Fabric Fake-Out

Photo courtesy of Daltile

Is it cloth? Is it porcelain? Until you get up close, you won’t be sure. But be sure of this: tactile tile is hot for spring. “One of our biggest selling lines is Fabrique (shown here), which has a linear look,” says John Pasternak of Daltile. 

Mix-and-Match Modulars

Photo courtesy of FLOR Get the look for less: FLOR modular carpet tiles start at just $4.99, so there’s a style for every budget. Shown here: Modern Mix in Blue Mix, $64.99 for a 3’ x 3’ tile rug.

FLOR modular carpet tiles can be mixed and matched to create the custom area rug or wall-to-wall flooring you want. Think of it as a giant carpet puzzle you put together right on your floor. You can also create runners or cover high-traffic and oddly shaped areas. A specialist at Pacific Home can provide samples, help you design the floor covering of your dreams and custom-order your pieces for shipment to Hawaii.

Bonus: FLOR is a low-VOC product (it contains low amounts of volatile organic compounds that reduce air quality) so your family can breathe easier. They’re also partially constructed with recycled material and can be recycled through the manufacturer when you’re ready to replace your old tiles.

Accessible Exotics

Photo by David Croxford

Exotic woods have been around for a while. But now, they’re showing up in engineered collections, too. Shown here: the Bretts Hawaiian Exotics engineered flooring collection (from top to bottom) in Hamakua eucalyptus, ohia and mango, from Pacific American Lumber.

Subway Stagger

Photo courtesy of Daltile

“People are really liking the brick pattern,” says Pasternak. “It gives the surface a retro feel—like subway tile.” Outdoors, try Daltile’s Union Square textured glazed paver tile (shown here).

Bonus:

For a money-saving solution, mix materials. “Go with a large porcelain tile that looks like stone on the bathroom floor,” says Alex Kanamu, of 808 Stone. “Then, accent with base boards made of slab stone.” Why? Porcelain tile is durable and cost-effective, explains Valerie Chan, of LF International Trading.  Another plus? Porcelain is usually colored all the way through, not just on the top layer, making chips much less noticeable, says Janet Beck of Pacific Source Inc.

The Natural (Stone) Look

Photo by David Croxford

This trend isn’t exactly new, but it is strong—and it endures. “We have lots of stone for exteriors that have been used to create tropical, very outdoor, clean looks,” says Bruce Okimoto of Marblehaus. Shown here: Quartzite, in Golden Ray.

TIP: 

If you’re special-ordering floor tile in nonstandard rectangles, allow up to 16 weeks for shipping and delivery, advises Haunani K. Jones, Allied ASID, of Bella Pietra.

Walking on Glass

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Glass Block

“Modern applications [of structural glass flooring and stairs] include bridges connecting second-floor areas of a house and opportunities to view areas of interest on lower floors (left),” says Philip Kristianson, of Hawaii Glass Block, whose company offers many types of structural glass installations.

TIP:

“Contemporary furniture will yield to elegant types of high-polished finishes, especially on the floor,” says Kevin Nip, of Selective Stone. Nip has seen an increased customer demand for high-shine finishes in recent months.

Engineered to Last

Photo by David Croxford

“People are seeing that there are new ways to get that beautiful custom-wood look,” says Shirley Pai Hilton, owner of Pacific Imports International. Example: Pacific Imports’ Kahala Floors engineered flooring line, shown here in Santos Mahogany (dark) and Sakura (light).

TIP: 

Allergic to dust? Hawaii Hardwood Flooring uses dust-minimizing technology during installation. “We use large vacuum systems and HEPA filters so there’s minute dust—very little—from the sanding and finishing process,” says company president Chris Brenna.

Harder-Working Pavers

Pavers do wonders for outdoor cosmetics; some have hidden benefits, too. The Aquapave Permeable Paver System, available at Futura Stone, retains, filters and drains water from heavy downpours into the sewer system—keeping pollutant-carrying runoff from ending up in the ocean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the system as a Best Management Practice. How’s that for conscience-driven landscaping?