Best luxury flooring: Elevate your home with these high-end options

Discover the best luxury flooring options to elevate your space.

Your home’s flooring sets the foundation for great design because it influences everything from the home’s architectural elements to your choice of furniture. Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating, the right luxury flooring instantly elevates your space while adding sophistication, durability, and long-term value.

With so many luxury flooring options available, however, exploring and eventually narrowing down your choices can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve laid out the best luxury flooring options and which style, material, and finish may suit your home below.

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Hardwood flooring adds warmth, style, and long-term value to any home.

Hardwood flooring is known for its timeless sophistication. From classic options like oak, walnut, and cherry to the rich look of exotic varieties like Brazilian teak and African mahogany, high-quality hardwood instantly elevates your home. On top of their stylish appeal, hardwood floors increase home value and offer customization options for a distinctive touch.

Domestic hardwoods: Oak, walnut, and cherry

When it comes to premium hardwood flooring, oak, walnut, and cherry remain top choices for homeowners seeking both durability and aesthetics.

• Oak is admired for its strength and versatility, featuring distinctive grain patterns that add warmth and depth to any room. Available in both red and white varieties, oak is highly durable and is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

• Walnut is prized for its deep, rich tones and smooth grain, which stands out beautifully in both modern and classic spaces. While slightly softer than oak, walnut’s natural beauty and timeless appeal make it a sought-after luxury flooring option.

• Cherry exudes warmth with its reddish-brown hues that deepen over time. It offers a sleek, fine grain that enhances the elegance of any space, lending itself well to formal living areas and upscale bedrooms.

These classic hardwoods not only withstand the test of time but also increase the resale value of your home. Their ability to be refinished multiple times ensures that they remain as stunning as the day they were installed.

Exotic hardwoods: Brazilian Teak and African Mahogany

These exotic hardwoods have rich colors, unique grain patterns, and exceptional durability, which brings a level of luxury that domestic varieties can’t rival.

• Brazilian Teak (also known as Cumaru) is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want flooring that resists scratches and wear. Its golden-brown to deep reddish hues add warmth and elegance to any space while maintaining an impressive lifespan.

• African Mahogany, on the other hand, offers a refined, rich appearance with striking grain patterns and a warm reddish-brown tone. This wood creates a refined, upscale look that’s perfect for luxury interiors.

Although exotic hardwoods are more expensive due to their rarity and transportation costs, they offer long-lasting durability and a strong return on investment. Their dense structure also makes them resistant to moisture and wear.

Customizing hardwood flooring

One of the best features of hardwood flooring is its ability to be customized to match your personal style. With the right stain, finish, or decorative detail, it can transform your flooring from a simple surface into a statement piece. Here are the customization options for hardwood flooring:

• Stains allow you to deepen or enhance the natural tones of the wood. You can go for a deep espresso on walnut or a whitewashed oak for a coastal feel.

• Finishes affect both look and durability. A matte finish gives a modern, subtle touch, while high-gloss adds shine and drama. Satin finishes offer a soft sheen that highlights the wood’s beauty while resisting scratches.

• Inlays and borders can turn your flooring into a statement piece. Custom inlays, medallions, and decorative borders made from contrasting wood species create a unique, artistic touch.

MARBLE AND NATURAL STONE

Nothing says luxury like the cool, polished look of marble.

Natural stone flooring— such as marble or granite— adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your home. These high-end materials have been favored for centuries, gracing the halls of ancient palaces, grand estates, and modern luxury homes alike. From the timeless look of Carrara, Calacatta, or Emperador marble, or the durability of travertine, slate, and granite, natural stone is a stylish and long-lasting investment.

Marble as the ultimate symbol of luxury

Marble has long been recognized as a premier material for interior design. As a natural metamorphic rock, it is formed under heat and pressure that results in the distinctive veining that makes each slab unique. The material is also cool, smooth, and makes for a naturally light-reflective surface, which makes any room feel brighter and more spacious. There are different variations of marble, namely:

• Carrara marble: The most well-known and widely used variety, Carrara marble features a soft white or gray background with delicate, feathery veining. It’s often seen in high-end bathrooms and entryways.

• Calacatta marble: A rarer and more luxurious option, Calacatta marble has a brighter white background with bold, dramatic veining that can range from gray to gold. This makes it a showstopper in kitchens, bathrooms, and statement floors.

