Choosing the right flooring is one of the most impactful decisions you can make during a home renovation or build. It sets the tone for your entire interior, affecting everything from lighting to acoustics. In a recent behind-the-scenes look at several finished projects, Roman Miller from LKV Flooring showcased three distinct styles that are currently dominating the market.
Whether you’re looking for classic Australian timber or the intricate patterns of European design, here is a breakdown of what’s trending in high-end flooring.
Natural Blackbutt: The Wide-Plank Classic
Natural Blackbutt remains a staple for those who want a bright, airy, and quintessentially Australian feel. One of the most popular configurations right now is the 180mm wide-plank engineered board.
The Look
A smooth, matte finish that highlights the natural warmth of the wood.
Pro Tip
High-quality engineered boxes usually contain a mix of full-length boards and shorter “staggering” boards. Professional installers are essential here because they know how to stagger these lengths perfectly so the shorter boards are tucked away in low-traffic areas, leaving the long, beautiful spans of timber front and center.
Installation
Glue-down installation is preferred for these wide boards to ensure they feel solid and quiet underfoot.
Spotted Gum: The Rich, Popular Alternative
If Blackbutt is a bit too light for your taste, Spotted Gum is the natural alternative. It offers a richer color palette and is frequently cited alongside Blackbutt as the most popular Australian species on the market today.
Modern Staircase Solutions
When transitioning these floors to a second level, many homeowners are opting to “box out” their staircases. If you have an older, rounded first step, it can be updated to a modern square mitered edge. This allows the engineered floorboards to wrap seamlessly around the step, creating a sleek, contemporary look that is often more cost-effective than trying to wrap curved boards.
Herringbone Oak: Practicality Meets Elegance
For those who want a touch of European sophistication, Herringbone remains the pattern of choice. Beyond its visual appeal, choosing a natural clear finish (with no added stain) offers significant practical benefits.
Durability and Maintenance
A matte, brushed finish is excellent for hiding tiny daily scratches. Because there is no artificial stain, a scratch in the wood is much easier to repair. You can often apply a small amount of varnish to the spot, whereas a stained board might require a full board replacement to match the color perfectly.
Versatility
Herringbone is robust enough to handle active areas—even home gyms—provided you use basic protection like mats under heavy equipment.
The Verdict
The current trend is a return to the classics. Homeowners are moving away from overly processed or heavily stained floors and returning to the natural beauty of Australian species or the timeless patterns of Oak.
When selecting your next floor, consider not just the color, but the plank width and the finish. A wider board or a specific pattern like Herringbone can completely change the scale and feel of your room.
