Exploring tile trends at Guhde Flooring America
By Patricia Nugent
Ah February.
Not too many positive-sounding attributes attached to right now. We’re gloomily slogging through the dead of winter and probably suffering from cabin fever. But a side effect of being cooped up is that homeowners become tired of staring at their dated home interiors and decide to make a change.
The designers at Guhde Flooring America report they are busier than ever.
I sat down recently with the dynamic duo of Office Manager Monica Guhde-Rosa and Sales Manager Shawn Rosa to chat about what’s hot and what’s not.
Putting Some Flex in Your Space
“With more and more people working from home now, they are rethinking how to get the most out of their home’s functionality,” says Monica. “Stay-at-home entertaining is a big trend that’s influencing our renovations. People are adding a bar to a dining room or creating a butler’s pantry. The kitchen renovations we’re doing are conducive to people who like to throw parties and have everyone gather there.”
Channeling Inner Peace and Tranquility
“I think people are seeking haven and oasis in their homes,” says Shawn. “And I believe part of that comfort factor is driving up our sales in carpeting. Prior to the pandemic, hard surface flooring was outpacing carpet by a lot, but not as much now. Also, many styles of our super soft carpeting are waterproof.”
He says in general customers are opting for warmer, more natural earth tones over the many shades of gray that have been so popular the past few years.
“People are leaning toward more organic, natural-looking wood,” he adds.
Showers are Having a Moment
Monica says when it comes to master baths, people are getting rid of their clunky older tubs and surrounds in favor of spacious stand-up showers, with benches and niches for functionality and storage.
“Organic spa-like elements come to play here, too,” she reports. “Sometimes they will put in a shower wall of tile that looks like wood planks hung horizontally or in a funky herringbone pattern.”
What’s the Latest in Tile?
“People have become more daring lately and cannot get enough of encaustic tile,” says Monica. “These intricately patterned tiles have an inlaid look that adds depth and pizzazz to everything from backsplashes to feature walls, showers and flooring. It’s really an old-world trend that dates back to medieval times. Encaustic tiles have been hot in Europe and are now taking the U.S. by storm.”
Also at the top of everyone’s reno list is three-dimensional tile.
“Geometric tiles can create some very fun and appealing patterns and textures to make a bold focal-point statement in any space,” says Shawn.
Thanks to their affiliation with Flooring America, all the designers here are privy to a host of ongoing education and trend releases.
“One of my favorite parts of this job is being able to inspire customers to make their living spaces more beautiful than they ever imagined,” Monica says.
Guhde Flooring America is located at 1880 Mentor Avenue in Painesville Township. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 440-639-1990 or visit GuhdeFlooringAmerica.com.