Iowa's Favorite Floors: What's Trending in the Heartland

Iowa homes are more than just houses; they're havens built on tradition, practicality, and a deep appreciation for comfort and style. From the rolling farmlands to the bustling Des Moines Metro, Iowans seek flooring that not only stands up to the demands of everyday life but also reflects their unique aesthetic. 

At Royal Flooring, we've had the privilege of serving the Des Moines Metro for over 20 years, and we've seen firsthand what truly resonates in the Heartland. We're here to share the top trends in LVP, hardwood, and tile, focusing on styles that perfectly complement the beloved farmhouse and modern prairie aesthetics so popular across Iowa.

 

The Enduring Allure of Iowa Home Styles

Before diving into specific flooring trends, it’s important to understand the dominant design philosophies shaping Iowa homes:

• Farmhouse: This timeless style, rooted in rural charm, emphasizes warmth, simplicity, and natural materials. Think reclaimed wood, shiplap, neutral palettes, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Farmhouse homes in Iowa often blend vintage touches with modern comforts, creating a relaxed yet refined space.
• Modern Prairie: Inspired by the vast landscapes of the Midwest and the architectural principles of Frank Lloyd Wright, Modern Prairie homes celebrate clean lines, natural light, and an organic connection to the outdoors. Materials often include natural wood, stone, and an emphasis on horizontal elements. The style embraces open spaces, earthy tones, and a sophisticated, understated elegance.

Both of these styles lean heavily on the foundation of the home – the flooring. The right floor can truly bring these aesthetics to life, offering both beauty and the resilience needed for active Iowa households.

Popular Flooring Options for Des Moines, IA Homes & Beyond!

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Heartland's Versatile Champion

It's no secret that Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has soared in popularity across Iowa, and for good reason. This innovative flooring offers the stunning visual appeal of hardwood and tile with unparalleled practical benefits, making it a favorite for both farmhouse and modern prairie homes.

LVP Trends for Iowa Homes:

• Wide Plank Wood Looks: This is arguably the biggest trend in LVP for Iowa. Wider planks (7 inches and up) create a more expansive and authentic wood look, perfect for the open-concept layouts often found in modern farmhouse and prairie designs. They minimize seams, contributing to a clean, continuous flow that mimics genuine hardwood.
• Matte Finishes with Realistic Textures: The days of glossy, unnatural-looking vinyl are long gone. Today's LVP boasts incredibly realistic wood grain textures, often "embossed-in-register" (EIR) technology that aligns the texture with the printed grain. Matte or low-sheen finishes are favored, offering a sophisticated, understated appearance that feels more like real wood and less prone to showing smudges.
• Lighter Wood Tones (Blondes, Pale Greys, Washed Whites): These lighter shades are highly sought after as they contribute to the airy, bright feel characteristic of modern farmhouse and prairie styles. They make spaces feel larger and more open, reflecting natural light beautifully. Think white oak, light maple, or even distressed whitewashed looks. These tones provide a neutral backdrop that allows other decor elements to shine.
• Subtle Greiges and Cool Browns: While warm tones are classic, there's a growing appreciation for "greige" (a blend of gray and beige) and cool brown LVP options. These offer a sophisticated, contemporary feel that still maintains warmth, ideal for modern prairie homes seeking a more muted, organic palette.
• Stone-Look LVT for High-Moisture Areas: While wood-look LVP dominates, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) mimicking natural stone (like slate, travertine, or concrete) is a fantastic choice for bathrooms, mudrooms, and outdoor kitchen transitions. Its waterproof nature and realistic textures offer durability and style where traditional stone might be too costly or high-maintenance.

LVP's waterproof nature and easy maintenance make it ideal for busy families, pet owners, and anyone seeking a beautiful floor that can withstand Iowa's often humid summers and tracked-in winter slush.

Hardwood Flooring: Timeless Elegance in the Heartland

Hardwood flooring remains a pinnacle of classic elegance and a significant investment in any Iowa home. It brings unparalleled warmth, character, and a natural connection to the environment, making it a perfect fit for both traditional farmhouse and sophisticated modern prairie aesthetics.

