NATURAL EFFECT: Inspired by naturally woven items such as thatched mat roofs and hand-woven baskets, MODe Global Woodweave vinyl tiles (16-inch squares, $4 per square foot) look like straw and sisal flooring but are soft. For retailers, go to www.armstrong.com.

Nothing changes the look of a room as quickly as new flooring. Homeowners, however, often shy away from replacing carpet or other types of flooring because of the expense and the concern that they must live with their choice if wrong, for an extended time. With the arrival of fashion- forward, affordable and easy to install non-permanent floor tiles, a change of scenery is steps away.Trends include:

Rubber: Popular because it provides a soft surface, is durable and easy to care for, and now comes in fun colors.

Vinyl tile re-invented: Spiffed up with color, pattern and prints that mimic fashion fabrics and wallpaper, making it stylistically relevant for any room in the house and easy to customize a look.

Improved easy up-easy down installation: All tiles in this category achieve this better than before. Armstrong, in particular, is in the forefront, with its new MODe tile, installed on top of a no-slide grid liner that helps keep tiles straight during installation. The product protects floors without gluing, which makes removal easy. Adhesives range from spray to tape-like tabs.

FLORAL DELIGHT: Flor Tapete turquoise floral carpet tile (19.7-inch squares, $16 each) transforms a pass-through hall into a fashion runway. www.florcatalog.com

Indoor-outdoor tiles in larger sizes and more colors: These withstand lots of foot traffic and weather. This is not your Mom's patio carpet.

Oversized: 16-, 17- and 24-inch tiles are ideal for creating striking designs.

High-quality tiles: Manufacturers have added high-tech innovations to create luxury, high-performance tiles that resist scratches and retain color better.

Carla Jordan is an Irving freelance writer.

SPARKLE PLENTY: Durable and kid-resistant, Amtico Color Brights come in nine vivid hues and three finish options, including glittery Stardust, in 12-inch and 18-inch squares ($7 to $9 per square foot).	TWO-WAY VISUALS: Up close, the subtle line pattern of the Amtico Linear shale tiles is visible. But from a distance, the lines disappear. The tiles come in six neutral shades and several sizes, starting with 12-inch squares ($7 to $9 per square foot) and are made from 40 percent post-industrial waste. For retailers, go to www.amtico.com.
NICE NEUTRAL: Tone-on-tone Wide Wale tan Flor carpet tiles (19.7-inch squares, $13.99 each) look like a high-end area rug. Design Within Reach and www.florcatalog.com