SMOOTH OPERATOR

FROM MARBLE THAT EVOKES THE MEDITERRANEAN TO POLISHED CONCRETE AND GEOMETRIC TILES, FLOORS THAT ARE FIRED, POURED OR QUARRIED ARE HOT PROPERTY

- CHRIS PEARSON

Although hard flooring might present a bit of a tough landing for little ones, this underfoot surface scores high for robust durability and a modern look. Sought out for its strength and classic beauty, key options for this stalwart include stone, ceramic (seen above) and porcelain tiles, as well as the perennially cool concrete slab, smoothed and sealed, ready for some fancy footwork.

ROCK OF AGES

“Our top sellers are porcelain and ceramic tiles, but natural stones, which are timeless and earthy, are growing at a faster rate,” says Chris Ilias, managing director of Teranova. Homeowners are making a statement with marble and limestones from Greece, Italy, Turkey or Morocco, and they’re not afraid to spend. “Customers are splurging on high-end finishes such as stone to make a luxurious statement,” says Chris, who reasons that if they have spent $2 million-plus on their new home, they will typically see value in investing another $5000 on a statement floor.

VENETIAN VISTAS

With its echoes of an Italian palazzo and Art-Deco style, classic terrazzo has made a comeback – but with a twist. “Many people have grown up with terrazzo,” says Chris, of this versatile composite material made up of chips of marble and granite, and other substances, such as glass and shell. “But now it comes less shiny, uncomplicated and imperfect, with a rustic texture, while, instead of whites and greys, colours are making a return – think blues and pinks.” Terrazzo teams handsomely with every type of decor, from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary.

HONED AND TUMBLED: WHAT ON EARTH?