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.
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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.