Flooring Trends - August 2011 - Morris County

Flooring Trends  - Westchester County

This begins my series on flooring trends in the market for Westchester county.  As I don't have data for the category, I can only provide this based on what I'm seeing and the calls I'm getting.

1.  Refinishing hardwood floors, especially before moving in - By far, we are getting the most calls with people in a rush to refinish their hardwood floors before they move into their new home. This has been an exceptionally busy time as so many are moving and in a rush to get settled before the new year. Many are refinishing existing floors and several are also adding hardwood into 2-3 rooms at the same time.

2.  Conversion from carpet to hard surface.  Most prefer hard surfaces, especially hardwood flooring.  If a family member has allergies or asthma, this is a "must have."  Hardwood floors are nicer, easier to clean and last longer.  While hardwood generally costs more than carpet initially,in the long run, it actually saves you money as it lasts much longer. 
 

3.  Wider plank hardwood - Wider is more in style and makes the space look larger.  I'm usually only installing the standard 2 1/4" inch in home if we are matching existing.  If I'm putting new hardwood in, it's almost always 3 1/4" or wider.  Usually, the cost difference between the 2 widths is insignificant, but the visual impact is rather large.

4. Carpet Runners - This seems to be more a of a local trend, as my fellow Floor Coverings International owners across the country are not seeing a rise here.  This may be because we have more steps here, more mixed population, the style of the homes and that there is more hardwood here.  Anyway, customers tend to want carpet runners for 2 reasons: 1) decoration/style, esp if the main steps can be viewed from entryway (it's the first impression) and 2) safety i.e. less slipping (e.g. for familiies wi/ toddlers, pregnant moms, aging dogs, and occasionally aging parents.

5.  Both extremes - dark hardwood or light hardwood.  These ooth give the home a more modern feel (but in 2 completely different ways).  Light makes space look open/airy and works for the light, bright, modern look and works especially well with an open floor plan.  Dark (e.g. royal mahogany, ebony) is for dramatic and formal look for bold, stylish and hip colors.  They both work.  It's much less common to do in between colors, but of course, everything depends on style, decor and personal preferences.

6.  Waterproof solutions for basements, esp after the recent hurricane.  There has been so much flooding here in Westchester, especially in basements, so we are getting lots of calls to have carpet ripped out, and requests for waterproof solutions.  You can read more about that in this post - waterproof solutions for basement flooring.

Stay tuned for more Flooring trends in Westchester County NY.  And, if you are in Westchester/Fairfield area and need some help and advice for your flooring, feel free to give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950.

Map of Westchester NY

Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes

Debbie Gartner, President and Owner

"The Flooring Girl"

Floor Coverings International: Westchester NY/Stamford CT

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