But that is not all: in addition to its physical and/or mechanical virtues, natural wood is a noble material that brings warmth, elegance and comfort to rooms.

For this reason, it is one of the most common coverings for all types of homes.

Types of natural wood parquet 

There is a wide range of wooden floors on the market. In fact, you will find laminate, solid, multi-layered, laminate flooring, floating floors, etc.

Below we talk about some of them. 

Traditional parquet (or solid wood flooring)

This classic type of wooden floor is made of solid wood that is only finished by painting, waxing, oiling, sanding or polishing. 

In addition to its quality, natural parquet has two major advantages: 

• It blends well to different kinds of decorations (such as inlays and designs).
• It can be sanded several times to remove worn parts. 

In fact, parquet should not be confused with parquet flooring: the former is composed of small pieces, often forming geometric shapes; whereas the latter is composed of larger pieces, usually striped and laid all in the same direction, without forming patterns. 

Multilayer parquet 

This type of flooring is structured in 2 layers with joints on the sides.

The first layer is made of hardwood, while the second layer, called the “support” layer, is made by assembling several strips of softer wood, usually spruce or birch.

This type of wood flooring is quicker to lay and cheaper than traditional parquet, but its design is usually simpler, with fewer decorative options. 

→ You may be interested in: is it possible to install laminate floors on top of parquet flooring?

Floating parquet 

Floating parquet is a type of wooden floor that is laid using the floating technique, which consists of assembling the floor without the use of glue.

When installed, the strips of wood are combined in such a way that they are joined together and rest on the floor, where they are covered by a sheet of insulating material. 

This material is able to even out the contact of the parquet with the laying surface and, at the same time, to insulate it from moisture and noise. 

Natural oak parquet: warm and stately floors 

Oak wood is known for its wide colour range from dark brown to golden brown, with veins that give it a timeless beauty. 

Natural oak parquet floors can be found in amber, smoked, agate, etc. 

The density of this type of wood is medium, and its hardness and durability is moderate, which makes it easy to work with: it can be sawn and planed, and it is possible to apply finishing products such as varnishes, thanks to which it can be preserved and maintained in good condition for a longer period of time. 

In addition, oak has a low moisture content and is resistant to water, fungi and termites, as it was originally used for shipbuilding. 

Another strength of natural oak flooring is that it can withstand any kind of stress, as it is one of the hardest and most stable floors. 

Why choose oak parquet flooring?

Natural oak parquet is a popular floor covering with a diverse character. 

Rooms and living rooms with oak parquet offer a number of advantages, including:

• Design. At L’Antic Colonial we have a wide variety of natural oak parquet floors, with different colours and designs, adaptable to all types of decorations. 

• Comfort. Thanks to their weight and thickness, oak wood floors are soft and comfortable to walk on. 

• Finishes. Oak wood is relatively easy to work with. In addition, it can be easily varnished and painted, which offers excellent finishes.

• Installation. Oak parquet is easy to lay. There are three types of installation: nailed, glued or floating. 

• Maintenance. Cleaning and maintenance of natural oak parquet is quite simple: the ideal is to use a microfiber cloth and the products indicated by the manufacturer. Basically, it is the same care that you should apply to any other wooden floor. 

Decorating with oak parquet: 3 designs, 3 styles 

With wooden floors you can create beautiful spaces in which nature is the protagonist. 

Thanks to our variety of designs, you can play with the different textures of natural oak parquet and find the chromatic options that best suit your home.

Here are three ideas: 

MONARCH

L’Antic Colonial’s MONARCH range is inspired by some queens and monarchs. However, its name should not mislead you: this collection is made up of timeless natural oak wood floorings, ideal for any room, even those with a more avant-garde aesthetic. They are floors of excellent quality, with matt finishes and available in five colours. 

NATURE

The oak floors in the NATURE collection are characterised by fewer knots than conventional wood floors, which gives them a cleaner appearance. Even so, this range, which can be found in light tones (grey, natural and white), does not neglect the characteristic background pattern of the wood.

CLASSIC

The designs of the L’Antic Colonial CLASSIC natural oak parquet range offer a slight surface relief and two types of finishes: satin or matt. These are floating wooden floors, with three different types of laying (chevron, herringbone and luxor) and with many aesthetic possibilities for creating geometric patterns and designs. 

Which idea do you like best? Discover endless possibilities with our entire range of L’Antic Colonial products.

The post Oak parquet: avant-garde designs for your home appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

Here are the main characteristics of this building material and some of the advantages of its use in the home. 

Characteristics of slate stone  

Slate stone is a type of metamorphic rock (i.e. it has been formed by the modification of other pre-existing rocks) that stands out for its foliated, dense and fine-grained structure. 

It is very recognisable aesthetically because it is made up of several layers or laminae. 

Two of the main characteristics of slate are its hardness (it is mainly composed of quartz and muscovite) and its impermeability, which make it a versatile building material with many construction applications.

The most common slate is blackish blue, very rich in organic matter and carbon, although it can also be found in reddish and purple tones. 

On the other hand, its origin from clayey soils makes slate slabs easy to exfoliate in sheets by sanding to make flat slabs that can be laid on floors or walls. 

Some varieties can also be polished to a finer finish. 

What can be done with this material?

