Flooring can be one of the most overlooked areas of the home. Not rugs, but what lies underneath. When I think of creating drama in design, the first thing that comes to mind is the floor. I love a show-stopping rug, but a show-stopping floor that greets you at the door? It’s beyond comparison. The “design tides” are forever changing and with the introduction of cutting edge product, flooring enhancements can even be retrofitted into existing floors from border, inlays and even tile. In addition to the “tried and true,” there are many new flooring materials available on the market to assist in creating eye-catching and impactful flooring designs.

One flooring material that has made an impressive comeback is vinyl. Thanks to companies like Mannington located in the US & Harvey Maria out of the UK, vinyl flooring is now offered in a countless array of eye-catching choices. From realistic wood grains to elegant stone, this man-made material is not only durable but is touted as “fashion for the floor.” Vinyl offerings of the past have been replaced with some supremely dramatic offerings.

Of course, who doesn’t love natural stone? I like to think of it as the “fine wine” of flooring-improving over time. It’s virtually fool-proof when creating drama underfoot. In fact, marble has few rivals in creating the illusion of luxury. Once used in palaces, it’s now available for abodes of all sizes from royal to rural. Natural stone is the irrefutable leader in opulent, dramatic, and timeless flooring.

If you ever had the pleasure of traversing throughout Europe or even the subways of NYC, then you’ve seen mosaic tile. A 4,000-year-old practice is still being used today to create some of the most jaw-dropping floors across the country. With an infinite number of possibilities in color, design, and materials this is one of my favorites for creating “well-heeled” looks in flooring. From insets to large scale pattern, mosaics have an astounding transformative ability with price points in the low to high range. It’s “artwork for the floor.”

Striking examples of wood flooring are in homes across the country. Hardwoods can be notably dramatic from ebonized woods with high-gloss sheens to intricate parquet patterns. Recently, I was in New York and had the pleasure of interviewing several designers, one of whom had her hardwood flooring stained with black Indian ink. The floors were virtually rug free, the perfect backdrop for her furnishings and vibrant color palette. The effect was jaw-dropping.

A “tried and true” standard will always be parquet flooring, a still sought after option amongst homeowners. As a designer, I have always admired the craftsmanship required in laying the intricate patterns. But, my admiration extends beyond the artistry-parquet is not only cost-effective, but it also adds instant class to a space.

I simply love flooring that is dramatic and “well-heeled,” and now there are many options available to help you create the right amount of drama underfoot.