CONNIE OLIVER: Hardwood flooring isn’t just for walking

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/04/2014 (4242 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today’s hardwood flooring options work on floors but also on walls and ceilings!

The options are endless for decor possibilities with this unique flooring. Consider using it to make a headboard as a feature in the bedroom, or cover the entire focal wall from floor to ceiling. Our feature photograph, courtesy of Lauzon Flooring, shows just how beautiful flooring can be when applied to the floors and walls together.

Embracing nature is the latest trend in home decor, starting with flooring. This year, Canadian floors will sport an authentic natural look like never before, with today’s flooring being all about bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the home.

That’s the message of leading Canadian manufacturer Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring, which has announced the launch of two unique, natural, eco-friendly, air-purifying hardwood flooring lines, called the Organik Series and Authentik Series, that replicate the beauty of their original sources of wood.

“In every facet of home decor, we’re seeing a resurgence of all things natural and nostalgic as people look to return to their roots in our increasingly technological world,” said Priscilla Bergeron, communication manager at Lauzon. “Ironically, new technologies are enabling the creation of stunning, authentic hardwood flooring that mimics the magnificence of a simpler time.”

According to Bergeron, some of the latest looks in hardwood flooring include:

— Perfect imperfection: The rustic look is hotter than ever. Think barn wood steeped with soft texture, natural knots, cracks and mineral streaks. Like worn-out jeans, today’s popular wood flooring is rich with history and character. Its flaws make it flawless.

— Matte finish: Smooth, high-gloss wood floors are losing ground due to their manmade, mass-produced appearance. Low-gloss or matte surfaces are the new favourites, especially those that have been scraped with a soft-wire brush, revealing the true character of the grain.

— Oversized planks: Bigger is better when it comes to wood planks. Larger and longer boards add visual interest to a room, as does combining multi-widths in one space. Planks aren’t limited to the floor and are being used everywhere, from walls to ceilings and even bedroom headboards.

— Light colours: The movement toward natural, light and soft wood colours is growing, as neutral tones tend to reveal more of the grain pattern and create a welcoming feel in a room. Mixing up the decor with multi-tone panelling adds additional dimension and appeal to any space.

Each of these trends is embraced in Lauzon’s new flooring lines. The Organik Series, part of the Designer collection, is a completely natural, FSC-certified, maple hardwood flooring.

Thanks to a new breakthrough process, the flooring uniquely unlocks the beauty of maple’s natural grains, knots and mineral streaks like no other flooring on the market. Available in rich neutral wood-grain shades and featuring a smooth pearl finish, the elegant flooring has extensive tonal variation, taking on a chameleon effect by becoming lighter or deeper depending on the lighting and decor. Featuring 3º- and 4º-inch-wide boards, the wood will evolve to even greater elegance over time.

The Authentik Series, part of Lauzon’s Ambiance collection, is a solid, red-oak hardwood flooring line, described as historic and timeless with a contemporary twist. With a low-gloss surface allowing the beauty of the grain to come through, it is available in six smoky colour finishes, from creamy white to rich, earthy brown. The flooring is made using a wire-brushed technique that opens up the wood grain and gives the surface a subtle texture.

What’s more, the brushed surface conceals wear and tear caused by children and pets and helps prevent slips and falls by providing a better grip. With generous 3º- and 4º-inch-wide boards revealing more of the wood grain, the flooring emits an authentic, two-toned look.

Both the Organik and Authentik Series are infused with Lauzon’s Pure Genius smart technology, a first-of-its-kind innovation in hardwood flooring that makes homes healthier. When activated by natural or artificial light and by the movement of air, the flooring breaks down airborne toxins and significantly improves indoor air quality.

“Each of these flooring lines was developed following extensive market research conducted with interior designers and consumers,” said Bergeron. “Our studies demonstrate an overwhelming market demand for authentic hardwood flooring that has unparalleled beauty and a low carbon footprint, and Lauzon has delivered just that.”