Are you struggling with a small space? Do you desire to make that space at least seem bigger? Here are a few tricks of the trade.
 
Flooring
Open up with lighter-toned floors. Generally, lighter-colored flooring is going to open up a tight space by reflecting light onto the walls. Wider planks and large-format tiles add unique visual interest. In addition, laying planks on a diagonal or in a herringbone or chevron pattern and installing tiles on a 45-degree angle will create the illusion of a larger room. If you really want dark flooring, pair it with a cooler tone on the walls. Large rugs or large-patterned carpet will also add a sense of grandeur to a room.
 
Lighting and Mirrors
Make the most of natural light sources, hanging fixtures, and mirrors. Letting in natural light through windows is automatically going to create an open, airy vibe in your space. Eye-catching ceiling fixtures take up no floor space and draw the eye upward, creating visual interest. Mirrors are not only great for reflecting light, but they automatically create the illusion of more space. Vertical floor lamps and wall sconces are another way to flood your space with light without taking up a lot of room.
 
Furniture and Storage
Realize that multi-function furniture is your friend. Keep things simple and reduce clutter by choosing ottomans that double as storage bins for things like blankets and books. Mount your TV on the wall to keep your floor space free. Consider a folding desk or table that’s there when you need it and can easily fold away when you don’t. It can also double as a table for eating. Set large furniture pieces around the perimeter of the room, and think about hanging tables instead of traditional end tables. Go up the wall with floating shelves and statement wall décor to again drive the eye upward.
 
Combining all of these elements with a little creativity can help you achieve your goals for your unique room. With the right flooring, lighting, mirrors, furniture, and storage options, you can live large in any space.

The dawn of this new decade is giving birth to some terrific trends in flooring design. The great thing about these trends is that they also have staying power: they’re classic designs that can stay with you for the life of your home. Let’s take a look at what’s popular in flooring design for 2020.
 
Tile
The joke is corny, but tile really is versa-tile! Technological advancements have brought forth so many new formats and styles in this classic design material. Whether you want a wood look, marble look, concrete, textured, or fabric look, tile is there for you. Black and white tiles in vintage patterns or graphic prints continue to gain ground as people go for retro vibes in kitchen and bathrooms. Home owners are also looking at larger format tiles and wide planks to suit their design aesthetic.

Wood
Darker tones and deep textures are taking a backseat this year to lighter, cooler tones and subtle textural features. Muted, cool tones like blondes, white oaks, and “greiges” are stealing the show, providing a light, airy, and clean palette for any space. Instead of a typical plank layout, many people are looking to patterned layouts such as herringbone and chevron to add visual interest. Smoother planks with subtle distressing like wire brushing are also desirable.

Carpet
Carpet is making a bit of a comeback with bold patterns and jewel tones. Carpet is a great way to really add that touch of vibrant and bold personality to your home, while providing that gentle softness underfoot. Geometrics and florals are gaining ground as well. If wall-to-wall carpet really isn’t your thing, you can always consider an area rug to add that spark to your space.

​Waterproof Flooring
The waterproof flooring category is fast taking over the industry. There’s almost nothing it can’t do. The same trends we see in tile and wood are echoed in waterproof flooring. Many people choose this type of flooring because it’s perfect for any room of the home. It’s easier to install than hardwood and tile and super easy to take care of. Products like Pergo Rigid LVF and Pergo Extreme from Mohawk are available in many decorative tile looks as well as wood and stone designs. Not to mention, it’s one of the toughest floorings on the market.

​The most important thing to remember about trends is that you don’t have to follow them! Your home should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. At FTG, we stock and special order a large variety of products to suit our customers’ needs. Whatever design you choose, we’ll help make it happen.

Home trends this fall are all about building something spectacular from a natural, neutral base. Lighter floors and neutral furnishings create a clean palette to showcase the season’s trends. Start by incorporating lots of color with pillows, rugs, and fabrics. This fall’s favorite colors range from jewel tones like ochre, magenta, and emerald, to earthy tones like rust, robin’s egg blue, and evergreen. Navy and peacock blue are showing up everywhere, and even plaids and buffalo checks are back. While we’re mostly done with “Millennial Pink,” blush tones aren’t going anywhere. Although blush is mostly thought of as a soft neutral, it packs quite a punch on pillows, walls, and accent furniture pieces. Add additional color to your walls by choosing a colorful, graphic-art piece that really pops.

​While choosing colors for your fall décor, don’t forget about textures. Velvet is coming in hot right now, whether it’s on a pillow, throw, or an entire sofa. Faux fur and boucle fabrics will also add warmth and depth to your space. Another way to add texture is with natural wood accessories, anything from basekts to chandeliers. Items of visual interest that invoke nature like dried branches and flowers, a sisal rug, wood accent wall, or reclaimed wood table add a sense of calm and coziness.

