Let's Talk About Floors

Shiny New Website and Blog Feed!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:09:00 +0000

Looking to increase usability and ease of navigation with all types of web browsing devises, we recently redesigned our website. Along with this redesign, this home design and living blog is now hosted as a part of the shiny new website: MercerCarpetOne.com.

With that in mind, this is the last post to be posted on the original Blogger platform found at blog.mercercarpetone.com. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause; I promise it'll be worth it. Please visit MercerCarpetOne.com/Blog to subscribe to the new feed. All previous posts have been uploaded to the new feed. If there are any questions, please let me know at Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com!

Have Fun!
Katlin Choate

Introducing Brand New Invincible H20 Flooring!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 27 May 2015 13:57:00 +0000

This brand new collection is also an innovative product that doesn't quite fit into previous known categories. As of now the industry is calling it an EVP or Enhanced Vinyl Plank. It's almost like a vinyl laminate plank but with out the water-fearing laminate core. Oh, and by the way, it's stunning!

Why is this flooring option unique?

water proof material from top to bottom
water tight locking mechanism for floating installation
high structural integrity so...

it will no expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature
it can be installed in three season rooms!
it can be installed over existing floors and rough subfloor such as...

ceramic and porcelain tile
rough and uneven concrete and wood subfloors

It has both wood and stone styles plus a couple styles that imitate the popular stained concrete (but with much better performance)! This floor would be an excellent option for bathrooms, entryways, sun rooms, basements, kitchens, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and similar high traffic and high moisture areas in your active home especially if there are pets and young children.

The durability vinyl plank is enhanced during manufacturing by infusing ceramic into the protective wear layer, Invincible H20 EVP is backed with our Titanium LVT (luxury vinyl tile) warranty which includes Lifetime coverage for...

Wear, Fade, Stain & Discolor
Rip, Tear, Gouge & Indent
Water
Locking system
Installation

Lifetime Waterproof and Pet Proof coverage establishes this beautiful and durable flooring option as the right choice for your active family.

The samples are an our two showrooms right now PLUS it is currently on sale! Contact us today for your personalized tour and consultation.

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

Happy Memorial Day: Floor and Carpet Sale + Support Our Vets!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:42:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day! We hope you have fun plans for the weekend and will be able to spend quality time with your loved ones as we remember those who sacrificed everything for our freedom.

In celebration, Mercer Floor and Home has partnered with Carpet One International so we are able to offer some wonderful savings on flooring and carpeting for your home. Plus, we also have some great 0% interest financing options!

Through Saturday, May 30th, save 50% on carpet, hardwood, rugs, runners, luxury vinyl, ceramic, LVT, and more!

OurBravest.org

Help us honor those who have come home changed forever. Help us create customized homes to enable these disabled veterans to regain their independence. Building for America's Bravest builds smart homes; learn how you can help today.

Happy Memorial Day!
Katlin Choate
katlin@mercercarpetone.com
MercerCarpetOne.com

5 Steps to a More Luxurious Room

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:50:00 +0000

There are many reasons why you would want a space to seem more luxurious, glamorous such as...

you want to impress the in-laws, boss, neighbors, etc
you want to pamper the family and yourself
you're staging the space for potential buyers

Here are 5 ways you can instantly increase the luxury factor in your home no matter if you want a more casual or more formal home:

1: Contrast

Light and dark, shiny and matte, hard and soft...all of these contrasts add drama and a sense of richness to the space. And, like in the example above, you can work with many different types of contrast. In the deck room shown above the bright white trim contrasts against the black wrought iron features, the shiny mirror contrasts against all of the other matte finishes, the soft cushions contrast against the sleek lines of the hard-surfaces such as the porcelain ceramic floor tile.

2: Metallics

From matte wrought iron to glossy silver, metals in decor have always added a sense of luxury and wealth to a space. And be sure to mix and match! The picture of the living room shown above shows how they've mixed wrought iron and gold into their decor!

3: Long Curtains

Using long curtains installed above your windows creates the feel of taller ceilings, larger windows, plus the extra cloth can soften the space and provide some contrast against harder surfaces used.

4: Wooden and Stone Surfaces

Mixing wood, stone, and other natural materials ads a warmth and richness to a space that nothing else can. There is no need to go ornate unless you want. And they also lend themselves to subtle patterns that can add a lot to a space such as the herringbone shown in the hardwood above. Tile mosaics and countertops are great ways to add that stone element.

5: Area Rugs and Runners

Plus, if you have a hard surface floor, you can very easily add rugs and runners to define spaces, create focal points, add contrast, tie design elements together, and so much more! Plus, this allows you to add another natural finish: wool. (Read about wool and allergies here.)

How do you add luxury to your design schemes?

Have Fun,
Katlin Choate
katlin@mercercarpetone.com

5 Design Trends for the Master Bath

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 06 May 2015 13:30:00 +0000

Master bathrooms are a popular remodeling choice and have been for a while. And even if a home isn't initially built with one, they are often added later on. It is a space for luxury, a great way to add value to your home, and a space to help you relax and unwind from the long day. And the trends that are being incorporated into today's master bathroom designs reflect this.

1: Walk in Showers

They're open and bright, there's usually a seat, and they often have a couple options for water sourcing.

Today you have many more options to choose from in addition to the traditional shower head. Now you have rain and waterfall shower heads, steam options, as well as massaging jets!

2: Fireplaces

It's that added touch of luxury, especially during the colder months. One good idea I've seen to help tie together the entire master suite is to have a double sided fireplace like shown below between the bath and either the sitting area or the main portion of the bedroom.

3: Keeping it natural and sophisticated

The at-home-spa concept is huge right now. With that in mind, master bath designs are incorporating a lot of woods and stones. (Don't forget to consider wood-styled porcelain planks to incorporate this into your master bathroom!) Some, like below, are including multiple metals as well.

4: Heated floors

Just coming out of a cold winter, us Marylander's know how cold bathroom floors can get. Under-tile radiant heat options like this are an energy efficient way of fixing this and adding that extra element of luxury to your private space.

