Thur 10 - Sun 13 September 2026
Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane

FLOORING: WHAT’S NEW UNDERFOOT?

FLOORING: WHAT’S NEW UNDERFOOT?

Flooring has come a long way in recent years. From ultra-realistic timber-look finishes and waterproof hybrid flooring to quieter, warmer and more sustainable materials, discover the innovations changing the way Kiwi homeowners think about what’s underfoot.

MORE CHOICE UNDERFOOT

If you’ve not looked at flooring for a few years, you might be surprised by how much has changed. Advances in manufacturing, new materials and improved installation systems have transformed what’s available, giving homeowners more choice than ever before.

One of the biggest trends is realism. Modern flooring products are remarkably good at replicating natural materials, with timber-look, stone-look and concrete-look finishes that are increasingly difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Improvements in surface textures and printing technology mean many products not only look authentic but feel it too.

Hybrid flooring has become one of the fastest-growing categories. Combining the durability of laminate with the water resistance of vinyl, it’s designed to cope with the realities of modern family life. Muddy shoes, pets, children and everyday spills are less of a concern, making hybrid flooring a popular choice for kitchens, living areas and open-plan homes.

Luxury vinyl flooring has also evolved well beyond the vinyl of decades past. Today’s products are warmer underfoot, quieter to walk on and available in an enormous range of colours, plank sizes and tile formats. Many are fully waterproof, making them suitable for areas where traditional timber may not be the best option.

Engineered timber continues to grow in popularity, offering the beauty of real hardwood while providing greater stability than solid timber. It allows homeowners to enjoy the warmth and character of natural wood with fewer concerns about movement caused by changes in temperature and humidity.

Installation has improved too. Many flooring systems now feature precision click-lock technology, allowing boards to fit together quickly without adhesives. For confident DIY renovators, this can make installation far more achievable, while professionals can complete projects more efficiently.

Sustainability is another area where flooring manufacturers have made significant progress. Many products now incorporate recycled materials, responsibly sourced timber and lower-emission manufacturing processes. Longer product lifespans also mean homeowners are replacing floors less frequently, reducing waste over time.

Comfort has become just as important as appearance. Many modern flooring products include built-in acoustic underlays that reduce noise between rooms while providing a softer feel underfoot. Others are designed to work seamlessly with underfloor heating, making hard flooring a more comfortable option during New Zealand’s colder months.

With so many innovations now available, choosing flooring is about much more than colour alone. Performance, durability, sustainability, comfort and ease of maintenance all play an important role. Whether you’re renovating a single room or building a new home, today’s flooring products offer solutions that simply weren’t available a decade ago.

And if carpet is still your preferred choice, that’s evolved too. Modern wool and synthetic carpets offer their own advantages, making the decision between hard flooring and carpet more interesting than ever before.

MORE THAN JUST A FEATURE WALL

Wallpaper has come a long way from the heavy patterns and complicated installation techniques many homeowners remember. Today’s products offer an enormous range of styles, finishes and textures, making wallpaper one of the easiest ways to introduce colour, character and personality into a home.

Whether you’re drawn to bold botanicals, oversized murals, elegant geometric designs or subtle textured finishes that mimic linen, concrete or timber, there’s now a wallpaper to suit almost every interior style. Some designs make a dramatic statement, while others quietly add depth and warmth without dominating the room.

One of the biggest developments has been the rise of digitally printed wallpaper. Homeowners are no longer limited to choosing from existing collections. Advances in printing technology now make it possible to create completely bespoke wallpaper using your own photographs, artwork or graphic designs. A favourite holiday landscape, a dramatic aerial photograph, a child’s illustration or even a family business logo can all be transformed into a wall-sized feature. Interior designers are increasingly using custom wallpaper to create truly individual spaces that simply can’t be replicated with off-the-shelf products.

The quality has also improved dramatically. Modern digital printing produces vibrant colours, sharp detail and durable finishes that are designed to withstand everyday living. Whether it’s a subtle repeating pattern or a full-scale mural stretching across an entire wall, custom wallpaper allows homeowners to create something that’s uniquely their own.

Installation has become much more straightforward too. Many modern wallpapers use paste-the-wall technology, where the adhesive is applied directly to the wall rather than the paper itself. This makes positioning easier, reduces mess and gives confident DIY renovators a much more forgiving installation process. Peel-and-stick products have also become increasingly popular, particularly for renters or homeowners wanting the flexibility to refresh a room without making a permanent commitment.

Of course, not every project is suited to a DIY approach. Large feature walls, intricate patterns that require precise alignment or homes with uneven surfaces are often best left to experienced installers who can achieve a flawless finish. For many homeowners, the cost of professional installation is easily justified by the quality of the result.

Wallpaper also isn’t confined to living rooms and bedrooms. Powder rooms, hallways, studies and even ceilings are becoming popular places to introduce texture and visual interest, often transforming overlooked spaces into some of the most memorable areas of the home.

Whether you choose a subtle textured finish, a dramatic mural or a design that’s entirely your own, today’s wallpaper offers almost unlimited creative possibilities. It’s a simple way to add personality, tell a story and create spaces that feel distinctly individual.