Think it’s odd to see the words “luxury” and “vinyl” in the same sentence? Well, not too long ago you would have been right. Then, the vinyl flooring manufacturers leveraged all that modern technology has to offer – and the results are flooring products that surprise you when it comes to pattern, texture and overall quality.
Add the ease of maintenance, mobility, and an attractive surface that is softer than tile or hardwood – and you can see why luxury home designers are promoting vinyl for kitchen and bath flooring when it makes sense.
What’s Different About Contemporary Vinyl Flooring Products?
If you’re planning a Chicago kitchen or bath remodel and are concerned about comfort, safety and/or mobility, we recommend taking a look at new and improved vinyl products, which provide quite a bit of visual bang for their buck.
Today’s vinyl looks just like tile or hardwood
One of the biggest differences between contemporary vinyl and yesteryear’s options is digital technology. With imaging and production innovation, luxury vinyl manufacturers now create vinyl patterns that are incredibly realistic.
We admit that at home shows and textile conventions, our reps have knelt down to feel the product demos ourselves just to be sure it’s not actually tile or wood. Because the vinyl is printed with texture as well as pattern, patterns can replicate stone fissures, divets, wood grains, knots, etc., with remarkable detail.
Think sheets rather than rolls
Yesterday’s vinyl shipped in large rolls that were laid-out and adhered to the subfloor. Luxury vinyl manufacturers typically create their vinyl products in sheets. This way, faux-slate or faux-cherry wood plank flooring have similar dimensions to their natural counterparts, which is part of luxury vinyl’s realistic appeal after installation.
It’s softer on the body and other breakables
Vinyl is a softer product, especially when compared with natural stone tiles or hardwood surfaces. This makes it much more friendly on your feet and joint when standing for long periods of time (food prep and morning makeup routine). Vinyl makes a much softer landing for anyone who falls down on it – making it a preferred choice for seniors and families with little ones. Finally, a dropped dish or mug is more likely to survive the fall intact on vinyl than on harder flooring choices.
Vinyl is the universal choice for accessible designs
Whether someone in your home uses mobility aids, you have family/friends who use mobility aids or you plan to age-in-place, vinyl beats any other flooring choice for ease of mobility. For this reason, it’s the primary flooring choice for anyone interested in creating a universal – or accessible – Chicago kitchen or bath remodel.
If you’re interested in using universal design principles in your home – appealing to new homebuyers, by the way – we recommend reading:
- Designing Kitchens with Universal Design Principles
- Designing Bathrooms with Universal Design Principles
Enjoy Vinyl Flooring and a Luxury Chicago Kitchen and Bath Remodel
In many cases, luxury vinyl is not only appropriate, it's the best choice for high-end kitchen and bath remodels. And, as a result of today’s attractive, high-quality vinyl options, homeowners can enjoy vinyl options in their luxury kitchen and/or bath design without feeling like they’re sacrificing.
Schedule a consultation with Kitchens and Baths Unlimited. Our designers are experienced and passionate about what they do. We’ll discuss your concerns and create a seamless design that incorporates the best-looking, best-feeling and best-functioning flooring for your household.
Photo credit: Hallmark Floors
