Flooring Selection: How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Home

Let’s Talk Floors: The Secret to a Space That Feels Effortless

Every beautiful space starts with what’s under your feet. The right flooring doesn’t just support your furniture—it defines the feeling of your home. It affects light, texture, acoustics, and flow. It’s what ties your rooms together.

If you’ve been meaning to update your floors but haven’t had the time to sort through endless samples and options, don’t worry. You’re not alone. My goal is to make flooring selection simple, intentional, and deeply personal—so your home feels as comfortable as it looks refined.

Let’s start with where every design project begins: how you actually live.

Step One: Understand How You Live

Before we talk materials or colors, think about how your home works for you every day. Are you constantly moving through the kitchen, or is it mostly a quiet morning coffee spot? Do you have pets, kids, or guests coming and going? How you use your space tells you exactly what kind of flooring will hold up best.

For high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways, you’ll need something durable and easy to clean. For quiet spaces—bedrooms, reading nooks, or family rooms—comfort matters more. And anywhere that sees water, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, requires a moisture-resistant surface that won’t warp or stain.

A few simple steps make it easier to decide:

Write down which rooms take the most foot traffic.
Note where moisture or spills are common.
Identify the rooms where you want a sense of softness and calm.

Once you see how your spaces function, you’ll have a clear direction for what materials make the most sense. From there, it’s all about choosing floors that align with your lifestyle and your design goals.

Step Two: Find the Right Material for Your Life

Flooring isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s a balance between how you live, what you love, and how much upkeep you want to take on.

If you value timeless beauty, hardwood flooring will always deliver. It brings warmth and character, and when it’s properly cared for, it lasts for decades. For older homes or apartments where humidity fluctuates, engineered hardwood offers the same look with added stability.

If you love the look of wood but need something low-maintenance, laminate flooring is an affordable, durable option that resists scratches and scuffs.

For busy families or households that see constant activity, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a great middle ground. It’s waterproof, incredibly resilient, and now available in stunning finishes that mimic real wood or stone.

If your design style leans modern or architectural, tile or natural stone can completely transform a space. Porcelain tile is nearly indestructible, while materials like marble and slate add a beautiful sense of texture and permanence.

And for spaces where you want softness underfoot—think bedrooms or family rooms—carpet adds warmth and reduces noise. A wool or wool-blend carpet, in particular, feels rich and inviting.

If sustainability is a priority, you’ll be glad to know eco-friendly options like bamboo and cork are not only responsible choices but also beautifully crafted.

Now, let’s see how these materials stack up in real life.

Comparison of Popular Flooring Materials

Each material brings something different to your home. Here’s how the most common types compare in terms of cost, durability, and maintenance.

Hardwood Flooring

Durability: High
Cost: $$$$
Maintenance: Moderate—can be refinished

Hardwood never goes out of style. It’s elegant, strong, and adds long-term value to your home. While it’s not ideal for damp spaces, a well-finished hardwood floor can last generations.

Pros: Long lifespan, refinishing extends use, rich character
Cons: Prone to moisture damage, higher investment upfront

Laminate Flooring

Durability: Moderate to High
Cost: $$
Maintenance: Low

Laminate is affordable, easy to clean, and scratch-resistant. It captures the look of wood without the same level of upkeep, though it can’t be refinished once worn.

Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to maintain, great variety
Cons: Less authentic feel, not waterproof

Vinyl Flooring

Durability: Very High
Cost: $$–$$$
Maintenance: Very Low

Luxury vinyl plank is a workhorse. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and designed to handle the toughest conditions—ideal for kitchens and basements.

Pros: Durable, waterproof, affordable luxury look
Cons: Not biodegradable, can dent under heavy furniture

Carpet

Durability: Moderate
Cost: $$–$$$
Maintenance: Moderate

Carpet brings comfort, warmth, and quiet to a room. It’s best in bedrooms and family spaces but needs regular cleaning to stay fresh.

Pros: Cozy and sound-absorbing
Cons: Not great for allergies or moisture

Tile Flooring

Durability: Very High
Cost: $$$
Maintenance: Low

Tile—especially porcelain—offers endless design possibilities. It’s nearly indestructible and works perfectly in wet areas.

Pros: Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, beautiful variety
Cons: Hard surface, can feel cold without radiant heat

Quick Comparison

Material	Durability	Cost	Maintenance	Ideal Spaces
Hardwood	High	$$$$	Moderate	Living, dining, bedrooms
Laminate	Moderate–High	$$	Low	Offices, rentals, bedrooms
Vinyl (LVP)	Very High	$$–$$$	Very Low	Kitchens, basements, bathrooms
Carpet	Moderate	$$–$$$	Moderate	Bedrooms, family rooms
Tile	Very High	$$$	Low	Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways

Now that you know how each option performs, it’s time to match materials to the spaces you use most.

Step Three: Match the Flooring to Each Room

Each room in your home plays a different role—and your flooring should reflect that.

In the kitchen, you need durability and easy cleanup. Porcelain tile or LVP both stand up beautifully to daily wear.

