Have you ever walked into a home where the flooring just felt…off? You aren’t alone. What is it? Are too many styles competing for attention or do the color transitions feel jarring between rooms? When something isn’t working, it’s hard to put your finger on it.
The good news is you don’t need a design degree or unlimited budget to get beautiful, cohesive floors. All you need is to understand a few simple rules designers use every single day.
That’s why we sat down with the Hamernick’s Rochester flooring showroom manager, Jen Ferraro, who has spent years helping Minnesota homeowners navigate flooring design decisions. Today, she’s sharing the design rules and trends shaping 2026 and how you can use them to create a home that feels calm, intentional and timeless.
The Rule of 3: Your Secret to Cohesive Flooring
What’s the easiest way to keep your home from feeling chaotic? Follow the rule of 3: use no more than three flooring types in your home and use them strategically.
How does it work? Choose one “hero” floor that covers most of your home and sets the overall tone for the space. Laminate is versatile and growing in popularity, let’s use it as an example.
Now, choose a secondary floor for spaces that need extra durability or waterproofing such as tile in your entryway or bathroom. These spaces need practical and durable flooring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t combine function and style.
Lastly, you can choose an optional accent floor as your “connector.” Try out carpet in the bedroom. It provides the warmth and quiet comfort we all love during those long Minnesota winters.
Why does the Rule of 3 work? One flooring type is too flat and boring, providing no texture or variation. Two floors offer contrast and the transition can feel abrupt. Three different flooring materials creates visual interest and balance, while letting your eye move smoothly between spaces. It feels designed and purposeful, not accidental.
Wondering if you should mix flooring materials in your home? Schedule a consultation with our design and flooring team to put together a cohesive plan that works for your home.
2026 Flooring Trends: Warm Earthy Tones Are Taking Over
It’s time! While grays aren’t gone, earthy tones are starting to take over homes across Minnesota. Think honey browns, sandy beiges, cocoa tones and muted greens. Why? They’re neutral, cozy and offer that quiet luxury we love.
“I’m a Midwest girl through and through,” Jen explains. “Give me those warm and cozy brown tones, especially medium browns like honey, cocoa and chestnut. In a cold climate like ours, natural, warm comfort colors are where it’s at.”
She’s not alone. Homeowners across Minnesota are steering away from the stark, pale beachy blondes that have dominated the last decade. Instead, they’re looking to grounded, homey colors that feel connected to the outdoors.
Natural Textures Over Synthetic Finishes
Designers and homeowners love natural textures. When it comes to modern floors, materials like wood grain, stone veining and matte surfaces feel real. We relate to them. They bring warmth and depth to our homes that feel more inviting than cold, sterile man-made finishes.
These textures mimic organic, timeless materials and create spaces that feel authentic, serene and cozy while fitting our definition of modern or refreshed. Bonus? Matte and low-sheen finishes are also replacing high-gloss options, creating a more sophisticated, lived-in feel.
Making Your Floors Timeless AND On-Trend
How do you keep your floors from feeling dated in five years? Start with a classic base like natural wood tones, natural stone looks or simple tiles that won’t go out of style even as trends shift.
Then, add subtle, current elements such as large-format tiles or matte finishes for a modern look that doesn’t feel overly trendy. Timeless palettes and bold patterns should be used sparingly as trendiness should be an accent, not the whole story.
Next, match your undertones. When your dominant floor and accent floors share similar warm or cool tones, combined with clean transitions and consistent finishes, you create a unified, beautifully designed space that feels calm and intentional.
Ready to create flooring that feels both stylish and timeless? Hamernick’s team can help. Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
- St. Paul
- New Hope Flooring Superstore
- Hudson Flooring Solutions
- Rochester Flooring Solutions
or contact us today to learn more!
