(NAPSA)—Good news for homeowners trying to choose among beauty, function and responsible sourcing when it comesto flooring: As famed architect and designer Vern Yip points out, you can now get all three— with cork. A longtime champion of sustainable design, the HGTV star is constantly looking for ecofriendly materials with a fashionforward appeal that can adapt to just about anytaste. “The variety of choices available to environmentally conscious consumers today is remarkable,” he begins. “Sustainable design and decor options have comeof age and the advances in cork flooring finishes are a great example.” Recognized for being soft on the feet and warm to the touch, cork flooring is often ranked high on comfort and durability but was sometimes overlooked for its limiting design options. New technologylets the look of cork flooring range from traditional and vintage to artistic and modern, presenting an array of exquisite design possibilities. In fact, cork’s versatility offers finished looks that can emulate hardwood, marble and other tex- tured surfaces. As Yip explains, “Thanksto its diverse, modern and naturallook, cork flooring gives us elegant designs that are as eye-catching as they are functional. New finishes give it a chameleonlike quality that fits any room aesthetic.” Today’s printing techniques mean cork can be matched to virtually any color, tint or shade imaginable. For example, if you love the look of marble but not the fact that it’s cold to touch, cork flooring can be a great alternative. Cork flooring design options have evolved greatly over the past few years. If you want a rustic look, you can consider designs in colors such as deep mahoganyorrich chocolate brown that can create a warm look and feel. If you’re decorating a child’s room, you can combine cork planks in different colors, styles or textures for a playful appeal. In open-concept homes, cork flooring complements a variety of different wood stains, effortlessly bringing together colors from furniture, doors, cabinets and more. You can mix and match light with dark for added pop. To give your kitchen a retro appeal, geometrical and angular floors are making a comeback in a big way. Try zigzag, herringbone or chevron patterns for some midcentury flair. Cork’s versatility, beauty and the fact that its production does not result in any trees being cut make it a favorite among greenliving advocates. Learn More To explore the look of cork flooring, visit www.realcork floors.com.
