How to Anchor your Style Choices
from
the
Ground up
Nina Hendler, Founder & Principal Designer, NY Design
In collaboration with Choices Flooring
Flooring First
Every home tells a story, and the very first chapter begins beneath your feet. Choosing the right flooring sets the tone for every design decision that follows.
When designing a home, I always begin by selecting the floor finishes. The right flooring grounds the space, influences colour choices, and defines the overall aesthetic.
Why Start with Flooring?
Flooring is the foundation of every interior design decision. It connects the rooms, creates flow and shapes how your home feels from the moment you walk in. Whether you're building a new home or renovating, choosing the right surface at the start makes every other decision—from cabinetry to wall colour—so much easier.
The Beauty of Engineered Timber
Most of my clients are drawn to Engineered Timber Floorboards, such as Choices Flooring's Plantino Engineered Oak Wynmark for their main living areas - they bring warmth, texture and timeless appeal - the perfect balance between modern sophistication and natural beauty.
To help clients find their perfect match, we work through a few key considerations:
1. Pattern
The Foundation of StyleThe first question is simple: what pattern do you love?
- Straight boards are classic and versatile, suiting most architectural styles.
- Herringbone and chevron patterns add instant character, creating movement and craftsmanship underfoot.
Although traditionally used in heritage homes, these patterned layouts are now just as stunning in contemporary spaces - instantly elevating the overall aesthetic.
2. Colour
Setting the MoodNext comes colour – one of the most transformative design choices.
Oak timber flooring offers an extensive palette - from soft, pale blondes to rich, moody chocolates and almost-black tones. Australian native timbers such as Blackbutt and Spotted Gum, on the other hand, bring more red and yellow undertones, giving a distinctly local warmth. When deciding on colour, it's crucial to consider how the flooring will relate to other elements in the home, particularly cabinetry finishes. Timber tones shouldn't clash - they should either complement or contrast (dark timber floor with lighter cabinetry).
3. Grade
Character & PersonalityFinally, consider the grade - the level of natural variation in timber.
Do you prefer the refined look of a select-grade timber with minimal knots and colour variation, or the organic, lived-in charm of a feature-grade timber showing natural imperfections like cracks, gum veins and sap lines?
Select-grade timbers often suit sleek, contemporary interiors, while feature-grade boards are ideal for creating a rustic, industrial or coastal aesthetic.
For a select-grade look, Choices Flooring's Plantino Engineered Oak Regal offers consistent, elegant finishes, while the Plantino Engineered Oak Regal celebrates natural timber's character for more textured spaces.
Alternatives to Timber
Laminate flooring is another great option that mimics the look of timber at a more affordable price point. It's also extra durable, water as well as scratch-resistant – making it perfect for high traffic areas such as kitchens, playrooms, home gyms or pool houses, where practicality is key. Try Choices Flooring's Laminate Barrett, which is stylish, practical and designed for everyday living.
Carpet for Comfort
When it comes to bedrooms, most clients still prefer carpet for its softness and comfort underfoot. The three main styles—plush, twist and loop pile—each offer a different look and feel.
- Plush carpet has a luxurious "velvet" look and its soft texture can create subtle shading variations, giving each space a unique, elegant character.
- Twist pile – is durable, resilient and easy to maintain.
- Loop pile provides a clean, tailored look that works beautifully in contemporary homes.
Fibre choice is equally important – most clients opt for either 100% wool or solution-dyed nylon with Polyester or PET carpets becoming a popular budget friendly option. Each has beautiful options across all pile styles, though personally, I find loop pile carpets look best in pure wool for a natural matte finish (synthetic versions can appear slightly shiny or commercial looking). Choices Flooring's Windsor Wool, Temuka and Illoura ranges are beautiful selections for bedrooms.
Bringing it all Together
Starting with your flooring anchors every other design choice – from wall colours and cabinetry to lighting tones and décor layers.
When your home's story starts with the right foundation, the rest of the design flows naturally, creating a cohesive and beautifully considered space.
If you’re ready to start your story from the ground up, explore Choices Flooring’s wide range of timber, laminate and carpet solutions - crafted to suit every style, lifestyle, and budget.
