Warm Your Space With Natural Flooring This Winter
As the temperatures outdoors continue to drop, you need to foster a cosier environment indoors, and natural floors such as those made from wood or cork are the perfect way to achieve this. Their inherent warmth underfoot contrasts sharply with the stark weather outside, while their earthy tones bring a sense of warmth and softness to your indoor spaces.
The Essence of Hygge in Home Comfort
Hygge, a concept originating from Denmark, represents the essence of comfort and contentment in life’s simple pleasures. It is the warm glow of candlelight, the soft addition of a woollen throw, and the feeling of a hot drink on a cold day. This concept extends through to interior design as well, translating into spaces that are warm, peaceful, and inviting.
Natural flooring plays a pivotal role in this philosophy, and the organic textures and tones of our engineered wood and cork floors lay the groundwork for a Hygge-inspired home.
Bring In Warmth With Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood flooring exhibits the depth of natural grain patterns and a variety of hues, ranging from light golden ambers to deeper browns. From a practical standpoint, engineered wood’s multiple layers enhance both its stability and its insulation capabilities. The core of the flooring acts as a natural barrier, retaining heat and maintaining a comfortable underfoot experience even when the winter chill sets in.
Unlike stone or tile, which can be cold to the touch, engineered wood holds warmth, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the reliance on artificial heating. This natural insulation contributes to a snug environment.
Achieve Optimal Comfort With Cork Flooring
Cork’s cushioned feel is derived from its unique cellular structure, which provides a gentle give with every step. Beyond this tactile aspect, cork flooring is a natural insulator of both heat and sound. The warmth it retains contributes significantly to the overall thermal comfort of a space, and its acoustic properties make for a quieter home environment.
An Almost-Wood Alternative
Laminate flooring emerges as a practical alternative for those seeking the aesthetic warmth of wood or cork without the associated costs. Modern laminate can convincingly replicate the appearance of natural materials, providing a room with the inviting allure of a traditional wooden floor or the organic charm of cork.
But laminate’s advantages extend beyond its visual appeal. It is also a viable contender in areas of high traffic, offering durability and resistance to wear and tear that natural materials may not withstand as well over time. The ease of maintenance is another selling point, with a simple sweep or mop keeping it looking fresh and inviting for longer.
Some Practical Tips for Warming Up Your Space
To complement these warm floors, incorporate plush rugs in complementary colours that add layers of comfort. Consider soft lighting to create a gentle glow that enhances the natural beauty of the wood and cork textures in the room, before introducing accessories like thick throws, cushioned seating, and heavy-weight curtains in rich, earthy tones. For a touch of elegance and added warmth, you could also integrate brass or copper accents into light fixtures and decorative elements.
By carefully selecting a cohesive palette and textures, you can create a harmonious space that radiates warmth throughout even the coldest months.
Wintertime Flooring Installations
Before laying down engineered wood or cork flooring, it’s crucial to allow the material to acclimatise to your home’s environment. Store the flooring inside the room where it will be installed, in its original packaging, for at least 48 hours. This step prevents expansion or contraction post-installation due to temperature fluctuations.
Increased indoor heating during winter can cause subfloors to dry out and contract, so check for any gaps or uneven areas that could affect the flooring’s stability before installing. It is also advisable to check the indoor humidity level, as this will help you maintain optimal conditions for both the subfloor and the new flooring.
Choose Floors That Outlast the Seasons
We invite you to explore our range of hardwood and cork floors today, with plenty of free samples available to preview. Their exceptional quality and thermal capabilities prime them for any weather, keeping your home temperate all year round.