Hardwood Flooring Design and Styles in Madison, Wisconsin
Feel comfortable making the right hardwood flooring design choices with this helpful blog.
Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a balance of beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. Hardwood can complement almost any design aesthetic, from traditional styles to modern decor. In this blog, we’ll go over some standard hardwood flooring designs and styles and even hear from some of our FLOOR360 expert design team. Let’s dive in.
Traditional vs. Modern Hardwood Flooring Styles
When it comes to hardwood flooring, the choice between traditional and modern styles largely depends on the ambiance you want to create. Traditional hardwood flooring is often characterized by rich, warm tones and classic wood species like oak, cherry, and walnut. These woods, paired with darker stains and wider planks, evoke a sense of timeless elegance and have a natural grain pattern that adds character to the space. They are ideal for homeowners looking to create a cozy, welcoming environment that is more traditional in feel.
Courtney Wollersheim
In FLOOR360’s Courtney Wollersheim’s words, “Dark hardwood is a traditional design style choice for interiors that reaches far back into history. It evokes tradition and elegance so the selection immediately provides an opportunity for contrast in color and dramatic, cozy vibes.”
On the other hand, modern hardwood flooring styles have evolved to meet contemporary tastes. Lighter wood species such as maple and ash, or lightly stained woods in pale neutrals or greys, are increasingly popular. These floors are often smoother, with less pronounced grain patterns, providing a sleek, minimalist look. Narrow planks and mixed-width layouts can also add a modern twist, helping spaces feel open and uncluttered. Whether you lean toward the warm comfort of traditional hardwood or prefer the clean lines of modern styles, there’s a hardwood option to fit your home’s overall aesthetic.
Ways to Incorporate Patterns and Designs
You don’t have to install hardwood in straight, uniform planks. Today, more homeowners are choosing to use patterns and unique designs to make their floors stand out. One popular choice is herringbone or chevron patterns, where the wood planks are laid at angles to form a zigzag or “V” shape. These patterns add a layer of sophistication and visual interest to any room, making the flooring a focal point rather than just a backdrop.
Another way to incorporate design is through parquet flooring, where small wood pieces are arranged in geometric patterns. Parquet floors often bring a touch of luxury and intricacy, especially in formal spaces such as dining rooms or entryways. Borders, inlays, and mixing wood species are other creative ways to add contrast and depth to your hardwood floors. The flexibility of hardwood flooring allows you to personalize your space, and patterns or unique arrangements can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
Hardwood Flooring for Different Rooms and Areas of the House
When choosing hardwood flooring for your home, it’s essential to consider the function of each room. While hardwood is versatile and durable, the type of wood and its finish can affect how well it holds up in specific environments.
For living rooms and bedrooms, almost any type of hardwood flooring can work, as these spaces typically see moderate foot traffic. Here, you can focus on aesthetic choices that enhance the comfort and design of your room. Richer tones in the living room can add a sense of luxury, while lighter tones in bedrooms can create a relaxing and calming environment.
In high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways, durability becomes more important. Harder wood species like oak or maple are excellent choices because they resist dents and scratches better. A matte or satin finish can also hide small imperfections, helping the floors maintain their appearance over time.
When it comes to kitchens, hardwood flooring is a viable option but requires a bit more consideration. Spills and moisture are common, so it’s important to choose a wood species and finish that can handle a bit of wear. Engineered hardwood, which has a more stable core, can offer better resistance to moisture while still giving the natural beauty of real wood.
Matching Hardwood Flooring to Existing Décor
One of the most important aspects of choosing hardwood flooring is ensuring it complements your existing décor, especially if you’re refinishing existing hardwood or replacing your flooring to new hardwood. The color, grain, and finish of the wood should all harmonize with the room’s furniture, wall colors, and overall style.
