Style starts from the ground up. Your home’s flooring creates the visual foundation that ties rooms together, setting the stage for everything from wall colors and furnishings to artwork and décor.
“A well-chosen floor elevates the overall look of a home,” says Steven Dipollina, owner of Floor Coverings International of Somerset in Hillsborough. Through the company’s mobile showroom, he brings more than 3,000 flooring options directly to clients’ homes, allowing them to see samples in their own space before making a decision.
“Selecting the right flooring for your lifestyle and the specific room is key,” he says.
During in-home design consultations, Steven or design associate Andrew Egan asks homeowners a series of targeted questions to determine the best flooring solution for their needs. “We ask about their inspiration, budget and long-term plans for the home,” Steven says. “Do they have children or pets? How much foot traffic does the space get?”
Next, they guide homeowners through the selection process by viewing samples in the home. This approach makes it easier for the homeowner to envision the finished result.
“We help educate our customers about the wide range of options available for every space,” says co-owner Katie Dipollina. “For example, many people think tile is the only choice for a kitchen, when in reality there are numerous flooring options.”
One of the strongest trends the couple sees is the move toward continuous flooring throughout the home. “Many customers who have several different types of flooring want to modernize and update their space by installing the same flooring throughout,” Katie says. “For example, they may extend the flooring from the living room into the kitchen and bedrooms. We encourage this because it creates a clean, sophisticated look.”
The Dipollinas are also seeing growing demand for natural, lighter oak tones and wider planks, “this look is neutral, timeless and easy to design around,” Steven says. “It provides a versatile backdrop that allows homeowners to be creative with furniture and artwork.”
Carpeting trends are evolving as well. “Today’s carpets offer much more visual interest than traditional plush styles,” Katie says. “Many feature multiple colors woven together or distinctive textures that create subtle patterns and movement.”
While hardwood remains a favorite choice for many homeowners, Steven encourages clients to consider how they will use the space. “People love hardwood because it’s beautiful and adds value to a home,” he says. “However, it isn’t as resistant to water or scuffs as some newer products.”
For areas exposed to moisture or heavy traffic, he often recommends luxury vinyl or laminate flooring. “These products offer the best of both worlds,” he says. “They provide a realistic wood appearance while resisting scuffs and wear. Depending on the product, they can also be moisture- or water-resistant.”
Luxury vinyl and laminate are often more budget-friendly than hardwood and can frequently be installed over existing flooring, helping reduce installation costs and time.
“Whether it’s carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate or tile, there are far more options available today than there were even 10 years ago,” Katie says. In addition to flooring installation, the company also offers area rugs, stair runners and hardwood refinishing services.
Once the product decision is made, Production Coordinator Tim Bigman oversees project scheduling and helps ensure each installation runs smoothly from start to finish.
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping new floors looking their best. Steven recommends using cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood floors to preserve their finish and luster. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly and professionally steam-cleaned as needed. He guides customers to the manufacturers’ recommendations for caring for laminate and vinyl flooring.
As small business owners, the Dipollinas support the local community. Over the years, the company has donated to numerous organizations, including school programs, the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center in Bridgewater, Bridgewater Little League, Toys for Tots, the Hillsborough Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
They also sponsor The Kelsey Charity Run in Bridgewater, which benefits Kids Fighting Cancer, and the Ross Farm Music Series in Basking Ridge.
Their philanthropy fits with their business model of helping others in the community. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients find the perfect flooring solution,” Steven says. “It gives me a great sense of pride when they’re happy with the finished project. We love bringing their vision to life.”
Discover flooring options at somerset.floorcoveringsinternational.com.