Why Choosing the Right Flooring Matters in Interior Design

Q&A with Interior Stylist Emma Sykes from Emhaus Creative in collaboration with Floorworld

When it comes to creating a home that feels both beautiful and functional, one design element often gets overlooked… the flooring. Yet, it’s the foundation of every space, influencing everything from how light reflects in a room to how your furniture and decor come together.

I recently transformed my own home with the Quick-Step Majestic Laminate range in Desert Oak Light Natural, supplied by Floorworld, and the results completely changed the look and feel of the space. Here, I answer some of the most common questions I get about flooring and why it’s such an important part of Interior Design.

Why is flooring such an important element in Interior Design?

Flooring forms the foundation of every room, both literally and visually. It’s the surface you see and feel every day, and it influences how a space looks, feels, and functions. The right flooring can make a home feel warm, open, and inviting, while the wrong one can disrupt the entire flow of your interiors.

Beyond aesthetics, flooring impacts acoustics, comfort, and durability. For example, timber, laminate or hybrid flooring adds warmth and texture, while tiles or polished concrete bring a sleek, contemporary look. Designers often say that flooring is the first design decision that should be made, as it sets the tone for all other choices, from wall colours to furniture and finishes.

How does flooring affect the overall mood or style of a room?

Flooring acts as a visual anchor. The tone, texture, and colour all influence the mood of a space. Light oak or whitewashed flooring creates a bright, airy feel that’s perfect for coastal, Scandinavian, or modern homes. Dark walnut or smoked tones add richness and depth, ideal for creating a moody, sophisticated atmosphere.

Texture also plays a big role. Smooth finishes create a sleek and minimal look, while matte or textured floors feel relaxed and organic. The grain pattern, plank width, and even the direction of the boards can change how large or intimate a room feels.

For example, laying planks parallel to the longest wall can make a narrow space appear wider. In my home, the light oak tone brightened every corner and allowed the natural light to bounce beautifully across the rooms. It also became a versatile base for styling, working seamlessly with both neutral and textured decor elements.

What factors should homeowners consider before choosing flooring?

Start with lifestyle first, then aesthetics. Every household has different needs, and the right flooring should balance beauty with practicality.

Here are a few key considerations:

• Durability: High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms benefit from durable options such as hybrid, laminate, or engineered timber.
• Maintenance: Consider how much upkeep you’re comfortable with. Some materials require regular sealing or polishing, while others are designed for easy cleaning.
• Moisture resistance: Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens need water-resistant flooring options to avoid warping or damage.
• Comfort: If you spend a lot of time on your feet, opt for flooring that’s soft underfoot, such as vinyl or carpet in bedrooms.
• Climate: Flooring can also affect insulation. Timber and carpet feel warmer underfoot, while tiles are ideal for warmer climates.
  
  

Once you’ve narrowed down the practicalities, you can focus on style. Tone, texture, and finish should complement your home’s overall design direction.

How do you make sure your flooring choice complements your interior style?

Always begin with your overall design vision. Is your home coastal, modern farmhouse, contemporary, or classic? Once you know that, you can match your flooring’s tone and texture to that theme.

For instance, I wanted my home to feel calm, light, and timeless, a reflection of natural textures and a relaxed aesthetic. That’s why I was drawn to Desert Oak Light Natural. It’s soft underfoot, has subtle grain detailing, and its neutral tone works beautifully with my interior styling palette of whites, beige, and warm timbers.

If you’re unsure, bring home large flooring samples from Floorworld and see how they look in different lighting throughout the day. Natural light can completely change how a colour appears.

What are some common mistakes people make when choosing flooring?

The biggest mistake is choosing flooring in isolation, without thinking about the rest of the home. Flooring should connect the rooms visually, not compete with them. Another mistake is focusing only on appearance and not on practicality.

Durability, maintenance, and comfort all matter. For example, if you love the look of oak but need something more durable for family life and pets, laminate or hybrid flooring can give you that same beautiful aesthetic with added resilience and affordability.

Another mistake is not considering lighting. The same flooring can look completely different in natural versus artificial light, so always view samples in your own home before deciding.

Any tips for styling around new flooring?

Once your new floors are installed, let them shine! Avoid covering them up with overly large rugs or heavy furniture. Instead, use rugs to define spaces and add softness while allowing the flooring’s tone and texture to show through.

Layer complementary materials like timber furniture, linen textiles, and soft lighting pair beautifully with natural flooring tones. If your floors are darker, lighten the rest of your palette with neutral or warm shades. If they’re light, introduce warmth through timber accents, textiles, or artwork.

Why did you choose the Quick-Step Majestic Laminate range for your home?

I wanted flooring that combined beauty, practicality, and quality. The Quick-Step Majestic Laminate range, available through Floorworld, ticked all the boxes.

The Desert Oak Light Natural tone is warm and authentic, perfectly suited to the calm, layered look I love to create. The planks are extra-long and wide, which helps make my rooms feel spacious and cohesive. Plus, the surface is durable and resistant to scratches and spills, ideal for everyday life. Once the floors went in, the whole space felt instantly elevated, and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.