A considered approach to flooring design
Choosing the right flooring is a defining part of any interior project. It sets the tone for how a space looks, feels and functions, while supporting the practical demands of everyday living. According to Aris Lazdans, showroom manager at the Karndean Designflooring showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, the most successful flooring choices balance visual appeal with performance from the outset.
Interior designers and homeowners alike often begin their search with colour or pattern. While this is an important starting point, Aris explains that the best results come from taking a broader view of the space and understanding how the floor will be used over time.
Aris Lazdans, showroom manager at the Karndean Designflooring showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
Starting with the essentials
When clients visit the showroom, Aris encourages them to consider three core elements before narrowing down their flooring choice.
The first is the look. LVT offers exceptional design freedom, allowing clients to explore everything from classic wood planks and refined stone designs to bold patterns and contemporary layouts. With the ability to mix formats, vary plank sizes and experiment with laying patterns, LVT makes it possible to create a floor that feels tailored to the space rather than dictated by material limitations.
The second consideration is how the space will be used. A busy family kitchen or open-plan living area will have very different requirements to a quiet bedroom or home office. Understanding footfall, lifestyle and daily wear helps ensure the floor continues to perform and look good for years to come.
The final element is budget and programme. Aligning design choices with practical constraints early on helps keep projects on track without compromising the overall vision.
Floor pictured: Dove Artisan Oak in herringbone from our Art Select collection.
Design that performs behind the scenes
While the aesthetic of a floor is what draws attention, its performance is what ensures longevity. Aris highlights that key technical features play an essential role in supporting modern living.
LVT is designed to be durable, water resistant and easy to maintain, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and utility spaces as well as living areas. Slip resistance and surface performance also contribute to creating safe, comfortable environments, particularly in busy households or shared spaces.
These performance characteristics allow designers and homeowners to focus on the look they love, with confidence that the floor can handle everyday life.
Floor pictured: Dove Artisan Oak from our Art Select collection in a kitchen.
The importance of the subfloor
One of the most overlooked aspects of flooring specification is the subfloor. Aris stresses that understanding the subfloor early in a project is critical to ensuring a successful installation.
Assessing the subfloor helps determine whether a gluedown or click-lock flooring option is the most appropriate solution. In new builds or renovation projects where moisture levels may still be settling, click-lock flooring can offer greater flexibility. Addressing these considerations early helps avoid delays and supports long-term performance.
Floor pictured: Verona Quartzite from our Art Select collection in a kitchen.
Achieving a natural, authentic finish
Creating a believable wood or stone effect relies on attention to detail. Features such as subtle bevels, realistic embossing and variation between planks or tiles all contribute to a more authentic appearance.
Aris recommends viewing samples in situ wherever possible. Seeing a design in the actual space, under both natural daylight and evening lighting, allows clients to understand how the floor will respond throughout the day and ensures the final choice feels right.
Format also plays a role in the overall effect. Longer planks can make smaller rooms feel more expansive, while patterned layouts such as herringbone or chevron introduce movement and character.
Floor pictured: Duxbury Acacia in herringbone from our Knight Tile collection.
Flooring designed for modern living
Beyond aesthetics, a well-chosen LVT floor supports the way people live today. Designed to be comfortable underfoot, compatible with underfloor heating and resilient enough for busy homes, LVT offers a practical solution without sacrificing style.
According to Aris, the key is choosing a floor that balances design ambition with everyday functionality. When these elements work together, the result is a flooring choice that feels considered, durable and timeless.
To begin your project, visit your local Karndean retail partner or explore the Karndean Designflooring showrooms at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London or in Evesham, Worcestershire, where expert guidance and full-size samples can help bring your vision to life.