Finding the Perfect Floor: My Journey & Tips for Your Home
I still remember the first time I had to choose flooring for a project. I thought it was going to be simple—just pick something that looks good, right? But as I started diving into the endless options, I realized how much flooring affects not just the aesthetics, but also the way a space feels, functions, and holds up over time.
If you’re here, chances are you’re going through the same dilemma: Which flooring should I choose? Is hardwood worth it? Should I go for tile or vinyl? What’s best for high-traffic areas?
Trust me, I’ve been there. So let’s go through this together, and by the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what works best for your home—and avoid the mistakes I (and many others) have made.
Start With the Room, Not Just the Flooring Type
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make—myself included in my early days—is falling in love with a flooring type before thinking about where it’s going.
I’ve seen gorgeous hardwood floors get ruined in kitchens because they couldn’t handle spills and humidity. I’ve also watched people install cold ceramic tiles in bedrooms, only to regret it every morning when they stepped out of bed.
Think about how you use each space before making a decision:
👉 Living rooms & hallways: Need scratch-resistant and durable flooring that can handle foot traffic.
👉 Kitchens & bathrooms: Moisture is the enemy! You’ll need waterproof flooring like tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
👉 Bedrooms: Comfort is key—carpet, engineered hardwood, or warm-toned laminate work best.
In my own home, I wanted something warm and inviting for the living room but also practical and easy to clean for the kitchen. That meant choosing two different flooring types rather than forcing one to work everywhere.
Hardwood Floors – Beautiful, But High Maintenance
There’s something about hardwood flooring that just feels luxurious. It’s timeless, adds warmth, and can increase your home’s resale value. I love how solid oak or walnut flooring brings character to a space.
But before you commit, here’s what I wish I had known earlier:
✅ Pros: Beautiful, can be refinished, increases property value.
❌ Cons: Scratches easily, sensitive to moisture, requires regular maintenance.
If you love the look but don’t want the hassle, I always recommend engineered hardwood. It’s more resistant to humidity and doesn’t expand and contract as much as solid wood.
Also—if you have pets or kids, be prepared for scratches and dents. A friend of mine installed dark hardwood floors, only to regret it after a year because they showed every single scratch and dust particle.
Pro tip: If you go with hardwood, choose lighter wood tones like oak or hickory to make scratches less visible!
Tile Flooring – Durable, But Can Be Cold
When it comes to kitchen and bathroom flooring, porcelain or ceramic tile is one of the most durable choices. I’ve worked on homes where marble-look porcelain tiles still looked brand new years later.
✅ Pros: Waterproof, easy to clean, nearly indestructible.
❌ Cons: Cold underfoot, grout requires maintenance.
However, I’ve made the mistake of installing tile in a bedroom, and let me tell you—it’s not fun stepping onto an ice-cold floor in winter. If you love the durability of tile but want warmth, consider:
Adding rugs to soften the feel.
Installing radiant heating beneath tiles (game-changer!).
Choosing wood-look porcelain tile for the best of both worlds.
Vinyl & Laminate – Budget-Friendly & Low Maintenance
I used to think vinyl flooring was outdated. But modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has completely changed my mind. The first time I saw it installed, I was shocked at how much it looked like real wood.
✅ Pros: Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and affordable.
❌ Cons: Some cheaper versions can feel plasticky.
If you’re on a tight budget but want something that looks high-end, LVP is a fantastic choice. I’ve also recommended laminate flooring to clients who want something even cheaper, but keep in mind that laminate isn’t fully waterproof—so avoid it in bathrooms or kitchens.
Carpet – Cozy, But High Maintenance
There’s nothing like stepping onto the soft carpet in a bedroom—it instantly makes the space feel cozy. However, I always tell clients to think twice before installing it in high-traffic areas.
✅ Pros: Comfortable, warm, great for bedrooms.
❌ Cons: Hard to clean, traps dust and pet hair.
If you love the feel but hate the maintenance, consider carpet tiles. They’re easier to replace if one section gets stained!
Matching Flooring to Your Interior Style
Beyond function, your flooring should also match your design style:
Modern & Minimalist: Go for polished concrete, large-format tiles, or wide-plank vinyl.
Rustic & Farmhouse: Distressed wood or laminate works beautifully.
Classic & Luxury: Think dark-stained hardwood or marble-look tiles.
I’ve worked with clients who regretted their flooring choice because it didn’t match the rest of their home’s vibe—so always consider the bigger design picture!
Final Thoughts – What’s Best for You?
If you’re still unsure about which flooring to choose, here’s my best advice:
Order samples and test them in your space.
Think about maintenance—do you want low upkeep or a statement piece?
If in doubt, mix materials! There’s no rule saying you can’t have tile in the kitchen and hardwood in the living room.
Flooring is one of the biggest design decisions you’ll make, and it’s worth taking your time to get it right. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but every one of them taught me something—and I hope this guide helps you avoid those same pitfalls.
If you have questions or need advice on choosing the right floor for your home, let me know—I’d love to help!