​With fall often comes a multitude of family gatherings, so we can’t overlook the “heart of the home.” This fall kitchens are giving themselves over to the dark side. Light gray and white cabinets are shedding their layers for rich blacks and greens. If dark cabinets everywhere are too much for you, install dark uppers and lighter lowers or an island made of natural or reclaimed wood. White marble, granite, or quartz countertops help brighten the space along with metallic fixtures in gold, rose gold, or brass. The kitchen is also a great place to showcase wood accents like butcher block cutting boards, wooden utensils and bowls. Throw in a few plants too. When all these elements combine, you’ve got a sophisticated, pulled together look that is still warm, comfortable, and inviting. 

As for bathrooms, matte black fixtures paired with gray cabinets, wooden vanities, and/or vessel sinks with marble countertops are big this season. Add some splash with statement art and decorative tile. As the weather gets colder, you no longer have to venture outside your home for the spa treatment. Many people are opting for large soaking tubs, spa shower systems, and even saunas in their homes. Afraid of getting cold feet? Radiant heating (like the Ditra-Heat System) in the bathroom is the ultimate luxurty and alternative to cold tile floors!

​Trends come and go, but hardwood remains. Whether you prefer a traditional, authentic design scheme or crave the contemporary, hardwood offers something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what’s trending in wood for 2019, featuring wood products from Mohawk.

Gray and gray variations remain strong, ranging from light stones to shadowy blacks. Greige is big, combining browns and beiges with touches of gray for the best of both worlds. Many like to pair grays with a traditional farmhouse design, but they also work well when paired with clean, contemporary décor.
 
Deep, rich browns continue in popularity year after year. The deep red and black streaked Brazilian cherry along with dark walnuts, oaks, and hickories remain a crowd favorite for a traditional design plan. Darker, uniform stains and ebonized wood that is almost black look best with more modern designs to create a vibe that exudes opulence.
 
If dark isn’t for you, lighten up with blondes, whites, honeys, and sands for a soothing and calm environment. Lighter woods create a clean palette to suit any décor, from traditional to beachy or contemporary. Light woods are also ideal for opening up small spaces.
 
We’re also seeing a lot of high variation and contrast in wood that mixes coordinating shades into one color to create a truly unique and authentic look. While it blends well with a rustic décor, it can also be paired with more contemporary furnishings for a rustic-modern or industrial look.
 
Texture continues to titillate those shopping for hardwood with handscraped, distressed, and wire brushed features dominating the pack. Along with texture comes the desire for natural finishes like satin, matte, and oiled rather than glossy.
 
In addition to these features, here’s what else we expect from the world of wood in 2019:

• Longer planks
• Thicker construction
• Random widths
• Angled designs and patterns

 
You can find all these trends and more in our showroom. When you’re ready to pick out your new hardwood, come by or call us at 256.231.5600 to get your project started! You can also visit us online at shopfloorstogo.com

Hard surface flooring is more popular than ever. Whether it’s hardwood, tile, vinyl, or waterproof, people want it in their homes. Although carpet is often kicked to the curb, many still crave some softness and warmth underfoot. That’s where rugs come in. The possibilities when it comes to rug style, material, function, and design are endless. It’s really all about personal preference. A rug can simply be a neutral backdrop (such as a piece of custom-bound carpet) for your space, or it can be a statement piece like an ornate area rug. Let’s look at some things to consider when searching for the right rug.

Size
​Think about whether you want your rug to go under your furniture, or if you simply want it centered in your space. Make sure to measure your space before you begin shopping. There’s nothing worse than finding your perfect rug that doesn’t fit when you get it home! Read more on choosing the right size rug.

​Pets
​Even the best-trained house pets have accidents and track in dirt. If you’ve got fur-babies, consider investing in a “pet-proof” rug or a good pet vacuum and rug cleaning supplies. Click here for more on treating all types of stains, including pet urine.

Care
Make sure you know how to properly care for your rug to extend its beauty and durability. Cotton, jute, wool, polyester, sisal—these are just a few rug fiber types, and each requires different maintenance. Always check for manufacturer instructions. For a basic guide on rug care, click here. 

Function
Where in your home will this rug reside? A living room rug is going to function somewhat differently than a kitchen rug. Are you going for warmth and comfort, style and color, or both? For high-traffic areas, it’s also best to invest in a non-slip pad to go underneath your rug. Pads or mats with memory foam are excellent for comfort under kitchen rugs when standing for longer periods of time at the stove or sink. For bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms, make sure you choose a rug designed for high traffic, easy care, and that dries easily.

