All Things Interior Articles

What to Expect When Moving In Together

2008-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

When two individuals decide to move in together there is a lot of time and planning which often has to go into a move such as this one. Not only does the couple need to decide where they are going to live but how they are going to set up their new home. The following will highlight some considerations the couple needs to make with regard to setting up the home and how they can do so in the easiest way possible.

Eliminate Unnecessary Individual Furnishings Prior to the Move

The first step that couples should take prior to moving in together is to eliminate any and all furnishings that they know will not be needed in the new home. Since individuals will often have different styles of furniture from one another, it is important to decide which items will be kept and which will be eliminated. For example, if the new apartment only has one bedroom, there is no need for two king size beds in the home and therefore one of these items can be donated or sold.

Decide on a Set Style for the Overall Home

It is also a good idea to determine what style the couple wishes to decorate their home in. This will help to determine which furnishings to keep or buy and make it easier to set up the new home by having one set style to go with. It is best to discuss this issue with one another and come to a decision so that both individuals are happy with the final selection as the new home should reflect the styles of both individuals.

Make a Sketch of the Home

One of the best ways to figure out what furniture items will be placed where within the home is to make a sketch of the interior of the home. Take note of what furniture pieces each individual currently owns and which ones will be kept. Try to sketch out where all of the furniture will go. This way you can see what space you have left within the home and which furnishings you may want to purchase in order to complete the overall look of the interior.

Consider Picking a Theme for the Home or Some of the Rooms

A fun way to decorate the home is to have a set theme in mind whether it be for the entire house or apartment or simply one or two rooms in the home. An agreed upon theme allows the couple to set something up which is unique to their individual tastes and have fun while putting it all together. The theme can be a favorite sports team or island-inspired theme, for example.

Shopping for the Furnishings

Once the couple has agreed upon what furniture they wish to keep and what theme they want to go with, the next step to setting up the new residence is shopping for the furniture pieces. Before setting out for the store, the couple should determine what budget they are going to stick with when it comes to purchasing the items and determine how best to buy all that they need while staying within that set budget. If the individuals know exactly what type of items they want to buy, a great way to save money on furniture purchases and other home accent pieces is to buy items through online retailers. Many online shops will offer web-only specials which allow the individuals to get a great deal on their online purchases. If buying heavy furniture items, it is a wise idea to choose retailers which offer free shipping so that shipping costs will remain low if not nonexistent.

Set Up the Home

The final step is placing all of the items within the home in their proper locations. Since the couple most likely will have sketched out where they want everything to go, this final part of the process is quite simple. The end result will be a tasteful new home setting for the couple to enjoy together.

Remember, if help is needed paying for some of those big-ticket items www.MyDreamHomeRegistry.com was created for just that purpose. It’s the gift registry for everything home.

A Day In The Life of A National Muralist

2008-03-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

To bring a mural to life, is a wonderful process. It’s a process that I never tire of and enjoy from start to finish. Ok, now you are saying “ Oh lucky him!”, but it’s true. Maybe the reason I enjoy my job so much, is because I came to this profession late in life. Finding it after years of searching for… what I do best…or what expresses me the best.

I was a musician for most of my life and taught piano lessons to children for several years. My wife Kathy inspired me to try my hand at painting and as a fluke, put out an ad in the local trade newsletter. Unbelievably, I got my first client!, New Age Transportation in Lake Zurich Il. Starting with my grandmother’s brushes and a bunch of Tupperware, I tackled the murals one after another, learning my technique as I went. Going into something, “knowing” that I could do it, took away the fears that normally would slow me down. I found I had this confidence that rubbed off onto the clients that I would work for. I would say, “Anything’s possible!” Even when I had no idea how I was going to accomplish the task! But taking each challenge, step by step, I could find a path to success in every design that was asked of me. But the main thing that inspires me to paint, is the process of working with the client one on one; to bring them into the designing process and give them ownership of it. They end up feeling, at the end of the mural, that they had a big part in the creation of it! It ends up being a combined work and group creation. This makes every job unique and different; not to mention fun to do!

I also love the designing aspect of what I do; especially in this time period of computers. The client gets to see mockups and help work in the computer software moving the objects around until they are excited about what they are going to see! This takes away any guesswork from me or the client. In the old days a pencil sketch was created and if the client didn’t care for one aspect of the design, I would have to go back and spend hours redrawing the whole design! Now everything in the design can be dragged and flipped and deleted and enlarged in a second. This ensures success!

The next step is the drawing out of the mural. Here I use a grid method and divide the wall up into sections and draw out the design. There is no possible way to make something too big or too small, because each grid square matches perfectly to the grid square in the computer. The painting is the final step. Here I usually paint the images or background that are farthest away from the viewer and move steps closer until everything looks great. I pride myself on using a lot of shadows to create a 3D effect and also a strong sense of logic. What I mean by logic is that everything in the mural must have a reason to exist. If there is a post entering the wall that I am painting, then the mural has to deal with that post and I paint a pretend post connecting to the real one and deal with it in the logical way. Mostly, I like to fool the eye with my paintings to have, at a glance, something that looks so real, that you think it is really in the room! That motivates me in design and technique. I love reality painting!

I hope you enjoyed my thoughts today and have a better understanding of how it all comes together. I paint murals all over the country, but mainly in Chicago and Dallas. You can watch time-lapse videos of a mural coming together and contact me directly via my website at www.funartmurals.com. Thank you, Randall Johnson.

