Whether you are sipping coffee or taking a quick lunch break, finding the right look for your home can feel like a full-time job. In North Texas, we see a lot of styles come and go, but the latest shifts in home design are leaning toward comfort, warmth, and durability. If you are looking for professional flooring in Ennis, TX, you have likely noticed that "stark white" is on its way out, and natural textures are in.
At Apex Custom Floors, we have spent over 15 years helping homeowners navigate these changes. We are a BBB-accredited contractor with the hands-on experience needed to make sure your remodel doesn't just look good for a week, it lasts for a decade. This guide breaks down the backsplash and hardwood trends taking over the local area right now.
Trending Kitchen Backsplashes: Moving Beyond Basic Subway Tile
For a long time, the standard 3×6 white subway tile was the king of the kitchen. While it’s a classic, many homeowners are now looking for something with more personality. The backsplash is one of the best places to add a "wow" factor without committing to a massive, expensive project.
In our recent projects, we are seeing a huge surge in zellige-style tiles. These are handmade-look tiles that have slight variations in color and texture. When the mid-day sun hits a zellige backsplash, the light dances off the uneven surfaces, creating a warmth that flat tile just can't match.
We are also seeing a move toward slab backsplashes. This involves taking the same stone or quartz used for your countertops and running it all the way up the wall to the bottom of the cabinets. It creates a seamless, high-end look that is incredibly easy to clean because there are no grout lines. If you are considering these specialty tile services, think about using a bold marble pattern behind the stove to act as a piece of art.
Vertical stacking is another layout trend. Instead of the traditional "brick" pattern, laying rectangular tiles vertically can make your ceilings feel higher and give your kitchen a modern, architectural edge. This works especially well in smaller kitchens where you want to maximize the sense of space.
Hardwood Flooring: Wide Planks and Warm Tones
If you walk into a home in North or East Texas today, you probably won't see the dark, cherry-colored floors that were popular ten years ago. Today's engineered hardwood flooring trends are all about natural beauty.
Wide Plank Flooring
We are seeing a major preference for planks that are 7 inches wide or even wider. Fewer seams mean a cleaner look, which is perfect for the open-concept floor plans common in our area. Wider planks also show off the natural grain of the wood much better than narrow strips.
Warm, Natural Palettes
The "gray floor" era is cooling off. Homeowners are returning to oaks, hickories, and maples in their natural states or with very light, warm stains. Think honey, sand, and light caramel. These colors hide dust and pet hair much better than dark floors, and they make a room feel much brighter during the day.
Matte and Satin Finishes
High-gloss floors are out. They show every smudge and scratch. Most of our clients now choose a matte or low-satin finish. It looks more like raw wood and is much more forgiving for busy families with kids or dogs. Since we handle everything from installation to hardwood refinishing, we always recommend a finish that matches your lifestyle.
Custom Tile Showers: The Ultimate Home Upgrade
A kitchen might be the heart of the home, but the master bathroom is the sanctuary. We have seen a massive increase in requests for custom showers in the Ennis and Athens areas. Homeowners are ripping out old fiberglass tubs and replacing them with walk-in tile showers that feel like a spa.
The current trend is large-format tile. Using 12×24 or even 24×48 tiles on shower walls reduces the number of grout lines, making the shower look bigger and much easier to maintain. Natural stone looks, like slate, travertine, or marble-veined porcelain, are the top choices right now.
We also focus heavily on what you don't see. A beautiful shower is worthless if it leaks. That’s why we use professional waterproofing systems that ensure your shower stays bone-dry behind the tile. For homeowners looking for Athens TX home improvement, a custom shower is one of the best ways to increase your home's resale value while improving your daily routine.
Stone Polymer Composite: The Durable Alternative
While hardwood is beautiful, it isn't always the right choice for every room, especially in Texas where humidity and occasional slab moisture are factors. That is where stone polymer composite flooring comes in.
Commonly referred to as SPC, stone polymer composite is a type of luxury vinyl plank installation that features a rigid core made from limestone and stabilizers. It is 100% waterproof, which makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
The best part? Modern stone polymer composite looks almost identical to real wood. You can get the wide-plank, matte-finish look of oak without the maintenance or the price tag of genuine hardwood. It’s also incredibly dent-resistant, making it the "gold standard" for homes with large pets or heavy foot traffic. If you are browsing for options in Hillsboro flooring trends, stone polymer composite should be at the top of your list.
Why Professional Installation is Non-Negotiable
You can buy the most expensive tile or hardwood in the world, but if it isn't installed correctly, it won't look good or last. We often get calls to fix "DIY disasters" where the floor wasn't leveled properly or the backsplash tiles are crooked.
At Apex Custom Floors, we pride ourselves on being more than just installers. We are consultants. We help you choose the right materials for your specific home environment. Our teams maintain clean and organized job sites, because we know how stressful a remodel can be. We back every project with a one-year workmanship warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
When you work with a professional contractor who has 15+ years of experience, you aren't just paying for labor, you are paying for the technical knowledge required to handle tricky corners, subfloor prep, and moisture testing. This is especially important for the lake homes around Cedar Creek and Richland Chambers, where moisture levels can fluctuate significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backsplash for a kitchen with dark cabinets?
If you have dark cabinets, we usually recommend a lighter backsplash to create contrast. A warm white or light gray zellige tile works beautifully. It brightens the space during the mid-day hours and prevents the kitchen from feeling like a cave.
Is stone polymer composite better than laminate?
In most cases, yes. While laminate has improved, stone polymer composite is completely waterproof. If you have a dishwasher leak or a pet accident, stone polymer composite won't swell or peel like many laminates will.
How long does it take to install a custom tile shower?
A professional custom shower usually takes about 5 to 7 days. This includes the demolition of the old unit, the installation of the waterproofing system, laying the tile, and allowing the grout to cure before the glass doors are installed.
Can I install engineered hardwood over a concrete slab?
Yes, but it requires the right preparation. We always test the slab for moisture levels and use a high-quality moisture barrier or adhesive to ensure the wood doesn't warp or buckle over time.
Conclusion: Ready to Refresh Your Home?
Keeping up with home design trends doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you are looking for a stunning new backsplash, durable stone polymer composite for your whole house, or a complete master bath remodel, we are here to help.
From the historic homes in Ennis to the growing neighborhoods in Hillsboro and the lakeside retreats in Athens, we bring professional craftsmanship to every corner of North and East Texas. We invite you to visit our homepage to see more of our completed work and learn about our process.
Looking for materials? Apex Custom Floors sells flooring materials directly to you! Call Apex Custom Floors at 903-229-9556.
We offer flexible financing options and free estimates to help you get your project started. Don't settle for "good enough": get the professional results your home deserves.
Apex Custom Floors
(903) 229-9556
https://apexcustomfloors.com/
