And it turns out that underfloor heating, American-style fridge freezers and real wooden floors are the three modern trends people most want to come home to, according to cordless vacuum cleaner company Vax (vax.co.uk).
But original floorboards are usually fitted to joists so you’re unlikely to be able to fit underfloor heating, while replacement floors can be expensive.
So a good alternative is luxury vinyl tiles, or LVT flooring, which are thicker than vinyl sheeting and not only look like planks of wood but also feel like them thanks to textured printing that produces a grain-like finish.
They’re much cheaper than real wood, hard-wearing and easier to maintain because, unlike wood, you can clean them with a mop and water.
Sophie Hautekeete, product manager for Quick-Step (quick-step.co.uk) puts this down to advancements in manufacturing technology.
“The result is a floor that combines the look and feel of natural wood or stone in combination with the practical benefits of vinyl flooring: warm, water resistant, durable and sound absorbent,” she says.
Stone-textured LVT flooring usually comes as squares or rectangles, and Heather MacMillan, a buying manager at Carpetright (carpetright.co.uk), says: “They are relatively easy to lay if you’re competent with an open blade and can cut-in around skirting boards, any odd-shaped rooms and fitted furniture.
“But, like all flooring, you will get the best results if you opt for expert fitting.”
And they’re not just for bathrooms and kitchens says Inga Morris-Blincoe of Lifestyle Floors (lifestyle-floors.co.uk).
“LVT floors are extremely durable and waterproof, making them an excellent choice for a high footfall area such as a hallway,” she says.
If you’re going to attempt to fit LVT yourself, here are some top tips from Carpetright:
• Make use of a free Home Flooring Surveyor visit to help you measure up the space.
• Once you know the amount of product you need allow a minimum of 5 to 10% leftover LVT for cuts, future needs and replacements.
• You need to store your tiles in the relevant room for 24-48 hours prior to fitting so they adjust to the room temperature – cold weather can make them brittle so make sure the temperature is within the recommended 18 – 30C.
• Sweep or vacuum your sub-floor to ensure a smooth surface for fitting.
• Watch a couple of “how to” videos until you’re clear on what you’re doing if laying LVTs yourself.
• For click system LVTs start in a corner of the room and work your way across from left to right.
• Put the head ends together in the first row.
• Push the short side joint down gently with your thumb moving from the inner corner towards the outside until you hear a “click” or use your rubber mallet to secure the joints together if you need to.
• Ensure the short side ends are closed by knocking gently on the short side click connection with your wrist.
• Follow this system for the second row and then join the two rows together once finished.
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