FLOORING IS AN area that’s often considered off-limits unless you’re ready to hire a building crew.

It’s typically regarded as an upgrade that will require a chunk of change to rip up what’s there and replace it with something new. But that doesn’t always have to be the case.

There are low-commitment, budget-friendly ways of sprucing up your space that will allow you to walk around your home more happily. And that’s a good thing, because flooring that doesn’t suit your space or is starting to lose its shine can really impact your home design. 

If you’re looking for an affordable, achievable way to change up your floors without calling the builders, here are seven nifty ideas to get you started.

1. Try-stick on tiles: Self-adhesive tiles are the best thing to happen to homeowners since the invention of Command hooks, in my opinion. These vinyl tiles come in playful patterns, traditional terracotta and even Instagram-worthy marble effects (check out @pamelalindell‘s herringbone floor below), and you can easily find them online on sites like eBay.ie or Amazon. They’re inexpensive, easy to use and don’t damage the existing floors. 

2. Get crafty with stencils: Stenciling with paint onto your floor can add a cool, bohemian look to your space, whether your existing floors are wooden or tiled. Check out @theclarkcasa‘s handiwork below for an idea of what you could achieve. You can find charming Moroccan and Portuguese style patterns for just a few quid online; Etsy is a good spot to start your search. For a tiled floor, you can ask your local hardware store for a tile primer that should render the painted version virtually indestructible as well as slip-free. You’ll also need to pick up a stippling brush and muster a few hours of patience, after which you should have yourself a real conversation starter. 

3. Just add a lick of paint: If pattern isn’t your bag, you can try a quick and simple paint job. Roughly painted white floorboards will create a look that’s both spacious and cosy. And if you’re a fan of the rustic look, white floorboards often look better as they wear – perfect for beachy, cottage-style interiors. 

4. Sweep it under the rug: Just like the saying suggests, covering up problem areas with a nice big rug is probably the quickest and easiest way to feel comfortable with your flooring situation – see @eddiealiceart‘s big-rug solution below. Rugs can vary dramatically in price, not to mention style. High street and charity shops are great places to score an affordable piece, or if you’re in the position to splurge, investing in a good quality rug is a wonderful way to add warmth and character to a space.

5. Fill in the blanks: If your solid timber floors are in good nick, consider ways to enhance their natural beauty. Depending on the condition of the wood, they may require professional polishing or sanding, but if there are small imperfections, you could try some TLC with a scratch repair marker. Touch-up markers, like this one found at Home Store and More, can be found easily in most hardware shops as well. While you’re there, it’s worth showing the staff pictures of any problem areas on your timber floor and seek their recommendations. 

6. Strip it back: Sometimes less is more, and that may very well be the case with your current flooring situation. Many older houses’ original features have been concealed over time, often unbeknownst to the inhabitants. Instead of looking at coverings to add, consider paring it back to the natural timber using floor stripper (be sure to use the correct stripped for your floor type and to use gloves and goggles as you work). Stripped wood looks especially good if your boards are aged, well-laid and of course, free of any dangerous nails. 

7. Commitment-free carpet: Want carpet but don’t want the faff of having to hire a carpet fitter? Carpet tiles are a surprisingly easy way to achieve the carpet look, sans commitment – B&Q has a huge range of colours and textures. If you’ve got kids, you can also find some amazing interlocking foam tiles that will add fun and protection to a playroom space. 

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