Here are some ways to do it: patterned carpet; ceramic or porcelain tile installed in an interesting layout; a bold arrangement of carpet tile; and even hardwood boards in different colors, species, and widths placed in an out-of-the-ordinary design.

You’ll be surprised how much interest varied patterns can give to a room. When you’re shopping, have fun considering flooring (and other materials) in different shapes, sizes, and colors to define the important spaces within your home. Choose what speaks to you. 

A few guidelines:
 

• Bold, high-contrast patterns complement smaller spaces, like a dining room, bathroom, or foyer. They also bring focus and punch to larger spaces.
• Smaller geometric designs have a tailored look that gives quiet and classy emphasis to a room. These designs may be found most often in carpet or achieved in installations of small-scale tile.
• Subtle, overall pattern on the floor—as in many modern carpet styles—creates a seamless, elegant look that’s really wonderful in large rooms.
• In carpet, you can find both subtle and bold patterns—and today’s styles are extremely cool and current. Patterns are achieved using assorted yarn colors, different heights and sizes of yarns, and through varying arrangements of cut and uncut loops. 
• In hard-surface floors—such as hardwood, laminate, resilient-vinyl, and tile—installation creates pattern. Think checkerboard, herringbone, mosaic … or whatever you can dream up.
• Another way to use pattern for a unique look is to layer a rug or piece of custom-cut–and-bound carpet on top of a hard-surface floor. This kind of layering brings softness and comfort and creates better acoustics—while also allowing you the flexibility to change colors and patterns often.   

The bottom line is this: You don’t have to have boring floors. Ever. Play around with patterns to define spaces and create lots of interest. Use different types of flooring throughout your home. Layer carpet or rugs over hardwood and tile—or carpet over carpet, for that matter.  Change it up, jazz it up, make it creative. And make it you.


TIP:

If you’d like some assistance with your planning, many flooring stores have designers who can help you find the exact products you need. Let them guide you on the best use of patterns and colors to express your style.