DEFINING THE DETAILS

Color adds life and personality to a space, setting the mood for the entire room. A splash of red, for example, hints at your sense of passion while yellow is a vibrant, happy color. And nothing says 'regal' quite like purple! Colors even seem to affect the 'temperature' of a room - reds and oranges feel warm, while blues and greens feel cool.

GREAT LOOKS THAT FEEL GREAT, TOO

When it comes down to it, there are really two things that influence your final decision on flooring for your home: the way it looks...and the way it feels. We know that those two factors are equally important. That's why we've invested time and resources in the development of laminate flooring products that feel as good as they look. Whether your want realism of hardwood graining or natural tile etching, we offer the look and feel that is right for you.

ON A SMALLER SCALE

While large-scale flooring tends to work very well in larger rooms, smaller rooms may feel more proportionate to narrower plank widths. It's always a good idea to borrow or buy several samples of the flooring you are considering and lay them in place to gauge the effect. Remember, too, that lengthwise patterns add depth to rooms, while running the flooring across the width of a room will make the space look shorter and wider.

MIRROR, MIRROR

There's something magical about mirrors. They add shine and sparkle to a room, increasing light and creating a sense of larger space. Leaned against a wall, a majestically-sized mirror offers a new perspective of the room's character and warmth.

BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE, EASY TO CLEAN- NOW YOUR COOKING

Cooking, while fun, can also be serious business. You need the best equipment you can afford - and a floor you can count on to take the wear and tear of countless gatherings without sacrificing style or demanding a lot of maintenance in return.

TRADITIONAL HARDWOOD

True classics improve with age. These timeless floors are meticulously crafted from enduring American species like oak, maple, pecan and cherry. Enrich your home with solid or engineered floors, narrow strips or wide planks, in any shade you can imagine, from classic honey and chestnut to modern whitewash and espresso.

DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES

The cozy yet utilitarian aesthetic of Arts and Crafts style. The crisp, uncluttered feeling of a contemporary space. The time-worn appeal of a French Country room. Each design style requires a unique flooring choice, with the distinct details and color nuances that will tie the room together.

HARDWOOD DESIGN DETAILS

The unique beauty of each hardwood floor is in the details. These details are what make each floor distinctive. There is no wrong or right choice here, it's all about personal preference.

HAND SCULPTED HARDWOOD

Artisan-carved planks in a rich palette of colors combine the craftsmanship of a bygone era with modern design appeal. From the deeply textured rustic look of Rural Living, to the subtly sculpted elegance of hand-crafted Century Estate, the collections of hand-sculpted floors are equally enchanting in a 19th century farmhouse or a converted urban loft.

EXOTIC & SPECIALTY HARDWOOD

Our carefully selected, responsibly harvested hardwoods feature striking natural colors and bold detailed graining, while our innovative and imaginative design techniques create specialty floors of stunning originality and beauty from domestic species. These are floors with a sense of drama that refuse to go unnoticed, from naturally captivating Valenza to distinctively detailed Barrel Creek.

COTTAGE STYLE

There's something inviting about down-to-earth cottage style. This popular look invites guests to kick up their feet and relax. Cottage style is an attitude, not a set of hard-and-fast rules. The goal is simply to create a bright and happy space that reflects the informality of a home away from home. Bring the outdoors in with accessories made from natural materials. Take the look a step further by bringing nature in, such as putting starfish, seashells, or butterflies on display. In keeping with the informal feeling of a cozy cottage, the look of bare wood floors is a good option. Choose new planks with imperfections or a heavy grain for a warm, lived-in feeling.

ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE

Simplicity is the hallmark of Arts and Crafts style. Known for clean lines, warm wood tones and a focus on function, the aesthetic is sophisticated and cozy. With ornamentation kept to a minimum, the appeal of this popular design style is the craftsmanship. To inject the Arts and Crafts style into your home, choose similarly proportioned furnishings, simple moldings and the occasional hammered metal accent. Arts and Crafts style is most commonly associated with bungalows, but it can be adapted to fit almost any style home. It is not surprising that the Arts and Crafts style is experiencing a strong revival. Its signature features - intricate woodwork, rustic materials and a utilitarian focus - are simple and appealing, combining to create an American classic.

WORLDLY WOODS

The designs come from South America, Australia, the far East and Africa. Distinguished by their amazing textures, these are exact likenesses of the world's most treasured and sought-after woods - rendered in durable, easy care laminate. All created for the homeowner who wants to make a statement about their taste and lifestyle...with a floor that's a cut above the rest.

HARDWOOD DESIGN

Species influences appearance and durability. Not all species of hardwood are equally hard. If your floor is likely to take a lot of abuse, consider oak, maple, or ash, for extra durability. For appearance, traditional oak has pronounced variations in grain and shade, while maple's grain is cleaner and more understated. Today, there are many exotic species available, such as lapacho, tigerwood, and Brazilian cherry, that have a distinctive combination of origin, color and surface characteristics.