Article sponsored by My Dream Home Registry, the gift registry for everything home.

The Re-Emergence of Wallpaper

2007-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Express Yourself

Today virtually anything is possible in the world of interior design; and wall coverings are no different. Gone but not forgotten is the era of Victorian style wallpaper. In addition to that choice of design is a myriad of custom design options and ideas to explore that can enhance your interior space. If you are in the market, here are a few design options that may work for your space. The first is photorealistic; do you have a picture of your favorite place on earth or even beyond for that matter? Beautiful landscapes of the ocean or flowers blowing in the wind of a sunlit field may just bring some serenity to your life. Or maybe you have a favorite family picture that you would like to celebrate in a large sale format that would be perfect for a wallpaper print. With custom designed wallpaper all of these effects can be achieved with little effort and lots of imagination.

Another design option that may work to enhance your interior space is contemporary or abstract patterns and images. In my opinion it’s the ultimate accessory in the development of a luxury interior. You can bring a unique visual appeal and an infusion of energy that is sure to pay dividends in the way you live your life, and with a custom wall covering you will be sure that you are the only person with that particular design. For another outlook you can go with a text based wall paper. If you have a favorite poem or quote what better way to be inspired by it daily than to have it as a center piece of a wall covering that’s featured in your interior space.

Make the right choice

With all the options that are available today it could be easy to become overwhelmed when making a decision on which wall covering will work best for you. There are some things that you should remember when the time comes, first and foremost is be true to yourself and your personal style. This is an image that will be on your wall and you are the person who will be living with it, hopefully it will have a profound effect on you and the way you live. Second, make sure that it fits the space that it’s intended for. Even if you love a particular design it simply may be to over powering for a particular space and may pull focus from other design elements of the room instead of bringing the space together as a cohesive design.

Types to choose from

In addition to the many types of design styles available today there are just as many types of wall coverings that they can be printed on. Here are a couple with there own characteristics for you to consider. The first is called Type II, it’s a vinyl wall covering that is basically the work horse of the industry and can be found in all types of interior spaces where greater than normal traffic is expected, whether it’s commercial or residential. For those who are environmentally sensitive and willing to spend a little more money you should try an excellent wall covering option called Duraprene. It’s a green design product created from recyclable materials and is extremely durable. Both of the aforementioned types of wallpaper are eligible candidates to have custom graphics printed on them. These are by no means the only available options for these types design ideas, but are hopefully enough to get you thinking about what is possible as the re-emergence off wallpaper gives all of us many options to explore and create.

This article was written by Courtney Miller: To learn more about Courtney and view some innovative wall covering designs visit http://www.contemporarydesigninteriors.com

Stainless Steel Countertops Pros and Cons

2007-09-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Stainless steel countertops are all the rave in restaurant kitchens, and rightfully so. Stainless steel, along with its sleek look and smooth finish, has many other qualities that are suitable for domestic uses as well. Below we will look at some of these qualities as well as some of the drawbacks to be considered when thinking stainless.

Pros

Can handle hot pots and pans – Because of the corrosive resistance properties of stainless steel you will not need to worry about burn marks from hit pots and pans. This quality makes stainless steel ideal for families that cook on a regular basis

Wont Stain – Stainless steel is a very non-porous material, it’s surface will not stain easily

Easy to clean – Stainless is among the easiest surfaces to clean. This is why it is the leading choice in restaurants. Its non-porous surface makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. The abundance of fingerprints and wet spots are common, these can be cleaned simply by wiping them off with a slightly damped cloth. For other cleaning you will need only soap and water.

It looks (and is) cool – Stainless steel can be seen everywhere. Its smooth, cool finish is the surface of everything from razor blades to New York City skyscrapers. Its an ideal surface for the advanced cook because its surface will rarely become hot.

Flexible enough to make an integral sink – Unlike other surfaces you have the option of going totally stainless. Stainless steel can be molded to make a sink. You can choose to have a completely stainless kitchen, or just have a stainless sink.

Cons

Shows scratches and dulls knives – Unlike stone finishes such as granite or marble, stainless will scratch and dull knives. This can be avoided by using a cutting board, however you lose the convenience of cutting directly onto your surface.

Shows fingerprints and water spots – Fingerprints and water spots will need to be wiped down almost daily. This can become somewhat annoying. Consider the amount of traffic (especially kids) you will have in your kitchen

Can dent and be noisy – Clink! Clank! Get used to those familiar kitchen noises as your stainless can provide some unwanted music. This can be avoided by having a strong base (wood or laminate) installed below the stainless steel. Also, dropping heavy objects (pots, appliances, etc.,) can cause irreplaceable damage to your countertop.

Difficult and costly to fabricate – prices range from $85-100 per sq. ft.

Overall Stainless steel is a solid choice for your kitchen. Its easy to clean, easy to maintain, and easily the leading choice for restaurants. Having stainless in your kitchen will show your guests that you mean business in the cooking department!

Article Sponsored by My Dream Home Registry
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Pros and Cons regarding granite countertops

2007-09-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

So you’re thinking about installing granite countertops. You’re thinking how sleek and sheik your new kitchen will look after you have installed your brand new granite. You’ve already planned out your first dinner party for the Friday after your installation. Well, before you go out and buy the merlot and brie for your party, here are a few pros and cons to be considered before taking your first step. In this article you will be educated on the benefits and drawbacks of granite in regards to durability, cleaning, and aesthetics.

