Elevate aesthetics and add an air of sophistication with high-end luxury flooring materials. From opulent marble to elegant parquet, there are plenty of options to suit your taste and budget.
Natural stone oozes elegance and sophistication, while unique veining patterns make every slab one-of-a-kind. Hardy woods like hickory and mahogany bring warmth, character, and durability to your home.
1. Natural Stone
Natural stone is a timeless, luxurious choice for your home or project. It’s been a staple in classical monuments and high-end buildings for centuries, and it continues to be the go-to for homeowners and designers alike. From marble to travertine, and granite to slate, the wide variety of stone flooring options offers design flexibility to suit your aesthetic.
Stone tile flooring is quarried from around the world, bringing the beauty of nature indoors. As a result, every tile has its own unique variations in shape and color, ensuring that your floor is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s also extremely durable, and you can expect it to last decades without needing a rigorous maintenance regimen.
While natural stone can be more expensive than other materials, it adds a touch of luxury that’s often worth the investment. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, consider porcelain tile, which has the look of natural stone but doesn’t require the same level of upkeep. Epoxy is popular in residential applications too. It’s important to understand the different cost differences between these options, and to seek advice from a design expert who can help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs. The right flooring can be an invaluable investment that will boost your property value and provide a beautiful space for you to live in for years to come.
2. Parquet
Parquet is a wood flooring style that features inlaid wooden blocks in geometric patterns. These include various riffs on square motifs, such as herringbone and chevron, and can also incorporate more unconventional takes, like sunbursts or medallions. First popularized in the 1600s at Versailles, it has long been associated with luxury and opulence. This floor type is both striking and durable, as well as relatively easy to install. The price tag will vary depending on the species of wood and the pattern, with pine and maple floors being cheaper than oak and herringbone varieties.
A parquet wood floor will bring a touch of class and sophistication to any space. Its geometric angular design stands out far more than traditional flooring planks, and its history with European aristocrats means it has an aura of luxury. It can also help make rooms appear larger and add visual interest, whether in the classic herringbone or more vibrant chevron pattern.
Parquet floors can be fairly costly, whether you opt for solid, 100% original wood or premanufactured parquet. However, the investment is worth it for those who value beauty and elegance in their home. Unlike carpets, parquet wood floors don’t absorb dust and other allergens, making them an ideal choice for those with sensitive allergies.
3. Marble
Marble is a classic flooring material that can add a sense of grandeur to any home. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so homeowners can find the perfect fit for their design style. In addition, marble floors are hypoallergenic and warm enough to walk on barefoot.
Whether it’s a timeless white Carrara marble in the bathroom or sleek black in the kitchen, marble seamlessly integrates with many different design styles. It’s also a beautiful choice for luxury apartments, where it can create a sophisticated atmosphere that is both modern and timeless.
The beauty of marble starts as limestone that undergoes millions of years of metamorphosis under intense heat and pressure, creating a natural stone that can be polished to a brilliant shine. The polished finish reflects light to make rooms feel bright and spacious. Marble is also durable and easy to maintain. It is resistant to stains, scratches and water damage.
There are several types of marble, including Bardiglio which is greyish and has light linear streaks; Giallo Monforte which has a solid yellow shade that looks like real gold; or Nero Marquinia which is dark with striking linear white and light-colored veining. Depending on your preferences, you can also choose from herringbone and chevron patterns, which use different sized planks to form geometrically uniformed zigzag shapes.
4. Concrete
Concrete flooring isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of luxury interior design, but it has a great deal to offer. Frequently associated with industrial style homes, where it is a staple among exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood details, it is also increasingly being used in modern and contemporary homes.
The fact that concrete is so versatile means it can be stained, etched, or coated to take on the look of just about any flooring material you can think of. Depending on the type of stain or overlay you choose, the outcome can be stunning, and it’s also possible to refresh the floor later by simply applying a new color.
Aside from concrete, there are a number of other high-end flooring materials that can work well in luxury homes. One option is Laminate flooring, which has come a long way and is now almost indistinguishable from real hardwood. It’s an extremely durable and low-maintenance option that can be sanded down to restore it to its original glory or scuffed to create a more contemporary look. It’s also a good choice for open-plan spaces, where it eliminates fussy join lines that can distract the eye from other features of the room.
5. Neutral Colours
Using neutrals in flooring makes it easy to refresh interior design without having to change major items like cabinets or furniture. Plus, lighter shades reflect light and create an illusion of open space in a room. The right mix of neutrals can even evoke feelings of warmth and sophistication.
For example, greige flooring has warm undertones that can elevate a space while still being a neutral shade. It’s also a versatile color that can pair well with both contemporary and traditional styles.
Other luxury flooring ideas include rich woods like oak, walnut, and mahogany. They add an element of elegance and grandeur that is hard to replicate with other materials. And, they complement luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade.
When it comes to high-end flooring, there is no limit to what you can choose from. From the soft, plush feel of carpets to the natural beauty of marble and hardwood, these materials can create a sophisticated ambiance in any home. And, they will add lasting value to your home’s resale value.
6. Herringbone and Chevron
Herringbone and Chevron wood flooring have long been classic additions to European design, adding an ageless sophistication that never goes out of style. Though they seem very similar at first glance, understanding the subtle differences between these two parquet floor patterns will help you decide which is right for your home.
Herringbone wood floors feature interlocking zigzag planks that create a geometric harmony in any room. This timeless pattern has been popular since its construction in 16th-century Europe, and has become a staple of palaces and grand houses. The Herringbone pattern is also an excellent choice for a modern kitchen, where it adds a touch of elegance to a concrete-like floor tile.
The chevron wood flooring pattern has the same beauty of the herringbone, but the differences come with the angles of each plank’s ends. When laid out, the chevron pattern gives the appearance of V-shaped arrows pointing in one direction. It is an ideal option for small rooms, and a great way to create a sense of movement in a large space.
7. Soft Carpets
Incorporating opulent materials into a space creates an immediate sense of luxury and sophistication. These materials can also elevate perceived value and provide a tactile experience. Choosing the right flooring for your home is important, as it sets the stage for the space and adds depth and dimension.
Whether it’s marble, Versailles parquet, or hand-scraped hardwoods, the right flooring can make your home feel luxurious and elegant. Exotic woods like mahogany and teak are popular among homeowners who want to add elegance and a natural touch to their spaces. These premium hardwoods are durable and have a rich color that makes them perfect for luxury homes.
In addition to high-end hardwood floors, you can choose from different tile finishes that create a unique and personalized ambiance. For example, polished tiles offer a glossy surface that reflects light and accentuates the design of your space. While honed tiles have a subtle, matte finish that evokes a sophisticated feel. Other opulent materials to consider include gold or silver for fixtures, hardware, and decorative accents, as well as crystal, which introduces radiant elegance.