In this blog we will examine a flooring type that many have seen before but might not be very familiar with: parquet. Parquet flooring was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s, and it has started to make a comeback. Let’s look at what parquet flooring really is and its appealing features.
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Parquet flooring is made from wooden blocks or strips forming a geometric pattern, often triangles or squares. One particular pattern that has become very popular and fits a range of décor styles is herringbone. Herringbone is made up of a broken zig-zag pattern of planks, whereas a chevron pattern is continuous with planks coming together at a sharp point. These parquet flooring patterns have been around since the 1700’s and are a trade mark of grand European homes and buildings. Today, you can bring these grand patterns into your home through options such as engineered hardwood, tile, and even wood alternatives like vinyl, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, and waterproof plank flooring.
 
Over the years, parquet flooring has taken on new looks, giving it a more flexible and modern range of styles. The most common parquet styles that we tend to deem as old fashioned are oak and cherry wood in a square pattern. Lighter and gray toned woods along with chevron or herringbone parquet patterns are popular now. These parquet styles give a unique patterned look that also allows for more flow in your home. Design opportunities are limitless with parquet patterns and different flooring options. The only limit is really your imagination.

When people are shopping for floors for their homes, they most often browse hard surfaces like laminate, vinyl tile, wood, tile, or carpet. While these flooring options come in a wide variety of styles and are made from many different materials, most share a common factor: they all have seams, grout lines, and other design details that add texture, depth, and interest. If you’re looking for something more streamlined or that mimics these floorings at a fraction of the cost, sheet vinyl may be for you.
 
 When we talk sheet vinyl, we’re not talking about that avocado green and yellow paisley or white and blue diamond pattern you grew up with. We’re talking gorgeous solids and patterns that can give your space a unique look not easily achieved with other products. Maybe you need a simple floor to keep your space feeling open, or maybe you want a patterned floor that is stylish and highly durable. Flexitec sheet vinyl has some great options. Flexitec’s Vanderbilt Muse lines are two sheet vinyl looks that have no seams or high patterns but mimic the look of fabric. For a modern look, the Previa line comes in four colors and looks like stained concrete.
 
If you’re looking for something with more visual interest, sheet vinyl also offers unique patterns. Patterned flooring can be a fun twist in design. Flexitec’s Sadako, Polygon, and Raeburn lines are all different patterned floors that can add flare to the right space. If you’re still interested in a wood grain but would like something unique, Flexitec’s Bamboo and Dulcinea offer just that.
 
When shopping for flooring, today’s looks in vinyl might lead you to think outside the box. Streamlined or low patterned vinyl can help make a space feel more open and is well-suited for modern décor. For something more interesting, patterned vinyl can add a unique look and flare to your space. Sheet vinyl has come a long way in both looks and durability making it a perfect option for almost any space.

Color is often used to express our personal style and feelings, whether it be through art, home décor, accessories, or clothing. When it comes to home décor, color is all about the mood you want to set in your home. Do you want your space to be bright, vibrant, and energetic, or cool, calm, and collected? Today on the blog we’ll examine two different color schemes in regard to home décor: earth tones vs. bright colors.
 
Earth tones are just what their name implies: a color scheme made up of natural colors found in nature. This color scheme is particularly popular in many homes and businesses because these colors are neutral, calming, and flow well with a variety of styles and spaces. When you think of earth tones, you might generally think of colors like tan, beige, gray etc., but earth tones also encompass so much more. In nature, there is a wide variety of colors and earth tones that include muted greens, oranges, reds, blues, and yellows.
 
Bright colors on the other hand, are not as commonly found in nature. Bright colors consist of primary colors (along with their bolder and brighter variations) and are known for conveying a sense of energy throughout a space. Vibrant hues are most commonly used in contrast to neutrals for an eye-catching contrast. There are many fun ways to use bright colors in a space, and while flooring is mostly in neutral colors, there are some fun options in tile that can be used for floors, showers, walls and backsplashes. Carpets and rugs are also an area you can be creative with your bright colors. Keep in mind that bright colors can be used to add a stunning pop or focal point but can become overbearing if used too much.

Spring is nearly here, and summer will shortly follow. Spring and summer inspire us to be outdoors again and to do spring cleaning and home projects. So, with spring and summer projects in mind, let's see how to turn your bathroom into a beachy getaway.
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We’re going to showcase four tiles you can use in your bathroom to achieve a beach, oasis-like style. Daltile’s Glass Horizons Sky Blue ¾” tile is a great choice for a shower wall. Daltile’s Sky Blue tile has a subway tile shape with an opal-like iridescent surface. Installed in a vertical pattern, this beautiful tile gives a look reminiscent of a waterfall.
 