First, let’s take a look at the durability factor. This is most definitely a plus. Granite stacks up against all other materials in the toughness area. Granite, in fact, is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness. This means that very little will ever scratch or chip your granite countertop. Feel free to chop tomatoes, onions, carrots, or whatever you want on your rock hard tabletop. Neither the sharpest knife, nor the hottest pan will scratch or burn your countertop.

Next, perhaps the most important factor for some – maintaining your countertop. I’m sure you are thinking, how will I take care of my granite? What materials are safe to use on my granite? Rest assured, cleaning sessions will be cut short by using a simple “cloth and soap” technique. Most stains will come right out using a warm cloth and mild detergent. This is most certainly a plus when comparing granite to, let’s say, wood – which can be stained easily. You will also need to “coat” your granite twice a year to keep it looking fresh.

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the look of your granite countertop. This is a tricky one. The cool thing about the look of granite is you will never see two identical slabs. Each piece of granite is unique, and has its own personality. Of course the benefit of this is knowing that your granite will be different than all others – a truly unique style. However the color of your granite is limited to what is found in nature, therefore granite does not have the selection that marble and laminate have. If you have plans on re-decorating your entire kitchen, think about the other colors you will be working with. Will they mesh with the color of your granite?

Overall, granite is a fantastically stunning choice for your kitchen. In the past ten years it has become the most popular material to use for your countertop. One of the well-known drawbacks that was not discussed in the price of granite. Because of its appeal and durability it is, in most cases, the most expensive choice. However, if you are planning on staying in your home for a long period of time it is well worth the cost.

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Silestone vs. Granite

2007-09-21T20:22:00.001-07:00

The battle is on. Many families are taking a close look at the disparities between installing a granite countertop vs. installing a silestone countertop. Their brilliant finish and longevity has folks ripping out there old laminate and running to stone. Granite and silestone have many similarities, but which surface is better. By looking at three categories; price, durability, and appearance you will soon have a better idea on which stone is right for you.

First lets take a look at the price factor. While variables include everything from the type of finish you get to the type of color you choose, one is cheaper than the other. On the whole, silestone is the cheaper choice. One of the main reasons for this is because there are more color choices with granite. Just ten years ago, silestone only had twelve different color choices. Today there are over 50 colors you can choose from.

When it comes to cleaning, silestone is the easier of the two to maintain. Because it is non-porous, Silestone does not need to be sealed. Granite, marble and limestone, on the other hand, must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly to prevent staining. Silestone is a maintenance-free star compared to solid surfaces that may require rigorous maintenance to clean up tough stains, scratches and scorch marks. You can use household cleaners like Formula 409 to clean both surfaces.

Also keep in mind that silestone is tougher surface than granite. Silestone contains Quartz, which is behind only diamonds, sapphire, and topaz in hardness. This means that very little will scratch your surface. However, it is not out of the ordinary for a hot pot or pan to crack the surface of your silestone due to thermal heat. Granite has a much higher tolerance to heat, and will not crack as easily.

Overall, granite and silestone both have their strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day it really all depends on what you are looking for. If you are willing to sacrifice a little higher price to have a greater color selection then you will want to go with granite. If money is an issue and you’re more concerned with maintaining a clean kitchen, then you are more of a silestone person.

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Butcher Block: The perfect countertop?

2007-09-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

When considering the type of countertop you would like to see featured in your kitchen, you must consider several things. First, and to some the most important, is: how will my new countertop look in my kitchen? That is, how will your new countertop mesh with the other features on your kitchen. Second, how important is durability? How much will you be cooking in your kitchen? Will you need a sturdy, long-lasting countertop that is going to be in your home for many years to come? Third, how much am I willing to spend on my new countertop? For some, this ties dialectically to the decision between looks and money. What is more important to you? Once you answer these questions, your decision becomes much easier. Of course whatever constraints you have between money, durability, and aesthetics you will be sure that you can find the perfect countertop for you.

Speaking of the perfect countertop, many consider butcher block to be just that. Butcher block has the quality that you would find in any expert chefs kitchen, while at the same time wont burn a hole in your pocket, and its durable to boot! Butcher block consists of hard wood finishes such as oak, maple, birch, and cherry. Oak and maple are considered to be the choice for those that are busy in the kitchen as they are more durable than cherry and birch. While butcher block is considered by most to be an outstanding selection for a kitchen countertop, the pros and cons must be weighed before hailing it the king of countertops.

Aesthetically, the butcher block is in a league of its own. Some might argue that a stone finish is more appealing, however a wood finish can brighten the mood of any kitchen, and will brighten your mood every time you walk into it. Its natural color is modest, and does not take away from the other features in your kitchen, and at the same time butcher block has the capability of intriguing your guests with its eloquent style. As mentioned earlier butcher block has several selections such as cherry, birch, maple, and oak. Maple and oak will give you more durability but can be dull in the eyes of some. On the other hand cherry and birch are much more aesthetically pleasing, however they are not as durable as the harder maple and oak.

