When businesses evaluate commercial flooring options, color and pattern are often the first considerations. But beneath the visual appearance lies one of the most critical indicators of carpet quality and durability: carpet density. Density refers to how tightly the carpet fibers are packed together, and it directly affects how well the flooring retains its structure, resists wear, and handles heavy traffic.

sidential flooring—whether carpet, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), hardwood, or laminate—is one of the most critical components of a home’s interior. It influences comfort, visual appeal, and daily livability. What many homeowners don’t realize is that most flooring deterioration doesn’t come from age, but from maintenance neglect. Dirt, micro-abrasion, pet debris, spilled liquids, and routine foot traffic gradually reduce structural integrity and dull appearance.

RevWood by Mohawk Industries is redefining what homeowners can expect from flooring, combining timeless hardwood beauty with next-generation performance. The Scharm team knows that Chicagoland homes endure a lot from winter moisture and daily traffic to family gatherings that keep every room in use. That’s why we’re proud to showcase this innovative collection in our Des Plaines showroom.

When it comes to flooring and tile, today’s homeowners and designers want more than surface-level style, and Portland Cliff by Crossville addresses that desire. Portland Cliff is a U.S.-made porcelain tile inspired by England’s iconic Portland stone, delivering all of these qualities and more.

Claymont by Florida Tile brings artisan warmth to modern Chicagoland homes. The collection reimagines handmade terracotta in durable porcelain with a soft matte finish and subtle relief that reads beautifully in natural and artificial light. A grounded, nature-inspired palette lets you tailor kitchens, baths, and gathering spaces without sacrificing practicality. Because Claymont is GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions, it also supports healthier indoor air. See the line in person at our Des Plaines showroom and let our team guide you from selection to professional installation.

2025 flooring tariffs are front-page news, but for Chicagoland homeowners, the picture is more practical than panic. Flooring is a must-have in every renovation and new build. Moreover, the industry has adapted quickly. Manufacturers diversified sourcing, invested in U.S. plants, and expanded in-stock programs that keep projects moving. For homeowners planning updates in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, or Arlington Heights, here are the main details prior to choosing flooring materials.

The 2025 Houzz Home Study reveals valuable insights into how homeowners across the United States approached renovation projects in 2024 and what they plan for 2025. Drawing on survey responses from more than 20,000 U.S. homeowners, the report highlights spending trends, project priorities, and the factors influencing decision-making in today’s home improvement market.

Soft surface carpet tile is gaining momentum in 2025 as both commercial and residential customers discover its versatility, comfort, and design potential. While hard surface options like luxury vinyl and hardwood have dominated flooring conversations for years, carpet tile, alongside area rugs, is bringing renewed interest to the soft surface category.

Hardwood floors in summer can behave very differently than they do in cooler months, especially in climates like Illinois, where hot, humid conditions are common. Chicagoland homeowners often notice their wood floors reacting in unexpected ways, such as cupping, warping, or squeaking.

Resilient commercial flooring continues to evolve in 2025, with designers across healthcare, hospitality, and retail turning to warm grays, taupes, and clay tones to define their spaces. These earthy neutrals are a significant departure from the icy grays and stark whites that dominated the last decade, and the shift is more than just aesthetic. It reflects growing demand for interior environments that feel inviting, natural, and brand-neutral, especially in high-traffic public settings.

Embossed in register flooring is one of the most realistic and fast-growing flooring innovations in 2025. This advanced manufacturing technique aligns the textured surface of the flooring with the printed grain pattern underneath, creating an authentic wood-like appearance and feel. Unlike older flooring options that had random or repeating textures, embossed in register (EIR) technology produces a product that mimics hardwood down to the knot, ridge, and grain.

Warm hardwood flooring tones are emerging as a top trend in home design for 2025, replacing the once-dominant cool grays with inviting, organic warmth. These rich tones—ranging from golden oak to deep walnut—bring a sense of comfort, timelessness, and visual interest that appeals to homeowners updating their spaces in a post-pandemic world.

Mixed flooring materials are redefining interior design in 2025, offering a dynamic and functional way to enhance the look and usability of modern spaces. This approach not only refreshes traditional layouts but also caters to evolving lifestyle needs, including home offices, open kitchens, and flexible living areas.

Brunette wood floors are redefining flooring trends in 2025, offering a timeless and sophisticated option for homes and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area. At Scharm Floor Covering in Des Plaines, Illinois, we have seen an increasing number of customers request dark hardwood flooring that delivers both warmth and modern appeal.

2025 carpet industry trends are showing a powerful resurgence, blending historical roots with modern design and eco-conscious innovation. After years of being overshadowed by hard surfaces like hardwood and vinyl, carpet is making a comeback—offering homeowners, designers, and builders renewed opportunities to enhance spaces with texture, warmth, and visual personality.

The luxury vinyl flooring market is experiencing rapid expansion in 2025, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainable building practices. With an estimated market value of $25.37 billion in 2024 and a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% through 2030, vinyl flooring is solidifying its position as a versatile solution for both residential and commercial spaces.

The flooring industry is evolving, and Mohawk Resilient Flooring is at the forefront of innovation. With a focus on sustainability, durability, and cutting-edge design, Mohawk continues to redefine resilient flooring solutions for modern homes and businesses. As homeowners seek flooring that balances beauty with performance, Mohawk’s latest advancements—including PureTech, SolidTech R, and VersaTech—are setting new standards.

Hardwood Flooring ROI is a key factor for homeowners considering flooring upgrades. According to a 2023 Today’s Homeowner report, new hardwood floors offer a 78% return on investment (ROI), making them a high-value renovation. Additionally, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that installing new hardwood flooring has an ROI of 118%, proving its worth as one of the best remodeling investments.

In 2025, waterproof flooring is redefining the flooring industry as homeowners and businesses alike prioritize durability and convenience. Waterproof floors have shifted from a niche perk to a must-have feature, driven by busy lifestyles, pets, and open floor plans. Industry experts note that "being 100 percent waterproof is an important buy-in for homeowners, second only to color preference." Families want “worry-proof” floors that can handle spills, kids, and pet accidents without damage. This surging demand has propelled resilient flooring – especially luxury vinyl – to record market share in recent years. Waterproof luxury vinyl tile/plank (LVT/LVP) now accounts for roughly one-third of all flooring sales by value as of 2023, a huge leap from barely 4% a decade ago.

In the ever-evolving world of home construction and interior design, sustainability and high-performance living are taking center stage. Mohawk’s Builder + Multifamily division is setting a new benchmark in eco-friendly flooring solutions by partnering with Green Builder Media and Beazer Homes for the VISION House Las Vegas. This groundbreaking project showcases cutting-edge sustainability initiatives while demonstrating that high-performance, net-zero homes can be both practical and attainable.