Now that you've learned a bit about interior design principles and have an idea of which style fits your personality, it's time to talk about matching that style to your space...
FLOORING AS YOUR FOUNDATION
No matter which interior design style best reflects your preferences and personality, your flooring choice will form the foundation for its expression within your space. That's because your floor (one of the first things people notice and typically one of the largest surfaces in a room) sets the tone, defines the mood, and ties your disparate design elements together. Choose wisely, and you'll elevate your design vision to its truest heights; choose poorly, and you'll sink it faster than a makeshift raft in a hurricane. This means you'll need to be deliberate about your decisions, and we'll need to hip you to a few details so that you can make the best selection possible...
STYLE-BY-STYLE ESSENTIALS
Each interior style carries its own DNA, and the right flooring can either amplify or dilute its essence. Below, we break down how to align your chosen style with the flooring that will anchor it, setting the stage for a space that feels intentional, cohesive, and authentically you.
Art Deco
Glamour, geometric precision, and bold contrasts define this style (you should be thinking sharp angles, metallic accents, and rich, saturated hues when imagining a typical Art Deco space). To capture this spirit, your flooring should exude drama and sophistication. Opt for dramatic hardwood looks with geometric patterns (like herringbone or chevron) to mirror the style’s love for symmetry. Deep, rich tones and polished finishes will echo the necessary opulence here, while subtle textures can add depth without overpowering the space.
Virginia Mill Works - Cobble Hill Chevron Wire Brushed Engineered Hardwood
Bohemian
Bohemian design thrives on vibrancy, layering, and global flair. It’s about mixing textures, colors, and patterns to create a free-spirited, multi-faceted vibe. For flooring, embrace bold patterns and rich, earthy tones that echo the style’s focus on diversity. A combination of natural looks (think rustic hardwood with warm tones layered over subtle stone textures) can create a grounded yet globally inspired base. Let your floor reflect the same unapologetic mix of influences that define bohemian living.
Dream Home - Lantern Glow Chestnut w/pad Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Coastal
Light, airy, and infused with the serenity of the ocean, coastal design leans on soft pastels, natural materials, and a sense of calm. Your flooring should mirror this tranquil energy. Light-hued hardwoods with a gentle finish are ideal, as they evoke the sunlit shores and calming breezes of a seaside escape. Avoid heavy textures or dark tones, as they can clash with the style’s emphasis on openness and simplicity. Let your floor feel like a slice of the beach, grounding your space in the serenity of the water's edge.
Eclectic
Eclectic style is all about boldness, contrast, and a fearless mix of influences. It’s a heterogeneity of color, texture, and pattern; to channel this energy, choose flooring that reflects the same fearless experimentation. Look for strong patterns, significant color variation, and a mix of materials and textures. This creates a dynamic base that can seamlessly support a room filled with eclectic décor, which will run the gamut of mismatched textiles, global art, and vintage finds. Let your floor be a canvas for this creativity.
Bellawood - Vineyard Haven Oak Distressed Prefinished Solid Hardwood
Farmhouse
Cozy and welcoming, farmhouse style embraces the halcyon charms of an era past. The key here is to create a comforting ambiance while anchoring your space with "timeless" elements. Distressed wood looks with rich, earthy tones are perfect—they evoke the charm of old-world craftsmanship while adding warmth to the space. Subtle textures and muted hues will keep the design grounded, while avoiding overly modern or stark finishes. Let your floor feel like a lived-in space, where every detail feels purposeful.
Bellawood - Coronado Oak Prefinished Solid Hardwood Flooring
French Country
Elegant, pastoral, and infused with rustic charm, French Country design balances sophistication with a touch of countryside simplicity. To capture this, opt for wide-plank hardwoods with character markings and hand-scraped textures. These details mimic the weathered beauty of old farmhouses, while warm, natural tones evoke the softness of sunlit countryside. Avoid overly polished finishes—let your floor feel like a piece of the landscape itself.
