Flooring can make or break a space. The right flooring doesn’t just bring functionality to a room — it’s a key design element that can completely change its look and feel. You can take a playful approach with geometric tiles in a bathroom, try a high-pile rug for a cozy bedroom or lean into a rustic flair with warm hardwood (imagine embracing an aged grain pattern).
“Flooring serves as the foundation of a room and all the details matter: floor stain color, pattern and the finish,” says Kelly Collier-Clark of House of Clark Interiors.
With so many flooring choices out there, we couldn’t help but ask interior designers about their clients’ top pick right now. What’s the top flooring trend at the moment? Their answer was clear: White oak is dominating homes these days.
“European white oak is the hottest thing on the market,” says Colleen Bennett of CBB Design Firm, noting that people are going the engineered route due to how construction is being built.
Houston-based designer Kyle Dutton of Kyle Dutton Home & Design is also seeing more and more white oak. “We are really loving white oak tones with natural tones like Rustic Beige, Silvered Gray and Weathered Oak,” Dutton says.
What’s interesting is that, according to Nicole J. Colin of Coco Design & Build Co, homeowners’ love of white oak is nothing new. “Surprisingly, this trend has remained popular for six to seven years, and it shows no signs of slowing down,” says Colin. “Its timeless appeal and ability to brighten spaces make it a favorite in many projects.”
One main draw of white oak is the versatility of its “naturally light finish, which means it can be stained in a wider variety of colors,” according to Katara Cade of Pearson Design Group. It complements a range of interior design styles, whether you’re aiming for a rugged and rustic aesthetic, or on the opposite end, a sleek and modern flair. “For example, in modern architecture, we tend to use cooler toned stains for the white oak, whereas in our rustic projects, we play up the warmth of the wood,” Cade adds.
Interior designer Hill Rondero of Ro House Studio prefers the warmer tones to create an inviting atmosphere. “I love white oak in an older home as a contrast to the more traditional architecture. The warmer hardwoods are a nice complement to the more modern spaces we’ve been seeing lately. It’s always about the balance.”
For even more visual appeal, there’s room to experiment with a variety of widths as well, says Bennett. “We are seeing a lot of different widths like 3”/5”/7”, 4”/5”/6”, 4”/5”/7 — not just one simultaneous plank just to make it look a little bit more interesting.”
And not only does it look good, but Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Director in the Good Housekeeping Institute, notes that oak is of the most durable woods out there, so it’s ideal for high-traffic areas. “It’s extremely hard-wearing, plus its tight grain pattern conceals any nicks or scratches that do occur over time,” DiClerico says.
So, it’s clear, if you want style and function, white oak is the way to go.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
