Vinyl Flooring Design Trends for 2023

Vinyl Flooring Inspiration for 2023

As we look to 2023 for inspiration, there are several key trends to keep an eye on.  From conscious sustainable choices, to natural-looking design, textures and patterns, to the incorporation of biophilic design, to bright and bold colors, and of course quality and expert craftmanship that never goes out of fashion.

Design Trends with Pantone's Colour of the Year

I am always interested to follow Pantone's Colour of the Year choice, as experts in the science of colour matching, they certainly do their homework on global trends.

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750  is no surprise as this bold, brave, fearless colour can be seen everywhere from fashion to design.

Pantone labels the color as “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time.” It certainly speaks to where we are right now as a nation and global population, seeking strength, joy and optimism, new narratives and encouraging experimentation and self-expression, to finding hope in the turmoil we are seeing all around us in our multi-dimensional world.  

Check out #magentaverse, a multimedia art installation that explores the relationship between nature and technology through the use of color.

Back to Nature with Dulux's Color of the Year: Wild Wonder™ 

Dulux's colour of the year is Wild Wonder™;  "a light and earthy shade with a glowing tone that connects us with the natural world.

It brings positivity and energy  to our living and working spaces, and is a colour that works with a host of other shades".

Dulux have introduced four new palettes reflecting the different ways that nature teaches and nurtures us:

• Lush
• Buzz
• Raw
• Flow. 
  

Each tells the story of a different way in which nature inspires us.

Plascon is bringing the essence of Africa inside with their Colour of the Year

Plascon's Sunkissed (Y3-A1-2) is "a sun-drenched, ochre-hued palette, evoking the deep yellow of our African sun and brings warmth and optimism to our living and working spaces."

Interior Design Trends: Embracing the Essence of Africa

There certainly seems to be a marked synergy between these influencers and despite global unrest surrounding politics, social injustice and the climate and energy crisis, African landscapes, art and design shine through to bring warmth, hope and a celebration of nature to interior design direction. The trending colours for 2023 seem to be heavily influenced by what is wonderfully familiar and unique to us here in South Africa.

Vinyl Flooring - Durable, Versatile and Beautiful! The Go-To Option for Design Led Interiors

Flooring is always a major consideration in any build or refurb,  and any choice should be design and performance led.  In most instances, the flooring needs to perform for a long time and the choice should never be based on a passing trend.

Vinyl has really come of age and is fast becoming one of the most popular flooring options on the market.  Young designers and architects don't have any experience of the garish or institutional look vinyl from previous generations, and are therefore seeing this 'retro' type product as interesting, appreciating the versatility, performance and design, as do their more experienced colleagues who have worked with this incredible product before.

With the latest technical innovations and designs, vinyl is one of the most versatile and durable options for beautiful interior spaces that demand more from their floor.  

Exploring Natural, Warm and Versatile Options with Biophilic Design

With the incorporation of biophilic design principles and the replication of natural materials over recent years, wood has significantly taken precedent in terms of overall volume, although concrete has come a close second. As wood is seen as offering more possibilities in terms of layout, type of grain, colour, pattern and species, it lends itself to creating a warm, natural, non-institutional look.

We see Oak, with its familiarity and warming tones, as continuing to lead the way, albeit in a more subtle way. The days of strong contrasting grain and heavy knots  are being replaced with a cleaner and fresher decoration. Natural appearance and replication is still key.  There is rumour that fruit woods are making a comeback but we haven't seen much of that yet.

[DESIGN TREND] Large Format Tiles & Wood Effects in Flooring

We continue to see larger format tiles, in wood and stone. These imposing sizes help to create space and present a less fussy overall appearance.  Parquet effects continue to be a huge requirement. Everyone seems to want herringbone tiles, straight out of the box. At the moment, not all wood tones can compete here as the more classic and contemporary woods seem to be more popular.  Subtle tonal shifts from parquet works incredibly well instead of the more rustic and statement pieces. There will always be a requirement for rustic, aged timbers, but the Japanese/Scandinavian look it still very strong.

For the wood looks, the blonder, fresher tones seems to be the way the market has been shifting for some time now, moving away from red and orange tones.  Grey woods have had a huge moment in glory  but slowly seem to be becoming less popular.  Neutral colours can still be achieved with grey/beige (greige) or fresh blond tones.  Grey texture, however, continue to feature, especially natural limestone, concrete and granite effects.  The warmer stone colours are appearing to come back too, such as sandstone and terracotta, which talk very much to heritage and culture.

Natural tones lead the way when replicating natural materials.  Flooring base colours are becoming more subdued with less emphasis on colour intensity, which are left to pattern work or decorative accents.

Vinyl Flooring - Where Sustainability Meets Style

As sustainability is a key criteria for everyone now, this definitely plays a role in colour choices.  As the recycling of materials increases, the importance on colour sometimes fades in importance.  Products are now being accepted in whatever colour the 100% recycled content dictates.  Pigments can sometimes be used to re-colour, but the important statement of the green production method often takes precedence.

Similarly where companies are recycling building waste, the final product will be a mix of these colours;  very often grey, stone, brown, white and black. This is playing a role in the resurgence of the terrazzo decoration. 'Natural' terrazzo design is beautiful, looks premium and often commands a premium price. Vinyl manufacturers, furniture makers, light fittings, home interior decorative products, counter tops, and everywhere in between now seem to feature terrazzo effects. This trend has been around for a few years now and there doesn't seem to be any indication of it going away anytime soon.  To this point, there are products in our range which feature multi chip decorations which are now completely "on trend".

From the more traditional and bolder XL and Classic Mystique appearances through to the more contemporary and subtle Palettone effects, this type of decoration continues to be very popular. As more materials are being recycled now, from PVC to polypropylene (PP) to polystyrene (PS) the obvious decoration is to create a chipped effect. This supports the recycled process claim and looks beautiful.  

Interior Design 2023: Where Bold Colours Meet Sustainability

Strong, bolder colours are still playing their part though, which speaks very much to Pantone, Plascon and Dulux's research.  This can mean highlights of coloured chips as part of a broader range of colours within a decoration, or a palette of more solid complementary  colours. This is an area which we can see shifting as the more designers, architects or specifiers use recycled material, the more they may want to make it clear to all of their choice.   Decoration and colour is a good way of doing that.

Innovations in Vinyl Flooring - Balance Sustainability, Choice and Quality

As the world continues to evolve and change, responsible vinyl flooring manufacturers are innovating to meet these demands, making it the perfect time to explore the world of opportunity and choice, ensuring you get what best fits your needs and preferences. 

The incorporation of recycled material in the production process and the continual drive to improve the sustainability footprint, maintaining accredited, reputable environmental credentials and quality control, all whilst offering the privilege of choice, is most certainly not a passing trend and here to stay.

In conclusion, 2023 brings with it quality, sustainable, natural-looking materials, textures and patterns, complementary palettes and bright and bold color accents which are all bang on-trend.  Be inspired and choose wisely.  The world needs more of that.

Until next time, stay inspired.