When renovating a space, the floor is one of the most important design decisions — and also one of the choices that most impact the budget.
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After all, it is a long-term investment capable of defining the style of the space and directly influencing the perception of sophistication in the home.
But there is good news: creating a luxurious-looking environment does not depend only on passing trends or on spending a fortune on flooring. According to interior design experts, some flooring choices are timeless and have the power to enhance any room, regardless of the amount invested.
“The key to luxurious design projects is to start from the ground up — with the floor,” says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. “To achieve this on a limited budget, it is essential to focus on simplicity, scale and continuity of design.”
Choosing floors with fewer visual breaks, such as wide planks or large-format tiles, also contributes to an immediate sense of elegance. “They convey a more refined look because they resemble high-end, custom installations,” professionals explain.
Below, experts consulted by Livingetc reveal six flooring options that make any space look more sophisticated — without requiring an excessive investment.
1. Choose wider planks
If the doubt is between wide or narrow planks, the experts’ answer is clear: wider planks create a more elegant and refined visual effect. This applies both to solid wood and to more affordable versions, such as engineered wood or laminate.
“When homeowners seek sophistication without spending much, we always recommend wide planks with a matte finish,” says Yarl Christie of Stories Flooring. “Fewer seams make the room look larger and more elegant.”
Ian Tomlinson, managing director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, agrees: “With fewer visible joints, the floor creates a continuous flow, ideal for open-plan spaces and rooms that call for a sense of spaciousness.” According to him, this trick works in both large and small rooms, as it reduces visual clutter and reinforces a minimalist, sophisticated style.
2. Invest in large-format tiles
Like wide planks, large-format tiles are strong allies of a sophisticated look. In addition to enhancing the space, they also help create the feeling that the room is larger.
“Fewer grout lines result in a more uniform and architectural appearance that conveys luxury and calm,” explains Maria D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK. “Opting for rectified edges and grout in a tone similar to the floor further enhances this effect.”
As a reference, experts recommend pieces starting at 60 x 60 cm, but even larger formats — such as 60 x 120 cm — guarantee maximum visual impact. Materials like porcelain and ultra-realistic ceramic are designers’ favorites, as they faithfully reproduce marble and limestone, cost less and require little maintenance.
3. Pay attention to the layout
More than the material chosen, the way the floor is installed can completely elevate the final result. For interior designer Juliette Byrne, patterns such as herringbone and chevron are sure bets.
“These layouts add texture and elegance instantly, even when applied to engineered wood or luxury vinyl,” she says. “They evoke the timelessness of classic London interiors.”
Emma Deterding also highlights the importance of visual continuity. “Using planks in the same direction in adjacent rooms minimizes transitions and creates a cohesive project, something always associated with high-end homes,” she explains. According to her, even more affordable materials can look expensive when the layout is well planned and finishes are precise.
4. Dare to go dark
After years dominated by light and greyish tones, dark floors are regaining prominence. For Ian Tomlinson, deep shades are synonymous with immediate sophistication.
“Intense browns, smoked finishes and near-black tones are back in style,” he says. “They work as an elegant counterpoint to light walls and furniture.”
These tones enhance both period properties and contemporary homes. Adam Robertson, director of Urbane Living, reinforces the trend: “There is a growing demand for natural, warm and deep colors that bring comfort and sophistication to spaces.” Not by chance, this palette appears among the main decoration trends for 2026.
5. Prefer natural, low-sheen finishes
When it comes to sophistication, less shine means more elegance. Matte, satin or softly textured finishes dominate contemporary projects.
“The era of extremely glossy floors is behind us,” says Adam Robertson. “Today, natural finishes offer discreet and much more authentic elegance.”
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these finishes are also practical and durable, especially in areas such as kitchens. “This proves that it is not the price, but the right design choices, that make a space look expensive,” adds Maria D Arráez.
6. Bet on textured rugs
Finally, the finishing touch that transforms the look of the floor: rugs. According to Kirsty Barton of Alternative Flooring, texture makes all the difference.
“Rugs with natural fibers, subtle weaves or slightly irregular finishes reflect light in a more sophisticated way,” she explains. Scale is also fundamental: larger pieces, broad patterns or bold stripes help visually enlarge the space and create a sense of grandeur.
Source: Livingetc. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