Hollywood Regency
Opulent, glamorous, and dripping with luxury, Hollywood Regency is all about bold color, mirrored surfaces, and a sense of grandeur. Your flooring should match this extravagance. Look for high-drama options with deep, rich hues that feel like they’ve been plucked from a movie set. Textured finishes and metallic accents can add to the style’s theatricality, while ensuring the floor feels like a stage for the drama of the era.
Virginia Mill Works - Big Horn Oak Distressed Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Industrial
Raw and utilitarian with a penchant for urban minimalism, industrial design thrives on exposed materials and a sense of rugged authenticity. For flooring, dark hardwoods or sleek vinyl planks that mimic stone can anchor the space. These materials evoke the look of concrete floors and metal surfaces, while subtle textures add depth without overwhelming the space. Keep it unembellished, and let the floor speak to the style’s love for simplicity and strength.
Bellawood - Tullamore White Oak Distressed Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Japandi
A harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity, Japandi design prioritizes clean lines, muted tones, and a sense of calm. To reflect this, choose light-hued hardwoods with minimal grain variation and matte or low-gloss finishes. These choices evoke the straightforwardness of both design traditions, creating a space that feels serene, functional, and refreshingly uncluttered.
Coreluxe- Millhouse Oak Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring
Maximalist
Unapologetically bold, maximalist design thrives on abundance, vibrant colors, and a fearless mix of textures and patterns. Your flooring should mirror this energy. Opt for exotic hardwoods like acacia or rich domestic species like walnut or mahogany, as these species will bring depth and drama to the space. Let your floor be a statement piece, just as bold and layered as the rest of your decor.
Virginia Mill Works - Porter House Hickory Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Mediterranean
Warm, vibrant, and infused with the energy of sun-drenched landscapes, Mediterranean design celebrates natural light and rich, earthy tones. To capture this, choose warm hardwoods (with vibrant, sun-kissed hues) and let the floor echo the style’s love for texture and color (think terracotta, deep blues, and golden accents that bring the essence of the Mediterranean into your space).
Bellawood - Santos Mahogany Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Mid-Century Modern
Clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality define this timeless style. Your flooring should reflect its minimalist roots while adding warmth and texture. Smooth, sleek hardwoods or neutral-toned planks that emphasize the natural beauty of wood are ideal. Avoid overly patterned or dark finishes—let your floor feel like a blank canvas for the style’s iconic mid-century charm.
Bellawood - Golden White Oak Reserve Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Minimalist
Restrained and focused on simplicity, minimalist design thrives on negative space and clean, neutral tones. To align with this, choose light-hued hardwoods with minimal grain variation and matte or low-gloss finishes. These choices create a sense of calm and order, allowing the space to breathe while maintaining a sense of purpose. Let your floor be a quiet, elegant statement.
Rustic
Cozy, handcrafted, and natural, rustic design celebrates imperfection and warmth. Your flooring should mirror this authenticity. Opt for hardwoods with maximum character (with plenty of hand-scraped textures and visible character markings). These details evoke the charm of old-world craftsmanship, while warm, earthy tones create a grounded, inviting space. Let your floor feel like a piece of the earth itself.
Bellawood - Rattan Maple Prefinished Solid Hardwood Flooring
Traditional
Classic, timeless, and adorned with ornate details, traditional design exudes elegance and refinement. To capture this, choose classic domestic hardwoods with medium-to-dark stains and polished finishes. These materials evoke the grandeur of antique furniture and intricate woodwork, while subtle textures add depth without overwhelming the space. Let your floor feel like a piece of history, anchoring your space in timeless beauty.
Bellawood - Select Red Oak Prefinished Solid Hardwood Flooring
BLENDING MULTIPLE STYLES
So you want to attempt mixing multiple style matches throughout your home? It's possible, but it requires balance, and as you may have guessed, that balance will come from a strong flooring choice! To keep from clashing, you'll need to identify the commonalities and contrasts of your chosen styles, then select flooring that's flexible enough to navigate it all.