​Finally, if you need a little more help, check out these rug layout guides for every room, and browse these statement rugs from Mohawk.

​Tile has long been a crucial element of home design, whether it’s utilized on the floors or walls. What was once perhaps more of a utilitarian choice for kitchens and bathrooms, tile is now in high demand for the color, style, shape, and texture it can bring to any room in the home. Let’s look at what’s trending in tile today, featuring products from Emser Tile.

​Whether your bathroom is large and spacious or cramped and cluttered, storage sometimes presents a problem. Larger bathrooms tend to accumulate more stuff, and small ones, well, they often can’t handle the bare minimum of bathroom essentials. Today we’re going to look at some organization hacks that will change the way you look at and function in your bathroom and hopefully shave minutes off the morning mayhem.

​One of the most obvious choices for bathroom storage is containers and baskets. Glass, metal, wicker, plastic, modern, or vintage: there are so many options depending on the look you’re going for. If rustic farmhouse style is your thing, check out these super cute DIY mason storage jars.

​Another look we love is baskets! They’re so versatile, whether you’ve got them tucked in a cabinet or on full display. Makespace.com has some amazing organization ideas using baskets like the one pictured below, as well as other organization tips you may have never thought about (think cake stand caddies and magnetic makeup boards!).

​In smaller spaces, it’s often easier to go up than out. This is where floating shelves and over-the-toilet pieces come into play. We love this ingenious wire contraption that couples a basket with a toilet paper holder! Another great idea is utilizing a wine rack for towel storage. Check out this link for more ideas on utilizing the spaces you have overhead.

This look incorporates several methods at once with floating shelves, baskets, and glassware. Learn how to get this look HERE.

Love floating shelves? ​You can learn how to make these beautiful floating shelves from Shanty Chic!

​Let’s not forget about that void that often becomes a cluttered catch-all: under the bathroom sink. This space is actually ripe for organization and storage! Better Homes and Gardens has some great ideas (including an instructional video) on making this space cute, functional, and clutter free! 

​If you have kids, no doubt you have bath toys. Rather than shoveling them out of the tub every time you need to shower, you need a storage solution that makes them easily accessible to your little ones yet also easy to put away. This idea from The Inspired Home will make everyone happy.

​Last but certainly not least, keeping those beauty products and tools under control can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out this link at m.design. They offer basic, streamlined products, everything from drawer and cosmetic organizers to trays and trash cans.

If you still don’t see what you need, take this quiz to find out exactly what type of style and organization you need for your space. You’ll be organized before you know it and shave time off your morning routine! Happy organizing!

With school back in session, you might be going through the hassle of getting your kids back on their school schedule. Getting your kids ready to go to school in the morning and then later to do their homework can be a challenge. Today we’re going to offer some ideas on how to make a multipurpose space that your kids (hopefully!) will want to study in.
 
Not every home has the space for a whole room to be devoted to a homework space, but regardless of the size, you can create a welcoming study area. A study space should be quiet for focus, colorful for inspiration, and organized to reduce distraction and be efficient. Start with the color scheme; color sets the mood for a room. Some color options that inspire focus and keep attention are bright shades like greens, blues, and yellows, especially when they’re mixed with a stark contrast and clean lines. You can add bright color to the space using an accent wall or pieces like shelves and accessories.
 
A proper study area isn’t complete without a desk or work table, and the options are practically limitless, no matter what size space you have. A desk with cubby shelves is perfect for easy-to-reach organization and can be customized with paint and decorative baskets or bins for supply and book storage. Another option is a table with comfy chairs or multiple seating options for study group friends. You may also want to add a push pin board or even a cork wall for papers, posters, and charts. Hanging a dry erase board in front of the desk area is perfect for notes and helps to keep the space free of scrap paper. Another option we love for brainstorming and creativity is a chalk-board wall. Whatever size space you’re working with, organization like this will keep your space functional and inviting.

​As for flooring, make sure you have something comfortable and easy to care for. Vinyl planks, laminate, or WPC resists scratches from desk chairs and other furniture and are very easily maintained. Low-pile carpet, carpet tiles, or a fun and functional rug allow for a comfortable space to stretch out on the floor for “brain breaks.”
 
​Spaces like this are fun to put together and can make a big difference in  your kids’ study habits. Whether you have a whole room or a small niche, consider carving out a study space to help foster your kids’ creativity and concentration. So many areas in the home can easily be repurposed and made more useful with a little imagination, organization, and TLC. 

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.
​
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.