Moving on to durability, this area is in question when it comes to butcher block. If maintained properly butcher block can be the staple in your kitchen for many years to come. Butcher block, consisting of several slabs of wood, has the tendency to become either to dry or too moist. When wood becomes moist is grows and then shrinks, causing it to crack. Likewise if the wood becomes too dry it will shrink and crack. This can be avoided my wiping down your butcher block with mineral oil or beeswax. This will provide a protective coating over the wood to ensure a long lasting life. Be sure to wipe your butcher block dry if it gets wet. Liquids or hot pots and pans can stain butcher block, for these stains (that absolutely cannot be removed) you have the option of sanding your countertop. The first time you sand your butcher block, you should use 80grit paper, then 120grit, then 240, and so on. You want to be careful not to sand one area too much for that will cause “valleys” on your countertop.

Butcher block, like many other countertops, can vary in price. In most cases, you are looking at paying $50-75 per sq/ft. This price is cheaper than most natural stone finishes such as granite and marble. Butcher block is cheaper than stone because it is more readily available and easier to produce than its stone and steel competitors.

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Bamboo Flooring: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2007-09-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bamboo flooring is a lovely addition to any room, but as is only fitting it does have its own set of pros and cons.

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional carpeting or wood flooring for your home, bamboo flooring is certainly a meritorious option. It’s a lovely option that fits into just about any type of décor. As it is with any home improvement option, bamboo flooring does have its downsides. What is important is weighing out the difference between the advantages and disadvantages to having bamboo flooring installed in your home.

There are over 1,000 different species of bamboo on the planet, making them an interesting option for flooring. It is only the last couple of decades in which Americans have begun to rekindle their love for bamboo flooring, but at what cost?

It is only after examining the pros and cons of purchasing bamboo floors and having them installed in your home that you can truly be able to make a wise purchasing decision. To help you a little bit along your way, here are a couple facts about the pros and the cons of bamboo flooring.

The Good:

Bamboo is known to bring the fortune of long life. Many believe that having bamboo in the home can bring good luck to its habitants.

You can get bamboo flooring in more than one color. While any flooring type can be done in just about any color, there is more than one natural shade to bamboo and depending on its type, you may have a bit to choose from. The main two colors are the light brownish-blonde color that bamboo naturally comes in, and then a darker, more reddish hue of wood, similar to cherry wood.

Bamboo flooring is durable, and strong. This means it can hold up to you, the husband or wife, the kids, the dog, and yes—even the roller blades. Of course it doesn’t seem like bamboo would be very strong, but not only is it a great deal stronger than Maple or Oak, but it is more pliable as well.

Bamboo flooring resists moisture and the wear and tear that insects and bugs cause exceptionally well. This means you won’t have to worry about bugs crawling into and under your floorboards. Bamboo flooring is also healthier for the environment. It can grow just about anywhere, and it does not damage the area that is left behind.

The Bad…And the Ugly…

Bamboo is becoming more and more popular these days. This spurs an increase in production which almost always results in a lack of quality. This can go against almost all of the PROS listed above.

Although it is designed to last a while, bamboo flooring usually does not carry a very good warranty. This may be because the company does not offer it and for no other reason, but that calls the quality of the bamboo flooring into question.

The finishing material or liquid can sometimes be somewhat toxic to small animals and children, according to some studies that have been done. Apparently this is not so with regular wood flooring so to be on the safe side, double check all of the materials used with your bamboo flooring.

Bamboo flooring cannot be floated as well as other wood floors, which may present some problems. This depends on the bamboo and the durability of it as well as the quality of your flooring underneath.

In Conclusion

Bamboo flooring is not all bad! It is just one of many options available to you as far as floor covering goes, but it’s not your only option. Weighing the pros and cons of bamboo flooring is the only way that you can go about making as informed a decision as you possibly can about whether or not bamboo flooring is the right type of flooring material for your needs. Who knows? Bamboo flooring may be the best decision you ever made for your flooring needs.

Article Sponsored by My Dream Home Registry
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What You Should Know About Choosing Ceramic Tile Flooring

2007-09-21T19:29:00.001-07:00

After seeing the costs involved in installing ceramic tile flooring, many homeowners immediately choose other flooring options. But, when it comes to flooring, you often get what you pay for.

What you will need to decide is what is more cost effective in the long run?
Can you afford to have any other, cheaper kind of flooring replaced after several years, especially if the floor is going to routinely get wet?

The durability may be worth the extra cost you will need to pay up front. Ceramic tile flooring can end up saving you money for years to come.

Ceramic Tile is Versatile

Ceramic tile flooring does not experience the warp of wood flooring when the wood gets wet, even from humidity. That type of warping does not happen with ceramic tile flooring. If you have a bathroom, foyer or even a small changing room next to your pool, strongly consider ceramic tile flooring. The average life span for ceramic tile flooring is twenty years. And there isn’t just one kind of ceramic tile flooring. You can pick among many grades and thicknesses of tiles. The most expensive are the Italian ceramic tiles that rune about an inch and a half thick. Ceramic tiles are so are sold in grades called “Class numbers”. To help you choose the correct grade of tile for your project here is a quick rundown of the specifications for each class:

· Class 1: For walls only
· Class 2: For light foot traffic, like that changing room by your pool
· Class 3: This is for your higher room traffic like your bathrooms, or bedrooms
· Class 4: This is for more extreme conditions, like for your foyer.
· Class 5: This is usually for public places like school hall ways, so a private home will not need it.

Some added benefits of ceramic tiles are that they are great for allergy sufferers. They will not trap pollen, molds or dust. They are also fire resistant so they are great say for around a fire place.