5: Free standing soaking tubs

Reminiscent of the claw foot tubs, these large, freestanding options provide more options for layouts and how you set up the immediate area. Plus, they can often add an extra design element!

What are some of your favorite design ideas for master bathrooms?

Have Fun,
Katlin Choate

Flower-n-Jazz Festival + Big Carpet and Floor Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:14:00 +0000

Get ready! Saturday, May 9th from 10am to 4pm on Main Street in stunning Historic Downtown Westminster of Maryland is our annual Flower and Jazz Festival! There will be plenty of fun to be had with...

over 125 local flower, craft, and other vendors!
activities for the children!
live music on three stages!

Music Schedule - Library Stage:

10am-noon --> The Herb Sell Ensemble
Noon-2pm --> Chris Vadala
2pm-4pm --> The Eric Byrd Trio

Music Schedule - American Appraisal Stage:

10am-11am --> MVHS Jazz Ensemble
11am-Noon --> WMHS Jazz Ensemble
Noon-1pm --> Mt. Airy MS Jazz Ensemble
1pm-2pm --> Saturday Night Big Band
2pm-4pm --> Steve Swan Quartet

Music Schedule - Harry's Main Street Grille Stage:

11am-Noon --> Milkshake

Oh, and don't forget the 15th Annual 5K and Fun Run/Walk! The Race starts and finishes at Rafael's Restaurant at 9am (9:30am for the 1 mile times fun run for children aged 7 and up). Register for the 5k benefiting the Boys and the Girls Club of Westminster and the Carroll County Youth and Services Bureau at Active.com.

Don't forget: all attending mothers will be given a free plant! Details can be found at Westminstermd.gov. Also, here is information on directions and parking.

Through Memorial Day, May 25th Mercer's is able to have a fantastic flooring and carpet sale! Not only are we introducing two brand new lines but we have received some fantastic savings from our manufacturers that we can pass along to you!

All three of our beautiful, durable, and stain resistant Tigressa carpet collections are 50% off including installation and carpet cushion! This includes our brand new Tigressa H20 carpet collection: water tight carpet for the world you live in.

Our stunning Rustic River Hardwood collection and the brand new Invincible H20 enhanced vinyl plank flooring are also 50% off! The Rustic River collection is full of beautiful hardwoods that range from slightly scraped and perfect for more modern, formal, and event industrial type home design schemes to extremely rustic wood floors perfect for cottage chic, casual, traditional, and country styled homes!

Also, for those of you who want the best of the best at the best value, our Just Shorn New Zealand Wool carpet collection is also on sale at 50% off including installation and carpet padding! Healthy, natural, sustainable, long-performing, naturally stain resistant, and absolutely gorgeous!

Don't forget to ask about our 0% interest 12 month financing plan! If there are any questions regarding the sale or floor covering, please contact the showroom closest to you or email me at Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com.

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

Brand New: Soft, Strong, and Waterproof Tigressa H20!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:30:00 +0000

Tired of having stains come back after you've cleaned them? This carpet is made in such a way as to prevent that from ever happening again. The manufacturer, who has used this technology for some time in commercial situations like assisted living facilities, has made a water tight backing for this carpet collection.

And thus a new Tigressa carpet collection has been born (we just got the samples this past Monday). The Tigressa collections are specifically designed for the active home with just the right mix of durability, stain resistance, comfort, and style.

Backed up by our Platinum level warranties, the Tigressa H20 Collection is also protected against all common foot and beverage stains plus all pet stains. It is also guaranteed water tight against all of your normal spills and accidents. That means that an easy to clean carpet with no more stain resurrections or that haunting odor of past accidents! (Plus, we include Everguard, a 10 year stain proof protection policy, for that added piece of mind!)

Plus, it contains versatile and beautiful designs with coordinating, neutral color selections that enable you to have a different texture or pattern in the more formal living room than in the causal recreational room but still have the rooms tie together.

Oh, and wait till you feel it! Continuing the tradition of Tigressa carpets being made from soft nylons, this carpet is one that will feel good underfoot especially when installed over one of our Healthy Living carpet pads!

From kids to pets, life can be tough on your floors. Our brand new, waterproof Tigressa H20 carpets are specifically design for the world you live in and to help you stop worrying about missing that spill!

How would you like your very own personalized tour? Both of our showrooms have the samples right now!

Oh, and rumor has it this carpet collection will be going on sale soon, so stay tuned!

Have Fun,
Katlin Choate
katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Laundry Room Design Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:30:00 +0000

The concept of the laundry room is being re-done. There are so many things that need to be done, that you want to do, that the household chores need to be as efficient and convenient as possible. Plus, no one truly wants to spend time in some dungeon-esque basement laundry room!

So laundry rooms with appeal are growing fast! Backsplashes behind the washer and dryer for added aesthetic and clean-ability are gathering steam as are countertops for additional sorting and folding space.

They are getting dedicated rooms or are being combined with more convenient locations such as...

mudrooms

master closets and/or dressing areas

2nd floor hallways

And of course functionality is incredibly important! Be sure to include drying racks, hooks, shelves, cubicles, baskets, and more to get the most out of our laundry room!

What are some of your favorite ways to lighten the load per say with household chores? Do you think I missed a laundry room trend that is helpful? I'd love to hear your questions and comments!

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

5 Unique and Beautiful Hardwood Floors

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:10:00 +0000

With so many beautiful woods available, hardwood floors can be so much more than Oak or Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry). Here are some of the newest pieces I have seen recently that seem to be catching on!

Unique Hardwood #1: Birch

This is a beautiful hardwood with a subtle, graceful grain and a soft glow in its color. Birch is sustainably forested and domestic to the U.S.A. enabling you to get an 'exotic' look without breaking the bank and threatening the rain-forests. Since it is quickly growing
in popularity, I'm seeing many wood floor manufacturers pick it up for multiple types of styles including French Bleeds (the edges of the planks are stained almost black to create an aged look), Mixed Width (shown above), Wide Plank (5" to 9"), and more!

If this is a wood floor that you are interested in, take a look at our French Quarter 3"/5"/7", Noble House, and Biscayne Bay elite discounted birch hardwoods!

