A floor is much more than just something to walk on; the floor is the fundamental element in determining rooms feel, when considering the design of a room the floor should be given first consideration.

            Wood Floor

When selecting your wood floor keep in mind a few key features. If you have a big room, a 1 or 2 strip floor is usually most appropriate because the surfaces are usually perceived as airier and more open. In smaller rooms 2-3 strip floors are usually more suitable, the smaller pattern of these floors help make the room feel larger. When considering floor color keep in mind key elements of the room such as natural light, size of the rooms windows, artificial lighting, and orientation.  A dark floor tends to “swallow” a lot of light, as well as affects the feeling of space, simultaneously; a dark floor can create a warm and comfortable feel in large rooms. A light wood floor reflects the light and increases the feeling of space within the room and can create a dramatic contrast to dark design details. Also, polished and shiny floors reflect sunlight and redistribute it more than matt lacquered or natural oiled floors. Direction is another important element to consider when discussing flooring. The direction in which the floor is installed also influences the feeling created. Typically floors tend to be installed lengthways, but the shape and dimensions of the room can have a bearing on this rule as well.