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As we kick off 2022, we’d like to share the flooring trends we’re seeing throughout New Zealand.
Our flooring trend forecast is shaped by the drastic change in the way we live, work and play in the wake of the pandemic; strong consumer shifts towards healthy, low-tox homes; and the mainstream uptake of climate-friendly building design.
For many people, simple, easy to clean floors are really coming into their own with products such as laminate flooring and modern high-quality vinyls proving themselves as the ultimate low-maintenance floor covering.
Here is a wrap up of the trends currently influencing flooring choices throughout NZ.
We’re spending more time at home
With the widespread shift to working from home, floors are seeing much more traffic. Many people worked completely from home during lockdown with others taking a hybrid approach, and many are still enjoying flexible working arrangements as we adjust to the ‘new normal’ of balancing work with a COVID-safe approach.
This means that flooring needs to be more durable as it takes the extra wear and tear of more intensive use.
Tough and rugged floors such as laminate, waterproof hybrids, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or bamboo can handle this extra foot traffic and provide a good option for living and family areas as well as home offices.
Pet ownership boomed throughout the pandemic
Everyone seems to have added a puppy to their family in the past 12 months!
With limited entertainment options and the desire for simple joys to make us smile during the pandemic, many families have grown to include a four-legged friend. And with pet ownership comes hair – lots of hair! – not to mention the occasional accident.
For this reason, homes with pets definitely need a hard flooring that is easy to clean and either water-resistant or completely waterproof.
Laminate flooring options such as Vitality Style and Balterio Grande Wide give a beautiful and refined look with a 100% waterproof surface, providing all the practicality that pet owners need.
Low-maintenance floors are never out of fashion
Along with working from home more often, we’re also busier than ever. This means that time to clean and maintain our homes is being eroded by other activities (although being too busy to spend hours cleaning every day is not a new concept!).
Affordable and durable laminate and hybrid floors are easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and durable even in high traffic areas.
These types of floor coverings fit perfectly in kitchens, living spaces, children’s rooms and other areas that are subject to regular spills and dirt.
The minimalist aesthetic continues to influence design
Natural materials and clean, neat lines create a sense of calm and harmony, whilst providing a neutral backdrop to the furnishings and homewares that give your home its unique personality.
Laminate flooring presents an ideal way to tap into this trend, with its low profile surface, clean lines and neat finish. Plus, as the media champions DIY with TV programs such as Grand Designs, The Block, The Kiwi Dream and HOMEmade, it’s good to know that laminate flooring is easy to tackle as a DIY project, offering easy installation without prior experience.
Environmentally friendly home design means flooring needs to be certified and sustainable
As more people become aware of toxins, VOCs and indoor air quality, environmentally friendly products and sustainable raw materials are set to be even more popular in 2022.
Take a look at our sustainability page to find out more about the impact of your flooring choices and the strong environmental credentials of our bamboo, laminate flooring, and LVP.
Take a look at our on-trend floor coverings
With the best range of products from brands such as Balterio, Vitality and Euro Deluxe, Woodland Lifestyle’s knowledgeable team can help you select laminate flooring that suits your budget, taste and lifestyle, and suits the modern look of your home.
Take a look at our wide range of laminate flooring or contact our friendly team for a free sample.