Ceramic Tile is Easy to Clean and Maintain

The easy cleaning and maintenance of ceramic tile floors is one of the top reasons that people choose them. When they are properly installed, you will not need to worry about replacing the grouting or staining problems that other types of flooring have. Their colors not only last, they tend not to fade over time. Depending on the quality of ceramic tile you get, the color might even run all the way through. Compare this with porcelain tiles. If you chip a porcelain tile, you leave a glaring white mark. But with the higher quality ceramic tiles, the color will go all the way through the tile.

Because some people feel that ceramic tile flooring are slippery, they either get very small tiles to help their wet feet get a grip, or they get pitted ceramic tiles. These have nooks and crannies in them, so you have more texture. The pitted tile will be harder to clean than the other, smoother type of ceramic tile. Instead of one or two passes with a mop, you might need to several. For a small changing room, foyer or bathroom, this little bit of extra energy will be worth it. If you a larger area like you kitchen and living room you may be better off with the smooth finish.

Easy to Replace

No matter how careful you are you will inevitably crack or chip one of your ceramic tiles. The good thing is that you will not need to rip up the whole flooring in order to replace one tile. In fact, it is a good to keep a few extra tiles and a small thing of grout from the original installation on hand for just such occasions. You just pry out the broken tile and replace with the good tile. Even if you didn’t keep a few spare tiles, ceramic tiles are often made to a standard. You should find something exactly the same or nearly the same at any home improvement center or flooring store.

A ceramic tile floor is a gorgeous addition to any room, giving it an air of luxury and beauty that is hard to match by any other type of flooring.

Article Sponsored by My Dream Home Registry
http://www.mydreamhomeregistry.com/

What You Should Know About Choosing Ceramic Tile Flooring

2007-09-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

After seeing the costs involved in installing ceramic tile flooring, many homeowners immediately choose other flooring options. But, when it comes to flooring, you often get what you pay for.

What you will need to decide is what is more cost effective in the long run?

Can you afford to have any other, cheaper kind of flooring replaced after several years, especially if the floor is going to routinely get wet?

The durability may be worth the extra cost you will need to pay up front. Ceramic tile flooring can end up saving you money for years to come.

Ceramic Tile is Versatile

Ceramic tile flooring does not experience the warp of wood flooring when the wood gets wet, even from humidity. That type of warping does not happen with ceramic tile flooring. If you have a bathroom, foyer or even a small changing room next to your pool, strongly consider ceramic tile flooring. The average life span for ceramic tile flooring is twenty years.
And there isn’t just one kind of ceramic tile flooring. You can pick among many grades and thicknesses of tiles. The most expensive are the Italian ceramic tiles that rune about an inch and a half thick. Ceramic tiles are so are sold in grades called “Class numbers”. To help you choose the correct grade of tile for your project here is a quick rundown of the specifications for each class:

· Class 1: For walls only

· Class 2: For light foot traffic, like that changing room by your pool

· Class 3: This is for your higher room traffic like your bathrooms, or bedrooms

· Class 4: This is for more extreme conditions, like for your foyer.

· Class 5: This is usually for public places like school hall ways, so a private home will not need it.

Some added benefits of ceramic tiles are that they are great for allergy sufferers. They will not trap pollen, molds or dust. They are also fire resistant so they are great say for around a fire place.

Ceramic Tile is Easy to Clean and Maintain

The easy cleaning and maintenance of ceramic tile floors is one of the top reasons that people choose them. When they are properly installed, you will not need to worry about replacing the grouting or staining problems that other types of flooring have. Their colors not only last, they tend not to fade over time. Depending on the quality of ceramic tile you get, the color might even run all the way through. Compare this with porcelain tiles. If you chip a porcelain tile, you leave a glaring white mark. But with the higher quality ceramic tiles, the color will go all the way through the tile.

Because some people feel that ceramic tile flooring are slippery, they either get very small tiles to help their wet feet get a grip, or they get pitted ceramic tiles. These have nooks and crannies in them, so you have more texture. The pitted tile will be harder to clean than the other, smoother type of ceramic tile. Instead of one or two passes with a mop, you might need to several. For a small changing room, foyer or bathroom, this little bit of extra energy will be worth it. If you a larger area like you kitchen and living room you may be better off with the smooth finish.

Easy to Replace

No matter how careful you are you will inevitably crack or chip one of your ceramic tiles. The good thing is that you will not need to rip up the whole flooring in order to replace one tile. In fact, it is a good to keep a few extra tiles and a small thing of grout from the original installation on hand for just such occasions. You just pry out the broken tile and replace with the good tile.

Even if you didn’t keep a few spare tiles, ceramic tiles are often made to a standard. You should find something exactly the same or nearly the same at any home improvement center or flooring store. A ceramic tile floor is a gorgeous addition to any room, giving it an air of luxury and beauty that is hard to match by any other type of flooring.

Sponsored by My Dream Home Registry

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Cork Flooring: Some Basics You Should Know

2007-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Cork flooring is one of the most remote flooring options out there today. For whatever reason, it never did quite catch on like regular wood flooring did, or even to the point of vinyl and laminate flooring.

The reason why?

There really is no given reason why cork flooring never did quite gain the popularity of its counterparts, nevertheless it’s important to realize that cork flooring is just as viable a flooring option as any other material.

