Mixing and matching different hardwood species and colors within a home can be a bold stylistic choice. No interior design rule states that a home must have uniform floors throughout. Nonetheless, many homeowners tend to go for the same species of hardwood in all the rooms of their home.
However, if it fits your tastes, you can give your home a unique feel by mixing and matching your hardwood floors. Let’s have a look at some options that all achieve a different effect.
Location
Homeowners who don’t want obvious differences between their hardwood floors might want to divide them by location. For example, you could have white oak downstairs and a different species such as maple upstairs. That would allow you to make them as contrasted and different-looking as you like, while still preserving the design cohesiveness of each floor. Separating two types of hardwood by the floor might be the mix-and-match design option that suits your tastes.
Emphasizing the Differences
If you prefer an eclectic design, different hardwood floors could play an important role in achieving this effect. Each room could have a unique theme and style, emphasized by the hardwood floor species that fits best. For example, light floors can be matched with slightly distressed cabinets to create a farmhouse kitchen vibe, while the dining room could have dark, luxurious floors paired with furniture that gives it a formal feel. The amount of options you have is limitless.
Minimizing the Differences
On the other hand, it’s possible to minimize the differences between two species of hardwood, even with adjoining rooms. For example, you might pick out different species that both have a similar color and texture. The place where they meet will then look a little less noticeable. Alternatively, if you have two colors to work with, introduce a border in the opposite color into each of the rooms. That will make your design look very intentional and make the transition between the two adjoining rooms smoother.
Cohesiveness
Mixing and matching hardwood floors can be difficult if you want to retain the cohesiveness of the design. To accomplish that, you can turn to other elements that match. Use similar lines of furniture, complementary colors and textures, and ensure that nothing looks out of place.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about different hardwood species, as well as mixing and matching them in your home. Visit our showroom to see what we can offer!