• Emperador marble – Unlike the white-based varieties, Emperador marble is rich brown with striking veining. Perfect for creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, it’s often used in living rooms and office spaces.

Other natural stones

When choosing stone for busy areas or outdoor spaces, travertine, slate, and granite are other natural stones that are just fantastic.

• Travertine is a limestone-based stone that has a naturally textured, matte finish. Its textured, matte surface isn’t just pretty—it helps prevent slips, too. The colors range from soft beige to rich rust, which gives your space that warm, Mediterranean feel that never goes out of style.

• Slate — available in deep grays, greens, and purples— is for those who favor a rich, natural texture. It’s a highly durable and water-resistant stone, commonly used in bathrooms, mudrooms, and outdoor spaces where its rough surface provides excellent grip and resilience.

• Granite, on the other hand, is one of the hardest natural stones. It shrugs off scratches, resists stains, and can handle hot pots without flinching—exactly what you want in a busy kitchen. From subtle black and gray speckles to bold blues and reds, granite gives you plenty of options to match your style while standing up to whatever your household dishes out.

LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP)

LVP offers high-end style at a practical price.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of natural wood or stone without the high price tag or upkeep. Thanks to modern technology, LVP closely replicates the texture and grain of real hardwood and the elegance of stone. It’s durable, water-resistant, and available in a variety of high-end designs

The look of hardwood and stone without the drawbacks

One of the biggest reasons homeowners love LVP is how well it mimics natural materials. Thanks to advanced printing and embossing technology, it captures the rich grain of hardwood and the elegant veining of stone with impressive detail. High-end options even feature hand-scraped or wire-brushed textures, which makes them feel just as authentic as they look.

Whether you prefer the classic warmth of oak, the deep tones of walnut, or the trendy appeal of gray-washed planks, LVP offers an impressively realistic alternative. If you’re drawn to the sleek look of marble, travertine, or slate, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) delivers stone-inspired styles that are just as striking. And the best part is that unlike real wood or stone, LVP is low-maintenance and built to withstand daily wear.

Benefits of using LVP

1. LVP is waterproof and built to last. Unlike traditional hardwood, which can warp or stain when exposed to moisture, LVP is completely waterproof. That makes it a game-changer for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms—anywhere spills and humidity are a concern. Plus, with its tough wear layer, LVP can withstand scratches, dents, and stains

2. LVP is low maintenance. Keeping LVP looking its best is effortless. Unlike hardwood, which needs refinishing over time, LVP only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping to stay fresh and polished. There’s no need for waxing or special treatments. Just a simple wipe-down keeps dust and dirt at bay so that your floors always look pristine.

3. LVP is budget-friendly. For those who love the look of high-end wood or stone but don’t want to overspend, LVP delivers a stylish, budget-friendly alternative. While premium hardwood and natural stone come with a hefty price tag, LVP offers a similar upscale aesthetic for a fraction of the cost.

4. LVP comes in a wide range of styles. It’s easy for homeowners and designers to find the perfect fit for any interior style. Some of the most popular LVP designs include classic oak and walnut, herringbone and chevron patterns, and stone-inspired finishes.

HIGH-END CARPETS AND RUGS

Carpets and rugs are premium pieces that add warmth, texture, and sophistication to any space.

Plush carpets and handcrafted rugs have stood the test of time as markers of luxury living. Even as sleek hardwood and stone floors dominate design magazines, there’s something irreplaceable about sinking your feet into a sumptuous carpet at the end of a long day.

When it comes to luxury carpets, the material plays a crucial role in determining softness, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Wool has long been the go-to choice for high-end carpets, valued for its natural softness, durability, and timeless appeal. Apart from its plush feel, wool also helps improve indoor air quality by trapping allergens.

• Silk carpets catch the light in a way nothing else can by creating a subtle glow that instantly elevates a room. Since they are more delicate than their wool cousins, they’re typically found in bedrooms or formal spaces where they won’t face daily foot traffic.

For the best of both worlds, many homeowners choose carpets that blend silk with wool that gives its beautiful sheen with added durability. By combining wool and silk with carefully selected synthetic fibers, many luxury carpet manufacturers have created options that hold up well while still feeling luxurious.

