, rugs are typically placed under the bed but should extend beyond the sides for a balanced look.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your rug should optimally complement the room and furniture arrangement. A small rug in a large room can make the room feel disjointed, whereas a rug that’s too large may overwhelm the space. For a single area rug, as a general rule, there should be 10-20 inches of bare floor between the edges of the rug and the walls of the room. You can also place small complementary rugs in different parts of the room for a more original or even “boho” look. And in most rooms, you can protect high-traffic walkways with longer, thinner “runners” that tend to look good in most spaces.

When it comes to shape, rectangular rugs work well in most spaces, but don’t shy away from round or oval rugs, especially in smaller spaces or to highlight certain furniture pieces.

Colors and Patterns

When it comes to colors and patterns, the possibilities are practically limitless. The rug should either complement or contrast with your furniture, and its color should enhance the overall look of the room. For small areas such as entryways, opt for lighter shades that won’t overpower the space. When choosing a patterned rug, make sure it complements but doesn’t compete with the other patterns in the room.

Tips for Preventing Damage

Ironically, without taking certain precautions, your area rugs can potentially damage the very floors they’re intended to protect. Let’s discuss some common-sense tips to prevent this from happening.

Use a Rug Pad

Rug pads are essential because they provide a barrier between the rug and the floor, preventing unwanted scratches and scuffs from rug slippage. Additionally, rug pads can add extra cushioning, making them easier on the feet.

Rotate Rugs (and Furniture, When Necessary)

If you leave rugs in place for a long period of time, you will likely begin to see a notable difference in appearance between the covered and uncovered areas of your floors. This is because the covered areas haven’t had the same exposure to daylight, foot traffic, etc. To avoid uneven fading or wear on your hardwood floors, it’s a good idea to periodically rotate your rugs, especially if they’re in a sunny spot or high-traffic area. By changing their position, you distribute the wear evenly over the floor. If your rugs are under furnishings, you may want to consider moving the furniture around, as well, for much the same reason.

Clean Rugs Regularly

Dirt and dust can collect under rugs, acting like sandpaper and potentially scratching your floors. Regular cleaning, both of the rug and the floor underneath, will help prevent this from happening. (Pro tip: If you use a vacuum with a beater brush on an area rug, make absolutely certain to keep the vacuum only on the rug itself. Don’t let the brush bristles touch the wood floor on the edges to avoid scratching the floor. (Better yet, just turn the beater off when vacuuming the area rugs.)

With the right placement, size, and care, rugs can enhance the beauty of your hardwood floors while preserving their quality and integrity. If you’re considering hardwood flooring installation in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Owasso, or other parts of Green Country, our team will be happy to provide a complimentary quote. Contact us here to learn more.