NEW TRADITIONS

Timeless but fresh. It's a new outlook with classic styling. Time-honored floors like pecan, and hickory deliver customary style with finishes that offer an unexpected fresh look. Blend the Highlands Biscuit floor with traditional furnishings and unpredictable, fun accessories. It's all about balancing the classic quality of yesterday with the livability and comfort of today.

WORLD TRAVELER

Unique. Eclectic. Cultured. Exotic. Worldly. This exciting design style harkens to the traveling spirit in everyone. It celebrates the architectural structures and design details that are the best that Europe, Asia and the exotic islands have to offer. Floor finishes range from dark, stained surfaces to painted, glazed and sanded finishes that simulate years of use and living. The palette is rich and regal or perhaps light and reflective. It creates a perfect backdrop for a variety of treasured accessories amassed through years of traveling.

URBAN LIVING

Clean. Sophisticated. Contemporary. Simple. Open, uncluttered rooms are accented with ultra-modern accessories offering smooth lines and loads of drama. Spartan simplicity coupled with hi-tech living makes natural wood floors the tranquil, serene choice for urban style. Handcrafted floors complement this modern look. In addition, the sheen of maple and pecan are excellent choices in both natural and deeper stained versions.

CASUAL COMFORT

Relaxing. Uncomplicated. Charming. Simple. The Casual Comfort style captures the serenity of a country morning with hand-hewn floors of natural oak, hickory and maple. Experience the coziness of a mountain retreat with rustic, handcrafted, distressed floors. Warm and inviting or fresh and serene, this uncomplicated style is enhanced with furniture and accessories that are supremely comfortable, timeless, inviting and versatile.

QUALITY CRAFTED IN EVERY DETAIL

Raw materials, Armstrong starts by inspecting and grading every board to ensure each will meet their rigid quality standards. Only the best pass their inspection. Precise drying, a key step in preparing the wood, they dry the lumber in state-of-the-art kilns that are constantly monitored by highly trained technicians to ensure the boards meet the specifications required to produce superior quality flooring. Grading standards, once deemed ready for production, each board is meticulously graded and any unacceptable material is removed before milling. Precision milling, all planks are made straight, sanded to a consistent thickness, and machined to create a perfect tongue and groove fit. Adhering to the strictest standards during the milling process ensures reliable quality and consistency of all floor planks, from carton to carton. The planks install easily and fit together snugly for a finished floor that is stable, even and consistent. Advanced color management, Armstrong uses computerized color monitoring systems to assure the highest level of color monitoring systems to assure the highest level of color consistency from board to board and carton to carton, catching and correcting variations too subtle to be distinguished by the human eye. Superior finish systems, multi-layer ultraviolet cured aluminum oxide urethane coating systems are factory applied to provide exceptional stain resistance and 5 to 10 times more wear resistance than other finish systems. With their variety of proprietary finishes Armstrong creates a range of looks, from low-gloss to high-gloss, as well as hardwoods for light, moderate or heavy traffic areas. Their exclusive Permion finish is so durable, it even stands up to commercial use. The painstaking attention to detail that begins with the design process continues throughout every stage of manufacturing, from lumber selection to final finishing. Rigorous quality control, including more than 50 inspections throughout the entire manufacturing process, guarantees floors that install precisely and look beautiful for a lifetime.

A CLOSER LOOK AT PREMIER PERFORMANCE

Life may be full of compromises, but flooring doesn't have to be one of them. No one should have to sacrifice the elegance and lasting value of authentic hardwood just because they need a floor that can stand up to kids, pets, and an all-around active lifestyle. Armstrong was the first to take on the challenge of developing a harder hardwood floor. They began with genuine engineered hardwood in a wide selection of colors and species and infused it with liquid acrylic. This exclusive process creates a dramatically tougher floor. Even cherry - one of the softest hardwood species - becomes harder than oak. Add on their proprietary Permion wear layer; and a Premier Performance floor resists scratches, scrapes, dings and dents better than any traditional hardwood floor. So, whatever your style or your lifestyle, you can enjoy the beauty and value that only a genuine hardwood floor can bring to your home. No compromises necessary.

CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REINTERPRETED ALL THE TIME

Maintaining their timeless appeal with a twist that makes them perfect for today. Such is the inspiration behind Highgrove manor, a collection of hardwood floors by Armstrong that will inspire as much admiration decades from now as the day they're installed. The premium collection of 3/4" solid hardwood uses the highest grade American maple, oak, hickory and cherry. The 4" and 5" wide planks are sanded to smooth perfection, then completed with the finest stains and premium finishes in shades ranging from clear natural and rich chocolate, to new neutrals including whitewash and soft gray. The clean lines and immaculately smooth finish of highgrove Manor form the perfect backdrop for contemporary minimalist decor, but are just as beautiful in coastal designs and traditional homes.