Unique Hardwood #2: Elm

I've only recently started seeing this option and it is like no other! The grain of elm is reminiscent of walnuts and hickories and lends itself to a luxurious informal style such as industrial, country nobility, warm contemporary, global, and more! Elm is also a sustainably forested, domestic hardwood.

If this is a wood floor that you are interested in, take a look at our Landgate Elm wide plank elite discounted hardwood!

Unique Hardwood #3: Chestnut

The Chestnut is native to most of the Northern Hemisphere and provides an exotic appearance with it's smooth grain and rich coloration. We have it showcased in our showrooms, just ask to see our Royal Exotics Imperial Chestnut elite discount hardwood!

Unique Hardwood #4: Walnut

This is one of my favorite hardwood species with its variation and unique grain. Grace with personality is how I like to describe it. It is an excellent floor for those who are looking for that rich, unassuming feature in their home. And, it is also a domestic species throughout North America especially the Appalachians! We have a nice mix of style and color options showcased in our showrooms.

Unique Hardwood #5: Acacia

This is another of my favorites. Acacia (also known as Asian Walnut) is native to Australia and is sustainably forested from Acacia farms for hardwood floors and similar products. The picture shown above shows you it's natural color, just look at that beautiful variation! It is quite versatile and goes well with all colors of wood furniture and other woods featured in your home. It also takes dark stains very well!

If this is a wood floor that you are interested in, take a look at our Sierra and Palladium Acacia elite discounted hardwoods! We even have a smooth acacia wood floor option!

What is your favorite hardwood flooring option?

Have Fun,
Katlin Choate
katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Thank You: Our First Big Giveaway Was a Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:46:00 +0000

What fun we had! With over 100 entries and 37 winners, I'd say this was a success!

So excited that I won a new rug from @MercerFloors Maybe you can too! #FreeRugMC1
— Heather Jovenal (@HeatherBlueJ) March 11, 2015

"If my husband and I win, we will be using the rug to furnish our new house! We moved from an apartment with carpet to a house with hardwood floors, so we need all new rugs." ~ Lauren

"I would like something softer to walk on and I think my wife would love that the rugs are warmer than the floor since it has been so cold!" ~ Ryan

"We are remodeling our kitchen...so a new rug would be fantastical! I am so excited! Thanks Mercer for such an exciting contest" ~ Wanda

"I'm so excited about this giveaway because making my house look beautiful brings me joy!" ~ Heather

"So excited to be one of the daily winners!!! Thanks to Mercer Carpet One Floor & Home - Carroll & Howard Counties" ~ Marie

"Super excited to win a gorgeous rug!" ~ Heidi

"Yay! We love it! It goes perfectly in our kitchen!" ~ Kristen

"Thanks...I love it. It looks beautiful!" ~ Wanda, Grand Prize Winner

Thank you everyone who participated! Be sure to stay tuned for future giveaways and other great things coming down the pike. In the mean time, if there are ever any home remodeling and/or flooring related questions (no matter how minor) please let me know!

P.S. - And if you have a project you're currently working on, check out our current specials!

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

The 4 Best Outdoor Design Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:30:00 +0000

Happy Spring! No, wait, isn't it supposed to be springtime? Well, in hope of warmer and more colorful days arriving soon to my beloved Maryland, let's go over some wonderful ideas for creating that perfect outdoor living space for your home!

Over the past few years, a growing "trend" has been the creation of outdoor living spaces, like outdoor kitchens and garden rooms, as well as other ways to increase the usability of the backyard. I've always loved the outdoors so this was a natural one for me to grab onto and I hope it continues to strengthen! No matter how large or small your outdoor space is, you can use it to increase the amount of square footage of your living spaces!

As this home design trend continues to catch on, I'm seeing certain focuses that I'm really glad people are keeping an eye on!

Minimal maintenance - because who wants to increase the amount of housework?
Casual luxury - think home resort where you can impress your guests (or yourself) without standing on ceremony
Functionality above "bling" - if it isn't usable, it isn't beautiful
Sustainability - this is in combination with the low maintenance idea: less water, less weeding, less replanting, and so forth

Outdoor Trend #1: One of my favorite trend in outdoor home design is the integration of the outdoor living spaces with the indoor living areas.

Instead of creating a separate living room, expand it with a covered veranda or a beautiful garden room! Think of spaces that increase the functionality of your home based on how you use it and whenever possible create areas that can serve multiple purposes. Exterior grade porcelain floors are perfect for these type of spaces to increase the open flow feel.

Outdoor Trend #2: Another common feature being used in landscaping and outdoor home design are details that provide multi-season usability in areas, like Maryland, that see colder months.

Connected green-house styled rooms, fire features, heaters, and similar features allow these outdoor living spaces to be "lived in" even during late fall or early winter and opened much earlier in the spring time than would be otherwise considered.

Outdoor Trend #3: Decreasing mow-time! Decreasing the amount of lawn in your yard is a great way of decreasing maintenance and increasing sustainability. Through patios, decks, no-mow lawns, and/or increased garden space people are looking to spend lest time mowing, watering, and weeding their yards so they can enjoy them more!

Use this trend and add interest and usability with layers. Think about combining your deck with a patio to create multiple spaces so many different activities can occur at the same time without interrupting the other. And take a look at edible landscaping by incorporating herbs, fruits, and vegetables into the garden space. These are a great way to add color, scent, and sustainability to your home. Mobile gardens are also big because they increase the flexibility of a space.

Don't forget to incorporate as many native plants as possible to decrease the amount of maintenance required to keep your outdoor space vibrant and beautiful! Many of these will also attract native butterflies and birds to add extra vibrancy to your home.

Outdoor Trend #4: Resort at home:

When designing our outdoor living spaces, the trend is to create a luxurious and casual space. It helps us save money on the the purely decorative parts so we can use it for quality and functionality. It also gives us a space to relax: our own personal resort.

But we don't want to sacrifice beauty for functionality and we don't have to. Think stone, wood, a nice grill, and architectural features. For example, don't hide that drain, but incorporate it into the design of the space.

Use water features and color to add interest to the space.

And, to increase interest and usability at night, get creative with your lighting!