For a seamless look, you can choose a hardwood tone that complements the wood tones already present in your furniture. Lighter wood floors pair well with modern or Scandinavian styles, where simplicity and light are key elements. FLOOR360’s Autumn Stankovsky explains the classic Scandinavian look:
Autumn Stankovsky
“Light and airy colors with lots of white and pops of tans and beige. Use real or faux plants for accent colors. Floors and furniture are pale color woods with long, clean, sleek lines. The overall feel is minimal but comfy and cozy.”
If you’re looking for contrast, mixing lighter floors with darker furniture (or vice versa) can create a bold, modern look. Alternatively, if your decor features eclectic or colorful elements, neutral hardwood floors in medium tones can serve as a perfect backdrop without overwhelming the space.
Trends in Hardwood Flooring Design
Hardwood flooring trends are constantly evolving, offering new ways to incorporate this classic material into your home. One significant trend is the rise of wide planks, which can make a room feel more expansive and provide a modern, open look. These wider boards showcase more of the wood’s natural beauty and grain, adding an organic feel to spaces.
Another trend is the shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly options. Homeowners are increasingly choosing reclaimed wood or certified sustainable hardwoods. This trend supports environmental responsibility and provides floors with unique character and history.
Textured finishes, such as hand-scraped or wire-brushed wood, are also gaining popularity. These finishes give the floor a more lived-in, rustic appearance, which contrasts beautifully with sleek modern furnishings. They can also be more forgiving when it comes to showing wear and tear, making them a great option for homes with kids or pets.
Kelly Kuehn
FLOOR360 designer and Kashou Design Studio manager Kelly Kuehn has some ideas for 2025 hardwood flooring trends. “Light natural shades in hardwood and wood-look vinyl and laminates will be everywhere. People are seeking out wood with grooves, knots, and character that bring the outside beauty of nature inside.”
Hardwood flooring remains one of the most versatile and timeless choices for homes in Madison, Wisconsin. Whether you’re leaning toward traditional or modern styles, looking to experiment with patterns, or considering sustainability, there’s a hardwood floor design that can suit your needs and preferences perfectly. If you’d like a design consultation with one of our expert team members or want to learn more about what hardwood flooring would look like in your home, reach out to us today.
You don’t have to install hardwood in straight, uniform planks. Today, more homeowners are choosing to use patterns and unique designs to make their floors stand out. One popular choice is herringbone or chevron patterns, where the wood planks are laid at angles to form a zigzag or “V” shape. These patterns add a layer of sophistication and visual interest to any room, making the flooring a focal point rather than just a backdrop.
Another way to incorporate design is through parquet flooring, where small wood pieces are arranged in geometric patterns. Parquet floors often bring a touch of luxury and intricacy, especially in formal spaces such as dining rooms or entryways. Borders, inlays, and mixing wood species are other creative ways to add contrast and depth to your hardwood floors. The flexibility of hardwood flooring allows you to personalize your space, and patterns or unique arrangements can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
For living rooms and bedrooms, almost any type of hardwood flooring can work, as these spaces typically see moderate foot traffic. Here, you can focus on aesthetic choices that enhance the comfort and design of your room. Richer tones in the living room can add a sense of luxury, while lighter tones in bedrooms can create a relaxing and calming environment.
In high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways, durability becomes more important. Harder wood species like oak or maple are excellent choices because they resist dents and scratches better. A matte or satin finish can also hide small imperfections, helping the floors maintain their appearance over time.
When it comes to kitchens, hardwood flooring is a viable option but requires a bit more consideration. Spills and moisture are common, so it’s important to choose a wood species and finish that can handle a bit of wear. Engineered hardwood, which has a more stable core, can offer better resistance to moisture while still giving the natural beauty of real wood.
Another trend is the shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly options. Homeowners are increasingly choosing reclaimed wood or certified sustainable hardwoods. This trend supports environmental responsibility and provides floors with unique character and history.
Textured finishes, such as hand-scraped or wire-brushed wood, are also gaining popularity. These finishes give the floor a more lived-in, rustic appearance, which contrasts beautifully with sleek modern furnishings. They can also be more forgiving when it comes to showing wear and tear, making them a great option for homes with kids or pets.
