How to decorate with lino, rubber and vinyl flooring

From graphic layouts to bright colours, by way of the classic checkerboard pattern, a new wave of utilitarian flooring has arrived - and it’s hardly recognisable from the vinyl flooring of the past. Not just practical but stylish too, we look at the designs putting a fresh spin on once-maligned materials and guide you through recreating the effect in your own home.

They might look similar, but there are four very different materials that are leading the charge in this trend that’s all about function and style. Here, we break down the differences and introduce the best brands for the job…

Bespoke patterned flooring created by Forbo in Dimore Studio’s Milan showroom

Linoleum

More commonly known as lino, this is made from a mixture of natural materials such as cork, linseed oil and ground stone on jute backing, making it affordable, hard-wearing and ecologically friendly. Try Forbo: its lino flooring under the Marmoleum brand is made from 97 per cent renewable materials. Harvey Maria is great for different coloured tiles – mix and match orange and pink, or lilac and red for an unusual checkerboard design. forbo.com; harveymaria.com

In this apartment by architectural studio Mops terrazzo-patterned linoleum covers much of the floors, the walls and even the splashback

Vinyl

Unlike lino, vinyl flooring is manufactured in layers from synthetic materials, such as PVC. It’s slightly more durable than linoleum and more resistant to water, scratches, stains and dents, making it a good choice for households with pets or children. Amtico has 25 shades from tourmaline green to terracotta.amtico.com

Beata Heuman used blue and white linoleum from The Flooring Group in this home for a low-cost retro look

Rubber

For serious resilience, look to the elasticity of rubber, which is waterproof and naturally slip-resistant, making it an excellent option for bathrooms. Studded styles are becoming increasingly popular; The Rubber Floor Store has a wide range of colours including a buttery yellow and a pale blue. For solid hues, The Colour Flooring Company stocks everything from pale bone to the brightest pumpkin. therubberfloorstore.co.uk; colourflooring.co.uk

The red studded rubber in this Bratislava loft designed by GutGut is ideal for a wet room: rubber is both waterproof and allows for underfloor heating

Resin

There are three main types of resin used in flooring: epoxy, methyl methacrylate (or MMA) and polyurethane, poured onto a concrete surface which then hardens to form a sturdy layer. A resin floor is more flexible than vinyl (so it won’t crack) and it can be produced in a gloss finish and a variety of different patterns, including terrazzo. It’s impervious to water – it can even withstand power-washing, if you’re thinking of it for a boot room. Chasing Space is the brand to know. chasingspace.co.uk