Experience matters, even in floor styles: From the beginning in 1913, EF Marburger Fine Flooring specialists have furnished flooring for residents, schools, hotels, hospitals, churches, historic buildings, athletic facilities, universities and corporate offices. Their business reputation became known for following family values supported by quality materials and customized service.
"We assist clients in finding the right flooring choice for their needs, as we have the most accessible and finest selection of flooring and design products in the Midwest. No flooring project is too big or small," assures Kelly Marburger Novak, president and co-operator of the company along with her sister, Kim Marburger, vice president.
"We also have substantial buying power as well as dozens of trusted service resources, which means we can get just about anything our clients desire at a fair price," adds Kim.
It was Kelly and Kim's great-grandfather, Eli Franklin Marburger, who launched the business. Kim’s son, Connor Mullen, joined the team in 2018, becoming the fifth generation to enter the company
Among the flooring choices that EF Marburger Fine Flooring offers are tiles, hardwoods, carpets. natural stone, area rugs, vinyls and waterproof optons, as well as countertops and cabinets. A vast number of options can be seen in their expansive showroom in Fishers.
Kelly encourages clients to keep an open-mind when shopping for products. "Sometimes our clients might be fixed on a specific type of material for their space, only because they were not aware of other possibilities. I would urge them to learn about other options first and then they can always circle back to their initial idea if desired," she recommends.
Another reason to consider a variety of possibilities is that flooring has evolved significantly over the years due to advancements in technology, resources and design. Kelly says now there are thousands of options available that allow homeowners and companies to tailor their flooring selections to the styles they prefer. "Additionally, there are more versatile flooring options that can be coordinated with a variety of personal styles. For example, the wide plank European oak could be used in modern, boho, farmhouse or industrial spaces," she says.
Regarding the importance of flooring materials, colors and layout patterns to room designs, Kelly says all these factors are crucial to creating the desired space.
"If the client wants to create a modern, light and airy environment, then we suggest larger format sizes with lighter colors and minimal pattern. However, a traditional cozy and quaint look would coordinate better with darker colors, or patterns such as herringbone or basketweave. However, the most important ingredient is the style of the client. We want to ensure they like the look and feel of the products that we're incorporating," she explains.
To help with confirming a desired style ahead of a project, the EF Marburger showroom is a great place at which to gain ideas and see the products installed on floors and walls. Kelly says many people cannot visualize how a floor or wall is going to look based on a small swatch, so they have larger samples, displays and vignettes that can help narrow down what the client likes and dislikes.
"We also have designers on-staff to guide clients through the process. Anyone who wants to start prior to the showroom visit can view our website. It has an inspiration gallery of photos and a room visualizer where they can upload photos of their own space and try out different options," Kelly says.
She adds that they try to have all renovation needs under one roof, including cabinets, knobs, pulls, countertops, fixtures and area rugs, paired with designers who are skilled at pulling it all together to create cohesive spaces.
Can client have both style and functionality? Kelly says achieving both is possible but much is determined by individual lifestyles and preferences.
"Some clients prefer hardwood flooring over vinyl or laminate and will be diligent about maintaining it. Other clients prefer the ease of maintenance in a waterproof floor that has a higher scratch resistance," she says. "Our job as designers is to listen to the clients and help them decide which is best for their home. A large, active family with pets will have different needs than a smaller family without pets. Additionally, there are now several hybrid wood flooring lines that merge real wood and a synthetic waterproof core. Fortunately, there are so many realistic-looking products of hardwood or natural stone, that someone can still achieve a similar look with a different product if needed."
This fall, Kelly confirms there's a definite shift underway in flooring toward earthy, matte and natural looks. Taupe, greige, sage and terracotta are dominating in color, she adds. Wide plank hardwood and large format tile sizes are on the rise. Designers are incorporating more texture and patterns with carpet and area rugs as well.
She predicts timeless patterns, such as chevron, geometric, animal print and tartan, will increase in popularity, as well as bulky loops and extra plush piles.
EF Marburger Fine Flooring
For 113 years, the team of this family-owned company has addressed all types of residential and commercial flooring needs.
Whether flooring for one room or an entire home is needed, this staff manages entire projects, from making selections to scheduling installations.
Remodeling? Options for cabinets, countertops, paints, faucets, lighting and other related items are spotlighted in the company's showroom, along with expert designers to assist with planning.
This team indicates they have the knowledge and relationships to obtain specialized flooring materials.
They also handle large commercial projects, delivering top-quality results for some of the biggest jobs around, such as Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hotel Carmichael and JW Marriott.