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We’re all doubling down on warm, bright spaces right now. How do we know? A recent report from Houzz highlighting emerging home design trends based on search insights from U.S. homeowners and design professionals revealed a couple of projects at the top of all our minds. Interest in color-drenching is up 325 percent compared to this same time last year. Vintage-inspired lighting is on the rise, specifically copper pendants (up 250 percent), gold bathroom vanity fixtures (up 60 percent), and gold lamps (42 percent). But the one spike that caught our eye zeroes in on living room flooring.
Wood-drenched spaces are a hot topic, with living rooms with light hardwood floors leading the pack (the search term saw a 400 percent increase). We get it—hardwood species like oak, natural pine, and white maple are refreshing, inviting, and a great anchor for tons of interior styles. With that in mind, here are six different ways we’ve seen people integrate the trend into their own homes.
Let the Floors Shine with an Abstract Rug
They say a large rug can anchor a room, but if you want your floors to do that job, consider something small, irregular-shaped, and off-set, like this example we spotted in Danish fashion designer Helle Hestehave’s Copenhagen living room.
For Maximum Coverage, Go with a Soft, Cream Rug
Sometimes, a bright, bold rug can make a room feel smaller. If you want to cover a lot of ground, pick a neutral-colored rug to keep your square footage front and center. The living space in this Encinitas family home is a masterclass in making the most of an area rug without taking away from the beautiful wooden floors.
Go All In on a Bold Sofa
The soft, pink couch in this London home proves that going with light wood flooring lets you make a louder statement with your furniture.
Pretend Your Living Room Is an Art Gallery
Light wood floors will let you buy some pretty funky art—including tall sculptures and pieces displayed on pedestals. Rachel Donath serves up some major inspiration in her Melbourne home; peep that funky white column at the top of the step.
Bring In Other Wood Textures
Wood comes in all kinds of finishes—celebrate this like interior designer Jessica Hansen did in her Portland living room by choosing furniture for your living room that’s got a bit more character, like a fluted console table.
When in Doubt, Paint the Walls White
If you really want your wood floors to shine, drench the room in white paint. This will bring out those warm wood tones, setting the scene for a sophisticated space.