The current obsession with vintage-style looks in interior design shows no sign of abating. You don’t even need to trawl the car boot sales or charity-shops to find the perfect accessories, there are shops and services that have done all that hard work for you, where you can pick up your shabby chic Annie-Sloan-painted-and-distressed dresser so you never have to lift a paintbrush or scrap of sandpaper.
But what about flooring? This is a substantial element of decorating a room, and one that, if you are following vintage-style trends, can be time-, cost-, and labour- intensive. What if you you just don’t have the time to scour reclamation yards for old oak floorboards, or the will to strip, sand and whitewash your existing ones?
Do not despair! You can achieve your dream vintage look by using modern alternatives, such as laminates and vinyls. Not only are they much more affordable, but are also easier to maintain, yet will look stunning.
Here are some flooring choices that I have chosen from Carpetright, which could be used in three main interior design trends: French Rustic; Coastal/Beach House; and Mid-Century Modern.
French Rustic
This Chateau White Rustic is perfect for channelling French Rustic Style. It resembles old wine and fruit crates, and its thickness means that it even sounds authentic underfoot – but can you imagine what it would cost in time and effort to achieve this look using authentic materials? This is a much smarter option, and is hardwearing, so ideal for a lounge, dining room, or kitchen.
Coastal/Beach House Style
Coastal or Beach House Style is one of the most popular trends of the last few years, closely related to the shabby chic trend. White-washed floorboards might seem the ideal base for this look, but why not try this Rothschild Painted Pine laminate flooring as an alternative? Shown here in a nursery, it would be just as perfect in any coastal-inspired room, and would save you all that effort of stripping, sanding and painting your existing floorboards.
Mid-century Modern
One of my favourite interior design trends of the moment is Mid-Century Modern, or the 1950s look. This was a great era for modernist interior design, but when it comes to flooring, you might not want to replicate the look exactly (I’m thinking wall-to-wall mustard-coloured carpets, or some crazy-patterned lino). A modern alternative would be a vinyl in a single vibrant colour, like this True Colurs vinyl flooring in orange. I think it would be perfect for a child’s playroom, or a dining room, but being waterproof and with a slip resistant finish it would also be good in a bathroom or kitchen.
An even simpler (and cheaper) way to bring the Mid-Century Modern look to an interior, without changing the existing flooring, is with a rug. This Triangle Chicago Rug would complement any piece of 1950s, or Mid-Century Modern style furniture, making a statement and providing a focal point and colour pallet on which to base the rest of the room design.
Three vintage-style looks that can all be achieved easily and affordably with modern flooring. I must admit that before researching for this post I’d never have thought that there were such fabulous modern alternatives to traditional flooring, and I have been genuinely impressed at the range and choice at Carpetright, who feature in this post. And now I want a room with an orange vinyl floor, who’d have thought it 🙂
Linking up with Love Chic Living’s #LoveYourHome linky:
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on May 30, 2014 at 9:37 am
I know! That’s exactly what I thought after looking at the selection. I love the rustic look at the too, but mid century modern and the orange, looks amazing too!
Amanda recently posted…Recent Pins : Summer Hues
I’d never have thought about vinyl, but doesn’t that orange look cool 🙂
Molly recently posted…Monkey Tea: New Fruit and Herbal Infusions from PG
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on June 2, 2014 at 9:48 am
Great flooring options. Not seen the rustic stencilled style before, that’s cool. Also loving the orange, although I wouldn’t have expected to! I’m thinking it would be a nice pop of colour in our downstairs loo. X
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Thanks for popping by. I wouldn’t have expected to like the orange either, but looks fab and yes, wouldn’t it look good in a loo 😉
Molly recently posted…Monkey Tea: New Fruit and Herbal Infusions from PG
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on June 2, 2014 at 12:47 pm
Oh wow, these floors are beautiful! I am genuinely surprised by how FAB these look 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I am inspired! #loveyourhome
Lucy recently posted…Interior design for beginners
Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂 I surprised myself too, I really didn’t know there was such choice of flooring available.
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on June 2, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Now that I am back in a proper job I might have to invest in some of this flooring, saves on a whole lot of hard work ! Def have to be the beachy one for me. Great post Molly xx
Karen Jones recently posted…
I opened your comment with trepidation Karen, as I was thinking you’d be horrified at anything less then stripped, sanded and painted floorboards! Phew, all is ok!
Molly recently posted…New Saucepans for Old: Delimano Ceramica Review
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on June 2, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Like everyone else has said, I am really surprised at how good the orange vinyl looks!! Who would have thought it could fit in so well…
Amanda recently posted…What to wear for BritMums Live… my mini fashion shoot!
It’s a wonder! Thanks for commenting – I shall definitely be popping over to see your What to wear to Britmums Live post – though I have just got a new dress 🙂
Molly recently posted…New Saucepans for Old: Delimano Ceramica Review
I LOVE that first one with the writing on – so clever. What amazing options and I bet they are so much easier to keep clean, warm and shiny than the actual floorboards. My house is so draughty, and we have terrible vinyl on the kitchen floor – I would love some colour in there!
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on June 4, 2014 at 12:36 pm
I love the fruit crating flooring, I have never seen anything like that before. There is so many fab flooring ideas out there now, the flooring is so important in a room design so it is fab there is such a wide range to choose from now. I have decided what floor for my twins bedroom but there is too much choice!
Very unusual isn’t it. Good luck with decorating the twin’s bedroom, and thanks for stopping by!
Molly recently posted…Sheridan Luxury Bed Linen and Lifestyle
Everything is beautiful! But what is very impressive is the Mid-century modern style. That is perfectly awesome and it compliments the furniture. All in all, fabulous idea, Molly!