The finish of a porcelain tile or the grain of a wood plank dramatically alters how light interacts with the room, defining its visual and emotional mood. Every material either reflects or absorbs light. A polished or glossy porcelain finish mirrors light, amplifying brightness and making a room feel more open and energized . Conversely, matte or textured surfaces, like structured porcelain or wire-brushed wood, diffuse light, creating soft shadows, warmth, and a cozier, more intimate environment.

Hardwood flooring offers unmatched warmth and sophistication, but designers must choose between the traditional Solid Hardwood and the modern Engineered Hardwood. Solid planks are single pieces of timber, providing exceptional longevity and the potential for multiple refinishes over a century. However, they are sensitive to moisture and limited in where they can be installed. Engineered hardwood solves this with a real wood veneer bonded to highly stable, cross-laminated layers.

When planning a flooring project, most homeowners and designers naturally focus on the surface—what you see, feel, and walk on. The wood grain, the stain, the sheen, and the color palette all contribute to a room’s aesthetic. But beneath every well-installed wood floor lies a crucial yet often overlooked component: the underlayment.

Whether you are embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply upgrading a single room, choosing the right flooring is one of the most significant investments you will make for your home. However, with an overwhelming array of materials, finishes, and installation methods available, it is easy to feel lost in the details. From the timeless appeal of solid hardwood to the modern resilience of waterproof vinyl plank, each option brings its own set of advantages and technical requirements.

Designing a truly cohesive interior is more than a series of isolated choices—it is a study in harmony and intentional material relationships. While many homeowners focus on a single favorite element, such as a striking piece of furniture or an exotic material, the most successful and enduring spaces rely on the subtle, yet powerful, relationship between three key components: floor color, wall tone, and trim finish.

While modern flooring innovations like engineered wood are designed for superior stability, featuring cross-layer construction to resist warping, their long-term performance still hinges on a critical hidden element: the underlayment. Even the most advanced flooring material requires a protective layer beneath it. Proper underlayment installation acts as the essential barrier, minimizing noise, mitigating minor subfloor imperfections, and providing critical moisture protection that ensures even the most durable wood flooring, whether solid or engineered, remains a "hidden hero" for decades to come.

When flipping a property, every decision matters—but few carry as much weight as flooring. A well-chosen floor doesn’t just make a home look more appealing; it can significantly increase resale value and help a listing stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re updating a fixer-upper or modernizing an older space, selecting the right flooring is essential for maximizing your return on investment.

When it comes to outfitting your cottage with the perfect flooring, there’s more at stake than just picking something pretty. Cottages, especially those used year-round, endure intense seasonal shifts—from hot, humid summers to cold, dry winters. That means your flooring must do more than look good—it has to perform well under extreme conditions, offer comfort, and require minimal maintenance, even in fluctuating humidity and temperatures.

When planning a new flooring project, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to handle the installation yourself or hire a professional. While cost savings can make the DIY route appealing, factors such as material type, installation complexity, and your own skill level should heavily influence your choice. Making the right call can mean the difference between a flawless finish and a frustrating, expensive do-over.

European wood flooring has long been admired in high-end interior design magazines, known for its clean lines, elegant tones, and timeless sophistication. But this design trend isn’t just reserved for showrooms—homeowners across North America are now choosing European-style hardwood flooring to bring luxury and refinement into their living spaces. So what makes European flooring so popular? Here are six standout benefits of choosing European wood flooring for your home.

Choosing to install new flooring is a big decision that can dramatically enhance the look, feel, and value of your home or commercial space. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or giving your entire property a fresh new look, the flooring you select—and more importantly, who installs it—can make all the difference.