Hardwood Trends for Iowa Homes:

• White Oak (and European White Oak): This is the reigning champion of hardwood trends. White oak's subtle grain, durability, and ability to accept a wide range of stains make it incredibly versatile. European White Oak, in particular, is prized for its longer and wider planks, minimal knotting, and cooler, more neutral undertones, aligning perfectly with the serene, organic feel of modern prairie design.
• Wider Planks (6-8+ inches): Just like with LVP, wider planks are a dominant trend in hardwood. They create a grander, more open feel, reducing the number of seams and allowing the natural beauty of each plank to be fully appreciated. This contributes to the rustic charm of farmhouse and the expansive feel of modern prairie.
• Matte and Satin Finishes: High-gloss finishes are out; matte and satin finishes are in. These lower sheens offer a more natural, understated look that highlights the wood's inherent beauty rather than its shine. They are also more forgiving with everyday dust and minor scratches, making them practical for busy Iowa homes.
• Light to Medium Tones with Natural Variation: While very dark hardwoods had their moment, lighter to medium browns and naturals are now preferred. These tones keep rooms feeling bright and open. Techniques like wire-brushing or subtle hand-scraping add texture and character, enhancing the rustic appeal of farmhouse homes or providing an organic touch to modern prairie interiors.
• Engineered Hardwood for Stability: Given Iowa's fluctuating humidity, engineered hardwood is increasingly popular. Its layered construction makes it more stable and resistant to warping or gapping than solid hardwood, allowing for installation in basements or over concrete slabs, expanding its usability in various Iowa home types.

Hardwood flooring offers a tangible connection to nature that deeply resonates with Iowa's agricultural roots and the "land before structure" philosophy of prairie design.

Tile: Functional Beauty for Key Spaces

Tile offers unparalleled durability, water resistance, and a vast array of design possibilities, making it indispensable for specific areas in Iowa homes, from entryways and bathrooms to kitchens and even mudrooms.

Tile Trends for Iowa Homes:

• Large Format Tiles (12x24, 24x24, 24x48 inches and larger): Much like LVP and hardwood, large format tiles are trending. They create a seamless, expansive look with fewer grout lines, contributing to a clean and sophisticated aesthetic. These are excellent for open kitchens and living areas, offering a high-end feel.
• Wood-Look Porcelain Tile: For areas where true hardwood isn't practical (like bathrooms or mudrooms prone to moisture), wood-look porcelain tile offers the perfect compromise. It captures the authentic appearance of wood with the waterproof, durable benefits of tile, fitting seamlessly into farmhouse and modern prairie designs.
• Natural Stone Looks (Porcelain): Porcelain tiles mimicking natural stone – such as marble, slate, or travertine – are highly popular. They offer the luxurious look of real stone without the same level of maintenance, stain susceptibility, or cost. Light grays, warm beiges, and muted creams in a matte or honed finish are particularly favored for their ability to complement both rustic and contemporary styles.
• Subtle Textures and Patterns: While bold patterns have their place, Iowa homes often prefer more understated tile designs. Think subtle geometric patterns, linear textures, or soft, organic forms that add visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Subway tiles, particularly in elongated sizes or with a handmade look, remain a farmhouse staple for backsplashes.
• Neutral and Earthy Color Palettes: Adhering to the overall aesthetic of farmhouse and modern prairie, tile colors tend towards neutrals like white, gray, beige, and warm earthy tones. These colors create a calming, cohesive backdrop, allowing other design elements to stand out.

Tile provides the practical backbone for busy areas in Iowa homes, offering both resilience and the ability to elevate the overall design.

 

Your Partner in Flooring: Royal Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is a significant decision, and in Iowa, it's about finding that perfect blend of beauty, durability, and local appeal. Whether your heart is set on the rustic charm of a farmhouse or the refined elegance of modern prairie, the trends in LVP, hardwood, and tile offer incredible options to bring your vision to life.

At Royal Flooring, we're not just about selling floors; we're about building relationships and going the extra mile for our customers. For over 20 years, we've proudly served the Des Moines Metro, earning a reputation for high-quality products, expert installation, and top-of-the-line customer service. As a veteran-owned and operated business, we bring expertise, knowledge, and professionalism to everyone who walks through our doors. Our passion for this industry, combined with hard work and grit, has propelled us to where we are today. We firmly believe in taking care of customers through the finish line.

We invite you to experience the Royal Flooring difference. Come visit our Urbandale, IA showroom to see, touch, and feel the latest trends, or explore our extensive inventory at our Des Moines, IA warehouse. Our team is ready to help you find Iowa's favorite floors for your cherished home.