A simple way to achieve this is to opt for straightforward flooring that doesn't compete with any other elements of your design. Avoiding crazy patterns and overpowering textures while prioritizing solid hues and subdued surfaces should make finding that balance a more manageable task. For instance, if you're planning a dramatic Art Deco den next to a cozy Farmhouse family room, you may consider a neutral hardwood floor with subtle grain patterns. That would allow your angular Art Deco accents to stand out while providing an ample base for Farmhouse decor. Similarly, if you're mixing Bohemian's vibrant energy with Minimalism's clean lines, a light-hued, low-gloss floor can serve as a bridge between the two that doesn't overwhelm the eye.
Now, what about those spaces where you want to take just a little bit more risk? It's here where you'll have to get creative to prevent your style mashup from spiraling into disaster, and a good way to go about it is by harmonizing through color and texture. Imagine, if you will, a Coastal kitchen adjacent to a Mediterranean living room. The flooring you should be imagining as the foundation for this style fusion has a warm hue with undertones and visual textures that match both spaces.
Finally, for design styles that are even more disparate, you might even consider using a transitional space, like a hallway or entryway, to connect the two and smooth the shift.
ROOM-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
Every room in your home has its own list of practical demands. So, while you're implementing your interior design style within your space, you need to remember to balance it against existing realities.
Your bathroom and kitchen, for instance, are places where water is a constant presence. As a result, it may be prudent for you to consider floors with water-resistant or waterproof performance. Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms and mudrooms because it’s water-resistant and can withstand occasional spills without warping or staining. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is fully waterproof and ideal for kitchens, where moisture and heavy use are daily challenges. For spaces that demand both durability and moisture resistance, hybrid resilient flooring offers the best of both worlds. These options are also easy to clean, making them perfect for high-moisture areas where hygiene is a priority.
Then there’s the matter of foot traffic. High-traffic spaces like entryways, living rooms, and hallways require flooring that can withstand constant movement without showing wear. Solid hardwood and engineered hardwood are excellent choices for these areas, as they’re robust natural products and, in the case of solid hardwood floors, can be sanded and refinished multiple times over a lifespan. Laminate and vinyl floors are also durable, with wear layers that protect against scratches and scuffs. For spaces where comfort is key (like a family room), a soft underlayment paired with hard flooring can add cushioning without compromising durability.
And let’s not forget about the spaces that demand easy cleaning and simple maintenance. Entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms are prime examples of areas where frequent cleaning is likely. In these spaces, vinyl and laminate flooring are ideal because they’re stain-resistant, water-repellent, and can be wiped down quickly without leaving behind residue. Hybrid resilient floors also offer similar benefits, with reinforced surfaces that resist dents and scratches. These materials are designed to withstand the rigors of daily life while maintaining their appearance over time.
On the flip side, some rooms offer more flexibility. On-grade and above-grade spaces (like bedrooms, dining rooms, or home offices) allow for greater experimentation because they are less prone to moisture and heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for bold choices like solid hardwood with rich, natural finishes. Whether you’re going for a rustic, hand-scraped look or a sleek, polished finish, these rooms give you the freedom to express your personal style without worrying about practical limitations.
Some rooms will push you to make compromises, others will give you the freedom to experiment. The best approach is to approach each space with a clear understanding of its needs and a willingness to adapt.
LUMBER LIQUIDATORS IS HERE TO HELP
Ready to bring your grand design to life? Browse our selection here online, or visit your local Lumber Liquidators store to explore the possibilities!
Lumber Liquidators is your partner in crafting a space that speaks to your style. Our curated selection of hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and hybrid resilient flooring gives you endless options to match your vision, whether you’re leaning into a bold Art Deco look or opting for a subtle, Minimalist aesthetic.
We know that great designs aren't just about the materials; they're only possible because of the people who bring them to life. That’s why our 200+ retail locations are staffed with flooring experts ready to guide you through every step, from your initial flooring choice to installing it in your space.
And if you’re not ready to tackle the installation yourself? No worries. We’ve got your back. Our network of licensed and vetted contractors is here to ensure your flooring is installed with precision, care, and the same attention to detail you’ve poured into your design. Because when it comes to your home, you deserve nothing less than excellence.
