Take To The Floor

Achieve a truly rustic look with authentic stone, tile and concrete flooring that will last for years to come

RUSTIC SLATE

‘Slate is known for its rusty copper colours, combined with deep shades of charcoal and silver, all of which can work together to create a rustic look, perfect for period properties and quaint cottages,’ says Harriet Goodacre, tile consultant at Topps Tiles. It is important that slate is polished and properly sealed to prevent any chips or staining. ‘When sealing, you can add a colour intensifier to enhance the look, giving a glossy sheen for an even more eye-catching appearance,’ adds Harriet.

POLISHED CONCRETE

While polished concrete requires specialist installation, it can last a lifetime and requires minimal maintenance. It is wise to install a heating system as your concrete flooring goes in, otherwise it can feel quite cold underfoot – and retro-fitting can be a costly and disruptive task. You may also want to add a large cosy rug to soften up the space and help absorb sound, preventing unwanted echoing throughout your property.

PRETTY PORCELAIN

There are many benefits to using porcelain tiles, as Jo Oliver, director of The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, explains: ‘Porcelain is easy to keep hygienically clean. A non-porous material, it is hardwearing, lightweight, scratch and stain-proof,’ says Jo. Opting for large-format slabs with fewer grout lines not only helps with cleaning but can create the illusion of space in a smaller area. Just be sure to choose a non-slip finish.