If you are looking for a new flooring option in your home, you should consider the many different benefits that cork flooring options. In order to help you along the way to a final decision, here are a few basic facts about cork flooring for you to consider:

Comfort

Cork flooring is one of the most comfortable options for flooring in your home. The hard wood and ceramic flooring that is available in many homes is bad for your body in a sense, leading to sore muscles. There’s not as much pliability under a wooden floor or a ceramic floor as there is with a cork floor, so every time you set your foot on a cork floor it helps absorb the shock of the step. This makes it perfect for athletes or those who are nursing injuries, long and short term..

Health

Cork flooring is one of the better options for your health as well. If you have allergies, cork flooring is great options as it does not allow mildew and mold to fester without being seen like many other flooring options do. It does not attract dust or pollen, and the floors don’t let small fibers go to irritate your sense. In addition, cork floors are hypoallergenic and they resist static electricity. If you have issues with carpet fibers and the little mites that come in carpet, cork flooring is a good option. There is no place for them to hide, so when you sweep or clean, you sweep them away and don’t have to worry about them anymore, getting into your eyes and nose and causing problems.

Durability

Cork flooring is one of the most durable options for flooring in your home, if you know how to care for it. If you want a floor that can outlast you, cork flooring is a great option but you have to make sure that it is well maintained. There are professionals who specialize in caring for cork floors or you can get the materials to care for your cork floor on your own. Cork flooring is not as prone to scratching or chipping as hard wood is.

Efficiency

If you don’t like the feeling of a stone-cold floor on an equally cold day, you should consider the benefits of cork flooring for your flooring needs. Cork flooring is known to be an excellent insulator, helping to keep the warmth and the cold in the house where it belongs. If you are looking at creating an energy efficient home, cork flooring is the floor covering option for you.

Variety

Whatever you need as far as flooring goes; chances are that you will have that option in cork flooring. You can buy cork flooring in just about any color and you can buy it in planks like hardwood flooring or in tiles like linoleum or vinyl flooring. It comes with a vinyl topcoat or a natural topcoat; either one is fine but people choose the vinyl-covered option for easier cleaning. This option is a bit more expensive than the natural, unfinished cork.

Whichever way you slice it, cork flooring is an excellent option for any person who is looking for a relatively inexpensive option for flooring in the home. It is not only more comfortable and insolent than regular flooring or carpeting, but it gives you the freedom of expression and versatility that vinyl and laminate flooring offer, with twice the quality. If you want a good, long lasting floor you should consider investing in cork flooring.

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Three Things You Should Know About Installing Hardwood Flooring In Your Home

2007-09-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

While it is not necessarily the most inexpensive of the flooring options available on the market today, hardwood floors are certainly one of the simplest and most lovely options available. Wood matches just about everything, and you don’ have to worry about vacuuming or those nasty smells that just won’t seem to leave carpet. It is an effective option for floor covering and if you take care of your hardwood floors, they will last you a very long time.

However, having hardwood flooring in your home is about more than wishing it was there and deciding to have it. Here are the three things that you should know about installing hardwood flooring in your home.

Doing It Yourself Is Not Always Cheaper

Hardwood floors are certainly something that those handy people out there in the world are able to take care of. Buying wood and laying it down as flooring in your home sounds a great deal easier than it is. There are many different kinds of wood that can be used for flooring in your home and depending on your needs; there are great deals of different styles to choose from. You want your flooring to resist nicks and scrapes, but you want it to be able to get some character as well.

There are all of these things and more to think about, and if you install your wood flooring all on your own, chances are that you will not be able to get the solid advice that you might wish you had later. You want your floor to last as long as possible and although you might be very willing and able to put in your new hardwood floor all by yourself, the costs down the line might make this not-so worth it. Do you want to end up having to have your floors redone because of an error on your, the amateur’s, part?

Not All Wood is the Same

The more money that you spend the better quality of wood flooring you will be able to get as far as outward appearance goes; although a floor may not look as uniform and sleek as another type of wood floor it will probably last just as long. The quality and type of wood that you select for your floor has a lot to do with how you want your flooring to look when it’s down. Do you want a smooth look or do you like the way that natural knotholes look in the wood? Do you prefer the way that wide planks look on the floor or do you prefer the look of thinner, smaller pieces of wood for your flooring?

Depending on what you are willing to spend, there are a great deal of different ways that you can go with the wood for your flooring. You can buy First, Second, or Third wood, which is a description of the type or quality of wood on the market ranked in order of quality. Clear is the finest wood that you will be able to get a hold of. It has little to no grain marks or knot holes in it, so if you want the best quality that is the way to go.

You Are In It for the Long Haul

While hardwood floors are a great option for the floor covering in your home, be sure that that is what you want to do, and that it is an acceptable long term solution for you and your home.

While the hardwood floor will not have to be vacuumed, it has to be specially cleaned and probably swept constantly (unless you are a fan of dirty feet). Also, keep in mind that depending on the quality of wood that you purchase you may have to deal with some small repairs due to warping or splitting, or simply due to damage that is unsightly for your home. Either way, hardwood floors are much easier to maintain than they are to replace and although you will probably be thrilled to keep your floors for years to come, it will be rather difficult to do otherwise.

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Laminate Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring- Which is best for your needs?