Due to its physical and mechanical characteristics, slate stone can be used for cladding, flooring and cladding. 

And, although in the past it was used to manufacture enclosing elements and load-bearing walls to support the loads of buildings thanks to its strength and compressibility, today its use as a structural element is minimal. 

Slate roofing stone 

One of the most common applications of slate stone is as a roof covering, replacing conventional ceramic tiles. 

The very low weight of the slate sheets and its impermeability make it a good alternative in snowy and rainy regions, and it is common to see slate stone houses in mountainous areas.

Slate stone for facades, walls and floors 

The other widespread application of slate stone is as cladding for floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors.

When we cover a wall with slate, what we are looking for is to give the space a special charisma. 

We can use this type of natural stone on the walls of living rooms, kitchens or bathrooms, and also on façades.  

With regard to floors, and as it is a stone with flat foliation and easy to cut, slate stone offers very good finishes as flooring. 

Slate is normally used with honed finishes, due to its smooth surface.

If we choose slate stone to cover the exterior floors of the house, it is essential that the surface on which we are going to lay it is completely smooth, being common for surrounding swimming pools or for making paths in the garden. 

Other applications of slate stone in the home are:

• Houseware. Its technical qualities make slate an ideal material for making trays and plates. This type of tableware is very hygienic and can be used to present both hot and cold dishes.

• Shower trays.  Due to its high impermeability, slate is one of the most used materials to make shower trays of great aesthetic and functional quality. 

• Worktops. This type of natural stone has a minimum absorption coefficient. In addition to being waterproof, it has a really attractive appearance if we want to use it in the kitchen. 

A great example of this is the Airslate series by L’Antic Colonial. This collection of slates has a thickness that changes depending on the natural variation of the surface (between 2 and 4 millimetres).

This feature of the stone allows it to be laid in curved areas or to move pieces measuring 240×120 centimetres with no difficulty, and with a radius of up to 35 cm. It is therefore a very flexible and light material. 

Finally, it should be noted that slate paint, made from this material, also has many decorative applications for the home, being an original option for covering walls in children’s rooms, offices, study or play areas or passageways in the home, such as the entrance hall. 

3 advantages of slate floors 

Among the advantages of using slate floors in the home, we highlight the following: 

1. Durability. Like other natural stones, slate is resistant and durable, making it suitable for high traffic areas.

2. Aesthetics. Slate stone is an aesthetically beautiful and elegant material, with a unique definition. Although we can find slate cladding in different colours and textures, the most common are dark tones. 

3. Replacing tiles. Changing or replacing slate tiles is quite easy in case of breakage. Moreover, it is a timeless material, so we will always find a replacement that fits our needs. 

Get to know our slate cladding 

Natural stone is a material that has been used in construction since prehistoric times and is characterised by its elegance, durability and adaptability. 

It is also characterised by its ornamental value and timelessness, which make it a good alternative for all types of homes. 

L’Antic Colonial’s natural stone floor tiles, wall tiles, furniture and bathroom accessories are custom-designed for each space in the home. 
Consult our catalogue and discover the DELHI, BHUTAN, KATHMANDU and PATAGONIA slate coverings, capable of withstanding changes in temperature, sun and rain, and which are an excellent option for natural stone façades.

The post Slate stone: applications at home appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

Nowadays, and due to its properties and aesthetics, this material has many applications as paving or cladding, giving indoor or outdoor spaces an unusual and suggestive beauty. 

What is travertine stone? 

Travertine is a porous limestone formed by calcium carbonate deposits. 

It is quarried in various parts of the world. In Europe, the deposits in Turkey and Italy, where it is called “Tivoli stone”, are well known. 

In fact, travertine stone was one of the most widely used natural resources during the Roman Empire: we can see it in ancient open-air baths and it was quarried in the form of blocks or chairs for the construction of the Colosseum, the Teatro Marcello, St. Peter’s Basilica or the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Travertine monuments can also be seen in squares, promenades, staircases and historical sites on all five continents. 

→ You may be interested in discovering all the natural stone options at L’Antic Colonial. 

Characteristics and uses of travertine stone 

Travertine stone is composed of calcite and gypsum. 

Although 99% of the minerals that form it are colourless, the remaining 1% has traces of yellow sulphur, brown iron and organic pigments that give it soft tonal ranges in honey, beige or pink. 

Although travertine stone is usually light in appearance, there are dark varieties in brown and even black. 

In addition to its colour, this material is very recognisable by its fibrous and porous texture. 

This is partly due to the gas bubbles that are often trapped between the layers of stone, creating spherical hollows, as if they were pores or cavities. 

Other characteristics are: 

• Resistance. Travertine stone resists bending and other external agents such as thermal shock, aggressive agents, abrasion or humidity.
• Durability. Travertine stone has a great durability. Proof of this can be seen in centuries-old buildings, which have not deteriorated over time.
• Ease of cleaning. The fact that a material is easy to clean is fundamental when choosing it for our home. In this sense, travertine stone is a great alternative: we only need to use soap and water, and never abrasive products.
• Beauty. The personality and elegance of travertine stone is unquestionable. For this reason, this type of cladding is a great alternative if we want to create exclusive and peaceful environments.

Why choose travertine stone for your home? 

