Retro Revival: Cork and Marmoleum Flooring Installation in Thornton Heath

Every now and then, a project comes along that truly captures our imagination. This recent installation in Thornton Heath, Croydon, was precisely that kind of job—a wonderfully bold retro renovation that had us excited from the very first consultation. When homeowners make daring design choices, it reminds us exactly why we love what we do at Cavendish deVere.

A Tale of Two Floors

What made this particular project so engaging was the combination of two distinctly different flooring materials, each chosen to complement a specific room whilst contributing to the overall vintage aesthetic the clients were creating. In the bedroom, we installed Granorte Naturals Fix Glue-down Tiles Primus—a stunning natural cork floor that brings warmth and character to the space. Meanwhile, the kitchen received a gorgeous green Forbo Marmoleum Concrete 3751 tundra lino, adding a splash of colour that perfectly suits the home’s emerging 1970s character.

When you install as many floors as we do, variety truly is the spice of life. Projects featuring multiple flooring types keep things interesting and challenge us to showcase our versatility as professional installers. Each material requires its own approach, its own preparation, and its own finishing techniques—and that’s precisely what makes the work so rewarding.

The Beauty of Granorte Cork

Cork flooring has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, and it’s easy to understand why. The Granorte Naturals range represents the very best in sustainable, natural flooring. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself, cork is one of the most environmentally responsible flooring choices available today.

Beyond its eco-credentials, cork offers exceptional practical benefits that make it ideal for bedroom installations:

• Natural thermal insulation – Cork maintains a comfortable temperature underfoot, perfect for those first steps out of bed on a chilly morning
• Sound absorption – The cellular structure of cork dampens noise, creating a peaceful sleeping environment
• Comfort underfoot – The natural cushioning provides relief for joints and reduces fatigue
• Hypoallergenic properties – Cork naturally resists mould, mildew, and dust mites

The Primus finish from Granorte showcases the natural beauty of cork with its organic patterns and warm honey tones. Against the backdrop of bold 1970s floral wallpaper already adorning the bedroom walls, the effect is nothing short of spectacular. The natural, earthy quality of the cork grounds the vibrant patterns and creates a cohesive retro aesthetic.

Forbo Marmoleum: A Kitchen Classic

For the kitchen, our clients made another inspired choice with Forbo Marmoleum in the Tundra colourway. This beautiful sage-green shade brings a calming, natural element to the heart of the home whilst nodding to the earthy colour palettes so beloved in 1970s interior design.

Marmoleum is often confused with vinyl, but it’s actually a completely different product. Made primarily from linseed oil, wood flour, limestone, and jute, Marmoleum is a natural linoleum that offers remarkable durability and sustainability. It’s been manufactured since the 1860s, making it a genuinely heritage material with thoroughly modern performance.

In kitchen environments, Marmoleum excels for several reasons:

• Exceptional durability – Withstands heavy foot traffic and the demands of a busy kitchen
• Natural antibacterial properties – The linseed oil content inhibits bacterial growth
• Easy maintenance – Simple to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and occasional mopping
• Environmentally responsible – Biodegradable at end of life and manufactured from renewable resources

The Installation Process

Both cork tiles and Marmoleum sheet require meticulous subfloor preparation to achieve a flawless finish. Our team began by ensuring both rooms had perfectly smooth, level substrates—any imperfections would telegraph through to the finished surface, particularly with sheet materials like Marmoleum.

The cork tiles were glue-down installation, requiring careful layout planning to ensure balanced cuts at the perimeter and proper tile alignment throughout. Working with natural materials like cork demands patience and precision, as each tile has unique characteristics that must be considered during placement.

The Marmoleum installation required expert cutting and fitting around the kitchen’s various obstacles—cabinetry, appliances, and pipework all presented opportunities to demonstrate our team’s skills. The sheet material must be precisely templated and cut, with welded seams where necessary to create a hygienic, continuous surface.

Bold Choices, Brilliant Results

It has to be said, making design choices this bold takes confidence. Not everyone would have the vision to pair natural cork with vibrant retro wallpaper, or select a striking green Marmoleum for their kitchen. Our clients in Thornton Heath knew exactly what they wanted, and we were delighted to help bring their vision to life.

We’re immensely proud of this installation and thoroughly enjoyed working with such enthusiastic homeowners. The project perfectly illustrates how thoughtful flooring choices can transform a property and create genuinely unique interiors. We can’t wait to see the space once the planned 1970s tiles are installed—the complete transformation will be something truly special.

Considering a Retro Renovation?

If you’re planning a similar project in Croydon, South London, or the surrounding areas, Cavendish deVere would be delighted to discuss your flooring requirements. Whether you’re drawn to natural materials like cork and Marmoleum or have other products in mind, our experienced team can guide you through selection and deliver expert installation that showcases your flooring at its very best.