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klf78

Dark Stain on the way out?

11 years ago
I see a lot of natural stains trending, such as driftwood or pickled oak...especially in beautiful homes in California seen on Houzz.

I'm curious to see if you all think this is the upcoming trend, replacing the popular dark stained flooring we've seen in the 2000s.

I do think dark stain is classic but I'm loving the natural look of light stain or even natural wood with a clear finish.
Light
Dark

Comments (14)

  • 11 years ago
    I think dark floors peaked 2-3 years ago. I see more gray, natural, and white. Mid-tones are a more conservative choice that is gaining popularity.
  • 11 years ago
    Dark floors and woodwork/cabinetry are still the main stay at the Parade homes here - except some have white cabinetry. It was "in" in the 70s, disliked as a 70's thing for a long time and came back again. Now the powers that be in the design world will start to push for something different - and some people will rush to change perfectly good surfaces because someone called them "dated" - a bit silly and environmentally unsound but that is what makes the marketing world go round. The only thing I don't like about the dark is it shows dust more. My personal preference is lighter tones because I like light rooms.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    I do agree with hayleydaniels. Go with your gut and with what you like best. If you plan on selling the house in the near future, try to pick something 'neutral' that is not too extreme on either side as in pitch black and snow white. But who knows what will be popular in the far future, so choose whatever makes you feel at home :)
  • 11 years ago
    I like both. My floors are a medium tone that one day I'd like to switch to a lighter more bamboo or even possibly a pecan color. However, I like my furniture to be medium to dark.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Both look great, but it is on its way out as far as trends go. Homeowners shouldn't necessary find trendy items, they should go with whatever more suitable for their own taste instead of what's trending at the time. There will always be something in and something out. Its a big investment to remodel solely based on that.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Light is trending in some areas but will never happen in others. Dark is still hot in some areas yet it was kicked to the curb last year in others. It all depends on where you live and if the area is conservative, ultra conservative or trendy/hip.
  • 11 years ago
    I like both....and I like what trends at my own houzz....not real worried about all the houzzes I'm not living in. :) I definitely see beautiful examples of both on Houzz. :)
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Our new home has the light kind of bleached wood floor and I hate it. It's a fad I wish I hadn't gone with. I definitely think it will be regrettable in a few years... I'm more about the classic looking wood floors personally.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Personal choice. Somethings like dark paneling are timeless.
  • 11 years ago
    I like the dark floors. I think they give a warmer, more elegant look. I can see the place for the lighter floors. The lighter floors probably show the dust less as well. But, for me, in most cases I'd pick the dark floors. I think they'll always be in style and the lighter ones are more of a phase.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    I haven't seen dark tones wain just yet.
  • 11 years ago
    I hope they don't go out! I thought they were classic, except for the very dark such as cappuccino or close to black? I've only had mine 2 years and love them! I'd say mine are close to dark, but they are solid walnut. The lighter natural is very pretty though, but who can keep up constantly with all the changes! It's to expensive! I aim to try to stay somewhere in the middle so I'm not unhappy and feel I constantly have to keep up.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    I almost prefer just to let the beauty of the lumber show naturally and if I want a darker color, use a darker lumber. I just like a more natural feel I guess!