2007-09-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

If you are looking at remodeling your kitchen, deciding what type and style of flooring to go with can be just as important as what type of kitchen cabinets to install and what brand and style of appliances to select for the room. Without a nice floor, your kitchen will soon lose its appeal and it should be a nice, pleasant place for people to go and be able to have a meal. Many people even go to the kitchen to talk and socialize, so it is important that you get the right floor covering for your needs, and you are as pleased with your kitchen as you can possibly be. After awhile, kitchen flooring is semi-permanent, and whatever you pick you are probably going to have to stick with.

After figuring what your budget is, it is much easier to have some idea of what type of flooring you will realistically be able to afford, especially with all other expenses considered including materials and installation. Many times, laminate and vinyl flooring come up as the most cost effective option, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. While many people may wish they could have their real bamboo or cherry wood flooring, or perhaps that marble floor that you have always dreamed of, it is not often affordable.

Of the two choices, laminate flooring is definitely the least expensive but vinyl flooring is also an affordable option. Laminate flooring is great for many people because it is a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive flooring options, like expensive wood or marble. Laminate flooring can be made to look just like the other type of flooring that you may have wanted but was unable to afford, but obviously of a lesser quality.
While it is not necessarily the same thing, laminate flooring does have its own advantages. For example:

Laminate flooring can give you the look of real bamboo, marble, or wooden flooring.

Laminate flooring is easy to clean. You don’t have to have any expensive polishes or oils to clean your floor; just a wet mop and some cleaning supplies and you are ready to go.

Laminate flooring is very durable and long lasting, if you take care of it properly and it is installed correctly.

Laminate flooring comes at a relatively low cost compared to other types of flooring, so if you are on a budget and want quality that is the perfect thing for you.

While laminate flooring is a great option, people are also deciding to go after vinyl flooring options as well. Vinyl is one of the most popular types of flooring out there as well. There are many reasons why, but the main ones have to do with the fact that not only is vinyl durable, but it is rather comfortable as well, as far as non-carpet flooring options go.

While it is not necessarily one of those things that everybody wants to have to settle for, vinyl is a lovely option for kitchen floor covering and like laminate flooring, it has its own set of advantages. For example:

Vinyl is available in large sheets or in tiles, so however you feel like dealing with your installation is up to you. Whether you want the tiled look or not, vinyl has got you covered.

Vinyl comes in many different colors and patterns, which makes it perfect for typing your kitchen floor up with a certain type of décor if you want to. This is something that other flooring options do not afford you.

Vinyl comes in self-adhesive form or you can purchase the flooring adhesive for the vinyl flooring. Either way, installation is much easier.

Whatever option you choose, both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are excellent options for any kitchen makeover project or just for a simple change to one of your most well-used rooms.

Your kitchen is important; it is the place that meals are prepared and maybe even a place where friends and family congregate, so it is important that you are pleased with your decision on flooring options. Whichever option you choose, vinyl or laminate, you have a variety of decorating options open to you.

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Do You Want Pergo Wood Flooring?

2007-09-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Many people love the look of hardwood flooring, but cringe at the expense and maintenance they require. One of the great alternative products on the market is Pergo wood flooring. Pergo has made their wood flooring products reasonable priced and easy to maintain. Another advantage to using Pergo wood flooring is that you can, quite easily install it yourself.

What is Pergo Wood Flooring Actually Made of?

Pergo has a unique way of making their flooring. It is actually a three piece flooring. The top layer is made from a melamine laminate that is very durable because it is considered high pressured. This gives you the nice decorative look of wood flooring. That is then bonded to a wood core. The wood core is uniquely made so that it does not contract and expand too much and it is very highly moisture resistant. Then they add a backing to it for extra stability.

Preparation is key to Installing your Pergo Wood Floors.

When you are getting ready to begin it is important to have everything you will need on hand. You will of course need the flooring, and the underlay. The underlay will help with moisture control and also gives you a barrier between the new floor and the old floor. This is very helpful in eliminating that echo sound you sometimes get from wood flooring. The tools you will need are a chop saw, a pull bar, measuring tape, and a mallet. One note, Pergo wood flooring is very hard so make sure that you have a good carbide blade in your chop saw, and the higher the tooth count on the blade, the smoother the cut.

Plan and Begin Laying Your Flooring

Now that you have everything you need, you are ready to begin. The first thing you need to do is remove everything from the room. If you are going over vinyl or linoleum you do not need to remove it, Pergo is only 9mm thick so you can easily go right over it. If you had carpet you will need to remove it and all the carpet tacks. Then sweep the floor and make sure all debris is removed. Make sure that you remove all base boards and door casing, this will allow you to make less cuts.Then determine which way you want to run the floor. That means when you are looking at the room do you want the flooring to run horizontal or vertical? Trying to run the flooring diagonally is a great look but you should only try it if you pretty handy and have a lot of patience because it will require a lot of miter cuts.Now you are ready to lay the underlay. This should lie side by side, do not overlap it. Start in the center of the room. Pergo has made their wood flooring easy to use, it has a pre-glued tongue and groove system and it literally just snaps together, you can use a mallet just to tap the ends to make sure that the seam is tight. From the center of the room snap together your next piece on the short sides and continue all the way across the floor. For your next row do not line it up with the first piece perfectly, offset it. Otherwise, you will get a seam line and a noticeable repeated pattern. When you get to the edges and they are up against an object, a pull bar comes in handy so that you can still keep the seams tight.