Whenever possible, use solar powered lighting and energy efficient bulbs to save on energy. But do not forget to incorporate candles for the ultimate in ambiance creation (lanterns count too)!

Creativity and whimsical typically win the day with this I'm finding.

And I had trouble choosing my favorite image so I'm making up excuses to share more!

Heh, I'm not trying very hard am I. But, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Check out my Outdoor Room Design board on Pinterest to see other ideas I've found online. And please share your ideas!

Have Fun!
Katlin Choate
katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Follow 's board Outdoor Room Design on Pinterest.

Top 7 Kitchen Design Trends to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:34:00 +0000

I'm not big on trends: never have been. But what I am big on is new ideas that can help someone make a house their home by adding personality and customization. I'm also big on ideas that are functional and beautiful! So, I've scoured Pinterest, Houzz, and other sites for some of the best ideas that seem to be sticking around and that make the most sense.

Trend #1: Color

Yay! Color, thank you! This trend recognizes that the kitchen is the heart of the home. The kitchen is...

Where you entertain (no matter if you plan it that way or not)
Where the kids are doing their homework
Often the impromptu craft area
Where you make the yummy-goodness that sustains you and your loved ones
Where many meals are eaten (probably more than that dinning room)
Most likely the first room anyone sees when entering your home (we hardly ever use the front door at Mom's home)
And so much more!

So, your kitchen deserves to make a statement! Common practices with this are using two cabinet colors such as using a darker or bolder color on the lower set and a lighter, softer color on top.

Another great way of adding color is through the backsplash. Patterns and colors are becoming much more popular with this as well. To increase the impact and make the space feel larger, have the backsplash go to the ceiling.

Stick with naturally occurring colors like in both pictures above. Natural colors are neutrals. They never go out of style and they always work. When has Mother Nature been anything but stylish? This will increase the longevity of the design, help you love it longer, and be easier to work with throughout the seasons and as your accessories change. (Texture can be just as important as color if not more so!)

Trend #2: Open Shelving or No Upper Cabinets

This design trend makes a lot of sense if...

you are looking to show off that pretty bowl, mug, or pot collection
you love the working kitchen appeal
you are looking to create an open, airy feel (and are able to keep things as organized as you need)

You can mix and match as needed and can add some real interest and usability with this design option. Personally, I love it for the versatility and working kitchen appeal. Plus, I love to get a mix of serving dishes and would love to show them off.

Trend #3: European Styled Cabinets

Smoother lines and full coverage doors are what separate this cabinet design category from the crowd. And it is perfect if you'd rather people focus on other details and to decrease the amount of visual clutter in a space (this makes a space feel more open, larger, and cleaner).

It also tends to be a higher end look without always actually being so.

Trend #4: Wood Countertops

I grew up with access to a butcher top island countertop and miss it so much now that I'm in my own place! So easy to use, so easy to clean, great visual texture, and a lovely way to add warmth to a space. As soon as I can, I'm going to get one of my own!

Trend #5: Exposed Brick

As long as it is kept away from the stove (try cleaning grease off of brick), I love this idea as well. It adds texture, warmth, and a sense of history to a space. This is great for historic remodeling, industrial chic, farmhouse chic, and many other design themes.

Trend #6: That Custom Touch

Make it your own. Add small details that scream custom work (even if it was off the shelf). Furniture styled feet for the cabinets are a good example or wall brackets for the shelves for another. Or grab fun door handles and drawer pulls to add a subtle bit of personality.

Trend #7: Copper or Any Other Metal

Metallic accents will never go out of style and currently copper is the big thing. Personally, this is fine by me since it's my favorite metal anyway. But rubbed oiled bronze, brass, and nickle are also very popular and aren't going anywhere either.

What do you think? Do you have any favorite kitchen design ideas? Do you think I missed a major one?

Best Wishes,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

Support the Troops: Building for America's Bravest

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:30:00 +0000

We're supporting Building for America's Bravest: a non-profit foundation that is building Smart Homes for those who stood up to defend our homes, our families, and our way of life. Throughout our nation, Carpet One members are donating flooring and installation for these new homes and we need your help.

"Smart Homes host a myriad of features such as automated doors and lighting, wider doors and special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, cabinets and counters that can be raised and lowered, and central heating and air condition systems that can be controlled by iPad." ~ BFAB Foundation

There are three smart homes currently in the works in Maryland for veterans Army Captain Ben Harrow of Bethesda, Army Sergeant Adam Keys of Annapolis, and USMC Lance Corporal T.C. Getschen of Chaptico.

Here is a video from one veteran that the foundation has been able to help. Fair warning: it can be tear inducing. There are many veterans that this foundation has been able to build smart homes for, enabling them to regain their independence, and they are looking to help many more.

For every smart home built for those who were willing to put everything on the line for us, three more veterans are added to the waiting list. Any donation is very helpful and appreciated. 100% of your donation goes directly to a new smart home.

Special Offer: Instant Rebate + 50% Off + Special Financing!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 14:30:00 +0000

Yup, you read that right! We've got a great floor covering sale going on at Mercer Floor and Home through March 23, 2015!

50% off* of all carpets in the Titanium Relax it's Lee's and the Titanium Lee's Studio collections!

Guaranteed Stain Proof for 25 Years*, no exclusions - no I'm not kidding
Guaranteed not to crush or mat permanently - even in stairs and hallways - for at least 25 years*!
Over 45 styles classic and chic styles with an average of 22 colors each!
Stylish carpet built for active households and all of the spills that involves!

Instant Rebate of up to $500* on select hard surface floor coverings such as Invincible Deming hardwood and Titanium VeroStone engineered stone!

Deming: a beautiful wide plank hardwood that is richly textured and colored that is specifically made to hold up in active homes
VeroStone: luxury, performance, and style in a worry-free floor covering

Special Financing Available*!
Guaranteed: If you don't love the appearance and installation of your new floor, we'll replace it for free*!
Contact your dedicated Account Manager today for your complimentary project consultation, measurement, and estimate!

Oh, and don't forget to ask about our ongoing special pricing on our Featured Carpet and Flooring!

