Flooring can have a big impact (huge) on the appearance of a space. In addition to providing warmth and personality, certain types of flooring can make a space look physically larger than it actually is. Details like shape and color can be harnessed to create the illusion of a larger space and make smaller spaces more inviting.
With this in mind, here are a few flooring-related techniques that can make your home look larger:
Installing Light Colored Floors
Light-colored flooring reflects natural light, making a space feel brighter and more open. By choosing a paler shade of white or yellow, you can create a gentle, airy atmosphere that makes guest feel relaxed, not tense or cramped. Since wood-looking floors have a naturally expansive look, you might consider a light-colored wood flooring like maple or white oak.
Selecting Larger Flooring Tiles
A smaller room doesn’t have to have small tiles, too. In fact, large tiles can make even the smallest bathroom look bigger. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines, which means that a guest’s eyes will not be drawn to the floor, but to the entire space. As a result, the room will look bigger and more dramatic. Specifically, you might opt for large tiles, ideally at least 12×12 inches or 6 X 36 rectangles.
Making the Move Towards Wide Plank Laminate
Much like tiles, smaller planks make a room look smaller by drawing attention to themselves and creating a more cluttered atmosphere. Wide planks, on the other hand, give the appearance of more square footage by reducing the number of seams and lines that break up the floor. To be clear, when we say “wide,” we mean seven inches in width or more. Some planks may even extend to 12 inches in width. Whether you’re installing hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl planks, wider planks tend to be more relaxing and sophisticated.
Opt for a Diagonal Installation of Flooring
Diagonal flooring patterns naturally direct your eyes to the center of the room, not to mention making the room look more interesting. So, if you’re using common materials like hardwood, stone, tile, or laminate, arrange them diagonally for an elongated appearance. For example, you could arrange square tiles in a diamond position, or implement a crisscross pattern for long planks.
Utilizing More Area Rugs
Area rugs are a great way to add character to a space while amplifying the other elements of the room. They make the room feel more alive, not small or crowded. In terms of color, a neutral color rug can reflect light and make the room brighter, much like light-colored flooring. Colors like beige, gray, or cream can also complement any furniture and decor in the room, giving the space a larger and more unified appearance and adds depth with the flooring.
Are you thinking of installing new flooring to make your home look bigger? If so, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. We’ll explain how you can make each room feel more connected to the rest of the house, so you don’t feel any less relaxed when you enter a smaller space. Contact us today and let’s figure out which type of flooring, color, and design makes the most sense for your home.
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