GONE are the days when carpet was the first choice for floors.

You can now choose from a variety of floor coverings, including classic wood and laminates, continental-style ceramic and stone or practical vinyl and lino designs.

Flooring is a key part of a room - until it is laid, no interior will look complete.

Hard flooring is a really popular choice for downstairs rooms because it is more durable than its softer cousins, carpet and natural flooring.

However, it needn't be restricted to halls or kitchens, as it can look wonderful in sitting rooms and children's rooms.

Practical considerations must be taken into account, and the best option for one room can be an expensive mistake in another.

Before you buy, think about how you use the room as well as the look you want to create.

Best sellers currently include cream limestone, with its natural good looks and texture. The vastly different limestones can suit both traditional and contemporary houses.

A rough finish is perfect for farmhouse flagstones, while grained limestone cut into uniform squares would look best in a modern interior.

Although the stone's price reflects its luxurious status, it develops a patina as it ages and is a wonderful choice if you plan to stay a long time in your home.

Linos and vinyls should not be overlooked as advances in design and production have resulted in good-quality floor coverings that come in a wide variety of styles, patterns and colours.

Incredibly versatile vinyls can resemble slate, metal flooring or wood, while lino can be cut into patterns of your own design to create an individual look.

Where to use it:

Ceramic tiles: Terracotta tiles work well in rustic kitchens but can also look good on hall and conservatory floors

Metallic floors: Choose these for an urban look in kitchens

Stone: Hard flooring is perfect for busy areas such as hallways

Vinyl and lino: Easy to keep clean and good for allergy sufferers, these floors can be used in most rooms, including kitchens and bathrooms

Wood: Warm wood is comfortable underfoot and great for sitting and dining rooms. Laminates offer a great alternative for children's areas

If you need interior advice, contact Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or check out the website at www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk