Home flooring: the right choices in Aix-en-Provence (without making mistakes)
The perspective of Ruth Tchenio, founder of Maison Tchenio – interior designer and decorator in Aix-en-Provence
There is no such thing as the “right” flooring for your home: there is the flooring that is right for your lifestyle, your lighting, your acoustics, your budget… and, in this case, for the mild southern climate. In Aix-en-Provence, I like floors that are beautiful, durable, and cool in summer, while remaining warm in winter. Here is my guide to help you make your decision with confidence.
The climate in Aix-en-Provence: the starting point for choosing flooring for your home
- Generous light → watch out for glare, marks, and harsh reflections.
- Summer heat → choose materials that remain cool (stone, porcelain stoneware, terrazzo).
- Indoor-outdoor living → extend the flooring from the house to the terrace for visual unity.
Architect’s advice – Start with a consistent palette of materials and colors throughout the house. The floor is your “fifth wall”: it sets the tone.
The top choice for flooring in your home: parquet flooring—charming, comfortable...and made to measure.
Solid (timeless, repairable) or laminated (more stable, compatible with underfloor heating).
- I love: its softness underfoot, its patina, its acoustics.
- Keep an eye on: wet rooms, high-traffic entryways, south-facing rooms without sun protection.
- Finishes: oiled (authentic, repairable locally) vs. varnished (more protective).
Flooring idea for a bright country house: light oiled laminated oak + wool carpet, and a mineral threshold in the kitchen.
Natural stone: the soul of the South
Travertine, Burgundy stone, antique flagstones… A subtle texture and natural coolness in summer.
- I love: the unique veining and depth of color.
- Keep an eye on: porosity (good finish + water repellent), limescale + acids (kitchen).
- Style: from rustic chic to understated contemporary, depending on the format and installation.
3D kitchen designed by MAISON TCHENIO for the renovation of a Provençal farmhouse, which I invite you to check out on our Instagram.
Porcelain stoneware: the high-performance chameleon
Stone, wood, terrazzo imitations… XXL formats, low maintenance, ideal for high-traffic areas in the home.
- I love: indoor/outdoor continuity (non-slip outdoors), stain and impact resistance.
- Keep an eye on: joints (similar color), overly “imitation” series.
Terrazzo : chic graphique, version pierre ou cérame
Exposed aggregates (mineral) or terrazzo-effect porcelain stoneware for easy maintenance.
- I love: the texture of the aggregates, the Italian look, the durability.
- Keep an eye on: the balance of the pattern (strong on the floor = understated on the walls).
Do you live near Marseille or Aix-en-Provence? I invite you to visit Bob Carrelage, a trusted store with a wide selection that we often work with. You can also check out our visit to their store and our selection for the Provençal farmhouse we are currently renovating here.
Waxed concrete/microcement: visual continuity
Minimalist, seamless, perfect for maximizing space.
- I love: the open-plan kitchen-living room, monolithic bathrooms.
- Keep an eye on: demanding installation, possible micro-cracks, specific maintenance.
- Entrust to: an experienced installer (especially in wet rooms)!
Soft flooring & natural fibers: softness and acoustics
- Linoleum: eco-friendly, durable, warm.
- LVT/high-end vinyl: floating installation, soundproofing, good for renovations.
- Seagrass, sisal, coconut: superb texture for bedrooms or offices (avoid damp areas).
Inside-outside: a single horizon line thanks to your choice of flooring
For the terrace and loggia, extend the flooring inside the house using the same type of material (or its outdoor version), with the threshold at the same level if possible: the eye perceives a single space, making the house appear larger.
My method for choosing your home flooring!
- Impression taking: lifestyle, lighting, usage.
- Samples & material boards in your home, in your lighting.
- Realistic 3D: rhythm, formats, thresholds, continuity.
- Comparative quotes (including installation) + schedule.
- Follow-up: a successful home floor is first and foremost a well-installed floor.
Want to take it further? Discover our support services and projects at maisontchenio.com, then let’s discuss your project in Aix-en-Provence or the surrounding area (Cassis, Aubagne, Gémenos, Marseille, etc.).
The flooring in your home is not just a decorative feature: it shapes the light, comfort, and durability. If you are unsure between two materials, let’s consider usage, climate, and aesthetics—that’s where my expertise comes in.
👉 Contact me via my website for a consultation in Aix-en-Provence or to plan your renovation.
