Renovating your new home: how your floor can tie old & new together

Moving into a new (old) home? Exciting, yes. Overwhelming, also yes. From creaky staircases to vintage tiles, the big question always pops up: what do you lovingly restore, and what has to go? Spoiler: your floor might just be the secret ingredient that unites the whole space.

The challenges of renovating a new home

Renovating a house is a bit like speed-dating history… You never really know what you’re going to get. Behind that charming wallpaper might be crumbling plaster, and under those decades-old carpets… Who knows? A gem of a heritage floor? Or a total nightmare?

That’s the tricky part: Deciding whether to keep the original elements, like parquet or stone, or go for a fresh start with a new modern floor. Renovations come with surprises, budgets that stretch like elastic, and the eternal question: Do I keep it authentic, or do I make it contemporary? And because your floor accounts for roughly one-third of your visual impression of an interior, it becomes the key element in defining the overall atmosphere and style. Get it right, and suddenly your blend of old and new feels seamless. Get it wrong, and, well… Let’s not go there.

Your home, your personality

The first step? Know your floor and yourself. Before dreaming up new designs, check if your old floor can be restored. Sometimes a good sanding and finish is all it takes. However, it’s sometimes necessary to remove the old flooring if it’s in poor condition or when the underlying sanitary pipes need to be replaced. If modern flooring is more your vibe, think about how you live: messy kids, playful pets, or plans for underfloor heating all affect what flooring works best.

Love timeless charm? Refinish or lay classic parquet in herringbone or Hungarian point. Prefer a modern, low-maintenance look? Go for durable vinyl or high pressure floors.

Finding your perfect fit

Here’s where it gets fun: you don’t actually have to pick a side. Mixing styles is very on-trend. Think a dramatic stone hallway floor leading into a cosy oak living room, or a Scandinavian-inspired light wood against rustic exposed beams. The floor becomes your mediator, blending old-world charm with new-world comfort.

The trick is to think of your floor as the base layer of your mood board. What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Calm and neutral? Go for light oak or beige tones. Bold and characterful? Darker woods or patterned floors bring instant drama. 

Still not sure what goes with what? Let BerryAlloc’s Harmony Lab do the heavy lifting. This free online tool lets you test combinations before you commit. So your dream palette stays dreamy and doesn’t become a design regret.

Best practices and pro tips

• Start with a plan: Know your budget, your style, and what’s technically possible
• Test before you commit: Always take samples home and see them in your own light.
• Mix with care: Contrasts can be stunning, just make sure they look intentional.
• Don’t rush: A floor isn’t like paint. No, you won’t be swapping it every two years.
• Get expert help: Unsure if that original floor can be saved? Ask a pro before ripping it out.

What's next in flooring trends?

The future is all about blending heritage looks with modern-day technologies and comfort. Think ultra-durable floors in herringbone, basquet weave, ship deck or even stone designs that look authentic but are scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and ready for the realities of everyday life. Basically: floors that give you the best of both worlds.

Vinyl planks - Zenn - Palermo

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re keeping those century-old oak planks or starting fresh with a new floor, remember: your floor sets the tone for your entire home. Choose wisely, and it’ll unite everything from vintage crown mouldings to modern furniture.