Fortunately, the flooring trends for 2013 (according to HGTV) are classic, yet stylish, and something that can be enjoyed not only this year, but for many years to come.
1) Bamboo: This fast-growing tree (not wood!) has been around for a while now. Home owners and interior designers like it because it's attractive and durable. What's new this year in bamboo is an explosion of colors as well as styles, like a wide-plank version that mimics the look of hardwood. A tip: keep it out of moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
2) Reclaimed Hardwood: Factory-finished hardwood flooring has all the charm of reclaimed timber -- but not the high price -- of true salvaged lumber. Additionally, factory-finished wood stands up to moisture better than wood flooring finished onsite.
3) Large Format Tiles: Traditionally large format tiles have come in 12' x 12'. But today they can come as big as 12" x 24" or even 36" x 36". Not only do they look beautiful, but an added bonus is that there is less grout to clean! The caveat is, they're quite heavy, so hire a professional installer.
4) Cork: Cork flooring has many benefits including, but certainly not limited to, its acoustic-insulating qualities, more comfort when walking on it than hardwood or tile and better durability thanks to factory finishes. These days cork is available in a range of colors than far exceeds its original blonde. However, it will fade in sunlight so choose placement wisely.
5) Luxury Vinyl: This is a terrific two-for-one product. It combines the look of hardwood or stone with the durability of vinyl. And it is so not the peel-and-stick version of decades ago. Today's luxury vinyl is beautiful and realistic looking, easy to walk on, durable and it stands up to moisture so it's great in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
6) Cut-And-Loop Carpet: For better or worse, when it comes to carpeting today, we are seeing far fewer shags and friezes. The trend these days is more patterned carpets. By using a technique that combines both loops and cut loops, manufacturers can create a carpet with patterns that range from subtle to bold, with fibers are much softer than older styles.
7) American Hardwood: Homeowners who want a truly sustainable look should choose American hardwoods. Unlike bamboo and cork, both of which are imported, you can buy products that are perhaps made only a few hundred miles away. Plus, U.S. manufacturers do a fantastic job at replenishing our natural forests as we cut the trees down. Thanks to this, classic American hardwoods like oak, maple, heart pine and hickory are making a huge comeback.
8) Concrete: The versatility of concrete is what many admire most about this floor. It can go from utilitarian to chic in no time. It's trendy, sleek and, of course, durable. But today it's adaptable to many different decors as it comes in an array of colors, textures and finishes. However, concrete is not very foot-friendly. Just like you wouldn't want to walk in a new pair of four-inch heels for a long period of time -- you wouldn't want to walk on concrete all day long either.