Back in 1982, Pergo International were the first to introduce laminate flooring in the USA. At that time, laminated floors were considered a cheap substitute to hardwood floors and carried a stigma of the poor mans alternative.
Initially, no self respecting interior designer would consider using laminate flooring due to its derogatory reputation. Over the years, this perception has changed and today laminate flooring can be found in high end homes around the world.
The benefits of laminate flooring and advancement in laminate design have won over even its toughest critics. New advancements in laminate technology have resulted in floors that look and feel like the real thing and now include hardwood, tile and natural stone designs. In fact, today, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between laminates and the flooring types they represent.
The gain in popularity has lead to a huge increase in demand and an explosion of styles and colors that satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning interior designers the world over. From cold climates to the shores of the Mediterranean, laminate has entrenched itself in the hearts and minds of homeowners and interior designers alike to a point that is now the first choice for many homeowners and not merely an alternative to other flooring types.
An important rule of thumb is that the color of laminate flooring should contrast with your furniture to avoid a blending effect that will result in a bland interior. If your furniture is light in color, then use a darker shade of flooring. Conversely, for dark furnishings, use a lighter floor to bring life to the room and avoid a dreary dark interior.
In terms of modern design, there is a definite trend towards using rustic floors that incorporate many natural colors and uneven lines and bring a more enhanced natural experience into the home and balance out the stark straight lines of modern furniture. These characteristics compliment nicely and are well suited to just about any modern interior.
The introduction of beveled edges in laminate wood flooring design has introduced yet another design aspect to laminate floors that is well suited to formal interiors. The availability of high gloss and semi-gloss finishes work well in traditional and formal settings, bringing a sense of class to any formal dining room or grand entrance hall. Parquet and wishbone patterns can now be achieved at a fraction of the cost without losing any of the grand appeal and are well suited to interiors adorned with antique or art deco furniture.
Use a light white wash laminate to achieve a county cottage or old world charm experience to your home, while bright color boards in shades of blues, greens and yellows fit perfectly in any child's playroom with the added advantage of durability that only laminate flooring can offer. Common day spills, dirt and stains can easily be wiped off with very little effort and there is very little possibility of staining.
Recently, laminate companies have introduced tile designs that represent porcelain and natural stone. Slate designs that vary in color and pattern from tile to tile ensure that no two tiles are alike and capture the same random natural feel as if it was cut from the earth.
Jaded edges and rough surfaces are now commonly found in laminate tile along with grout lines in various colors that never need cleaning or maintenance. Laminate tiles install in less than 1/5 of the time and can be installed over existing floor coverings thus reducing the cost of installation.
Laminate floors with paraffin or wax impregnated joints and waterproof cores are well suited to bathroom installations with the added advantage of being more slip resistant than ceramic or porcelain tile. Additionally you will never have to worry about cleaning mold from grout or between the tile edges.
Laminate floors are well suited to any interior design motif while being more cost effective, friendlier to the environment and easier to install and maintain when compared to all other flooring materials on the market.
Get more laminate flooring reviews and articles at laminatefloorings.net
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