(NAPSI)-A welcome change in home decorating may be right underfoot, and the results could floor you.
Many people don't consider floor coverings when trying to revamp a room, or think replacing existing carpet or tile is too expensive. But according to Jeffrey Bilhuber, design consultant for the World Floor Covering Association, there are options to suit every taste, budget and region of the country. Depending on where you live, some unique alternatives could lay the groundwork for a striking effect.
Cold Climate
With the right flooring, you can create an inviting sense of warmth that's functional and stylish, even when the weather outside is frightful.
First start with flooring that's warm to the touch, such as wood or carpet. Then layer coverings-throw area rugs over bare floors, or even over different-colored carpets-for added insulation. You can even do the same for the walls by hanging up a few decorative tapestries.
Hot Climate
To add a touch of tropical paradise to your home, consider bamboo flooring. The material can be laid in planks and gives a cool sensation underfoot-the kind of floor that makes you want to go barefoot. This lightweight material comes in a full-color palette-reds, greens, yellows, oranges, not just the natural tan.
Bamboo is also a smart ecological choice. The plants have to be harvested every five years, so there's a constant supply. Plus, bamboo is easy to care for and there are no splinters.
Any Climate
One unusual material that is quickly growing in popularity is cork. Back around 1910, many "modern" kitchens were designed with cork instead of common stone floors. Today, cork's ergonomic properties and aesthetic qualities are helping make the old material a new favorite.
Cork is temperature stable and creates an airlock to keep a room's climate consistent. As a result, it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A cork surface provides a natural resilience that is easy on the back, feet and shins-a definite plus for the kitchen where people stand, cooking or just congregating. In addition, cork gives dropped plates and glasses a fighting chance.
Cork works in any high-traffic area, not just the kitchen. In the living room or bedroom, add an area rug to help define space or add warmth. The material is especially useful in apartments, which often have poured concrete floors. Cork is reasonably priced and comes in a multitude of colors, from ivory to ebony.
Other Flooring Ideas
Wood floors are also temperature stable and provide the airlock properties of cork. Wood doesn't have to be limited to an entryway or living room, says Bilhuber. Try it in the bathroom or kitchen.
Your local specialty floor covering retailer is a great place to start your search for a hot idea or a cool trend to weather the foot traffic in your home. There's a world of flooring ideas available to help you start at the bottom and create a top-notch decor.
Area rugs, laid over bare floors, can add both comfort and warmth to a room.
Cork floors can be a relief for those who spend time on their feet-and for dropped dishes.
Natural bamboo flooring comes in a variety of colors and gives a cool sensation underfoot.
