Wood floors aren't just for classic and colonial homes anymore. Design options are changing, and achieving a contemporary look with a classical element such as wood flooring is a growing trend.

According to Chris Sy of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, homeowners are growing more and more creative in their use of wood flooring in contemporary designs. "Many homeowners look at flooring as a work of art. Wood flooring can add a contemporary element that is unexpected, dramatic and even fun. It really has become one of the fundamental parts of interior design," says Sy.

For those who want to achieve a more modern appearance with wood floors, the choice of a mellow-grained wood is ideal. Cherry, maple and eastern white pine have more subtle grain patterns. Even exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry or mahogany are a good choice. Some other types of wood, such as oak, have more prominent grain patterns, knots, and imperfections that give it character and are better used for country or classic looks.

"For contemporary wood floors, everything should be very linear. Single width plank boards create a more formal and refined look," adds Sy. Many choose quarter sawn wood because the growth rings run uniformly parallel along the entire board, adding to the linear style.

Adding texture to the wood floors can complement a contemporary design. An eased edge floor takes the edges of each plank from a 90 degree corner down to 45 degrees. It creates a softer look and texture. For even more texture you can request a hand-sculpted face and edge treatment that is a bit more rustic and works well when combined with a modern décor.

Homes with contemporary styles feature a wide range of colors to enhance the design, but generally wood floors are kept more neutral, light and consistent. For a clean white look, floors can be stained white. The technique is called white washed or bleached and the effect is very pleasing. "People are looking for a fluid approach, tying the style of the floor into the different pieces of furniture or art that they want to highlight in the home. Lighter colors are popular, but sometimes we'll see something really unusual and striking such as a very dark red stain or use of black enamel paint," says Sy.

Finishes can be gloss, satin or matte with matte adding a further element of contemporary syle. All three options can be appropriate for the contemporary look, but it's best to choose the one that works well with the other elements in your home, such as your cabinets, furniture and walls.

Mixing materials is becoming common in contemporary wood flooring as well. Materials like granite, steel, copper and even leather can be woven into a design inlay throughout a floor, or specifically in a certain area, such as in front of a fireplace. Perhaps you feature stainless steel appliances in your kitchen and you want to highlight this element in the floor around the center kitchen island. Some people even mix flooring materials and add tile or brick to the flooring layout.

"There are really no hard and fast rules for contemporary wood flooring, but people continue to produce creative elements in their homes that are far from the classic country styling that many associate with wood floors. The most important thing is to blend your design elements with your flooring to achieve an overall coordinating décor," explains Sy.