*Complete sale and warranty details available with your Account Manager. Special financing availability based on credit approval.

Great Big Rug Drawing: A Winner Every Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:11:00 +0000

I am super excited to tell you about this great free drawing that Mercer Floor and Home is running March 1st-21st:

Every work week day (Mon-Fri), one random winner per showroom will be selected to win a small area rug or runner (up to 30 square feet)!
Every Saturday one random winner per showroom will be selected to win a large rug (up to 100 square feet)!
PLUS: on Sunday, March 22nd one random winner will be selected for the Grand Prize at our booth at the Carroll County Home Show!

The Grand Prize is a high quality large area rug, with quality padding cut to fit, and a care kit! (More details to come!)

The pictures in this post are examples of just some of the prizes that will be given out to the lucky winners. But you're now wondering how you can enter to possibly win one of these beautiful rugs, aren't you? Here is some more great news: there are multiple ways to win! Pick your favorite or catch them all!

How to Enter to Win:

Comment below with how you are planning on using your new rug: will it be to pull together that family room of yours? Be used as a gift for that special someone with fabulous taste?
Like and Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow our Google+ page for our Ellicott City Showroom and/or our Westminster Showroom
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Houzz
Subscribe to our monthly eNewsletters
Tweet about how excited you are to have just entered to win and include the hashtag: #FreeRugMC1
Visit either (or both) of our Showrooms and Check In at Mercer Carpet One via Facebook (please show the completed Check In to a Mercer representative to make sure you get full credit)
Visit our booth at the Carroll County Home Show on March 21st and/or 22nd and Check In at Mercer Carpet One (don't forget to show it to a Mercer representative!)

With any of your entries, to make sure I don't miss you and can contact you if you win, please email me your full name, phone number, email address, and current hometown!

Hints:

#2, if you click "Get Notifications" after Liking us, you can be sure not to miss a thing which means you will also find out new ways to enter to win!
#7: these are going to be chock full of good stuff such as expert floor care advice, design tips, product highlights, advanced notice on great contests and sales, and so much more!
#8: If you want to make it easy on yourself, just re-tweet one of our posts about the drawing!
#9 can be completed once per day per showroom for an extra entry each time!

Here are the details on the Carroll County Home Show at the Agricultural Center:

Saturday, March 21st - 9am-5pm
Sunday, March 22nd - 11am-4pm
We're going to be at Booths #74 and 95 (right near the food court!)

Please see the full drawing rules here and let me know if there are any questions!

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

Local Event: The Celtic Canter 5k + Irish Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 15:11:00 +0000

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, beautiful Historic Downtown Westminster, Maryland is throwing a St. Patrick's Day themed 5k and family celebration!

The 4th annual Celtic Canter 5k starts at 9am and benefits three charitable foundations:

Carroll County Children's Fund - they give local children with little or no health insurance access to the medical care they need
Access Carroll - all donations provide local, low-income citizens quality heath services such as medical care, total dental care, and recovery support
Target Community and Educational Services - looks to enhance the lives of those with intellectual and other disabilities with quality, community-based, residential, educational, vocational, recreational, and family support services

All racers will be serenaded with live bagpipe music by Paul Cora at the start line and receive 1 free beer/soda at the end of the race and will be competing for prizes! The prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall participants, male and female, plus the best male and female in the following age groups: 10-17, 18-39, 40-59, and 60+. Click here to learn more or here to register!

For the little ones, there is also the Leprechaun Chase that will start at 10am following the Celtic Canter. This is a 1 mile dash for children aged 10 and younger and, yes, they will be chasing a lively leprechaun! (Photo opportunities with the fun-loving leprechaun will be had at Birdie's Cafe afterwards.) Oh, and there will also be a scavenger hunt to find pieces of gold from pots of gold scattered throughout downtown (hint, one of the pots will be at Mercer Floors)!

The celebration will run till 2pm and will include fun family activities all along Main Street such as crafts, highland games for the children, traditional demonstrations of highland games, live music (including Grey Gottlieb at Maggie's from 11am-3pm), and specials at many of the local businesses!

Be sure to stop by Mercer Floor and Home for light refreshments, your free and personalized tour and project consultation, great specials, and a chance to win some great prizes (more information coming soon)!

Stay tuned for more updates and information on other upcoming local community events!

Have fun!

Katlin Choate

katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Facebook.com/MercerCarpetOne

Twitter.com/MercerFloors

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Product Review: Lee's Studio Carpeting

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:51:00 +0000

So, you may or may not have seen my previous post about Titanium level Relax it's Lee's carpeting, but I now get to talk about a new carpet line that expands upon the Lee's collection of carpet for the home!

Like the Relax it's Lee's, Lee's Studio 1846 is good enough to be covered by our Titanium warranties including...

Stain Proof for 25 Years - no exclusions, no exceptions, guaranteed! (I'm really not kidding!)
Texture Retention (including stairs and hallways) Guaranteed for at least 25 Years (no permanent crushing or matting)!

With upgraded padding, the life of the carpet is doubled thus lengthening the Wear and Texture Retention Warranties to 50 years! Oh, did I mention we build that into our regular package with these carpet lines?

Beautiful Guarantee - if you do not love the look of your new carpet, we will replace it no questions asked for free (we just need to be alerted and be able to submit the claim within 4 months of installation)
Installation guaranteed for the life of the carpet - yup, for at least 25 years we guarantee the work of our master certified crews (Oh, and our crews aren't strangers we subcontract at random; these are our installers!)

With Lee's Studio, you can now get a high performance carpet that is also high in design. It contains 24 styles with an average of over 20 colors per style. Combine that with the Relax it's Lee's collection, that gives you over 45 styles to choose from!

The three design teams that worked together on this line wanted to focus on timeless styles that take the visual impact of a room to the next level. They wanted to help set the bar in interior design with styles ranging from classic to contemporary with the colors needed to fit any decor.

The styles range from subtle to statement level and are meant to increase the luxuriousness of a room. With this carpet collection, the manufacturers and designers developed the perfect blend of high luxury, high style, and high performance!