For the shower floors, Daltile's Stone Mosaics Creamy Sand adds texture and a sandy beach feel to your shower floor. Add a backsplash above the vanity or an accent wall covered with Glass Horizons Caribbean Blend random mosaic. To finish up your beach theme, use a gorgeous wood-look tile for your floors for a “walking on the dock” feel. Daltile's Season Wood Winter Spruce has a distressed wood-look that looks like it was stained by the sea sun and salt. The iridescent shower and backsplash tiles flow like waves while the mosaic pebbles look like sand underfoot.
 
Spring and summer are in the air and the beach awaits. While you can’t always make it to the beach, you can combine all of these tiles together for a beachy getaway right in your own home.

We love tile. There's so much you can do with it and so many beautiful ways to use it. Tile is especially perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, whether it’s on the floor or the wall. Renovating or updating these spaces not only adds style but also value to your home.
 
Tile for walls, backsplashes, and floors are great to mix and match; they don’t have to be the same. Mix and match different colors, textures and shapes of tile to create totally unique looks in any room of the home. Two tiles I'd like to feature in this blog are Bliss Element Glass tile and Daltile Bee Hive tile.
 
Bliss Element Glass tile are 2” x 6” or 3” x 12” smooth glass subway tiles. They have a smooth, shiny surface that lends itself well to many different styles, and they come in 6 colors. Daltile's Bee Hive tile is a 24” x 20” hexagon porcelain tile. It comes in colors similar to that of Bliss Elements Glass tile. This tile’s hexagon shape brings new visual interest to any space, but its large size and neutral color gives you the visual interest without a busy look.
 
Daltile's Bee Hive tile and Bliss Elements Glass tile are beautiful by themselves but also make a great combination together. Use Bliss Elements subway tile for your kitchen or bathroom backsplash, then combine that with Bee Hive’s neutral hexagon tiles on the floor for a stunning look. You can mix and match colors in both kinds of tile or go with solids to make a unique space perfect for you.
 
Daltile's Bee Hive and Bliss Elements Glass tile are just a few of many unique tile combinations. Stay up to date with the blog for more tile and other home renovation ideas and inspiration.

All the changes in weather have us dreaming about spring, longing for consistent warm temperatures and the chance to see the world bloom out of winter hibernation. The changes we see outside during the spring often lead us to make changes in our homes, whether it’s doing a little spring cleaning or home maintenance.
 
During the cold months we tend to seek out cozy, warm areas, breaking out the fluffy rugs, pillows and throw blankets. Storing these away for next winter is an easy place to start freshening up your home for spring. Refresh your space by minimizing clutter and brining in brighter colors through accessories like pillows, artwork, and lamp shades. Even swapping out a cozy, wool or shag area rug for a lighter, earthier woven rug will bring a breath of fresh air to any room. For an even bigger refresh, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Changing out darker colors for lighter neutrals or bright colors can breathe new life into your home.
 
Spring is also a popular time for home maintenance projects and renovations. Maybe you’ve noticed all the winter weather has been less than kind to your floors, and it’s time for something new. Spring and summer months also mean more time in the great outdoors, and those outdoor activities often find their way back into the house with water and dirt. If you don’t have a space already, consider carving out an area as a “mudroom” or organized entryway with cubbies, hooks, and durable flooring. Excellent flooring choices for these areas are ceramic tile, LVT (luxury vinyl tile), and WPC (made of wood plastic composite and waterproof). All of these come in wood and stone looks and are very stylish and durable. Whether you’re resurfacing one area or want to give your whole home a new look, never underestimate the value of new floors. Floors also add a wealth of color and texture and can be the foundation for your spring home makeover.
 
With spring right around the corner it's time to freshen up our homes. We can start by swapping out those dark colors and fluffy textures for fresh and smooth colors and textures. If you feel like it’s time for a bigger change with new flooring or even kitchen or bathroom tile, call us today for a free estimate! 256.231.5600.

There are many great options to choose from when it comes to wood-look flooring. Today we want to introduce you to AtroGuard. AtroGuard was specifically developed to combine the natural wood elements and rigidity of laminate flooring with the water resistance of luxury vinyl flooring.
 
AtroGuard is a multi-functional, 100% natural wood fiber flooring with no plastic elements. Unlike regular laminate flooring, AtroGuard can be wet-mopped and installed in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Its “2 pass power sealing process” and extra tight lock-click installation system give it the ultimate protection from humidity. This flooring also features “SureCore” technology which means it can be installed without transition moldings, up to 4,000 sq. ft, creating a clean style especially good for open floor plans. In addition, AtroGuard flooring stands up to stains, cigarette burns, and scratches with ease. It’s also Greenguard certified to ensure there are no unhealthy emissions in your home.
 
