Borgerding

from page 36 designer with Hennen Floor Covering of Freeport.

Borgerding said there is an increase in customers searching for durability and flooring that is easy to care for and affordable.

“Right now, luxury vinyl plank is the most popular thing in this particular area,” she said.

Wider planks in a lighter color exude a modern aesthetic and makes the space feel larger and more open. Borgerding said narrow planks look more traditional, and those with pitting and saw marks tend toward the rustic.

As Borgerding works with homeowners planning for a remodel and people coming in to choose flooring for new construction homes, she said there is popularity in all styles of vinyl.

“The look has definitely come a long way,” she said. “The look is a little more realistic and makes it look like real wood.” The planking has texture in it as well as color variation.

“It looks more highend,” Borgerding said. Additionally, Borgerding said the wood-like flooring choices allow homeowners to mix up the look of a room with a colorful throw rugs or carpet remnants. The store does fashion remnants into rugs for customers at their request and can finish

Borgerding page 40

Borgerding from page 39 off the edges.

In general, Borgerding said there is an interest in natural earth tone flooring and lighter woods in the gray, tan or taupe families.

When it comes to flair and pops of color, Borgerding said those are often reserved for rugs and for the flooring in smaller spaces like a laundry room or bathroom. There, people are trending toward encaustic tile.

“It’s just a space where you can do something fun and show your personality a little bit more,” Borgerding said.

There are a myriad of tiling options and color choices that provide a bold look, Borgerding said.

Though customers are definitely trending more toward hard surfaces, Borgerding said some are opting for carpet to create cozy spaces. The most popular carpets are those that are shorter with a little texture or pattern to them. Borgerding said those not only add a design element to the space but also hold up well.

No matter the space or the style, Borgerding said customers are looking for ease of use.

“People live such busy lives with their kids’ activities and stuff they’re involved in, they want something that’s maintenance free and something that’s pretty easy to take care of,” she said.