Oh, and the Lee's Studio carpet line is on sale right now! (Rumor has it that the Relax it's Lee's line will be going on sale soon!)

Please let me know if there are any questions, even if they seem a little off the wall!

Warm Wishes,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

7 Hot Home Design Styles Trending on Pintrest

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 14:30:00 +0000

People nowadays are taking home design inspiration from many sources and, as of early February 2015, these are the styles that are trending and helping them take house or apartment and make it their home:

#7: Western Decor

Right now the textures and the personal elements of western and rustic home design are very popular. But the ideas currently bouncing around are leaps and bounds away from the cute country kitchen covered in roosters and cows.

Think high luxury with personality that lends itself to a more casual, active lifestyle. People are drawn by the richness that the textures and colors can lend to a space. Sometimes they're just focusing on conversation pieces and accents but occasionally a room scene will grab their attention as well.

Would you like to incorporate some of this element into a space (or all of) your home? Think lots of textures and play on natural colors especially various shades and tones of browns. Also, think on natural elements: stone, wood, leather, hides, fur, and antiqued metal. Oh, and wide plank, dark stained, hand-scraped hardwood tends to be really popular for this kind of look!

Don't forget to have fun with it!

#6: Mediterranean Decor

Greece, Tuscany, olive trees, wine country, beautiful landscapes, temperate weather (wouldn't that be nice right now), easy access to the sea, casual luxury, fresh air, and bright colors are all aspects of this style inspiration.

If you'd like to incorporate this style into the design of your home, look for natural and soft colors for most of the color pallet and add pops of bright colors such as teals, blues, and oranges. Think of how connected this area has been throughout history to many cultures and how that influenced the style of the Mediterranean areas.

Wrought iron, wood, and smooth stone are great materials to work with and bring the outdoors in with herbs and brush-like trees such as olive and lemon (these will also add a subtle but lovely scent to the space).

This design tends to prefer stone designs for their floors: limestone, terracotta, and lighter colored slate. Consider a porcelain floor, engineered stone, or luxury vinyl tile for a low maintenance version of these looks! To add some softness and layer textures, consider Turkish or sisal style area rugs.

#5: Tropical Decor

While similar to the Mediterranean home style inspiration source, this focuses more on the Caribbean or islands in the Pacific. Think vibrant colors like teal, orange, red, yellow, and bright greens with huge inspiration taken from the sea and jungle paradises. Think palm trees, bamboo, coconuts, sisal grasses, and brightly colored, large flowers.

Grab some seashells, starfish, big flowers, beach grasses, and bright accents for this home decor style. Great flooring options for this design concept are driftwood styled hardwoods, bamboos, or light and subtle stone looks.

#4: English Country Decor

Slightly overgrown gardens, hound dogs, personal libraries, tea time, horses, and more emulate this home design inspiration source. This is another way to showcase casual luxury and homey sophistication.

With this style, think patterns and don't be afraid to mix them. Just look to balance one out and tie them together with a similar color or a rug that incorporates both.

Think ornate frames and painted landscapes. Reds lend themselves well to color schemes for this design source as do rich wood tones, creams, and navy blues.

Rugs and hardwood floors are a must for this home design style. Oriental styled and wool sisal textured rugs would be the best choices here. Choose a hardwood that has a light texture to its surface and preferably a medium to dark stain. Hickories, walnuts, and birches with a medium variance level would be a great way to add the right level of visual texture as well. If you would like to have a little fun with it, consider a hardwood with mixed width boards!

#3: Moroccan Decor

Jewel tones, colored glass, detailed and complex patterns, and floor pillows make up a huge part of this home design trend. It's very similar to the Tropical Trend; think more desert than beach in environment and more Mediterranean/African cultural influence.

Day beds seem popular especially for living spaces designed with this theme in mind, as does layering rugs like sisal rugs and Turkish rugs over a tile floor. If you can incorporate colorful mosaic tiles (hand painted are the best for this), even better!

#2: Art Deco Decor

The Great Gatsby, swing dancing, jazz, bold, and extravagant would be the inspiring factors behind this trend. The two main parts of this design scheme are highly polished surfaces and big, bold lines.

Mirrors, crystal, gold, silver, black, white, plus a few jewel tones are the main focus of this home design trend. The lines, think big curves, asymmetric shapes, stripes, and more are a huge factor in this home decor style.

And there isn't too much statement with this home decorating concept. The more drama and wealth there is in a space, the better.

The best types of floor covering options for this interior design theme include marble, piano finished hardwoods, and rugs that have something to say. Animal print, satin, silk, and metallic are great additions as well.

#1: Eclectic Decor

This one tends to be my personal favorite, because all an eclectic home design scheme needs is your favorite pieces from all over the world, throughout history, and so forth. With this design, you truly can make it your own, put your stamp on it.

What is your favorite design scheme? Is there one you think I may have missed?

Have Fun,

Katlin Choate

Katlin@MercerCarpetOne.com

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Did You Know that February is National Wise Healthcare Consumer Month?

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Recently, I was looking into lesser known holidays in February and saw that it is the official month of Healthcare Consumer Education. You might have noticed multiple references throughout my blog that indicated that healthy living is important to me and an important part of that is having a healthy home. Plus, I love educated consumers, they appreciate quality and value. Thus, this is definitely something I can get behind; so, today I'm going to share 7 tips on how to improve and maintain a healthy environment in your home - easily.

#1: Air Quality - This time of year it is pretty much guaranteed that the air in our homes feels a bit stale. It's what happens when you're not able to open up the windows due to the cold (hopefully we get a nice day or more soon so we can fix this!) But, there are ways you can make sure that the air in your home is as healthy and clean as possible even this time of the year.

Keep indoor plants - Did you know that NASA did a study on the best indoor plants for air quality? Based on that, some of the most efficient plants on removing harmful chemicals from their air are English Ivy (has the added benefit of being easy to care for), Peace Lily, and the Chrysanthemum.

Change your air filters regularly - EnergyStar.gov suggests that you should be changing your home's air filters every 1 to 3 months depending on the type used!