The versatility and variety of formats makes travertine stone perfect for covering floors, walls and facades, but also functional rooms in the house such as the shower. 

In fact, this material is originally extracted from aquifers, so its resistance to moisture is beyond doubt. 

In addition, it withstands exposure to UV radiation well, so it keeps its colour as good as the first day, even outdoors.

Another reason to choose travertine is its timelessness, making it an aesthetic base for (practically) all kinds of styles. It can even remain in the same room of the house, even if the decoration changes. 

As for the uses of travertine stone, it is employed in blocks, slabs or sheets, whether hand-worked, rudimentary or polished, or even aged. 

In interiors, we can see it on walls and floors, and also in bathroom furniture such as bathtubs, washbasins or worktops.

When this material is used, polished or honed, it is advisable to seal its surface with a special paste to increase the durability of its gloss effect. 

Outdoors, the use of travertine stone is concentrated on façades, floors or pool edges, as it resists the weather very well.  

In these cases, it is usually used with an aged finish that, in addition to its appearance, enhances its anti-slip properties.

A trip to Tuscany with L’Antic Colonial 

Natural stone is one of the best options for home decoration: it brings freshness, elegance and a lot of personality, and it is a sustainable material.  

This natural stone has been very present in our range of products during our 20 years of history, and, in recent times, it has been updated in finishes to meet the needs of our most demanding customers, who are looking for quality and exclusivity. 

Due to its origin, our catalogue could not miss a travertine collection that refers to Italy.  

Our TOSCANO ANTICATO collection stands out because of its toasted tone, being ideal for outdoor spaces (it includes Bioprot to reduce the appearance of bacteria on the surface). 

Other of our coverings with this material are:

• MOKA ANTICATO. Beige, slightly more porous, and perfect for combining with minimalist decoration with whites and browns as protagonists. Its elegant finish also makes it perfect for designing staircases.  
• OCEAN WOOD. Our most “risky” travertine. With bluish reflections, it is recommended for bathroom countertops. It stands out for its oblique cut, made on the four edges of the piece, to highlight the finish and avoid the deterioration of the material. 
• SILVER WOOD. With a slightly more modern touch, this light-coloured travertine stone is perfect for covering bathroom walls and floors. Its aesthetics and finishes make it a good choice for showers and washbasin fronts. 

At L’Antic Colonial we have a catalogue of natural stone that will certainly serve as a source of inspiration. You can consult it on our website.

The post What is travertine stone: uses and applications appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

Within this type of art, whose name comes from the French word naïf (or its Anglo-Saxon form naive, which we can translate as “naive”), the work of 19th century artists such as Henri Rousseau, Anna Mary Robertson Moses (known as Grandma Moses), Séraphine Louis or Orneore Meteli stands out. 

In the 20th century, the naïf style is also present in the works of the Mexican artist Frida Khalo or the French artist Aristide Caillaud. 

Over the years, the naive style has been installed in other creative fields besides of painting, including fashion, design and interior design. 

In fact, nowadays, the naïf style in decoration is more present than ever. Its main hallmarks are minimalism, simplicity and the use of pastel shades such as pink, lavender or mint green.

Design ideas: how to decorate a house in naïf style

Although we are talking about what seems to be a relatively recent trend, the naïf style in decoration has its origins in 19th century France. 

It emerged, possibly, as an aesthetic response to classical academicism: scenes are sought that depart from the references to the Greek and Latin canons, with elements with well-defined contours, deep spaces and a certain genre. 

This search is manifested with printed textiles, also for the walls, and with ceramic coverings in relief. In this sense, mosaics will play a special role, especially with relief, which will give each room a very personal touch, evoking the sweetness and innocence of childhood without compromising adult glamour. 

If there is one thing that defines naïf style, it is spontaneity. That’s why you won’t find two naïf salons alike: no impositions or patterns, everything must be organic and free.

Colors: pastel tones and bright palette 

Naïf style decoration is defined by pastel colors. Dark or neutral tones (blacks, grays, browns, etc.) are relegated to the background or directly excluded. 

Even so, the range of colors of this decorative style is very wide, and fits all tastes. Some of the tones found in the palette of naïf interior design are lilac, pink, jade green, beige or turquoise blue, preferably with a bright and vivid touch. 

To create slight contrasts, we can use white or ivory tones.

→ You may be interested in: Timeless decoration inspiration.

Textures: prints and natural fabrics

Regarding textures for a naïf decoration, prints stand out, which can be mixed regardless of their theme: we can find floral details in curtains, sofa covers or carpets in large format, combining with animal silhouettes in pastel tones. This is common in furniture, which is usually lined with fabric. 

In addition, in the naive style we can include vintage accessories, typical of the shabby chic style and even some proposals that could be considered rustic. Of course, it should always be small details, such as antique vases, cages or metal or glass picture frames. 

In naïf decoration it is also very common to use vases with natural flowers, usually white or pink, such as camellias, daisies and dahlias.

The premise to combine all these aesthetic elements successfully is the search for balance, without great excesses or contrasts. 

Furniture: avoid sturdy, flashy or overloaded pieces

To decorate a living room with naive style, we must resort to minimalist or Nordic style furniture. 

We can opt for drawers, shelves or tables in white or pastel tones, avoiding excessively robust, flashy or overloaded pieces. 