For bathrooms, consider waterproof and slip-resistant materials. Matte porcelain, natural stone, or luxury vinyl will hold up well in moisture-prone areas.

Living and dining areas set the tone for your home, so choose something warm and cohesive. Hardwood and engineered wood are timeless choices that flow easily between spaces.

In bedrooms, comfort is everything. Soft wool carpet or a smooth, matte-finished wood floor helps create a calm retreat.

Basements do best with waterproof flooring, such as vinyl or sealed concrete, while entryways require flooring that can withstand daily traffic, like stone or patterned tile.

Step Four: Choose Style That Lasts

Trends come and go, but timeless design feels good for years.

If you love a classic look, natural oak and mid-tone finishes never go out of style. For a relaxed, modern home, wide planks and matte finishes create a sense of space and calm.

Avoid overly glossy or gray-toned floors—they can make a room feel cold. Instead, aim for tones that work harmoniously with your walls, furnishings, and natural light.

Step Five: How We Help You Choose Flooring That Feels Effortless

At Avery Johnson Design, flooring isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of your home’s story.

We begin with a Discovery Consultation to learn about your lifestyle. We then follow this with an In-Home Design Assessment to understand your lighting, flow, and daily rhythm. From there, we develop a vision and concept, presenting curated materials that fit your aesthetic and lifestyle.

Once you’ve approved your selections, we handle procurement and installation, ensuring your floors are perfectly executed from start to finish.

Step Six: Choose Materials That Are Kind to You—and the Planet

A great home should feel good in every sense of the word. That’s why we prioritize materials that are sustainable, low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and responsibly sourced.

Durable flooring is sustainable flooring—because what lasts doesn’t end up in a landfill. Choosing quality once is better for both your home and the planet.

Eco-Friendly Flooring Options

Eco-friendly doesn’t mean limited anymore. Today’s sustainable floors are refined, versatile, and durable enough for everyday life.

Bamboo: Renewable Strength

Bamboo grows rapidly, regenerating in just a few years. It’s strong, elegant, and perfect for modern interiors. Available in natural or carbonized tones, it brings warmth and texture to your home while being gentle on the planet.

Why it’s great: Renewable, stylish, and durable.
Keep in mind: Needs proper sealing in humid areas.

Cork: Comfortable and Quiet

Cork flooring comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which regrow after harvesting. It’s soft, warm, and sound-absorbing—ideal for bedrooms or offices. Naturally antimicrobial, it also resists mold and allergens.

Why it’s great: Renewable, hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance.
Keep in mind: Can fade in direct sunlight and should be resealed periodically.

Reclaimed Wood: History Reimagined

Reclaimed wood brings character and story to your home. Salvaged from old barns or industrial buildings, each plank has a unique patina that new wood can’t replicate. Choosing reclaimed reduces waste and honors craftsmanship from another era.

Why it’s great: Environmentally conscious, rich in history, timeless.
Keep in mind: Can be more expensive due to sourcing and refinishing.

Eco-Friendly Finishes

Even the best materials need thoughtful finishing. Choose low-VOC sealants and adhesives to protect your indoor air quality while preserving the beauty of your flooring.

Comparing Eco-Friendly vs. Traditional Flooring

Material	Durability	Cost	Sustainability	Maintenance	Look & Feel
Bamboo	High	$$–$$$	Excellent	Moderate	Sleek, modern
Cork	Moderate	$$	Excellent	Moderate	Warm, soft
Reclaimed Wood	Very High	$$$	Excellent	Moderate	Rustic, timeless
Hardwood	High	$$$$	Moderate	Moderate	Classic, versatile
Vinyl/Laminate	Moderate–High	$–$$	Low	Low	Synthetic, varied

Eco-friendly flooring might cost a bit more upfront, but the payoff is lasting quality, healthier air, and a lighter environmental footprint. You’ll end up with a home that feels good to live in—and good to live with.

Step Seven: Create a Sense of Flow

A home feels cohesive when transitions are intentional. That doesn’t mean using one material everywhere—it’s about creating visual balance.

In our Upstate Kitchen Retreat project, we incorporated wood in the living areas and tile in the kitchen, ensuring a seamless transition through matching tones and grains. The result? A home that feels open, connected, and beautifully grounded.

Step Height: How to Make the Final Decision

When it’s time to decide, take a practical approach:

Start with your lifestyle.
Define your budget early.
Compare materials for look and longevity.
Test samples in both daylight and evening light.
Consider how each choice connects to the next room.
Use professional installers.
Learn the care routine for your new floors.

With clarity and expert guidance, flooring decisions stop feeling overwhelming and start feeling exciting.

Your Home Deserves a Thoughtful Foundation

Flooring isn’t just a finish—it’s the foundation for how you live. From materials to finishes, every choice shapes your home’s mood, comfort, and longevity.

At Avery Johnson Design, we help you make those choices with confidence and ease. Together, we’ll create a space that reflects your taste, supports your lifestyle, and feels right from the moment you step inside.

Ready to start? Schedule your Complimentary Discovery Consultation today, and let’s design a home that’s effortlessly, unmistakably yours.