Flooring is, literally, grounding — it’s what anchors an environment and creates a sense of consistency (or, alternatively, contrast) from one space to the next. But the best flooring offers other forms of reassurance, too — preventing slips, avoiding mould buildup, and keeping rooms free of harsh chemicals. Even better, sustainable offerings do their part for the environment, too. Here are 10 flooring solutions ready to set a new baseline for peace of mind — and look great doing it.

LVT/Carpet

1

Etched Earth by Interface

Patterns found in nature inform Interface’s series of recycled nylon carpet tiles. The tree bark–like EE713 pattern, shown in Clay, arrives in modular squares measuring a metre on each side. Fibres incorporate a built-in polymer for stain, dirt and bleach resistance, preventing the need for a topical treatment.

2

Shuttle by Chilewich

Range is the name of the game with this commercial-grade weave from Chilewich, offered as high-performance flooring (in tiles, planks or 1.83-metre-wide rolls for wall-to-wall use), as well as rugs, wall textiles and window coverings. Woven with fibreglass yarns coated in phthalate-free vinyl, the geometric pattern comes in 11 tonal colourways.

3

Chromascope 2.5 | 5.0 by Mohawk Group

Mohawk Group grows its Hot and Heavy II range of durable, slip-resistant LVT solutions for high-traffic areas with this textural pattern offered in two thicknesses: 2.5 or 5 millimetres. The latter can be installed using a loose-lay method, needing only a perimeter spread of adhesive to improve installation time and cost. The 24 colourways include Melon Harmony, Tan Essence, and Muted Maroon, all shown.

4

Lost Language by Bentley Mills

Designed to be subtle conversation starters, the four patterns in this Cradle to Cradle Certified launch from Bentley Mills feature quietly bold, meditative motifs. For instance, Rare Form, shown in Breeze, evokes a sandswept beach. Choose from broadloom and carpet tiles, each featuring regenerated nylon fibres with high recycled content.

5

Victory Mineral Chip by Tarkett

No two tiles in Tarkett’s terrazzo-like homogeneous LVT line are alike, as each features its own unique pattern of vibrant flecks set against a neutral background. Choose from 18 colourways and three sizes — all boasting scratch resistance and long-lasting brilliance that doesn’t require ongoing waxing.

Wood

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Seamless Wood Design by Madera

Madera’s natural wood flooring is part of a larger ecosystem of products
that also includes doors and architectural millwork, allowing for a totally unified environment. During NYCxDesign, Madera demonstrated how its flooring pairs well with furniture, too — using its showroom to launch the Renegade Neutrals palette from Chicago company Zachary A., whose hourglass-like fibreglass resin and aggregate Bilbouquet stool is shown here.

2

Atelier Shrunk by Moncer

A special drying process accentuates cracks and knots to give this line from Moncer its authentic character. Sourced entirely from Europe, the wood is hand-finished in small batches using plant-based natural resins and waxes and zero per cent VOC oils that penetrate deep into the surface pores for hard-wearing performance.

3

Modular ONE Herringbone by Parador

Parador brings a range of modern wood grain styles — including options with natural, grey or caramel brown tones — to engineered herringbone.
Featuring a polypropylene surface and wood-based core, the PVC- and
plasticizer-free planks measure 840 millimetres long, 140 millimetres wide
and nine millimetres thick. Adhesive-free locking means that no VOCs are
emitted during installation, and the cork backing is naturally mould- and
mildew-resistant.

4

Flyt Wide by Fuse Flooring

In this semi-detached Toronto Victorian, design firm Studio Konior demonstrates the power of contrast by pairing rich, jewel-toned walls with the neutral shades of Fuse Flooring’s Mont Blanc colourway. “The light, bleached look brightens the home,” says principal Lindsay Konior.

5

Woodura Herringbone 2.0 by Bjelin

Bjelin scales up traditional parquet with large-format 91-by-546-millimetre panels. Shown in Misty White (and also offered in Natural or Earth Grey), its durable, matte-lacquered flooring clicks together for easy install — no tools, glue or nails needed.