Jasmine Roth Shares The First Design Choice You Should Make When Updating Your Home

You've finally made the decision to renovate your home. It's a big project and it can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to begin. There are just so many choices ahead of you — paint colors, light fixtures, furniture — where do you even begin? 

According to HGTV star, Jasmine Roth, there's actually a key decision you should prioritize over anything else, and it may surprise you. In fact, the designer advises against making any other renovation choices until you've settled on your flooring. She's right. Flooring isn't just about the design and aesthetics of a home; it will also play a vital role in the overall functionality of your space.

If you think about it, your floors are used every single day. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed at night, the floors in your home are enduring constant foot traffic, on top of accidental spills, pet claws, and everyday wear and tear. With that said, it's crucial to select flooring that not only looks good, but also fits the needs of the members of your household.

The right flooring choice will set the foundation for your entire home. In an Instagram post, Jasmine Roth, wrote, "The most important thing about picking the right floors isn't the color, style, or direction that you lay them out in your home. The most important thing is choosing floors that function for you and your family." Sure, aesthetics matter as you want your flooring to ebb and flow with the overall feel of your home, but whether the flooring is functional or not is equally crucial.

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, here are some factors you should consider. First, start by setting a budget, as the price of flooring can vary tremendously, with even budget-friendly flooring like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) costing anywhere between an average of $2 to $7 per square foot. Once a budget is set, think about the type of flooring that would work best for your lifestyle. 

Let's say you have pets and young kids, a scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean option like luxury vinyl plank floors may be the best choice. LVP is actually Jasmine Roth's favorite go-to option, writing, "The material I use in most of my HGTV projects is LVP. It's durable, can be affordable, looks like hardwood, and installation is easy." Once that's determined, that's when you can think about the aesthetics. Ask yourself what color scheme would complement your home best? Lighter floors may open up a space while darker floors can add warmth.

Choosing the right flooring can feel like a intimidating decision, but just remember to tackle things step-by-step. It gets much easier once you have an ideal budget to work with, as this will already narrow down your options quite a bit. Then, look into functionality and aesthetics, which will help you decide whether your dream solid hardwood flooring would work for you, or if it would be best to opt for LVP.

The right flooring sets the tone for your home renovation, so while you'll want to ensure your floors enhance the overall style of your home, it should also serve the needs of the members of your household. Remember not to rush yourself and take your time as it's a big decision. Consider all the factors, such as comparing installation quotes from places like Home Depot or Lowe's. If you'd like more insight on how to choose your flooring, you can also check out "House Story" by Jasmine Roth.