5 Flooring Trends Interior Designers Are Obsessing Over in 2023

Like fashion, interior design goes through ebbs and flows of what’s hot and not. Fashion loves the resurgence of Y2K, 90’s pop grunge and athleisure Princess Diana vibes. At the same time, interior design has its revivals growing in parallel. From lush carpets to classic hardwood, we look into the latest flooring trends of 2023.

Herringbone flooring

A favourite among interior designers, herringbone dates back to the Roman Empire, coining its name from the herring fish skeleton. The interlocking system made it highly stable. However, the pattern didn’t become globally popular until the 1600s. Having been used heavily throughout Europe, it depicts status and wealth. These days, herringbone flooring is commonly used in Scandinavian homes, especially in apartments.

Concrete floors

While they are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes throughout New Zealand, concrete floors are not a modern innovation. Gravels, cement and sands have been mixed together and compounded for thousands of years, dating back to paved roads circa 2500BC.

These days, concrete floors are a durable, robust solution for residential and commercial projects alike. Concrete flooring has become more affordable and is a popular choice for its fire-resistant qualities and the many options for colour and grain. The downside to concrete is that it’s as cold as the pavement outside without underfloor heating. Coupling that with the fact it can be really hard on elderly joints or little ones falling - it’s not practical for everyone.

Hybrid Flooring

One of the newest products to come onto the market is Hybrid Flooring. Crafted with a Limestone Core, this engineered product has been penned as almost ‘indestructible’. Compared to traditional wooden or timber flooring, Hybrid Flooring holds its own against stilettos, pets, and everyday wear and tear. Lasting anywhere from one to two decades and coming in various choices, it’s no wonder Interior Designers often recommend going Hybrid. It doesn’t hurt that the price is more economical than timber or wood, and they’ll look new for twice as long - if not more.

Loop carpet

Carpet is a favourite in many New Zealand homes due to its insulation properties and how lush it feels underfoot. Compared to your everyday cut-pile carpet - which should only be used in investment properties or inexpensive motels - looped wool or hypoallergenic polyblends add sophistication. It can be a more straightforward design choice as looped carpets often have multiple colours and tones running through them, and you can pull them from your home. In contrast, the cut pile can be pretty flat in its monochromatic profile.

Heritage Collection Floor Tiles by Ricchetti

Redifining romanticism’, these perfectly unperfect tiles come in different shapes and sizes, with organic edges that emulate nothing but feelings of ‘old Italy’. Used indoors and for exteriors, why not do something different and add a homage to your next reno?

When choosing any flooring for your home, the best advice is to lean into the style of the space you’re designing. Remember, even if something is trending, if you don’t love it day in and day out, don’t go for it - trends come and go, but your flooring will be forever... or a good 20 years.