Other common materials in naif decoration are wood, wicker or wrought iron. The first is usually present in floors, but also in baseboards and some wall coverings.

L’Antic Colonial’s AC5 CROSS CHEVRON SILVER, AC6 NATURAL 1L YUKON, AC4 RESIDENCE 1L ARIZONA and AC4 STYLE 1L QUIET laminate wood floors in white or light tones are a good example of how to incorporate wood flooring in a naive style home. 

Walls: patterned wallpaper and mosaics, two good ideas 

Wallpaper is one of the must-haves of naïf style decoration.  

At L’Antic Colonial you will find a wide collection of attractive wallpaper designs, with graphic patterns inspired by architecture and classic lines. 

We would especially like to highlight L’Antic Colonial’s Dreamland collection which, as its name suggests, evokes the world of dreams and transports us to that children’s universe that we can so easily identify with the naïf style.

If you are looking for a decoration inspired by nature, the AUGUSTA EMERALD, RA AEGEAN and RA PEARL wallpaper models can serve as a starting point. 

In addition to wallpaper and the use of pastel tones, the naïf style in decoration often resorts to mosaics to cover walls. The great advantage of this format is its colors and volumes, adapted to all kinds of tastes and proposals. 

The GLAZE HEXAGON BEIGES MATT and GLAZE DOTS GREYS MATT series could fit in with a naive living room. Also the ESSENTIAL SPIKE THASSOS models or the Drop collection by L’Antic Colonial, with tesserae in matte and metallic finishes in the form of scales in Anthracite, Copper or Brushed tones. 

In these cases, mosaics are not usually used to cover entire walls: the aim is to cover only one part, allowing personalized and exclusive combinations that are truly unique. 

Do you dare to introduce naïf style in your home?

The post The naive style: a new trend in interior decoration appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

Generating this feeling of comfort is also important because we spend a large part of our family and leisure time at home. 

When renovating or decorating a home, one of our goals is to help you create unique and cozy spaces. After all, it is precisely that “warmth” that makes the difference between a well-decorated room and a real home. 

Wood: the best ally to give warmth to your home 

There are many lists of tips on how to turn your house into a warm home.

The most relevant are to look for a decoration that we really like, add details to give personality and choose materials such as wood.

Natural wood is a noble material, with a great insulation capacity, both thermal and acoustic, and pleasant to look at and touch: its texture is usually very soft due to its low thermal conductivity, a physical quality that makes it easier to make rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

From the point of view of design and aesthetics, one of the great advantages of incorporating wood into any space is its ability to give all elements robustness and charisma. 

Its wide possibilities for combining with other materials such as steel, glass or metal are also beneficial.

From a functional perspective, wood is commonly used in furniture, enclosures (windows and doors) and flooring. In addition to being one of the most widely used materials due to its durability and resistance, wood floors have many advantages and make spaces more comfortable.

We can also use wood as a structural/decorative element in sight (in beams, columns, etc.) and even to create coverings, baseboards, moldings or friezes that cover all or part of the wall, giving it a distinctive and original touch of color.

→ You may be interested in: Natural wood stars interior design at home

6 Keys to bring more warmth to your home. 

The question that many people ask themselves before buying a home or making a reform is: is there any “infallible” trick to make my home warmer and cozier?

In addition to the use of materials that transmit that feeling, such as wood, the key is to make the house emanate comfort and tranquility in equal parts thanks to ideas like these: 

Personalized decoration 

One of the keys to interior design and decoration is to achieve the best balance throughout the rooms of the house: it is important to not overload the walls of accessories or unnecessary objects, just as to not leave them completely empty.

To give a warmer and more personal touch to a home, you can resort to classic and effective tips, such as hanging family photos or pictures. 

You can also choose to personalize a single wall, as a “museum”. The key in this case is to match the different shapes and colors of the different elements so that, even if it is full of details, the wall looks visually clean. 

Use of neutral colors

The warmer and more neutral the colors of the walls are, the more peaceful a house feels. 

In addition, when the walls are white, they can be easily paired with earth-toned furniture, achieving very cozy results. 

On the other hand, neutral colors are timeless, they do not go out of fashion: we can keep them for years without having to change them, adapting them to any decorative style. 

If you wish, you can learn more about timeless decoration. 

Simple furniture 

Furniture will help you achieve warmth in your home: think that an overloaded or pompous furniture can get all the attention, and the room can lose the feeling of seclusion that a warm home requires.

We recommend that you go for simple furniture, preferably made of wood, in light tones that blend with the rest of the color palette of the house.

Make the most of every corner 

To create a feeling of warmth at home, it is advisable to reduce the “dead corners” as much as possible, which can be used to create small closets, storage areas or reading corners. 

These spaces can also be used to provide our most extravagant or risky touch, so that we can give character to our home without breaking the aesthetics and warmth of the rest of the house.

Surround and indirect lighting 

One of the factors that best determine the warmth of a house is light. Both natural light, capable of creating cozy environments, and artificial light, which we can use to create intimate atmospheres. 

The main advice is to use warm and indirect lights, preferably dimmable, to be able to adjust them.

To control the intensity of light we can replace conventional switches with dimmers or dimmers.

LEDs or spot lights partially integrated in bookcases, shelves or furniture will also give a cozier feeling to the space.

