When it comes to creating a home that feels both stylish and practical, flooring is one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) choices you’ll make. To help us navigate this world of textures, finishes, and tough decisions, we sat down with Amie Berghan from Jacobsen Flooring, who will also be sharing her expertise live at the Auckland Home Show seminar series.
Amie brings a refreshing perspective to flooring. With a background in sustainable fashion and education, she has an eye for style, practicality, and eco-friendly solutions. “My journey wasn’t in flooring originally,” she admits, “but what drew me to Jacobsen was their strong sustainability focus. It felt like a natural evolution.”
So what should you know before choosing your next flooring? Here’s Amie’s expert advice.
The Most Popular Flooring Choice Right Now
The biggest trend in Kiwi homes right now? Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
“LVT is in massive demand,” says Amy. “It’s resilient, adaptable, and the print technology has advanced so much that it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between LVT and real timber or stone once it’s installed.”
Why Kiwis love it:
- It’s durable and scratch-resistant (perfect for pets and kids).
- Easy to clean.
- Adaptable – you can layer rugs and textures on top to refresh your space seasonally.
- More affordable than hardwood while delivering a similar look.
Amie says the move away from wall-to-wall carpet is part of a broader shift: “People want homes that are adaptable, not locked into one look.”
The Biggest Flooring Mistakes Homeowners Make
According to Amie, the most common mistake is choosing flooring based only on looks or only on price.
“You really need to balance design, cost, and function,” she explains. For example, cream carpet may look stunning, but if you have three kids and a dog, it will quickly turn into a regret.
Another mistake? Cutting corners on installation.
“Flooring is a big investment, and if it’s not installed properly, it can cost thousands down the track. Always choose a trusted installer — usually, your retailer will recommend ones they know and trust.
Flooring for Busy Households
For families, pets, or high-traffic spaces, Amy recommends resilient options like LVT, laminate, tiles, or engineered timber. Bedrooms, however, still benefit from the warmth of carpet:
- Loop pile carpet for durability
- Cut pile carpet for a softer, plush feel
Her golden rule: easy to clean = stress-free living.
Trends to Watch
Instead of cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” trends, Amie says we’re entering a time of hyper-personalised homes.
“People want their homes to feel like sanctuaries,” she explains. “With everything going on in the world, we’re craving safe, organic textures and earthy tones. Flooring plays a big role in creating that calm, grounded atmosphere.”
We’ll also see:
- Darker wood tones making a comeback
- Rugs used as area definers (larger rugs under and around furniture instead of small mats)
- Textured loop carpets for depth and warmth
Pro Tips for Choosing Flooring
- Start with constraints. Budget, lifestyle, and family needs narrow your choices before you get lost in aesthetics.
- Don’t overlook underlay. It adds comfort, warmth, and acoustic benefits.
- Try visualiser tools. Many retailers now offer online tools where you can upload a photo of your space and test flooring options virtually.
- Get 2–3 quotes. It helps check for major price discrepancies without overwhelming you.
- Layer textures. Use rugs and herringbone layouts to make a space look more “high end” without blowing the budget.
Why Visit the Auckland Home Show
Amie’s best piece of advice for overwhelmed renovators? Don’t do it alone.
“The Auckland Home Show is the perfect place to start,” she says. “All the experts are under one roof, showcasing their newest and best products. Bring your Pinterest boards, your questions, and use it as a chance to get real, expert advice tailored to your home.”
You can watch the full interview here:
And yes, Amie will be there on stage, sharing flooring trends and answering questions in her seminar session. “Come chat with me afterward too,” she laughs. “I love seeing people’s inspiration boards.”
So if flooring is on your renovation to-do list, make sure to catch Amie Berghan at the Auckland Home Show — and walk away with confidence, clarity, and maybe a few bold new ideas.
For more Auckland Home Show ticket information: click here
Learn more: jacobsen.co.nz
