Designing a new home or renovating a lived-in abode is a labour of love – one that is fuelled by a desire of giving the space a distinct character and a vibe that matches your own. While you sort through multiple materials, themes, wall art and decor pieces, you must also focus equally on the flooring design options available. Don’t settle for the conventional stones, tiles and hardwoods that are usually the standard choices.

1- Mosaic : Small pieces of colored stones (known as tesserae) can be put together to form beautiful pattern to achieve a dramatic effect. These pieces have a marked sheen, not too different from the mother of pearl. The finished flooring work is a delight.

2- Exposed brick : Exposed brick flooring works wonderfully in the living and dining areas as well as in the kitchen. For the ones who dream of owning a cottage in the countryside, this is an ideal way of bringing a piece of the uncomplicated life into their space.

3- Patch work : There’s something cheerfully unassuming about this bohemian and artful floor. Because of its inherent busy design, patchwork tile flooring usually becomes the centre of attraction in any space. Patchwork floors can look gorgeously inviting in open or closed courtyards/ verandahs, intimate bedrooms and sun-lit bathrooms.

4- Concrete : This is one of the most, if not the most, economical flooring options, with the lowest material, finishing, labour and time costs involved. Not to mention, concrete flooring is immensely long lasting and can endure the worst of treatments.

5- Glass : Glass is one of the most versatile and one of the most visually stunning materials. But beyond its use in creating seamless building structures, glass also makes for crafting mystically beautiful flooring. Although glass floors look especially resplendent in balconies, bathrooms and walkways, you can choose to install them in bedrooms and dining areas if you have a taste for drama. 

6- Flat pebbles : Reminiscent of the sedating calmness of flowing water, river rock pebbles are a classic flooring option for areas, such as bathrooms, balconies and terraces. Since they are smooth and flat surfaced, it’s easy to construct a sturdy pathway of stone slabs or thick wooden panels on top of the stone bed.

7- Broken Stone : This is crafted from natural stone that is unevenly broken and pieced together like a puzzle on the floor. Broken stone floors look most enchanting in long, open spaces that bring out the beauty of their wild lines, thus making them ideal for hallways, stairwells and larger rooms.

8- Terrazzo Flooring : One of the most versatile and adaptable flooring material, made from marble, granite, quartz and other stone chips, it’s a favourite with many interior designers. Using various combinations and concentration of materials, you can create differently hued mixes

9- Painted : It is easy to understand the reservation one might have with painted floors. We can imagine the long term upkeep that is required of any painted surface. Unpolished hardwood panelling as well as finished or unfinished concrete surfaces can be suitable canvases. A great accompanying advantage is that you can conveniently and swiftly give your room a major makeover simply by repainting the flooring differently.

10- Terracotta Clay: These kiln-baked ceramic tiles are deep red or brown in color and are equally suitable for both indoor and outdoor floors. They are strong, long-lasting and possess an innate coziness. They are also especially great for colder climates as they retain heat and are comfortable to walk on, with bare feet.