by Suzanne Feinberg

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: May 08, 2008

Flooring is the foundation or canvas for the style of a room. Whether you have decided to change the look of a single room or your entire house, perhaps nothing can set the overall tone like new flooring. When redecorating a room, design experts recommend choosing the flooring first, so that all subsequent elements wall color, furniture and accessories can complement the base.

Whether you like the feel of soft carpet under foot or prefer the elegance of natural hardwoods, there are a myriad of stylish, economical and earth-friendly options from which to choose. Vinyl flooring, once thought of as inexpensive and out-of-style, has evolved into a durable, yet design-friendly, choice. Laminate flooring also has improved, providing durability with the look of simulated wood or tile in a rainbow of colors. Ceramic tiles come in many different sizes to create a custom look. Carpet is regaining popularity, despite its short lifespan, with even more styles and choices. Hardwoods provide timeless, classic beauty, and now, environmentally conscious materials, like bamboo, are trendy.

While obviously chosen for its aesthetic qualities, flooring should also be practical. Consider the amount of foot traffic in the area, the likelihood for food spills and pet stains, the amount of maintenance required and the possibility of moisture in the air. For example, carpet may not be a wise choice in a mudroom or bathroom.

Unlike furniture and accessories, flooring is extremely versatile, lending itself to virtually every style from contemporary to traditional. For a family whose tastes are constantly changing, a well-manufactured, neutral-colored floor should adapt to the decor of the moment.

Experimenting with different colors and patterns, particularly when it comes to selecting tile and wood, allows you to personalize your surroundings. Consider creating a border or pattern, alternating contrasting colors, or even installing an intricate medallion, family crest or monogram to give your flooring added personal flair.

If you live in a cold climate and are planning to re-do the flooring in your home, you may want to consider radiant heating, a system that supplies heat directly to the floors through tubing underneath. This technique evenly heats up the floor of a room, allowing you to lower your thermostat, thus actually lowering your heating bills. Radiant heating can work with almost any floor covering, although ceramic tile is the most common.

Updated flooring also can add value to your home, making it attractive to potential buyers. Real estate experts estimate that investing several thousand dollars in new flooring adds at least $10,000 to your home's value, doubling the return on your investment.

No matter your style or budget, fresh flooring will give your home a crisp and clean look that could eventually mean dollars in your pocket.

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