WOOD & LAMINATE FOCUS ON


For 2018, forecasters have picked up on the trend for clean modernity, which, with new styles and designs available, can easily be maximised through the ideal selection of a suitable hardwood flooring.


The trend for hardwood flooring has shown no signs of stopping in 2017, with recent reports suggesting that the style will continue to have a major impact in the retail sector throughout 2018.


Hardwood flooring has, for a while now, been the flooring of choice, due to its hardwearing capabilities, stunning look and the simplicity of caring for the material. Investing in a higher- graded material, such as hardwood, means that the overall ‘lifetime’ value will be a much better investment and more cost-effective than choosing a cheaper alternative.


Although hardwood flooring has the obvious benefits of durability and functionality, there are now many styles and designs to choose from, providing contractors with a range of options for a style to suit any retail outlet.


One flooring design that is certainly set to make a mark throughout 2018 is the trend for parquet flooring. With its use of block patterns and different finishes, many flooring manufacturers are offering both traditional and contemporary styles, designed to combine durability and functionality to suit a wide range of applications.


Although parquet flooring is typically imagined as a traditional style flooring, the recent modern revival of this interior favourite has allowed for a wide range of colour options and finishes to reflect a more contemporary style.


Atkinson & Kirby’s Renaissance collection of parquet flooring offers a modern twist on the classic parquet style, with numerous stunning shades and finishes available. The trend- led range is available in ten contemporary colours and three different finishes, including oiled, brushed and lacquered, to provide choice and more personalisation. Alternatively, there’s also the opportunity to create a bespoke look with the Renaissance collection, as further personalisation also allows for a mix and match of colours, which truly reflects the traditional parquet style that was popular many centuries ago.


Alongside all these design options, the Renaissance collection also boasts the opportunity to use single block thickness, and will help to make a truly unique mix and match of colours and shades, providing any space with a unique design to suit the intended look and feel.


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Atkinson & Kirby Renaissance Engineered Blocks Marlborough Oak


One particular feature of the Renaissance range, that has also become a popular attraction for interior designers, is that it also weathers over time to acquire a lovely patina that can add to the character and style of


the flooring. This is a particularly sought after feature for traditional buildings due to its rustic look and feel, but the range still works perfectly for more modern applications, as it can also be sanded down a number of times to create the look of a new floor time and time again.


Alongside this versatile range, trend forecasters have also predicted that there will be a continued shift from ultra-glossy


twitter.com/TRetailFloors


In 2018, interior design forecasters


have identified a clear transition from softer, pale


hardwoods towards darker statement flooring.


laminates in 2018. Instead, we can expect the new year will produce a need for creating an understated, flat finish; one that highlights the more natural beauty of hardwood, providing homes with a high quality, yet stylish alternative to glossy laminates.


Furthermore, the ‘wide plank’ flooring design continues to be a staple choice for contemporary spaces due to its ease of installation and cost effectiveness. Selecting wide plank flooring also offers the ability to create the illusion of space, a particularly useful feature in smaller outlets, helping to make a dramatic difference to the overall finish of a store.


If your customer is looking to choose a trend-led flooring option in 2018, you should also make them aware of the wide variety of colour options available, and how utilising these effectively can help to make a bold statement in their home.


In recent years, darker shades haven’t been as popular as softer, light wash hardwood shades due to the rise of the ‘Scandinavian chic’ trend. However, homeowners are now beginning to notice the opulent look and feel that darker flooring shades can provide.


In 2018, interior design forecasters have identified a clear transition from softer, pale hardwoods towards darker statement flooring. Demand for espresso and even ebony shades is continually increasing, providing an ideal solution for customers looking to emulate a high-end look and luxurious feel in their home. Furthermore, utilising dark wood shades, combined with a lighter interior colour palette adds depth to the flooring, creating a perfect contrast for a stylish finish.


In larger spaces, using a mix of colour tones should also be considered as combining the luxury feel of dark wood shades with the lighter and bright shades of pale wood can maximise the feeling of space as well as providing a useful tool for zoning particular areas of a home.


www.akirby.co.uk Tomorrow’s Retail Floors | 19


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