Pergo Wood Flooring is Easy to Select Along with the fact that the average home owner can install the Pergo wood flooring, they offer a wide variety of looks to choose from. In fact, on their web site you can actually see how your flooring will look in your room. They give you a place to create a virtual room. You can add the type and color of the cabinetry in the room and the wall color. Once you have those in place you can choose any of their floor styles and you can see exactly what your room will look like. This is a great way to get an actual picture in your mind of what the room will look like when it is completed. Remember when you begin your installation to get everything together first. This will make the entire job go much smoother. If you happen to run into trouble during your installation go back to the home improvement store where you purchased it, they will have professionals on hand that can give you the advice you need to finish your project.

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5 Good Reasons Why You Should Choose Rubber Flooring

2007-09-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

When you think of flooring options for a given room in your home, you think of some of the major options for flooring materials, like different types of hard wood flooring, laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, marble flooring, tile flooring, stone flooring, even bamboo flooring and cork flooring. For whatever reason, rubber flooring seems to be one of the least appreciated and acknowledged of the flooring options although it is quite a viable one.

In most cases, rubber flooring is not necessarily the type of flooring that you want to put in your living room or kitchen, but there are some areas of the house in which rubber flooring is the perfect option. Such is the case for kids’ playrooms, garages, basements, and other such areas. Rubber flooring is an excellent option for home gyms or workout rooms as well.

If you are considering rubber flooring for any room or area in your home, here are five good and plausible reasons why it is the best flooring option for your needs.

Reason #1: Rubber Flooring Absorbs Sound

Unlike wooden flooring, linoleum and even carpet flooring options one of the best things about rubber flooring is that it absorbs sound. For this reason, it is perfect for rooms like the gym in the home, where weights are constantly picked up and dropped to the ground. Aerobics and Pilate’s workouts, jumping jacks, and other things are all absorbed into the ground so you don’t have to worry about disturbing the spouse, the kids, or the guests in town while doing your early morning workout.

Reason #2: Rubber Flooring Absorbs Impact

If you fall down on rubber flooring, you might get a little bit sore. Will you break a leg or sprain an ankle? Chances are that you probably wont. Rubber flooring is great for athletes and athletic facilities because you don’t get the same resistance that you get with other, harder types of flooring out there.

Reason #3: Rubber Flooring is Good for the Environment

Rubber is recyclable, unlike many other types of flooring out there. This not only makes it much easier (and perhaps even more profitable) to install rubber flooring, but it makes it much more of a sensible idea for the Earth conscious person looking for flooring options for a room in their home or business.

Reason #4: Rubber Flooring is Safer

The safety of rubber flooring is one of the main reasons why rubber flooring is such a good idea for gyms and playrooms. With rubber flooring, you don’t have to worry about slipping and falling when carrying heavy, awkward, or dangerous objects in your hands (such as weights in a gym). In addition, if you do fall for some reason, you won’t have to worry so much about breaking or fracturing, or even spraining anything on your body. Rubber helps to absorb the impact.

Reason #5: Rubber Flooring is Easy to Clean

One of the downsides to having expensive wooden or marble floors in any room in your home or office is that it is really difficult to clean them. It takes more than a wet rag or a wet mop to clean a hardwood floor properly and safely, while taking the best care of it that you can. Luckily, when it comes to rubber flooring you do not have to worry about that, which makes it perfect for garages and even dog rooms or mud rooms, rooms that do not normally get cleaned all of the time but need to be able to be cleaned easily. It resists marking and marring, and it is easy to wipe down as you go if need be as well, with nothing but a mild soap and water solution.

If you haven’t considered rubber flooring for your home gym, playroom, garage, or basement you probably should. These are five very good reasons why rubber flooring makes an excellent option for those who need durable, stain resistant and long lasting flooring options for certain rooms in their home. You can install it yourself or you can choose to hire a professional to take care of the trouble or you. Either way, rubber flooring is definitely an option you should consider.

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Using Harmony to Design Your Home

2007-09-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Designing your house can be quite stressful. All the tasks can make a long to-do list that can give you a headache before you even start! As a designer, I have figured out a harmonious way of designing that can make everything seem a lot easier. I hope to share with you some quick and easy steps about where and how to start designing your house.

Before you actually start your project here are some suggestions. Look in magazines for inspirational ideas and pull them out to glance at throughout the process. Take notes on your entire house writing down the areas you want to change and redesign. I would then suggest typing up those notes and splitting everything into separate rooms or activities such as paint, flooring, furniture, etc. The last crucial area before you start is to make a priority list of what needs to be done now, your expected timeline and what your budget is for those areas.

In the beginning don’t think about the walls and boundaries of your home. Just concentrate on putting together your favorite elements and choices together. Once you have your To-Do list ready you can start by concentrating on one activity at a time, for instance, selecting flooring.

You can research all the choices and narrow down what you like and what fits into your budget. Once you get a few samples of items you like you can move on to the next activity, for instance, paint and select colors that make you happy or fit your personal style. These colors do not need to be the ones that go on the walls, but they can be helpful when selecting fabrics, window treatments, etc.

Once you select the colors you like you can place them into the existing pile of your favorite choices. You are then ready to move onto the next activity while continuing to throw all your favorite ideas into this large pile.

The neat part of this process of designing is that once you have your pile going it will become obvious what items look good together and the “final choices” will naturally unfold! You have ultimately created harmony with all the elements you selected and the best thing about this is that no matter where things are placed, everything will look great together!

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