Clean your home's air circulation system - vacuum the vents whenever dust starts to gather (especially the intake vents) and look into hiring a professional duct cleaner to get to the hard to get to spots. Here is what the EPA has to say on duct cleaning. (Making sure the air circulation system in your home is clean improves it's efficiency also!)

Vacuum your carpets regularly and thoroughly - Your carpets may not look dirty, but know that they act like air filters. If you've ever seen the dark line around the edge of the room or what was trapped underneath carpeting, you know how much stuff they can take out of the air. But, if they are not vacuumed well, that gunk can get back into your home's air by you just walking on it! And to increase the efficiency of your time spent vacuuming, go in 4 directions (front, back, side, and side or north, south, east, and west) to make sure that nothing is able to hide. Plus, make sure that the filters are changed regularly and you clean out your vacuum often.

Regularly clean dust catchers and other potential air filters - if it is fabric it probably acts as a air filter to some degree. Plus, the top of that bookcase you never look at is covered with dust and other impurities that are affecting your air quality (don't feel too guilty, we all put that one off too long).

#2: Clean the Germ-filled Areas Often - If an area is damper than most of your home (like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms), it is more likely to be host to germs, molds, and other icky things we'd rather not think about, much less have in our homes; they love those warm damp areas, the darker the better! Heck, dilute some white vinegar with water and you've got a great cleaning agent right there for these sort of jobs (and typically you only need about 1 to 3 ounces of white vinegar to a spray bottle of water).

#3: Groom the Furry Family Members Regularly - Look into what a good vet would recommend to be a healthy grooming routine for your pet and incorporate that into your habits. Regular brushing, nail trimming, bathing, and cleaning of their beds, cages, toys, and accessories will make a big difference in the cleanliness and health of your home's environment.

#4: Start with the Bedroom - Did you know on average we spend 1/3rd of our life in our bedrooms? Look into ways of decreasing chemicals and other potential causes of health concerns in the area you spend the most time in. Maybe swap out the bedding for natural materials. Keep a houseplant happy and healthy on your night stand. Think about keeping a fan in there (and clean) to maintain good air flow. Toss out old skin and hair care products. Throw away or donate clothes you don't need. Put cedar blocks in your closets to help keep pests away. Oh, and keep clutter down to help create a relaxed atmosphere to provide a place to de-stress.

#5: Keep appliances clean - Washing machines, fridges, toilets, and that fancy coffee maker you have all need to be cleaned regularly. Check the filters and other catch-all areas, run through a mixture of water and white vinegar to kill germs and molds in areas you can't reach, and wipe down the areas you can reach with a anti-bacterial cleaning solution.

#6: Check where and how you store your food - Use storage bins to help keep things organized (and easy to access). Keep on top of spices, sauces, and other items that can expire. Make sure those potatoes and onions are kept in areas with good air flow (which will also extend their shelf life). And make sure that certain items are kept in the proper spot in the fridge (for example, dairy products shouldn't be kept on the door because that is an area of increased temperature fluctuation). An organized fridge and pantry can also make it a bit easier to keep healthy snacks on hand and if it is all pretty, we humans tend to be more inclined to eat it - we do a lot of eating with our eyes.

#7: Encourage fitness with a clean home gym that is ready to go - Even if it is just a jungle gym (that was supposed to be for the kids, but you're looking forward to using it to) or a spot in the master bedroom for your yoga mat and soothing music. Read my post on creating the perfect home gym here.

Thoughts or questions? And please share your ideas on healthy living in the comments below!

Have Fun,

Katlin

katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Beautiful Design Made Simple: Winter 2014/2015

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:06:00 +0000

I recently stumbled upon this free home design magazine and am really impressed. It is chock full of expert advice in a simple, easy to browse manner. While they go over trends and how to use them, the interior designers who write for the magazine are also looking to create a timeless look with those trends.

And, you can even go back and read this and archived issues on your Android or Apple device. Which will also provide easy access to helpful videos like this one...

And the website - Beautiful Design Made Simple - provides excellent ideas like incorporating the cozy texture of faux fur in your homes winter design scheme.

I'd love to hear what you think of the Beautiful Design Made Simple Winter 2014/2015 issue and any of the previous issues. Do you have a favorite home design magazine or blog you'd like to recommend?

Have Fun,

Katlin of Mercer Floor & Home

Westminster and Ellicott City, MD

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Have the Power to Save Your Carpets at Your Fingertips

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:39:00 +0000

Guess what I just found? I may be a bit too excited. But I'll let you decide. Have you ever have a spill happen (or one that you discovered later) and you weren't sure how to get it out? I know I have! Thankfully, I've got industry experts who are just an email or call away to help me. And now, you can have just as convenient access to expert advice!

Carpet One International created this easy to use app that is available for both Android and Apple devices. There is even an HD option for Android Tablets. Just search for Stain First Aid in the Apple App Store or in Google Play.

In the 'Basics' tab there are specific instructions (with videos as examples) to show you the standard steps to clean up pretty much any spill. For step by step instructions on how to get a specific stain out of your carpet (such as coffee, red wine, and ink), take a look at the 'Stains' tab.

Now, just like what is said on the 'More' tab, every carpet fiber and quality can react differently to various stains and cleaning methods. These methods are industry approved though it's always suggested to test a small, hidden area first (just in case).

And, if these tips don't work, give me a shout. I've got some great tricks up my sleeves that might work better. Though I do suggest trying these methods one to three times before looking for something stronger; sometimes patience is the key (sorry, I don't like it either).

Oh, one more resource for you (hopefully you won't need it), on our main website we have manufacturer approved care tips for all kinds of flooring: carpet and rugs, hardwood, laminate, ceramic and natural stone, vinyl sheet and tile, bamboo and cork, and even natural linoleum.

How do you get certain stains out of your carpet? Any troublesome stains that I could help with?

Have Fun,

Katlin of Mercer Floors
Westminster and Ellicott City, MD

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Someone Sent Me This Wonderful Note!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:31:00 +0000

A little while ago I received this lovely handwritten thank you letter from one of my clients - let's call them the Petersons of Carroll County, for privacy purposes. I don't know about you, but when someone takes the time to send a simple note in the mail it makes it extra special, especially in the age of email and texts that we're currently in. How about you?

