Lorna Williams at Amtico shares her insights on winter flooring trends for 2025 and how self-builders can use them to curate a cohesive interior scheme.

Flooring is often one of the biggest decisions in any project, setting the tone for the rest of the home. This winter, the leading trends are all about creating spaces that balance warmth, comfort and style, with a focus on flooring that feels as practical as it is beautiful.

Design directions for the season include nature-inspired tones, dramatic moody hues and heritage patterns, alongside the enduring influence of Scandinavian minimalism. These trends provide a wealth of inspiration when planning interiors that will feel timeless yet tuned into the design mood of the season.

When applying these trends in real homes, materials matter. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is emerging as the flooring of choice among renovators, offering the aesthetic impact of natural materials with the resilience, warmth and ease of care that modern living demands.

NATURE INSPIRED WARMTH

Over the colder months, interiors shift towards comfort and warmth, with an emphasis on cosy, earth toned interiors. Flooring can be a pivotal part of bringing a layer of nature-inspired warmth to a project, through the use of natural textures and hues, helping to underpin a room’s scheme. Soft beiges, honeyed oaks and rich chestnuts are leading the way, bringing in warmth and a sense of connection to nature.

For those planning open-plan living spaces or family homes, these tones create a welcoming foundation that works across multiple rooms. They pair effortlessly with layered textures such as wool rugs, boucle sofas and natural linen drapes, while remaining versatile enough to suit both contemporary and classic schemes.

Opting for LVT in these tones combines visual appeal with exceptional durability. Unlike solid wood, which can warp or mark in high-traffic areas, LVT is highly durable and designed to withstand moisture, mud and scratches, making it the perfect choice for busy households all year round.

DARK & MOODY HUES

For those who prefer interiors with more drama, deep terracotta, moss green, burnt sienna and burgundy are all trending. These bold, statement tones bring a layer of sophisticated depth to flooring and help create rooms that feel truly atmospheric.

The use of darker hues in flooring works particularly well in dining spaces, lounges and snug areas, adding weight and a sense of intimacy. It can also act as a dramatic backdrop for lighter furniture, metallic accents, or statement lighting.

If you’re considering darker woods, you should weigh up the maintenance involved; traditional finishes can show scratches and scuffs. By choosing LVT in darker tones, the aesthetic can be achieved without sacrificing durability. Its hard-wearing surface stands up to heavy footfall and festive entertaining, keeping spaces looking presentable throughout the season.

A RETURN TO TRADITION

Classic flooring patterns are enjoying a resurgence. Herringbone and parquet designs are at the forefront of this movement, valued for their sense of heritage and artisan craftsmanship. These layouts work well in hallways, kitchens and living areas, bringing instant character to both period homes and new builds.

Checkerboard flooring has also returned to favour, particularly in kitchens and utility areas. While classic black and white options remain popular, many are also experimenting with seasonal shades such as rich terracotta and deep slate grey, helping to put a cosy spin on a traditional look.

Historically, traditional patterned designs can be complex and costly to install in solid wood or natural stone. 

HYGGE & SCANDINAVIAN INFLUENCE

The Scandinavian concept of hygge continues to inspire interiors, with flooring playing a vital role in setting the tone. Lighter oaks, smoked stone finishes and natural grains lead the way, creating schemes that feel calming and authentic.

This trend is ideal for open, minimal layouts. Flooring in soft cool tones provides a neutral base, allowing furniture, textures and lighting to add warmth and personality. LVT provides a practical advantage. 

PRACTICAL CASE FOR LVT

While trends provide the design inspiration, the choice of material ensures the scheme is practical for busy day-to-day household life, all year round. This is where luxury vinyl tile proves invaluable.

Warmth underfoot: LVT feels naturally warmer than stone or ceramic, and is compatible with underfloor heating, providing a cosy base for winter living.

Durability: Resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear, LVT is ideal for high-traffic areas and family homes.

Easy to maintain: Winter brings mud, moisture, and debris, but with LVT, a quick sweep with a gentle brush or mop with warm water is all it takes to help keep the floor spotless.

Hygienic by design: Built-in antimicrobial qualities, the flooring provides added reassurance during the months when households spend the most time indoors.

These benefits make it easier to embrace ambitious flooring trends without worrying about upkeep or longevity. For those investing in a self-build or renovation project, it’s a way to achieve both aesthetic impact and practical peace of mind, and create interiors that feel good to live in. With luxury vinyl tile, achieving both has never been easier.

Lorna Williams is head of design at Amtico