It’s almost mind boggling that 2021 is almost over and we’re looking toward 2022. But with a new year comes new style and home decor trends. And when it comes to flooring, there’s lots to get excited about.
No matter what room you’re looking to redesign, we have all the flooring trends for 2022 you’ll want to watch out for. We’ll cover everything from wood-look tile to DIY bleached hardwood floor ideas in this exciting new guide.
Hardwood Flooring Texture
Smoked hardwood flooring is making a comeback, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Also called fumed hardwood flooring, this is a process that darkens wood while highlighting the grain. This technique leaves a rich and intense colour on the wood that adds drama to any space and is worth looking into if you’re interested in changing up your decor in a drastic way.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, bleached hardwood (or whitewashed hardwood) is also growing in popularity. This is a technique that involves lightening already installed hardwood floors by applying a coat of whitewash. This is a wonderful DIY project if you’re up for the challenge, or you can have a professional help you out. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-whitewashed hardwood floors if you’re looking for a complete renovation. Bleached or whitewashed floors are great if you like beachy vibes or are into Scandinavian decor.
Some people really enjoy a distressed hardwood floor look, and if that’s you, you’re in luck. Distressed hardwood flooring has been around for a while, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as people move away from picture perfect spaces and embrace natural flaws. Artificial aging and styling give floors a slightly rustic finish and also show off your personality.
Hardwood Flooring Patterns
When it comes to 2022 hardwood flooring trends, patterns take the front seat. The biggest trend we’re seeing is what’s called the herringbone pattern. It’s a type of parquet flooring, which means that it’s made up of multiple pieces of wood. The herringbone pattern, and parquet in general, is making a huge comeback. It enjoyed a renaissance in the 1960s, but was swept under the rug (literally) in the 1980s when people moved away from hardwood and looked toward carpet and tile. If you’re into these patterns but want to make them more modern, you can use wider planks of wood instead of slimmer ones.
We’re also seeing people taking liberty with the direction of their hardwood floors. Instead of placing the planks horizontally and vertically in a room, some people are opting for the planks to run in a diagonal from corner to corner. This is a super simple way to upgrade a room and is also pretty clever if you want to elevate your room but are on a budget.
Lookalike and Engineered Hardwood
Because hardwood floors are not for every room in the house, or for every budget, you might be wondering if there are other options out there for you. The answer is an absolute yes! You can find tile that looks identical to hardwood, or you can try working with engineered hardwood.
Wood-look tile offers the same look as hardwood, and you can have it replicate the grain and knots as well. The tile comes in planks to mimic real wood and is usually ceramic, however, it’s possible to find it in porcelain as well. By choosing wood-look tile, you can also mimic the patterns previously talked about, but at a fraction of the cost.
Engineered hardwood is another alternative and a great option if you’re on a budget. On the surface, it’s real wood, but the base of it is made up of wood by products that have been pressurized and bonded together. Engineered hardwood has increased in popularity as new developments have been made over the past few years to make it eco-friendly and almost identical to the real thing.
Pick and Choose What’s Right For You
Hardwood flooring trends for 2022 have a lot of old favourites being modernized, along with fun new ideas. No matter the trend, the most important thing is to find something that speaks to you and fits well in your home. Whether you want a whitewashed floor or herringbone pattern, the choice is yours!
Our hardwood flooring section details all the amazing suppliers we work with and their products. Feel free to browse through them and get inspired.