Lana Dullaghan • 20 August 2025

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home

Selecting the right flooring is a key step in creating a harmonious and inviting home. It sets the foundation for your space and influences the overall feel and style. Here are some essential tips to help you make informed flooring choices.


1. Understand Your Needs

Consider your lifestyle when choosing flooring. Do you have kids or pets? Are you frequently entertaining guests? If so, durability and ease of cleaning should be top priorities. Write down your specific needs to guide your selection process.


2. Explore Flooring Options

Here are some popular flooring types to consider:

  • Hardwood: Known for its warmth and elegance, hardwood is durable and can last for decades. Opt for mid-tone colours like oak or walnut, avoiding very dark shades that can make a space feel cramped.
  • Laminate: A cost-effective alternative to hardwood, laminate is available in various styles and is resistant to scratches and stains.
  • Vinyl: This versatile option mimics wood or tile and is water-resistant, making it perfect for moisture-prone areas. Many vinyl choices are also suitable for underfloor heating.
  • Tile: Ideal for high-moisture areas, tiles are durable and easy to maintain. Choose mid-tone colours to keep the space inviting.
  • Carpet: Adds comfort and warmth, especially in bedrooms. Look for carpets with a mixture of neutral tones and flake for practicality.


3. Budget Wisely

When planning your flooring budget, consider both initial costs and long-term value. Hardwood may be pricier upfront but can increase your home's value. Laminate and vinyl are affordable options that can be DIY-installed, saving on labor costs.


4. Consult Professionals

Before finalizing your decision, consult flooring professionals. They can provide insights on durability, maintenance, and suitability for underfloor heating. Asking the right questions will ensure you make choices that enhance your living space.


Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring is vital for creating a cohesive and inviting home. Focus on mid-tone colours while avoiding yellow and very dark tones to maintain a balanced atmosphere. By considering your needs, exploring options, budgeting wisely, and seeking professional advice, you can make flooring choices that reflect your style and enhance your home.

Happy decorating!

Examples of different types of flooring.

The pictures are from Pinterest.

Inteiorr
by Lana Dullaghan 23 July 2025
Discover easy steps to choose the perfect colour scheme for your living room. Get tips and inspiration to refresh your space!
by Lana Dullaghan 27 November 2024
The Christmas season is the perfect time to infuse your home with festive cheer while maintaining your personal style.
by Lana Dullaghan 25 April 2024
Delve into the exquisite world of Irish linen and its fusion of tradition and modernity, sustainability, and artistry through the creation of the Emerald Wave Collection. Explore how this collection pays homage to Ireland's cultural heritage while adding a touch of contemporary elegance to living spaces, creating not just décor pieces but stories that bridge the past and present.
by Lana Dullaghan 1 April 2024
Embrace tradition and sustainability with our guide to caring for Irish linen. Protect its legacy and beauty for a greener tomorrow.
by Lana Dullaghan 14 March 2024
Embark on the journey of designing your dream kitchen with our simple step-by-step guide! Learn how to engage with a kitchen designer early, set a realistic budget, make personalised design choices, select durable worktops, coordinate worktops and splashbacks, prioritize flooring, leverage 3D visualization, and make deliberate decisions for a space that truly reflects your style and preferences. Create a functional and visually appealing kitchen that you'll love for years to come!
by Lana Dullaghan 7 February 2024
Fine art prints are a beautiful way to bring art into your space, but which type should you choose? Interior designer Lana Dullaghan debates the value of canvas vs. Giclee fine art prints to add ambiance to any room.
by Lana Dullaghan 27 January 2024
Discover the right way to frame artwork for striking interior design. From complementing colour tones to creating depth, let your art & aesthetic shine with the power of framing.
Stacked fabrics in colours ranging from green to dark pink to white.
by Lana Dullaghan 3 January 2024
Weave sustainability into your home with advice from Lana Dullaghan on how to embrace elegant, eco-friendly interior design.
by Lana Dullaghan 5 May 2023
With inspiration from the breath-taking landscapes of Ireland, Lana Dullaghan Designs seamlessly creates a tranquil master bedroom at the Ideal Home Show.
by Lana Dullaghan 15 April 2023
Interior designer Lana Dullaghan explores the inspiration behind her tranquil interior designs & how to create your own colour schemes based on Irish nature.