Is it time to renovate? If you’re like many Austin natives, you’ve already done a pandemic reno or you’re planning one by looking at top trends in flooring and décor.
How do we know? Because our dear city of Austin, Texas is now ranking among the top 10 U.S. cities for money spent in home renovations. We’re in 10th place with a median renovation budget of $15,000, which is 20% more than last year, based on the 2020 Houzz & Home Study on Renovation Trends.
And while $15,000 is a good budget, we still love wallet-friendly options in flooring. That’s been the name of the game in 2020 and will continue into 2021.
Read on for more of the top flooring trends that we’ll be seeing in 2021.
1. Hardwood & Hybrid Flooring Top the List
While natural hardwood has been a favorite for more than a decade, it has seen a decline in the past couple of years. But new hybrids and engineered hardwoods have created a resurgence that will continue in 2021. They’re topping the list for many homeowners as they give the same wood look for a lower price. Hybrids are more stable and lower maintenance as well.
New options include wide and even extra-wide planks, longer board lengths, a broader selection of woods and colors, and more complex grains and textures. These options cater to what homeowners want: flooring that’s great to look at and easier to clean.
2. Demand in Luxury Vinyl Continues to Rise
Vinyl or resilient flooring has gained a spot on the top 3 flooring materials, especially for kitchens and baths, according to Houzz’s study. This is no surprise to us in Texas as it has been an increasingly popular choice for families with kids and pets in our hot and humid climate.
Luxury vinyl is on trend in 2021 with a design that is far from its roots in 1950s linoleum. It’s now available in squares that resemble porcelain or stone tiles, in planks resembling hardwood or stone and in rolls with modern designs and textures.
3. Green Flooring? Yes
Green flooring is trending into 2021 as well. And we don’t mean color. Sustainable options are joining the market in hardwood, carpet and other materials. Corkoleum and upcycled carpet (made of recycled bottles and containers) are just a couple of the choices that are becoming increasingly available to eco-conscious homeowners.
4. Trends in Tile Flooring
After hardwood, tile has been the #2 choice for Texans. Its durability and style lends itself to our lifestyle and environment. Tile flooring in 2021 will feature new shapes, patterns and textures.
The year will be all about getting creative as we see tile with the look of wood grain planks or stones such as marble. Patterns are also trending with chevron layouts, checkered looks and even herringbone and geometric styles.
5. Carpets are going waterproof
Tile and vinyl used to be the only options for waterproof flooring, but that now includes carpet as well. Manufacturers are raising their game with new fibers and materials and a 100% waterproof backing. This means water spills can be cleaned up without affecting the carpet long term.
6. Light Colors are In and Shiny Finishes are Out
Today’s homeowner wants clean, lighter colors on their floors and we expect that to continue in 2021. Color palettes for renovations include a range of light woods, such as bleached wood and whitewashed parquet, as well as gray finishes and honey colors. Speaking of finishes, the high-gloss look is out. Matte or satin finishes are more subtle, don’t show as much wear and tear and are easier to maintain.
Easy maintenance is key, because as we mentioned, low maintenance is a priority. So while natural hardwood is popular, people are shying away from the long-term cleaning and maintenance hassle and turning to easier, sturdier options instead. This will endure in 2021, especially with COVID.
That ends our list of the top flooring trends in Texas and beyond.
While we’re not surprised to see local favorites on the list, like hardwood and tile, we’re happy to see new options gaining in popularity as well. They give us the kinds of flooring we need in today’s busy family home.
Considering any of these trends for your Texas home? Let us know below or request an estimate.
