As 2024 approaches, homeowners in Auckland are increasingly looking for ways to refresh their spaces with the latest trends in timber flooring. Whether you’re renovating a home or building a new one, the choice of flooring can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. From colour palettes to finishes, here’s a look at what’s in and what’s out for timber flooring Auckland in 2024.
What’s In:
1. Light and Natural Tones
Light, natural timber flooring continues to dominate the Auckland market in 2024. Shades of blonde, pale oak, and ash are particularly popular as they create a sense of space and brightness in any room. These lighter tones work well with the contemporary, minimalist interiors that are trending in the city. They also have the versatility to complement a variety of colour schemes and styles.
Why it’s in: Light timber floors reflect more light, making them perfect for Auckland’s sunny climate. They’re ideal for open-plan living spaces and bring a fresh, airy feeling to modern homes.
2. Matte and Satin Finishes
Glossy finishes are taking a step back in favour of matte and satin options. These finishes are gaining traction due to their understated elegance and practicality. Matte finishes, in particular, offer a more natural appearance, preserving the grain and texture of the timber while reducing reflections that can make spaces feel overexposed.
Why it’s in: Matte and satin finishes are perfect for high-traffic areas, as they are less prone to showing dirt, dust, and scratches. They also give timber flooring in Auckland a modern, sophisticated look.
3. Wide Planks
Wide-plank timber flooring is making waves in Auckland homes this year. These larger planks not only create a bold visual impact but also give rooms a more expansive feel. As homes in Auckland continue to get smaller, using wider planks helps make spaces look larger and more open.
Why it’s in: Wider planks are more suited to the open-plan living spaces common in Auckland’s modern homes. They offer a seamless and elegant appearance that can complement various interior design styles.
4. Sustainable Timber
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly timber flooring options are becoming more prevalent in Auckland homes. Look for products that are FSC-certified or from reputable suppliers who source timber responsibly. Sustainable choices, such as bamboo and reclaimed wood, are also gaining popularity for their environmental benefits.
Why it’s in: Aucklanders are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, and using responsibly sourced timber aligns with sustainable living practices. This trend reflects the growing demand for environmentally friendly home improvements.
What’s Out:
1. Dark Timber Floors
While dark timber floors were once a staple of luxury interior design, they’re now falling out of favour. Dark timber can make spaces feel smaller and more enclosed, which doesn’t align with the open, airy feel that’s currently sought after in many Auckland homes. Additionally, dark floors show dust, dirt, and scratches more readily.
Why it’s out: Homeowners are moving away from heavy, imposing looks in favour of light and airy interiors. Dark timber floors also require more maintenance, as they show marks and wear more easily.
2. High-Gloss Finishes
Once considered the epitome of luxury, high-gloss finishes on timber flooring are now being replaced by matte and satin alternatives. These glossy finishes can appear outdated and are more prone to showing smudges and footprints, which detracts from their initial appeal.
Why it’s out: The shift towards matte finishes is a response to a desire for more subtle and natural aesthetics. Glossy floors can be difficult to maintain, making matte finishes a preferred option for the practical homeowner.
3. Narrow Planks
Narrow planks, which were once popular in older homes, are no longer the go-to choice for new installations. They can make rooms look disjointed and smaller, especially in spaces with an open-plan design. The preference for wide planks has led to a decline in the use of narrower options.
Why it’s out: With the current trend for open, spacious interiors, narrow planks can look dated and restrictive. The larger, more streamlined look offered by wide planks is seen as more modern and sophisticated.
4. Pre-Installed Laminate with Timber Look
While laminate flooring with a timber look was a cost-effective alternative in the past, it’s being phased out in favour of real timber or high-quality engineered wood options. While laminate can mimic the appearance of timber, it lacks the durability and authenticity of the real thing, which is increasingly sought after.
Why it’s out: Auckland homeowners are becoming more discerning when it comes to quality materials. Real timber flooring offers long-lasting value and can be refinished, while laminate tends to wear out faster and can’t be restored.
Conclusion
As we move into 2024, timber flooring in Auckland is embracing lighter tones, sustainability, and refined finishes. Light oak, matte finishes, and wide planks are dominating the trend scene, while dark floors, high-gloss finishes, and narrow planks are being left behind. If you’re considering updating your flooring, now is the perfect time to invest in modern, eco-friendly options that add both style and functionality to your home.
Whether you’re updating your current home or designing a new space, these trends offer plenty of opportunities to refresh your floors while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home. Keep these trends in mind as you explore your timber flooring options and create a beautiful, lasting investment for your Auckland property.
