Design Experts Identify 7 Outdated Floor Trends
Revamped Article:
In the realm of home renovations, flooring is often a priority. It's the bedrock of any well-designed abode, setting the stage for style, comfort, and functionality. Yet, as with fashion and interior design, flooring trends evolve. What was once chic can quickly turn passé. In today's scenario, sustainability and durability share the top billing with aesthetics, shaping the flooring trends of 2025.
According to research by Houzz, resilient vinyl, hardwood, and ceramic or porcelain tiles are dominating the scene due to their endurance and design versatility. Additionally, nearly one in six homeowners opted for eco-friendly flooring during their kitchen renovations, as revealed in Houzz's 2025 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study.
So, which flooring trends should you bid farewell to in 2025? We delved into the thoughts of interior designers and flooring experts to unearth the styles, materials, and colors they consider out-of-date. Here's what they advise against and what you may want to consider instead for a contemporary and timeless space.
1. Out with the Gloss: Embrace Matte and Textured Finishes
High-gloss floors are now considered a relic of the past. Whether it's polished tile or ultra-glossy timber, these surfaces are waning in popularity due to their high maintenance and incompatibility with contemporary living. Instead, matte and textured finishes are on the rise. They offer a more natural, forgiving, and practical solution.
“Matte and brushed wood flooring is in high demand,” confirms Fredrik Alfredsson, CEO of Bjelin. “These finishes enhance the wood’s natural grain and character while being easier to maintain.” Adam Vester, senior director of design for wood and laminate at Mohawk, concurs, stating that natural materials and brushed finishes elevate the visual appeal and tactile experience of wood flooring while balancing aesthetics with functionality.
2. Individuality Rules: Farewell to Cookie-Cutter Styles
Groupthink and uniformity have no place in contemporary home design. Homeowners are moving away from mass-produced, cookie-cutter flooring styles in favor of personalized choices. Eclectic interiors prove that breaking design rules can result in stunning spaces. This trend involves blending old with new, bold patterns with muted tones, and mixing materials for a custom, curated look.
For wood floors, this means exploring alternatives to narrow planks. Herringbone, chevron, and basketweave patterns are gaining popularity, offering dynamic visuals while retaining a classic feel. Long, wide planks are also trending for their ability to create an open, seamless look throughout the home.
3. Nature Abounds: Synthetic Materials Are Out, Eco-Friendly Ones In
The drive towards sustainability is resulting in a shift towards natural materials – for both ethical and economic reasons. In the 2025 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, nearly three-quarters of homeowners opted for sustainable options, while half were motivated by environmental concerns.
Vester notes that the trend towards biophilic design – creating spaces that foster a closer connection with nature – is driving the demand for natural materials. Even reclaimed wood and FSC certified hardwoods are on trend, ensuring a greener, more sustainable flooring choice. For those investing in natural flooring, low or no-VOC finishes are recommended for a healthier indoor environment.
4. Warm Welcome to Warm Wood Tones
Gray behaviors, once ubiquitous in modern homes, are now seen as outdated. In 2025, we're embracing warm, neutral hues. Honey brown tones and rustic blondes are taking center stage, offering a cozy yet refined look that complements a range of interior styles. Light-toned woods with a subtle grain, like white oak and ash, remain popular in Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Meanwhile, Scott suggests that dark wood flooring is poised to make a comeback, bringing back rich, luxurious tones like walnut, mahogany, and oak.
5. Bye-Bye Gray Carpets: Welcome to Welcome Warm Neutral Hues
Gray carpeting is on its way out in 2025. Homeowners are seeking warmth and comfort in their living spaces, so neutral shades like oatmeal, soft linen, and warm taupe are stealing the limelight. This shift also influences accent color trends, with fresh greens surpassing blue tones as the preferred accent color.
6. Adiós Boring Beige Rugs: Hello Bold Colors, Textures, and Patterns
Minimalist beige rugs have held sway for years, but 2025 is all about breaking the monotony with bold colors, rich textures, and expressive patterns. According to Revival Rugs’ co-founder and CEO Ben Hyman, “Red came roaring in over the past two years, and I don’t think we’re done with it yet, especially on floors.” We also see deep blues and purples cut with lighter blues and acid greens for a striking contrast. The key is layering textures and patterns to create a visually intriguing space.
7. Farewell Short-Term Fixes: Long Live Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a trend – it's a necessity. Homeowners are looking for eco-friendly flooring options, especially those that are recycled or biodegradable, that align with their environmental values. According to Hyman, “More homeowners and interior designers are opting for flooring made from recycled materials or sustainable sources.”
Manufacturers are leading the charge towards sustainability, with innovative solutions like Woodura flooring using knife-cut veneers and recycling waste, and Mohawk's soft surfaces made from recycled plastic bottles. The latter recycled over 7 billion bottles in 2025 to create carpets that don't compromise on aesthetics, performance, or sustainability.
- In the Future of Home Trends, as predicted by BHG News, durability and sustainability will continue to be crucial factors in flooring choices, with branded flooring options like resilient vinyl, hardwood, and ceramic or porcelain tiles remaining popular due to their endurance and versatility.
- When it comes to flooring types in 2025, the focus will shift towards natural materials and finishes that agree with contemporary living, such as matte and textured finishes, ensuring a more practical and natural solution for homeowners.
- In line with Home Improvement Ideas, many homeowners are opting for individual and personalized flooring choices, moving away from mass-produced, cookie-cutter styles in favor of eclectic interiors that blend old and new, bold patterns, and mixed materials for a custom, curated look.
- Sustainability and biophilic design will influence flooring trends in 2025, with an increased demand for eco-friendly and natural materials like reclaimed wood and FSC certified hardwoods, ensuring a greener and more sustainable flooring choice.
- As for flooring colors, Home Trends predict that warm wood tones like honey brown and rustic blondes will replace gray and cool-toned floors, creating a cozy and refined look that complements various interior styles.
