by Tracey Schabel

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: May 08, 2008

Windows may be the jewelry of a house, but the floors are the workhorse of a home. No other surface sees as much wear and tear, and still must be so becoming that people want to walk barefoot on you. This is a tall order, and one that I address often as an interior decorator and licensed realtor.

Flooring, along with color selection, are the most frequently asked topics, especially in staging a home for sale. By improving the floors in your home, you will increase the monetary value as well as the aesthetic appeal of your dcor. The most common forms of flooring are carpeting, tile and linoleum, and hardwood. Each type brings its own beauty and versatility to a room- what type works the best in each situation? Remember, staging a home for sale is much different than living in a house- clutter needs to be banished, that includes your floors. Too many different types of flooring will make any floor plan look choppy and appear smaller than it actually is.

Carpeting will be the least costly flooring that you have. By re-carpeting a house before the sale, the buyer's are getting a clean slate and new look. Keep carpet in the same type throughout the home for a good walk through flow. When carpeting for resale, pick very neutral, medium-toned beige; skip the baby pink in your daughter's room. You want to make the house appear as large as possible and as neutral as possible for your potential buyer or for future decorating plans that you may have. Do not carpet bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These are rooms that receive a lot of traffic and moisture and a hard surface is much better.

Tile is a great solid surface that will last for years. Many options are available such as ceramic tile, natural stone, marble, man made stone, and linoleum. These surfaces are very durable and can take a beating. Use them in kitchens, bathrooms, and other heavy traffic areas. When using tile, make sure that you seal the grout in between, or it will stain. Tile and stone's one drawback is that it is extremely hard (a dish will break if dropped), and somewhat cold underfoot. Soften the look of tile in living areas by using decorative rugs to define your conversation areas.

Hardwood is right now the trend to follow in flooring, whether you are selling or staying and decorating. If you have existing hardwood, make sure it is in good shape and has been recently sealed. If not, have it professionally sanded and resealed before you start the selling process. This is a messy and dusty job, but worth the effort. Hardwood flooring is very popular right now for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it's attractive, maintainable, and easy on the feet. Secondly, there are "green, eco-friendly" options available like bamboo, a sustainable wood product. And finally, hardwood flooring is recommended for anyone with allergies, for its clean look and lack of dust.

Flooring is very important in the look of your house. Choose flooring that works with your lifestyle, budget, and dcor- you may fall in love with your house again, and not want to move! If selling, how you showcase your floor, tells many people how you have lived in the house. Potential buyers want a house that is move in ready and was lovingly cared for. Take the time to pick out the floor that is right for you, and your bare feet will thank you!

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