Hallway floors
In entrance halls, highly resilient, characterful stone and timber is likely to be considered the traditionalist’s choice in most settings and will only improve with age.
Favouring hardwoods, such as versatile oak, over softwood should help avoid marks and dents in these high-traffic areas. Meanwhile engineered timber can prove a more practical option than solid wood, as
“the multi-layer core of an engineered board creates an incredibly robust and stable surface,” says Keane. Look to premium or select grades of timber for a sophisticated knot-free finish and natural or rustic grades for a more relaxed aesthetic. Those looking to improve on smaller proportions, may wish to follow Walsh’s advice to “introduce a herringbone or chevron laying pattern to draw the eye through the space and make it feel bigger”.
When it comes to stone, practical tumbled or riven flagstones remain an enduring rustic option, but for a more formal feel, consider crisp chequerboard or honed tiles, or intricate, decorative inlaid and border designs. Definitive surfaces include granite, marble, travertine and slate.
“Limestone is a great all-rounder, as it is naturally non-slip when left unpolished and brings a wonderful tactile quality to any space,” says Roselind Wilson, owner and creative director of Roselind Wilson
Design. Look for variegated finishes and formats to imbue depth and character, and add interest in larger entrance halls; or by contrast, install tiles in diagonal patterns to enhance narrower areas.
For those preferring colour and pattern, resilient Victorian encaustic or geometric tiles, by the likes of Original Style and Craven Dunnill Jackson, will define and bring character to townhouses.
Look to equivalent porcelain patterns in replica stone or wood finishes for a truly maintenance-free option in all settings. ■