WOOD FLOORING
INTO THE WOODS
Holistic living, public health lockdowns fuel new trends By Francois D’Amours
Photos courtesy Preverco
L
ifestyle has always been a big driver in design trends. What people consider important in their lives is often reflected in their home’s interior as it is key to the overall enjoyment of their surroundings. Over the last couple years, North American and European markets have experienced a growing interest in holistic living, with a focus on healthier and organic foods, exercise, nature and sustainability. At the same time, homes have evolved into more than just a
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place to live — they’ve become a sanctuary. The pandemic has amplified this as many people have been forced to work from home and remain inside for long periods of time. As a result, homeowners increasingly want environments that are clean, healthy, calm and cozy, and make them feel somewhat connected to nature. Accordingly, the ultra-clean, minimalistic and modern designs that favour grey tones for flooring and have been all the rage in
interior decor magazines for years are now often considered too cold and impersonal. They are gradually being replaced by a new mix of design styles, such as modern farmhouse and urban country. These trends feature warmer earth tones like ‘greige’ — a combination of grey and beige. Greige has become a new colour category in the flooring industry, too, as it’s easier to harmonize with dark or bold wall paint colours that are being used for dramatic effect.