Dress up your home with the right fabrics

One last tip to bring warmth into the home is to use curtains and rugs. 

Long, floor-length curtains in light colors are recommended. 

Regarding carpets, it is better to go for warmer tones that go well with the rest of the decoration. 

When it comes to fabrics (cushions, sofa covers, upholstered chairs or armchairs, etc.), we recommend beige tones, earth tones or the range of grays, in soft textures such as velvet or leather.

The post Tips to add warmth to your home appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

Wilson defined this word, literally and following its etymological root, as “the love of life” or “the love of what is alive”, alluding to the human need to be in contact with nature in order to achieve true well-being. 

Over the years, and beyond its new age reminiscences, biophilia has gradually been applied in different fields, including architecture and design: it is estimated that humans spend 90% of our time indoors in buildings (housing, offices, leisure centers, etc.) and we are gradually losing that link with the natural world which is so necessary for us.

Biophilic design aims to break this trend, incorporating elements of nature in urban interiors, adding plants (such as walls or ceilings), taking care of the views to gardens and green areas, using biodegradable materials (wood, cork, natural stone, etc.), installing systems to improve air circulation or simply betting on decorative elements that remind us of nature.

Characteristics of biophilic design  

Although it is a complex idea, what biophilic design does is, fundamentally, to observe nature in order to emulate its patterns in the buildings we inhabit. 

The three characteristics of buildings with biophilic design are: 

Introduction of “natural” elements, visual and sensory

Biophilic design uses materials that we would find in nature or that directly allude to nature, such as wood cladding or carpeting that mimics stone or grass surfaces. 

But that’s not all: colors, sounds, air quality, acoustic comfort, thermal sensation, humidity and even light variations through windows or skylights should remind us of natural environments. 

Biophilic design also introduces water into interior spaces, an element that is at the same time vital, harmonious, relaxing and full of energy.

Reproduction of biomorphic forms 

Biophilic design replicates patterns that remind us of or make reference to figures, textures or designs that we see in nature, both in materials and colors, as well as in shapes. 

Fluid, soft and rounded geometries are used, and corners and abrupt cuts are eliminated in order to integrate the different elements gradually into the space. 

Creation of natural spaces 

In biophilic design, order is essential to reproduce natural processes and ecosystems. The ultimate goal is the creation of open spaces, in which people feel comfortable living, working or resting.

Rooms that follow biophilic design principles are perfect for the development of creativity: observing natural phenomena or enjoying natural light and silence is beneficial for concentration and reflection.

This is one of the main reasons why many companies are already committed to creating spaces adapted to these criteria.

Examples of biophilic design:

• Second Home Coworking in Lisbon, which brings together more than 2,000 plant species in a greenhouse where you can also work.
• Gardens by the bay and large waterfall at Singapore’s airport.
• NX Condominium in the Williamsburg neighborhood (Brooklyn, New York), with a lobby that doubles as a living room and work area, and has lush vegetation including a large ficus.
• Seattle’s “The Emerald” tower, with more than 40 stories and 262 homes, whose glass facades allow residents to be surrounded by mountains and water.
• Obsidian” community in Las Vegas, a development of 33 houses with biophilic aesthetics and among whose streets we find terraces landscaped with plants, rest areas, stone paths, water or pools overlooking the desert.

Advantages of biophilic design

Biophilic design is not a trend: it is a global movement, a philosophy based on sustainability and wellbeing, whose principles are attracting more and more people who are aware of the benefits that being surrounded by nature has on their health and mood. 

Regarding the advantages of this architectural and decorative style, we highlight: 

1. By introducing the right elements, we can transform traditional offices into more pleasant places, which can significantly improve production and employee performance (up to 8%) and reduce absenteeism, sick leave and costs due to staff turnover. 

→ You may be interested in: The best types of office flooring.

2. In shopping centers, biophilic design increases customers’ willingness to buy or pay more by up to 12% thanks to the positive experience generated by a natural space. In addition, open spaces are considered safer. 

3. This type of design favors a circular economy and increases our commitment to the environment. In fact, one of the main foundations of biophilic design is to achieve maximum sustainability, by betting on production and consumption cycles that guarantee sustainable growth over time (thanks to the optimization of resources, the reduction in the consumption of raw materials and the use of waste). 

This idea of circular economy arises from imitating nature itself, where everything has value and everything is used, and where waste becomes a new resource. 

Biophilic design is much more than just putting a plant in the office: it is about creating spaces that help people perform their tasks and feel better, and in which colors, shapes and materials are very important.
In L’Antic Colonial’s catalog you will find floor and wall coverings made with natural materials, and ideal to fit in with this philosophy. Check it out on our website.

The post What is biophilic design? appeared first on L'Antic colonial.

This is a topic that we have already touched on in our blog, but still having questions about it is normal. Besides, it is important to get well informed so we can properly decide which option best fits our needs.

In this case, we are going to talk about SPC and WPC flooring and point out their common characteristics and differences. 

SPC vs. WPC flooring: what you need to know

SPC and WPC flooring have many things in common. The most important are:

Easy to install

All vinyl floors are easy to install. As they are floating, we can lay them on top of a previous floor without using any fasteners or fixings, and without having to carry out any building work. The only requirements are that the floor must be correctly leveled, clean and dry, and solid. 

