Flooring trends, like popular decor, are always evolving

Though not always top of mind when designing or renovating, there is no question that the single biggest visual element in a home is the floor.

Flooring sets the mood of a room and ties a space together. For this reason, putting your floor to work as a warm visual element is paramount.

According to trend scouts at World Floor Covering Association, this year's lineup of new floor introductions could not be more warm and inviting. Here is a glimpse of what's coming:

Tile might very well be the oldest known flooring category in the world. From ancient Greece to current day, tile is still as practical as it is glamorous. Today, the category spans far beyond traditional materials like ceramic and stone. And though still popular, the classic square shape is morphing into new forms, too.

Post apocalyptic, gutted-out aluminum tiles, porcelain planks that you'd swear are weatherworn hardwood, and micro-thin ceramic tiles are just some of the eye-catching category introductions.

In line with consumer demand for low maintenance, tile fits the bill better than most, which is one of the reasons it has remained popular for so long. Ceramic and porcelain in particular are some of the best choices when it comes to longevity and value. Due to a low porosity, almost all sealed tile resists moisture, stains and bacteria, making it naturally hygienic. Wood looks and natural stone treatments in ceramic tile are on the rise as homeowners seek to bring the outdoors in.

Unlike hardwood and stone, clay works well in wet environments like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even pool decks. Advanced technology has brought forth digital imaging and surface treatments that mimic hardwood and stone floors, making it hard to distinguish from the real thing. In addition, like many hardwoods of today, current-day tile can also be a very eco-friendly choice with many options containing a high percentage of recycled materials.

This category is also seeing an evolution in both size and shape. Over the last few years, the market has gravitated toward giant-sized 3-square-foot porcelain and ceramic tiles that install with very little grout. Large format tiles offer more surface area with less interruption of grout lines. They are also easier to keep clean. Another shape coming back into trend is the quatrefoil, meaning "four leaves." The defined, symmetrical shape, which first surfaced during the Gothic revival period, offers stability while the softened edges make it more inviting and comfortable.

A new tile to hit the market boasts a height of just 3.5 millimeters. Weight benefits aside, this structurally sound product can be laid over existing flooring much like vinyl tiles and carpet. The micro-thin tiles are groundbreaking for this category as installation of standard tiles can easily cost more than the tile itself because of the labor involved in removing existing floors.

Unlike any other flooring category, including carpet, area rugs are all about color, pattern, and texture -- especially important to today's homeowner. When it comes to rugs, everything is coming up soft, warm and cozy.

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Flooring trends, like popular decor, are always evolving