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Key Points
- Gray flooring is losing popularity for its cold, flat look compared to warmer, natural wood tones.
- Outdated trends like faux barnwood and glossy finishes are being replaced by authentic, low-maintenance materials.
- Flooring choices matter because timeless styles add warmth, character, and long-term appeal to your home.
Like any interior trend, flooring trends come and go. But when it comes to this permanent detail in your home, it’s best to avoid any styles that can quickly become outdated. Instead, choosing materials, colors, and finishes that will stand the test of time is always a good idea.
Knowing which flooring trends are dated, though, can be tricky, and that’s why we asked a couple of design pros to weigh in on exactly which flooring trends to avoid this year as they’re already going out of style.
Meet the Expert
- Sky Hofstatter is the owner and principal designer at House of Hof
- Lauren Kyle is the founder and principal designer at Kyle & Co
Gray-Toned Wood Flooring
Gray was the go-to neutral shade for walls, floors, and decor for many years but this color is quickly losing favor, and gray floors are no exception. Cool gray floors can make a space look drab and uninspiring, and so we’re seeing this trend fading out.
“Gray floors can make spaces feel cold and flat, lacking the warmth and timelessness that more natural wood tones provide,” says Sky Hofstatter, owner and principal designer at House of Hof.
Grey floors don’t add much to a room, whereas natural wood finishes bring depth and character to a space, adds Hofstatter.
Hexagon Mosaic Tiles
Remember those teeny-tiny hexagon mosaic tiles that took over bathrooms and shower rooms everywhere?
While they were super cute, they were also super impractical, and so it’s no wonder that this flooring style has not stood the test of time. So many grout lines meant keeping the grout clean was next to impossible.
“The slippery surface (of the tiles) and a look that now feels more ‘budget hotel renovation’ than spa retreat” is what did them in, Hofstatter says.
Faux Barnwood Floors
Original barnwood flooring that’s reclaimed from old barns has been a popular choice for farmhouse and rustic style interiors. While this type of flooring isn’t going anywhere, it’s the replicated variety that designers say can feel outdated.
“The faux barnwood look has had its time. While it was great for adding a rustic touch, it’s starting to feel a bit more manufactured now,” says designer Lauren Kyle.
According to Kyle, we’re seeing a shift towards more authentic materials for flooring this year.
“People are gravitating toward materials like real reclaimed wood or modern takes on rustic textures that feel a bit more timeless and natural,” she says.
It’s all about adding warmth to your home wherever you can.
High-Gloss Floors
Ultra-shiny floors, whether that’s polished hardwood or glossy tiles, can bring a luxe feeling into a space. But these surfaces are quickly falling out of favor because they are incredibly hard to care for.
“Once thought to add a touch of luxury, high-gloss floors actually show every scratch, smudge, and speck of dust,” Hofstatter says.
Today, designers and homeowners alike are leaning towards matte or satin finishes that feel more natural, understated, and, most importantly, can withstand the wear and tear that comes with everyday life.
Skinny Planks
Narrow wooden flooring planks have been popular, especially for creating a more traditional look. But recently, they’ve started to get a bit of a bad rap as “they can make a floor feel busy and dated,” Hofstatter says.
Wider floor planks, on the other hand, are great for making a space feel larger, cleaner, and more luxurious, which is the reason for their growing popularity.
And another reason to opt for broader planks is that they “also highlight the natural grain of the wood beautifully,” adds Hofstatter.
Read the original article on The Spruce