Resistance

Thanks to their composition, structure and technology, vinyl floors are resistant to knocks, scratches, scrapes and micro-impacts.

Maintenance

As they do not require specific or complex maintenance, it is only necessary to vacuum and wipe with a mop or a well wrung mop for cleaning. In addition, many SPC and WPC floors are 100% waterproof and can be installed in damp rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Aesthetics

One of the great advantages of vinyl flooring is its aesthetics. Their finishes can imitate all types of materials. The most common is wood, but we can also find SPC and WPC floors made of granite, vinyl, cement, stoneware… 

So, how do WPC and SPC flooring differ?

Basically, in their structure and in the materials used for their manufacture.

Typically, vinyl flooring has four layers: 

• A central core composed of a high density fiberboard. 
• A surface layer or overlay (protective layer where the corundum particles that offer resistance to abrasion and wear are found). 
• A decorative layer (generally of melamine paper on which the design is printed).
• A backing layer that increases the stability of the floor’s shape and its resistance to humidity.

What differentiates SPC flooring from other vinyls is its central core, which, instead of being composed solely of wood fibers, has a combination of natural limestone and stabilizers. Hence its name: Solid Polimer Composite. 

The main consequence of using these materials is that they are denser, more stable and more wear-resistant than conventional vinyl flooring. 

WPC is a hybrid that combines the best properties of wood and plastic. 

It is made from a mixture of natural wood with polymers (recycled plastics) to obtain excellent structural properties and durability. 

In fact, the main advantage of this type of flooring is that its expansion is more controlled. 

Pros and cons of SPC and WPC floors

Advantages of SPC floors: 

• They are 100% moisture resistant.
• They are water-repellent. 
• They are non-slip.
• Expansion and contraction is minimal thanks to the mineral components of its central core.
• They offer excellent thermal insulation.
• They incorporate antibacterial and antistatic treatments.
• Their aesthetic and design possibilities are practically infinite.
• They bring warmth to the home. 
• Their tread is very comfortable, silent and soft.
• They are usually suitable for underfloor heating. 

Advantages of WPC flooring 

• They are very resistant to temperature variations.
• They are non-slip.
• They are anti-allergic and hygienic. 
• Their maintenance is simple (they do not need varnishes, oils or waxes), and their periodic cleaning is done with water. 
• In spite of being made with wood, it is not a floor attacked by termites or insects. Nor does it splinter or crack. 
• They are thick and provide a feeling of warmth.
• They dampen sound.
• They are versatile (there are a multitude of formats and colors).
• They are sustainable and eco-friendly because they are usually manufactured with recycled products. 

Regarding the disadvantages of WPC floors, we can only point out that they are somewhat more sensitive than SPC to sun exposure and temperature changes. In fact, they undergo expansion and contraction, albeit moderate. 

SPC vs WPC floors: dilatation, resistance and soundproofing 

• Expansion: the expansion and contraction of SPC floors vs that of WPC floors is much lower because their base is more solid.
• Resistance: both offer high resistance. It is true that WPC seems more durable because it is thicker, but the density of SPC is higher. With respect to blows and scratches, both are perfectly protected. 
• Soundproofing: because it is made of wood, WPC flooring offers better soundproofing and insulation than other laminate flooring, such as SPC. 

To summarize, you may be interested to know: 

Vinyl floors are subject to contractions and expansions due to environmental variations in temperature and humidity. 

SPC and WPC floors solve this problem totally or partially, although in different ways: the former add natural stone in their central core and the latter a mixture of wood and plasticizers. 

In the case of deformations, the mineral core of SPC floors makes them extremely durable and impact-resistant compared to traditional vinyl and laminates. 

In this sense, they are the best solution for not having to worry about bumps, scratches or deformities. 
If you need more information about these varieties of flooring or others, you can contact us through our L’Antic Colonial contact channels.

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Both options have their pros and cons. 

Choosing the same flooring for all the rooms creates a unified and harmonious environment, and creates a visual effect that expands its dimensions, which allows us to better plan a reform.

However, in open-plan dwellings such as studios or lofts, the flooring can help to delimit areas in an organic way. 

For example, we can opt for a ceramic floor, imitation cement or hydraulic, for the kitchen that merges with a wooden floor for the rest of the house.

Nor should we forget that for the kitchen and bathroom we should choose a type of flooring with specific characteristics, including ease of cleaning and moisture resistance.

Advantages of using the same floor throughout the house

Opinions on this subject are not unanimous: some experts are positive about the fact that variety is the source of creativity and taste, while others think that using the same floor throughout the house can be very beneficial, both from an aesthetic point of view and from a functional point of view. 

The main advantages of opting for a uniform floor for the whole house are: 

Sense of spaciousness

Uniform flooring makes the house appear larger and brighter. The key to create a feeling of spaciousness is to choose a floor with a neutral color, such as gray, which fits with different decorative styles. In this way, you will get a unified space without giving up your personality, since you can print your touch by changing the colors of the walls, furniture or decoration.

Finishes without cuts or unevenness

One of the big “problems” when choosing different types of flooring for the home are the transitions from one room to another. In fact, one of the big problems in the finishes of renovations are the cuts and unevenness related to the way the flooring is installed. 

