This open-concept space demonstrates how continuous flooring creates visual flow and elegance throughout connected living areas. The hardwood flooring shown here provides both durability and timeless appeal – key considerations for family homes. Designed by Jennifer Fordham, Pembrook Interiors; Photography by Peak Visuals; Styling by Kristen Alcorta Interiors
The Design Challenge
Recently, a family reached out to us with a common design dilemma: “Dear Pembrook Interiors, we’re a family with three young children, planning a remodel for our four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. We have an open floorplan; you can see the primary bedroom from the living room, and you can see one of the other bedrooms from the family room. What do you suggest for flooring throughout our home?”
Understanding the Impact of Flooring
This is a great question. Because flooring is visually 30% of a room, it is among the most significant design decisions in a space. In addition to the design impact, both the difficulty and expense of future changes underscore the importance of getting the flooring investment decision right the first time.
Top Recommendations
For this family home remodeling project (which we assume is in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States), our recommended flooring option is locally and sustainably sourced, factory-finished (with UV protection) hardwood floors. Hardwood floors not only offer durability and longevity but also provide a timeless aesthetic that can adapt to various design styles, making them an ideal choice for a family-friendly and versatile home. A high-quality factory finish is especially vital for a remodeling project because it facilitates consistency in the final look and ensures installation ease, crucial in a remodeling project.
Alternative Solutions
That said, if the requirement is literally for a single flooring option that is for use in the entire home, including the bathrooms, then the default option for the remodeling recommendation is linoleum (real linoleum, not sheet vinyl), or depending on the extent of the remodel (if it’s literally down to the studs), poured terrazzo would also be a great option to consider. Unlike hardwood floors, both linoleum and terrazzo are suitable for use in spaces that are exposed to moisture, like bathrooms.
Why Hardwood Floors?
Key benefits for families:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Hygienic and hypoallergenic
- Resistant to scratches and dents
- Natural material that ages beautifully
- Versatile design foundation
- Creates visual continuity in open spaces
That said, if the requirement is literally for a single flooring option that is for use in the entire home, including the bathrooms, then the default option for the remodeling recommendation is linoleum (real linoleum, not sheet vinyl), or depending on the extent of the remodel (if it’s literally down to the studs), poured terrazzo would also be a great option to consider. Unlike hardwood floors, both linoleum and terrazzo are suitable for use in spaces that are exposed to moisture, like bathrooms.
Moreover, hardwood floors add warmth and character to each room, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion throughout the space. The open floor plan of the home allows for a seamless flow between rooms, and hardwood floors help visually connect the different areas while maintaining a sense of spaciousness.
Making Your Decision
In summary, locally and sustainably sourced, factory-finished hardwood floors are the ideal flooring choice for this family home remodeling project. Not only do they offer durability, practicality, and timeless style, but they also align with values of sustainability and environmental stewardship. With hardwood floors, the homeowners can create a beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious living space that the family can enjoy for years to come.
If, however, the flooring must also be suitable for use in the bathrooms, our alternative first recommendation would be linoleum or second, poured terrazzo. Depending on the specific selection, each alternative to hardwood floor can be used in the bathrooms while also offering the same characteristics and benefits of hardwood floors. The installation of linoleum is far simpler than poured terrazzo in a residential remodel.
Ready to Select Your Perfect Flooring?
In choosing hardwood floors, you’re not just investing in a beautiful and versatile flooring option; you’re creating a durable and inviting space that will accommodate your family’s needs and style for years to come, ensuring that every step you take in your home is on solid, sustainable ground. Contact Pembrook Interiors today to find the perfect flooring solution for your open-concept home.
