floor design
Unlike other decorating elements, such as wallpaper or paint colors, the main function of a floor is practical. Whichever surface or coating you choose, it must be able to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Obviously, some areas of the house will have more traffic than others, hallways and corridors being prime examples, while certain rooms, such as kitchens, need floors that can be washed frequently but are free of any tripping or slipping hazards. .
Therefore, the first consideration when choosing a floor should be practical. This will determine whether you choose a soft or hard surface, and whether it should be one that can be easily cleaned. From there, you need to consider the overall look you are going for. The same rules apply regarding patterns and colors as in any other part of the house, namely that light colours, small patterns and smooth surfaces make an area appear larger, while dark colors and ornate patterns have the opposite effect.
Flooring materials can be divided into two large groups: soft and hard. The first category includes carpets, rugs, and natural floor coverings such as coconut fiber and sisal, and the hard category includes marble, stone, bricks, and tiles. In addition there is vinyl, wood and cork.
Good quality rugs can be hardwearing and also act as good insulation, both in terms of heat and sound. However, they are more difficult to clean than a hard mop floor and are not waterproof, so they are not good choices for a kitchen or bathroom.
Materials range from pure wool and synthetic wool blends to full synthetics. Its resistance to use is determined by the material, the density of the fabric and the length of the pile. Very dense short-pile rugs in a mix of 80 percent wool and 20 percent synthetic material are very hard-wearing, as are rope rugs, which are made of goat, calf and cow hair woven into a mix of materials. All rugs need a felt underlay or underlayment unless they have a foam backing.