ONCE UPON A TIME, PRACTICALLY EVERY FLOOR WAS A HARDWOOD FLOOR

Some of the most beautiful examples of craftsmanship remain in the country manor homes of Europe and the mansions of the Old South. It is these antique plank floors, sculpted by hand and worn to elegant smoothness by the footsteps of generations, that inspired the Armstrong Century Estate collection. Each Century Estate floor is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Armstrong has chosen the finest hickory, maple, oak and walnut - all classic species know for their timeless beauty and durability. Each 6" wide plank is hand-sculpted to create the details of centuries-old floors. Authentic details include soft, undulating carving and subtle pillowed edges. The planks are then hand-stained the old-fashioned way, providing a depth of color and luminous patina unmatched by any modern machine. The final result is a selection of 12 stunningly refined floors with timeless beauty and remarkable versatility. Century Estate provides the perfect foundation for traditional or old world design, as well as an ideal unifying element for bridging styles in a modern decor.

NATURE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

The desire to preserve and protect our natural resources has inspired a whole new world of innovative design. Exotic Fusion is one such innovation, fulfilling the desire to create new and exciting hardwood designs without depleting the world's rarest and most beautiful tropical forests. Exotic hardwood species are prized for their unique character, striking grain patterns and depth of natural color. To capture this look, Armstrong began with four abundant domestic species known for their exceptional graining: maple, mountain elm, ash and birch. Individual boards are selected with special attention to the character of the grain. A special thermal treatment process caramelizes the wood, producing rich colors and distinctive grain effects remarkably similar to exotic woods. The time and temperature are precisely controlled for each species, as a range of extraordinary shades and effects can be achieved simply by adjusting these variables. No stains are necessary. The thermal process colors the entire plank. The smooth surface and dramatic details of Exotic Fusion are at home in a wide range of settings, from transitional to contemporary to global designs. It's the perfect choice for anyone who demands the new and exciting, but wants to do so responsibly.

A CLOSER LOOK AT BARREL CREEK

It began in the rolling hills of Napa Valley. At the intersection of wine country and ecological ingenuity, interior designers found a new way to reuse wine barrels. The reclaimed oak became furniture, home accessories, and truly unique hardwood floors. The look is a strikingly original interpretation of vintage style. Armstrong was inspired by this extraordinary style and have made it more widely available. They begin with solid 2-1/4" strips of premium rift and quartered oak - the same material coopers use to make fine wine barrels. Armstrong has painstakingly reconstructed every detail of the original barrel floors, complete with Vintner's marks burned into random strips and authentic cooperage stamps. They apply a deep color wash to enhance the grain and give the wood an aged appearance. This interplay between color and texture make Barrel Creek a three-dimensional sensory experience. Finally, the floor receives their highest quality urethane finish to protect its unique look. Whether you are a wine aficionado, a vintage design enthusiast, or just love truly original home decor, Barrel Creek is a unique way to bring a touch of wine country ambiance into your home.

ECLECTIC

Variety is the spice of life, so why must a home be perfectly matched? Express your creativity with eclectic design, which mixes two or more decorating styles in one space. The myriad of looks is made cohesive through color, texture, shape and finish. Combining styles, such as contemporary and Shabby Chic, can look disjointed. The key to success is to take a purposeful approach. Select items not only because you love them, but also because they share something in common, whether it's a similar hue or complementary scale. Pick a dominant color to be the grounding force for the room and add to it several accent colors (neutral shades with a few pops of color are typically less overwhelming). Stick to the palette as you select items for the room to tie the diverse elements together. Skip matching suites in favor of an unexpected combination of furnishings. A chair from the 1970s can look amazing next to a table from the 1930s if the proportions are balanced. Using one common element, such as glass or iron, helps unite the pieces. Have fun with the room's accents. Show your personality with a medley of patterns, textures and shapes. Mix and match fabrics, trims and finishes - anything can work as long as it's something you love.

FRENCH COUNTRY

Take your home back to the Gilded Age of French royalty with the opulent, ornate look of Baroque design. The style's rich colors, bold shapes and lavish ornamentation make it easily recognizable. Twisted columns, oversized moldings and monumental staircases are prominent features in classic Baroque homes, but not necessary for a modern interpretation. Instead, infuse your home with a sense of history by incorporating more practical touches. Aged or rugged wood floors and faux-finished walls add texture. Choose substantial antique or reproduction furnishings that are sculptural, highly detailed and made from rich woods. Major pieces should be embellished with scrollwork, acanthus leaves and scrolled legs. Cover upholstered pieces in luxurious fabrics, such as velvet or chenille. Add accent pieces such as small consoles, gilded cabinets, chairs with carved scroll legs and marble tables. Neutral shades are frequently used on the walls, allowing the fine antique furniture and lavish accessories to be the stars. Other accessories that are well-suited to the look include ornate mirrors, crystal-dressed chandeliers, antique porcelain and bronze pieces. Baroque style is classic, regal and feminine. Whether you add just a few elements of the look or strive for an authentic top-to-bottom makeover, Baroque detailing can make even the newest home feel like a finely appointed European manor.

START DREAMING

Creating a new look for your home can be a lot of fun. But with so many styles available, getting started can be overwhelming. Before committing to a new color scheme or investing in expensive furniture, take time to define your style. Don't feel bound by a strict set of rules. Feel free to add unexpected elements or pieces that have special meaning for you and your family. After all, your home's interiors should reflect your personality above all else.