In addition to being a champion in its technical aspects, AtroGuard is quite the contender in style. It offers up to 32 unique, textured planks within one style for an authentic wood look and feel. A favorite of ours is Misty Hollow, a beautiful blend of grey wood tones. The River Crossing line embodies subtle tan notes overlaid with dark brown and black grooves, perfect for traditional and classic designs. For a lighter wood look that encompasses many styles, Sunkissed Acre is an excellent choice.
 
AtroGuard offers many more unique styles with brushed, hand-scraped, and embossed details, making it difficult to tell it’s not hardwood. It’s easy to install, durable, and resistant to scratches, stains and water. Stop by our showroom to see our selection, or learn more at atroguard.com. 

If you’re preparing to welcome home a “bundle of joy,” you have a lot to consider regarding baby clothes, supplies, nursery furnishings, etc. A lot of thought is put into safety and practicality, and nursery flooring should be no exception. Today we’ll look at how to choose a stylish, safe, and comfortable flooring that can grow with your child.
 
Usually, the first question regarding nursery flooring is whether to have a hard or soft surface. If you prefer hard surface flooring, a waterproof WPC plank like our All South Flooring Gulf Coast line is an excellent choice over hardwood. It comes in several stylish wood looks with textures and details that give it all the beauty of real wood but with the industry’s best durability, waterproofing, and stain protection. WPC is also softer than real wood and extremely easy to keep clean (a must with children).
 
Let’s say you already have hardwood in the space you’ve selected for your nursery. For added style, warmth, and softness and to protect it from stains and scratches, simply add a colorful rug. There are a few ways to add a rug to your nursery. If you’re going for maximum coverage, make sure the legs of the furniture are at least a few inches on the rug. If your rug is smaller and is merely an accent, it can sit independently of the furniture. Or, if you’re settling on a focal point like a crib, recliner, or play area, place your rug so that it highlights that space.
 
Rather than rugs and hard surfaces, many people prefer the warmth and softness of carpet in bedrooms and nurseries. However, there is always a concern about keeping carpets clean and stain free, which can be hard to do with young ones. Enter Mohawk SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet. SmartStrand carpet is soft and durable with built-in stain and soil protection. The Nanoloc spill technology and soil shield makes for quick cleanup and 0% moisture absorption. This carpet has it all, the comfort of carpet with the easy clean up of hard surface flooring.
 
Another great flooring choice for nurseries is Mohawk’s latest innovation: Air.o Unified Soft Flooring. It’s more than just a carpet. This 100% recyclable flooring is made with inherent stain and soil protection in its fibers that don’t absorb moisture, thus preventing the growth of allergens and microbes. It releases dust and dirt easily when vacuumed and contains no harmful latex or VOC’s. Another huge plus is that it’s hypoallergenic and odor free. Air.o is also constructed with an integrated pad, eliminating the need for a separate carpet pad. This cuts down on installation time, which is great if baby is arriving soon!
 
When you add a baby to the family, your life and your home go through some changes. Nurseries should be safe, functional and beautiful. WPC, SmartStrand carpet, and Air.o USF are excellent flooring options that are perfect for the needs of your nursery and can grow with your child.

​Dark colors often get a bad rep, mainly due to the fact that dark colors used incorrectly can cause a space to feel small. However, dark colors can also be used to add depth, richness, and a certain amount of coziness to a space. Let's look at some ways to embrace the dark side and add enjoy the richness and beauty it can bring to your home.
 
When you think of dark colors, you might just think of blacks and grays, but don't limit yourself. There are unending palettes of dark beauty in green, red, and blue shades. Don't underestimate how beautiful your space can look using a dark color as your primary wall color. It's a popular belief that dark colors can make a space feel small and gloomy, but this is not always the case. If used correctly, dark colors can be stunning and make your space rich and warm. If you’re not ready to take the full plunge, dark colors can be incorporated as an accent wall coupled with lighter, neutral walls to add a stunning contrast.
 
Balance is the key to using a dark color pallet. If your primary wall colors are dark, bring out the contrast with a light neutral for trims and furnishings. Don't over-use textures and patterns because your dark colors are already your contrast. Too many textures or patterns can overwhelm the space. An excellent source of textures is wood, used through wood furnishings and especially hardwood or wood-look floors. Your floors can help balance a dark color scheme by choosing a light, neutral wood or wood-look.  
 
Maybe you’re thinking about neutral walls with deep, dark floors, or maybe you’re bold enough to couple dark walls and floors. Either way, there are so many gorgeous options in dark hardwood and wood-look flooring in vinyl and WPC. Shades range from traditional browns to blacks and ebony. How dark you go really depends on your personal taste. Also consider lighting, both artificial and natural. Lots of light will keep the space from feeling too closed in. Lighter accent pieces and furniture add contrast as well.
 
Don’t be afraid of stepping over to the dark side. The key is balancing deep hues with light, neutral floors, trims, furnishings and accent pieces. Embrace the beauty you can achieve with deep dark colors.