I helped the Petersons select a new carpet for their living room. They needed something low pile and durable since one of them is mobility challenged and their living room is
literally in the center as well as the focal point of their home. So, we selected a beautiful and neutral cut-and-loop carpet with a very subtle pattern (more of a texture then a pattern). It is similar to the ones shown below (a very popular design lately, I have found).

Here is what they sent me...

Dear Katlin,

We can't say enough in praise of the two guys who laid our carpet yesterday. They arrived just about on the dot at 8am. They moved the furniture that need to be moved in a masterful way with glides and man power and moved everything back again and in working order. We are so impressed! And, oh yes, we love the carpet! It matches everything here beautifully. Thank you for the cleaning supplies. Everyone who has seen the carpet love it too!

Sincerely,

The Petersons of Carroll County

I have the note hanging with a few others in my office and it makes me smile whenever I see it. Do you receive thank you notes from any of your clients? Do you save them? Why not turn it into art and frame them for your office (either at work or at home)!

Thank you!

Katlin

katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Happy Peculiar People Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:44:00 +0000

It is officially Peculiar People Day! And I believe that exploring what makes you different and celebrating our differences is important. So, I want to know 1 thing that makes you stand out in the crowd. Don't worry, I'll start.

I like to backpack. No, I don't mean camping or day hiking (though those are fun in their own right). I mean grab the necessities, turn off your electronics, and go - for days - up mountains, across rivers, along valleys, through the rain, and in the sun.

Yup, that's me!

Your turn!

Have Fun,

Katlin
katlin@mercercarpetone.com

P.S. - These unique things about you need to be bragged about in your home! If a home isn't personalized, it is just a house.

How to Care for Brazilian Cherry (a.k.a. Jatoba) and Other Exotic Looking Hardwoods

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:35:00 +0000

You just had to do it didn't you? You choose that beautiful hardwood with that rich, dark red coloring and shiny finish. And, now you're wondering how you're going to keep it looking that beautiful because the darn thing shows everything! Well, to be completely honest and tell you what you don't want to hear, you chose a floor that is going to need more maintenance than others. But I have some tips to help make it a little easier on you to keep it looking nice.

Brazilian Cherry - Jatoba - hardwood is probably the most popular exotic hardwood species in my experience; although Acacia is quickly gaining ground. And it tends to have a higher gloss finish and the natural color is a medium-dark red (though some people do like mocha stained Jatoba hardwoods).

The general rule of thumb is that extreme lights and extreme darks show the most dirt, dust, and the like. And the higher gloss doesn't help (think about picture frames, the glass gets all the smudges while the frames don't). Floors like these aren't necessarily less durable, it's just that hardwood floors with this kind of design aren't as good as hiding the minor surface scratches and the every day wear and tear that is bound to happen. When questioning durability, take a look at the Wear Warranty to see how long the manufacturer is willing to stand behind how long that protective layer will last.

So that's the why of it. Now for the care tips that will help make your life easier.

1: Get a dry dust mop with a cover you can wash and reuse!

I personally do not like the vacuum, so this is an excellent way to put that off but still get up the annoying dust that is showing on your shiny floor. Also, for the deeper cleans and getting up smudges and sticky stuff, combine it with a hardwood cleaner - manufacturer approved, please - that doesn't leave a residue. So, no oils, polishes, or soaps! (They'll just make your life harder because the residue attracts gunk.)

Heck, take an old Windex bottle or similar, put in a few ounces of white vinegar, and fill it up the rest of the way with clean water. That'll work for the majority of cases. Oh! And for ALL cleaners on hardwood floors and their relatives, you do not need to use much: just a light mist! In that same strain, NEVER - I repeat, NEVER - use a steamer on your hardwood floors (those should only be used on ceramic or porcelain tile or vinyls - and never leave steamers sitting when on) unless you want to get new floors due to water damage.

2: Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a beater bar that can be turned off and that the wheels stay clean. Otherwise you're going to have a bunch of little tiny surface scratches. Vacuuming and/or dust mopping should occur at least once a week in high traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. Because any gathering dust will act like sand paper on your hardwood's protective finish.

3: Walk off mats at exterior doorways. They'll catch at least some of the abrasive stuff you're trying to keep off your floors. Oh, if you can, have everyone take their shoes off because they'll track in gunk that way; have a stone caught in their tread that will cause dents; or be wearing high heels that often damage many types of flooring.

4: Floor protectors on furniture that may move: dinning room chairs, that couch that keeps scooting, and the like. Make sure there are no scratchy edges if you get acrylic floor protectors. If you use felt, you are going to want to check it about once a year to make sure it isn't collecting too much dust and turning into sand paper (and that they are still on).

5: If you have pets, make sure they are groomed regularly, especially their nails. I know it is funny to watch your dog scramble to get that ball you just tossed, but unless you want scratched up floors don't do that on your hardwood.

6: Any moisture that gets on your hardwoods needs to be cleaned up fast - for two reasons: water spots and actual water damage. Try to prevent this as much as possible by using walk off mats at entrances, keeping the pet bowls in other rooms, wiping off shoes (or taking them off), cleaning pet paws, and house training your pets.

If you are looking for a new hardwood and would like to make your life easier when it comes to maintenance, consider looking at hardwoods with all or some of these characteristics.

Texture like hand-scraping or distressing:

A light to mid tone coloration:

Variation in tone:

And a mid to low gloss level:

I hope this is helpful! If there are any questions, give me a shout at katlin@mercercarpetone.com or post them in the comments below!

Have Fun,

Katlin

katlin@mercercarpetone.com

Visit Katlin's profile on Pinterest.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Katlin Farrell Choate, Mercer Floors) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Happy 2015! How are you welcoming in the new year? Do you have any goals you're looking to achieve?

I'm looking to make sure that this blog gets updated regularly, work with my husband to save up for our first home, and complete at least two obstacle runs!

Best of luck and success for you and yours! If there are any goals that I can help you achieve, give me a shout at katlin@mercercarpetone.com!

Warm Wishes,

Katlin