Balance

One of the keys in decoration and interior design is to achieve balanced and proportionate spaces that transmit tranquility, peace and comfort. For this, symmetry will play an important role, closely related to the distribution and use of furniture, but also with the use of colors and materials. 

Modernity

Putting the same floor throughout the house is a relatively current trend, which breaks with the traditional decorative canon and classic ideas, achieving more current and modern environments. Having a homogeneous floor in a house fits with minimalism and Nordic style, but also with industrial decoration and even with the rustic style, where wood predominates. 

Although we can focus on porcelain floors because they are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, at L’Antic Colonial there is a wide variety of wood-effect floors that prevent humidity and can be used throughout the house, as we will see below. 

The best materials for uniform flooring 

If you are considering installing the same floor throughout your home, you should choose a material that is durable, easy to clean and has features such as hardness and water resistance. 

Among these materials, we find: 

Vinyl

Vinyl floors are the ideal option to achieve uniform floors. This type of flooring is 100% water repellent, resistant to abrasion and impacts, and remains unalterable to humidity and stains. Since they imitate the appearance of natural materials such as wood or stone, they offer interesting aesthetic results, and can be installed over other floors, avoiding unevenness. We are talking about vinyl floors that transmit versatility, comfort, quality and stability, which is why they are usually recommended for all types of home renovations. 

Laminates

Laminates offer high quality finishes, and are an excellent option when we want to put the same floor throughout the house. One of its main advantages is its simple and quick installation, which provides added value when we make a reform. In addition, L’Antic Colonial’s laminate floors offer the perfect combination of innovation and design, with collections that provide sophistication and adapt to all kinds of decorative styles. 

Ceramics

Ceramic floors offer durability and resistance, and are one of the most common options for flooring and wall coverings due to their ease of cleaning and low maintenance. In addition, this type of flooring offers multiple decorative possibilities, which can be adjusted to the decorative style of our home. And, of course, maintain their initial characteristics for a long time, that is, they retain their brightness and their color does not degrade even when exposed to climatic changes.
If you are going to make a comprehensive renovation of your house, you can lift the entire floor to install a new one without problems. In addition, it is not necessary to choose a single or different flooring for each room. Sometimes, it is enough to combine two materials to give some authenticity and uniformity to the design. The most important thing? Choose quality materials that fit your style and your needs.

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In addition, water underfloor heating can be combined with condensing boilers or aerothermal energy, a renewable energy that offers many advantages in terms of efficiency and savings.

Types of underfloor heating: difference between electric underfloor heating and water underfloor heating 

Underfloor heating is the generic name given to certain air-conditioning systems that operate from a network of pipes installed under the floor, under the mortar layer or screed. 

These pipes are covered with a material that allows heat to pass through, making the entire floor a large emitter that dissipates and distributes heat. 

There are two types of radiant floors on the market: 

• Electric underfloor heating, which is used for heating. 
• Water underfloor heating, which can be used for both heating and cooling. 

Electric underfloor heating

In the case of electric underfloor heating, heat is generated using only electricity. Basically, it is an electrical resistance that is placed under the floor and heats up when electricity is passed through it.

This system is very thin, and hardly requires any additional floor height. Depending on the type of resistance, it can be radiant wire, radiant mesh or radiant foil. 

Water underfloor heating

Water underfloor heating is the most popular and widespread, but also the most complex in terms of installation.

In short, water underfloor heating consists of a circuit of tubes through which water is passed at different temperatures. This temperature will be transmitted to the floor and dissipated to the rest of the house.

To heat the water, different technologies can be used, the most common being gas boilers, pellet boilers or aerothermics. The latter, working with a heat pump, can do the reverse cycle, i.e. cool the water, which allows the floor to have the dual function of heating and cooling.

In any case, underfloor cooling is very peculiar, as the physical behavior of heat and cold is not the same. Therefore, it is only recommended in areas with hot climates and low humidity.

Advantages of underfloor heating: comfort, efficiency and minimalism

Underfloor heating is the only heating system recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization), which ensures its comfort, safety and well-being for people’s health. This system is worth it since it is energy efficient, effective, and invisible.

One of the great benefits of underfloor heating is that it heats uniformly and provides a stable temperature over the entire surface, reducing air currents that can cause heat loss. 

It is also considered a very comfortable system, since feet temperature should be slightly higher than head temperature. 

Along the same lines, it is worth remembering that underfloor heating has a high thermal inertia. This means that it heats up gradually. The fact that it takes longer to reach the right temperature may seem inconvenient. However, when the heating is switched off, the floor will store the heat and dissipate it gradually, which is beneficial in terms of savings.

On the other hand, water underfloor heating is considered highly efficient because it works with low temperatures: the water is passed through the circuit at 40 °C, a temperature lower than the 70 °C usually used in heating systems with radiators and which results in energy savings of around 30%. 

Likewise, underfloor heating is “elegant” as it is invisible to the eye: being hidden and not having external elements such as radiators, allows us to have more useful space to distribute rooms or place furniture. 

Types of floors are compatible with underfloor heating

There are two key aspects to optimize the efficiency of underfloor heating: the design of the system and the choice of materials. 

