How to choose the right flooring

Choosing the right flooring sets the tone for your entire home, especially in a period property where character, practicality and long-term value all need to work together. Here are some insights from our senior design team to guide your decision…

Aesthetic

The right flooring should feel as though it has always belonged to the house. Its relationship to the architecture and era is crucial: in Victorian homes, for example, we often favour engineered oak for its timeless appeal, natural warmth and reassuring stability, particularly where underfloor heating is in play. Beyond the material itself, careful thought should be given to tone, texture and board width, and how these elements sit alongside cabinetry, skirting and the quality of natural light. Whether the aim is harmony or contrast, the most successful schemes are those where colours and finishes layer effortlessly, creating a sense of cohesion and quiet confidence throughout the home.

Practicality

Practicality should be at the heart of any flooring decision. In a busy family home with children, pets and the constant ebb and flow of daily life durability is key, particularly in high-traffic areas where floors must stand up to years of wear with grace. Materials such as natural limestone are prized for exactly this reason, offering a reassuring robustness without sacrificing elegance. It is also worth considering how well the flooring performs across different spaces: from kitchens and bathrooms to basements, where moisture and temperature changes demand materials that are as resilient as they are beautiful.

the Manoir limestone is DEFINITELY one of my FAVOuRITES and it’s A super choice for classic spaces. The edges are lightly tumbled which means they are softer and gently rounded so the overall look and feel is classic and understated.

– peter humphrey, founder & design director at hm

Structure

A considered flooring choice begins beneath the surface. Understanding the nature of the sub-floor and whether it is joisted, concrete or uneven in places is essential, as it will influence both the materials you can use and the way they are installed. It is always wise to take professional advice from your builder or contractor at an early stage, ensuring any technical constraints are identified early. Equally important is compatibility with underfloor heating, where stability and heat transfer come into play. Getting these practical foundations right ensures the finished floor not only looks beautiful, but performs easily in the years ahead.

My favourite flooring is Verbier Engineered Oak, especially when laid in a herringbone pattern. It’s really versatile which makes it perfect for every room, working for properties of all ages.

In older, traditional homes, i find a classic plank works beautifully, while in more modern or classical interiors, the herringbone layout feels lovely and sophisticated.

– tracey hyde creative director at hm

design continuity

Design continuity plays a subtle but powerful role in how a home is experienced. Deciding whether to carry the same flooring throughout or introduce defined transitions between rooms will shape the overall feel of the space: transitions can help zone areas and give each room its own identity, while a single flooring choice creates a calm, cohesive flow from one space to the next. Whichever approach is taken, consistency in finish is key. Carefully matching sheen levels, tones and textures allows rooms to feel connected and considered, rather than visually fragmented.

Flooring is the most important thing to get right in a space as it sets the tone for the whole room. My favourite flooring will always be timber. It’s Warmer and more comfortable underfoot than stone. Timber can be hardwearing and forgiving if treated and cared for appropriately, our Megéve being a personal favourite.

Outside of timber flooring which is always my personal go-to, I love the uneven texture, warm colour and individuality of our Radcliffe terracotta tile which works especially well in boot rooms, utility rooms and entrance halls. They inject a bit of personality and are quite forgiving if used in the right area and sealed properly.

– Emma milne, creative director at hm

COST & longevity

Cost and longevity should be considered hand in hand. It is important to look beyond the initial price of the material to include installation, which can vary significantly depending on the flooring choice. For those drawn to the look of natural limestone, limestone-effect porcelain offers a more affordable alternative while retaining much of the same visual appeal. Equally, it is worth thinking long term: how the floor will age, how durable it is over time, and whether it can be refinished, all of which contribute to its true value and lasting appeal within the home.

maintenance

Maintenance is an important consideration when selecting flooring, as each material carries its own rhythm of care. Engineered oak is relatively low maintenance, requiring regular vacuuming, mopping over and occasional re-oiling or refinishing to maintain its warmth and character over time.

Natural limestone, while undeniably beautiful, demands a little more attention: it is porous and will need sealing on installation and re-sealing periodically (around every 5 years) to protect against staining and wear, particularly in kitchens and high-traffic areas.

Natural-effect porcelain offers the most straightforward option, combining the look of stone with exceptional durability; it is non-porous, easy to clean and requires no sealing, making it ideal for busy households seeking elegance with minimal ongoing upkeep.

get in touch

For more information on flooring or to request a quotation, please don’t hesitate to contact us via info@hmflooringlibrary.co.uk or call 01371 821300. You can also order samples here.