It might not be common knowledge but the flooring you choose in your home can actually make or break the whole look you are trying to achieve when you are renovating, refurbishing or just updating the decor.
Most people are very much governed by their budget and try to find flooring that is affordable.
However, finding the right flooring for the home within a tight budget might be easier than you think.
Years ago, carpet was perhaps the most popular floor covering available as it helped the rooms to stay warm in the winter and it was also warm underfoot.
Carpet went everywhere in the home including the kitchen and bathroom.
It was also very affordable, making it ideal for those on a tight budget.
Of course it is possible to buy carpet to suit all range of budgets, but hard-wearing, long-lasting carpeting for a whole house was very cheap.
When renovating period homes, people were finding underneath the layers of carpet and linoleum that the original tiles covered the floor.
In Victorian and Edwardian houses these tended to be mainly in the hallways helping to make a grand entrance to the home, and in the kitchen areas.
Quarry tiling and glazed terracotta tiles then became a favourite look and people moved away from carpet in these areas.
Some also decided that it would be much more hygienic to also have tile in the bathrooms of the home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to heat and damp, these are not the ideal conditions for carpet and can breed bacteria.
Tiling was much more expensive however, and only those who had the budget to match could actually do justice to their period home by bringing back these features.
Hardwood flooring was another popular although very expensive choice in flooring for the home.
The sleek look that hardwood flooring gives to a room can really open up the space more effectively and make the room feel larger, although while being warm underfoot can also make the room feel cosy.
Cost was such a big issue for many people that they looked for an alternative option and found laminate flooring to be a great choice.
This is why laminate flooring is fast becoming the preferred option in many homes.
It can offer the same look as hardwood floor but for a fraction of the cost.
It is also easy to fit and a room can be completed by an amateur in less than one day, this also saves money on having workmen in to complete the job.
High quality cheap laminate flooring doesn't always have to look cheap.
It is possible to shop around to get something that looks warm and inviting at a really low price, rather than opting for the cheapest deal which might look pale an uninviting.
When considering your interior design options, the benefits of laminate flooring speak for themselves.
It is hard-wearing, easy to clean and looks great.
The biggest benefit of course is the cost.
If this is still a concern, search for stores or websites that have a laminate flooring sale to make your budget stretch a little bit further.
One of the simplest ways to make home improvements is by changing the flooring.
It will completely change the look of the room, even if the paint work and furnishings remain the same.
If money is tight and there is only the budget to change one thing, make it the floor.
Cheap laminate flooring can make such a big difference to the home and being easy to clean makes it the most cost-effective for those who have small children.
Spills of drink or poster paint is easily wiped away, crayon is also no match for the hard-wearing floor.
There is no need to worry that the carpet will get ruined, and is not as hard as tile - a consideration for those with toddlers who have a tendency to fall over.