Where to use luxury carpets and rugs

Not every room needs wall-to-wall carpeting, but in the right spaces, high-end carpets can bring both warmth and elegance.

• Bedrooms
  Nothing beats the feel of plush carpet in a bedroom. Cut pile carpets, known for their velvety texture, add plenty of warmth and coziness. Whether you go for deep-pile wool or a soft, handwoven rug, this flooring choice makes every step feel like luxury in your personal retreat.

• Formal living areas
  In grand living rooms, a custom handwoven rug can serve as the focal point by anchoring the furniture and pulling the design together. Silk-infused rugs with intricate patterns elevate the look of the space, while wool rugs in neutral tones offer a timeless look without overwhelming the space.

• Dining rooms
  Luxury rugs in dining areas are great at softening the space, especially in rooms with hardwood or marble floors. Low-pile wool rugs work best because they’re easy to clean while still giving a polished, sophisticated look to the space.

• Libraries and home offices
  To create a peaceful space for reading or working, a high-end carpet in a library or home office is a game-changer in absorbing sound. A classic Persian rug or a subtle wool carpet, for instance, can make the feel both inviting and distinguished.

PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC TILES

Porcelain and ceramic tiles offer a luxurious canvas for any interior design.

For a luxury flooring option that’s as stylish as it is durable, porcelain and ceramic tiles are hard to beat. Whether you love the sleek look of polished surfaces or the intricate detail of mosaics, designer tiles can instantly elevate any space.

Designer tiles come in various high-end finishes, such as:

• Polished tiles: With a sleek, mirror-like sheen, these tiles reflect light beautifully and mimic the elegance of marble or high-gloss stone.

• Textured and matte finishes: Ideal for a more understated, modern look, matte porcelain tiles offer a soft, velvety surface that’s both stylish and slip-resistant

• Handmade and reclaimed tiles: Artisan-crafted tiles and antique ceramics bring warmth and character, which is great for custom, one-of-a-kind interiors.

• Glazed and patterned tiles: High-end Italian ceramics, intricate motifs, and encaustic-inspired designs add personality and charm to both contemporary and classic spaces.

Creative tile applications

Tiles are a great way to make a statement with your floor. From bold patterns to sleek, seamless designs, these creative applications bring high-end style to any space.

• Geometric patterns
  Geometric tile layouts are making waves in luxury interiors because of the depth and sophistication they provide. Patterns like herringbone, chevron, hexagon, and diamond create eye-catching movement and transform the floor into an artistic centerpiece.

• Mosaic tiles
  Mosaic flooring has long been associated with palatial elegance, dating back to ancient Roman villas. Today, custom mosaic floors crafted by renowned tile artists are often used to create striking entryways, statement bathrooms, and decorative inlays in larger rooms.

• Large-format tiles
  For a clean, sophisticated look, large-format porcelain tiles are a go-to choice. With minimal grout lines, these oversized tiles create a smooth, expansive look that works beautifully in open spaces.

Benefits of tile flooring

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are one of the most durable and low-maintenance flooring options for luxury homes. Here’s why they stand the test of time while maintaining their elegant look:

1. Tiles are long-lasting and scratch resistant. High-quality porcelain is denser and more durable than ceramic, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways. Unlike wood or natural stone, luxury tile flooring does not scratch or warp over time.

2. Tiles are water-resistant. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are naturally water-resistant. Their ability to handle moisture without warping or staining makes them especially well-suited for warm, humid climates. Plus, they stay refreshingly cool underfoot.

3. Tiles are low-maintenance. Keeping luxury tile floors looking pristine couldn’t be easier. A quick sweep and an occasional mop are all it takes to maintain their polished appearance. Unlike natural stone, which needs regular sealing, high-quality porcelain is naturally stain-resistant.

SEE HOW YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LUXURY SPACE TODAY

For expert advice on luxury home design and real estate, get in touch with me, Joyce Rey. With over four decades in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, I’ve guided countless clients through the ins and outs of high-end property transactions since starting my career in 1973. My approach as one of the top Realtors in Los Angeles has always been simple—understand my clients’ needs and deliver with professionalism.

Let’s start on your Beverly Hills, CA luxury real estate journey today! Give me a call at 310.291.6646 or send me an email.