System design

In the first case, the most important thing is the distance between the pipes, which must be calculated according to how the room is used, the points of heat loss, the insulation and the orientation of the room. The natural range is between 50 and 100 meters, with a length of 85 meters being perfect.

Moreover, the tubes can be distributed in the form of a coil, double coil or double spiral. The last two are the ones that guarantee that the ground temperature is uniform. 

Choice of materials

In terms of materials, underfloor heating has different parts: subfloor, cement layer, circuits, insulating panel, expansion absorber elements, mortar and screed/floor. 

Underfloor heating can be used under any screed. However, the best choice is tiles and natural stone floors, as they have a higher thermal conductivity. This means that heat is transferred to the surface faster.

If you want to lay wood over your underfloor heating, the best alternative is laminate floors, as it usually has a good response to changes in floor temperature and adapts to humidity. In addition, in case of failure, they are much easier to lift or replace.
Even so, and although almost all laminates are suitable for use with underfloor heating, it is advisable to consult with the manufacturer before installing the system.

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Popularized during the Roman Empire and common in the villas and baths of archaeological sites, the decoration of floors with mosaic tiles dates back to 3000 BC, when these works of art were dedicated to the different deities or to relevant events (heroic deeds, battles, etc.) with an aesthetic purpose or to enhance the political or social importance of a character or family.

Mosaics are made with tesserae, small fragments of stone, ceramic or glass of different shapes and colors. 

Many of the earliest mosaics were made with pieces of clay that, once fired and dried, were colored. They were then attached to the wall or floor with nails to form figures or patterns.

Today, mosaic tiles are an interesting option for floors and walls. 

This type of decoration is original and has many aesthetic possibilities, as it is fully integrated into the space, achieving elegant and sober finishes that give each room of the house a unique personality.

Difference between mosaics and regular tiles

In the case of tiles, ceramic pieces are thinner and one side is glazed because it is fired with enamel. They are waterproof and shiny pieces that, thanks to their easy cleanability, are often used in bathrooms and kitchens.

Mosaic tiles have much more precise and stylized patterns than ceramic tiles. In addition, this type of tile is thicker and more resistant (it withstands abrasion and pressure well, and it does not break easily).

Mosaics for interior walls: which one to choose?

In our blog we have already talked about the different types of mosaic tiles (wood, ceramic, metal, glass, natural stone, slate, mixed, etc.).

All mosaics are usually quite resistant, although stone and ceramic mosaics are the ones that best fit this quality. 

The main advantages of the former are their quality and versatility, since stone or marble tesserae are very durable, and can be installed indoors, outdoors, on floors and walls. 

Thus, we can see this type of mosaics (such as the Paradise, Outlines, Skyline, Universe or World Amsterdam series) in living rooms as well as in bathrooms, gardens or terraces. 

In the case of ceramic or porcelain mosaics, we highlight their more affordable price, easy installation and low maintenance. They are recommended for rooms exposed to humidity (such as kitchens, shower walls, etc.) and we can find them in multiple colors and designs.

When it comes to wood mosaics, they have an organic look, with very attractive relief and 3D shapes, and are the recommended option for rooms, living rooms or offices to which we want to print some “warmth” or a rustic style. 

Finally, metal mosaics and glass mosaics are the most avant-garde and offer exclusive and sophisticated results. 

Although they can be used in homes (glass mosaics bring a lot of natural light to foyers or small kitchens), they are becoming increasingly common for interior wall coverings in offices, offices, hotel lobbies, etc. 

We highlight the L’Antic Colonial Gravity series (metallic, and with gold, bronze or titanium finishes) and Rhomboid (in glass, and available in black, chocolate, cream and verdigris).

Mosaic tiling on walls and floors: practical advice  

Opt for a uniform design

The decoration of walls with mosaic is based on providing uniformity to the rooms, combining the colors and shapes of the coating with the rest of the furniture. 

Although you can use any type of pattern, smooth surfaces tend to give greater homogeneity. 

Regarding textures, if you want to add metallic or glass mosaics, you can combine them with smooth surfaces and achieve excellent results. 

A piece of advice: do not leave an inch of your wall bare: think that this type of coating also helps to protect the walls from dirt, fumes and grease.

Two-color design, a trend that never goes out of style

Establishing different patterns is always a good option if we want to cover the walls or floors of the kitchen or bathroom with mosaic. 

Designs in two or three different colors are usually the most effective: in this way, we can create geometric shapes and play with light and shadow, adding more decorative value to the interior of the house.  

Color “by areas”

Aesthetic uniformity is not at odds with the division of spaces. So you do not have to decorate the whole house with the same style of mosaic, or even with the same material. In fact, assigning colors, textures or materials by zones will help you define spaces visually, without the need to generate physical barriers. 

Frame your designs

One of the great advantages of mosaic tiling is the possibility of highlighting some elements that would otherwise go completely unnoticed in the decoration. 

Even so, remember that mosaics are not always the center of the room: they can be a good complement for areas adjacent to the kitchen, such as the bar, or to provide greater emphasis in a particular corner, such as the shower or bathtub space.

Decorating walls and floors with mosaics should always be based on “less is more”. Integrating this type of proposal in the home can have good results, but requires a measured and appropriate use of this resource and an excellent combination of shapes, reliefs, materials, colors and textures.

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