Since the living room is one of the most used places in a home, upgrading it to a higher standard would be the desire of any homeowner. And one of the ways this can be done is to concentrate on the flooring. Stone suppliers in London can offer you many options to choose from – wood, vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, carpeting, stone. Although natural stone was earlier considered to be only for the rich and famous, with improved technology and tools, the process of cutting and finishing natural stone has now become cost-effective. And, due to the various assets of natural stone, it is a one-of-a-kind choice to upgrade the flooring in your living room.
With the strength and resilience of natural stone, like granite and marble, it is perfect for flooring in the living room, which will be prone to heavy use. Being more stain-proof than other materials is an additional benefit. Natural stone does not absorb heat quickly and so will be cool during the summer. With radiant in-floor heating systems, it will keep the flooring warm in the winter. The natural materials and luminescent colour will add vibrancy to the room, and yet it will appear clean and tidy.
A few simple ways to upgrade the flooring of your living room are to focus on:
Flooring theme: Matching your flooring to the “theme” of the rest of the living room is essential. Different natural stones will portray variant effects. For instance, using oversized granite tiles or odd-shaped pieces will create a grand flooring theme. Choosing the type of stone that will blend with a fireplace or the furniture will add to the ambience of your living room.
Enhancing appearances: The size of the tiles used is a good factor. If the room is small, using large format tiles can make it appear larger with fewer grout lines. Small mosaic type tiles will give a carpet-like appearance to the floor and despite more grout lines can also flow well as they can be easily fitted around fixtures. To make a larger room cosier, using smaller tiles as a border with larger tiles in the middle will be an option. If it is a long, rectangular room, rectangular or plank size tiles across the flooring will make the area look wider. Using the same colour and finish of tile in different shapes – squares, rectangles, octagons – in a random pattern will enhance the texture.
The tiles finish: A polished, high gloss reflective surface will bring out the colours and natural veining in the stone. A brushed stone finish, while smooth to the touch, can still create a natural finish, giving the room an antiquated feeling of warmth. Honed tiles, though with a smooth finish, will not be shiny but will give a matt, rustic finish to the flooring. Limestone, when cut into narrow, long tiles, can resemble planks of wood and it has striking grain patterns.
Lighting: The effect of lighting affects the appearance of the flooring, so you should obtain expert advice on lighting fixtures to bring out the elegance of the stone flooring. Polished marble by reflecting upward enhances natural lighting.
Colours: Natural stone comes in a variety of colours, and the choice of colour will also play a big part in upgrading the flooring of your living room. There are light colours which will brighten the space and make it feel larger and airier. Darker colours will look more elegant, and if the room is enormous, they will absorb the light making the room look smaller and cosier. The grout colour will also be an essential aspect to consider.
While natural stone is becoming more popular in homes, there are still a few factors to consider. Though easier to clean and maintain, some natural stones are more porous than others and will require sealants for protection. Also, re-sealing may need to be done regularly, depending on the type of stone used.
Your stone dealer will guide you with the most suitable type of material for your living room. Many dealers in the UK can provide all the necessary information, guidance and advice to help you achieve the dream you have longed for – to upgrade your living room!
