Flooring Trends in Commercial Interiors

Over the past few years, trends in commercial interiors have seen a variety of changes. Interior designers and architects are making intentional design choices to meet the changing needs of various workforces. Although it might not be the first thing you think of, flooring plays an incredibly important role when considering both the aesthetic and functional design of a space. And flooring isn’t exempt from the shifting trends.

Here are flooring trends in commercial flooring as we enter 2024. 

Sustainability 

Sustainability is always on the minds of designers, and flooring is no exception. It’s always on the minds of consumers, too. Today’s customers think about the impact their choices make on the environment. They are actively seeking manufacturers and flooring options that reduce their carbon footprint and are designed to last. One example of sustainable flooring making an impact is terrazzo. A poured composite, terrazzo is known for its low maintenance, longevity, and ability to incorporate recycled materials. Many customers and designers are also turning to made-to-order goods such as custom vinyl flooring. In this way, they only buy exactly what they need when they need it. 

Biophilic Design

In addition to thinking about sustainability, many architects and designers are incorporating biophilic design elements into commercial interiors, including flooring. Biophilic design incorporates elements of nature such as organic patterns, earthy tones and textures, and natural material choices such as stone and wood. Biophilic design has been proven to have positive effects on the health and productivity of those who work and live in these spaces. Flooring with natural motifs can be a smart solution for healthcare interiors.

Acoustics

Good acoustics in your space include thinking about your floors. Flooring influences sound in your space immensely and designers are favoring flooring materials that are sound-absorbing. By muffling sound, it is prevented from carrying throughout an entire space. This element of flooring is especially important in healthcare settings, where there are many different sources emitting sounds. Excess noise in these places can have poor effects on patients and workers alike. Some flooring materials known for aiding in acoustics include carpeting, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and rubber flooring. 

Other Trends of Note 

In addition to the broad trends above, there are a few other smaller trends in commercial flooring worth noting. For example, many designers are considering color psychology when designing their spaces, including on floors. Color has a significant impact on our perception of our environment. With this in mind, each industry and customer base can be matched with a certain color to fulfill a certain need. For example, many entertainment venues use warm colors such as red to boost adrenaline. Likewise, healthcare settings use cool, calming tones such as blue). Additionally, many designers consider the ways in which a space can feel like its own work of art. In this sense, we see a trend away from minimalist design towards a more maximalist approach with lots of color, texture, and pattern. 

Interested in using Design Pool patterns in your flooring choices? We partner with Graphic Image Flooring to print any of our patterns on vinyl flooring. You can learn more about their floors on the material specs page on our website.