Turning the outside indoors for natural calm

While the wider political world seems to be getting increasingly tense, designers are turning towards the natural world to create a sense of calm and security in the haven of our homes. 

Wood decors in vinyl flooring with muted tones and clean lines are coming to the fore and the emphasis is on authenticity, with modern production technology achieving new levels of definition and detail.

The new Art Select collection from Karndean Designflooring
is ideally placed to meet the increasing demand for natural wood designs in serene earthy tones with outstanding versatility and durability.

Gavin Smith, marketing director at Karndean Designflooring, said:
“Our emotional connections with the natural world are reflected
in the current transition towards interiors that comfort and heal.
This beauty of nature has always been the inspiration for our authentic handcrafted designs. Take our new Artisan Oak designs
as just one example. 

“Our designers started with an interesting sample of European Oak which they painstakingly enhanced with a delicate liming process before hand-etching the open flowery grain, burnished knots and tighter linear markings for pin sharp definition. Finished with a registered emboss and deep bevel, and offered in five colourways, this is a floor that will give any room an authentic organic foundation and luxury finish but with all the practicality and longevity that comes with the Karndean name.” 

The team at Lifestyle Floors are right in step with these trends. “Homeowners are increasingly looking for authentic flooring that brings
a sense of comfort, and this has led to a surge in popularity of our
wood-effect LVT ranges, which feature varied tones and intricate grain patterns to create restful and inviting spaces,” says Jon Flannigan,
Head of Product.

“Though real wood remains popular for furniture, LVT is quickly becoming the preferred choice for flooring in modern homes, thanks to its durability and capacity to withstand scratches, stains and daily wear that natural wood is more susceptible to,” she adds. 

LVT flooring is also easier to maintain; unlike real wood, which requires special cleaning products and occasional refinishing, LVT can be retained with a quick sweep or mop as needed, making it the preferred choice for high-traffic rooms or busy households.

Lifestyle Floors’ Aspen Oak and Pacific Walnut ranges feature realistic design that replicates the unique grain patterns, texture and tones of real wood, allowing homeowners to capture the aesthetic appeal of wood but with a more practical, hardwearing finish. 

“LVT will move into a more design led market in 2025,” says Stephen Lathan of j2 Flooring. “The style will continue to develop neutral,
natural tonal woods, paired with the demand for an authentic wood grain and texture. 

“As well as colour and texture and true grain finishes, we also
have seen in late 2024 the more popular formats taking over, such
as our Chateau panel and basket weave formats, along with the smaller herringbone styles as this format continues to be number 1,” says Stephen. “Our latest colours of Naked Oak and Regal Timber, have proved that earthy tones are here to stay and the demand for warmer lighter oaks continues.”

Later this year j2 promises some exciting new launches, which will develop further these trends, ensuring the company be a pioneer in LVT flooring design. 

Forbo’s LVT collections present impressive finesse in realistic wood and stone designs, produced and designed with high-end production techniques to offer unique embossing effects. 

Combined with the ease of maintenance and durability expected from an LVT floor, Forbo’s Allura range provides a stylish and
modern flooring solution.

Taking this one step further is the new Allura Click Flexcore range. An adhesive-free click format LVT with a flexible core, it makes installation quick and hassle-free, even over uneven or poor condition subfloors. 

While traditional ‘rigid core’ Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) products can be inflexible and brittle in nature, with the potential for them to become damaged if there are irregularities in the subfloor, Allura Click Flexcore offers a more flexible solution. 

Combining the benefits of Forbo’s Allura LVT with an integrated foam underlay, it can bridge the gaps in poor, uneven or sloped subfloors, for a more forgiving fit.  

With 20 dB impact sound reduction, Allura Click Flexcore is also effective at minimising transmitted noise, making it ideal for busy family homes. 

Pressed bevel is the next level of innovation in SPC flooring says the product developers at Adore Floors, offering a premium edge treatment that sets flooring apart. This advanced technique involves pressing the edges of each plank to create a subtle groove, enhancing the natural beauty and realism of the floor. The result is a stunning visual effect that perfectly mimics the look of traditional hardwood.

Unlike traditional painted or V-bevel edges, pressed bevels provide a consistent texture and colour, giving the floor a refined, uniform look. This design adds depth and dimension to any space.

“At Adore, we’re confident that pressed bevel SPC flooring will be
one of our top sellers in 2025. With its timeless elegance, durability, and low-maintenance appeal, it’s the ideal choice for homeowners and designers who want to create beautiful, long-lasting interiors,” says Adore marketeer, Victoria Cambier.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION

Adore Floors • +353 1 4509802 • www.adorefloors.eu  

Forbo • T 0161 355 7618 • recofloor@axionconsulting.co.uk

j2 Flooring • 01704 536421• www.j2flooring.com

Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • www.karndean.com

Kellars • 0161 443 097 • www.kellars.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors • 01675 623065 • www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk