Invented in the mid-nineteenth century, linoleum has a long history of popularity. Made from all natural, biodegradable materials that can be recycled, such as linseed oil, wood or cork powder, and ground limestone. This earth-friendly flooring option has experienced a recent resurgence in sales as consumers have become more concerned with sustainability. Linoleum flooring can last for decades and, upon removal, is still biodegradable and toxin-free.Linoleum is known for its vivid colors and marbled patterns, but it is available in a variety of other styles as well, including geometric patterns and subtle earth tones. One of the unique qualities of linoleum is the fact that the color is consistent all the way through the material up to the cloth backing. Because of this, if the linoleum is scratched or scuffed, the damage will be nearly imperceptible, as the color and pattern will not change. Linoleum's durability makes it a great choice for high traffic areas, or homes with small children or pets.Because it is resistant to moisture, linoleum is a good flooring choice for kitchens and bathrooms in the home, or hospitals, where sanitation is critical. It is also considered to be a non-allergenic floor covering, and is often used in non-allergenic homes and medical centers.Another benefit of linoleum is the fact that it is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and damp mopping will keep your floors looking great without the use of harsh chemicals, and spills can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.If you are looking for an attractive, environmentally friendly floor covering that will look great in any home, consider linoleum. It is perfect for both retro and contemporary settings, comfortable underfoot and easy to maintain. Contact a flooring specialist today to learn more about linoleum. Source

After spending their whole day in the hustle and bustle of this modern world, more and more people now consider their bathroom as the best place to de-stress, relax and luxuriate. This is also the reason many homeowners engage in bathroom remodeling projects. Aside from improving their quality of living, this form of home improvement can help sell their home faster in the future. This makes a bathroom renovation a very worthy investment.But, what if your bathroom is small or cramped? Instead of being intimated by the size, gain inspiration from some creative ideas to make your bathroom look and feel more spacious. When contemplating your next bathroom design, here are some great ideas you might like to try:Mirrors Work Like MagicAdding mirrors to small spaces is the oldest trick in transforming even the smallest space to a more spacious area. Add a corner mirror to your bathroom to effectively double everything in its view, such as the lights. It is a wonderful technique for bathrooms without a natural light.Be Playful with Paint TreatmentsEven by choosing the simplest and most affordable paint you can totally change the look and feel of your bathroom. While bold colors are stunning, creative paint treatments can also do wonders in small spaces. Paint is a very easy update to perform, so don't hold back and play around as much as you want.Try an Open ShowerIt is not a secret that getting rid of the shower door can add more space and for the tiniest bathroom every bit of space counts. Of course, you have to take some additional waterproofing measures such as tiling from floor to ceiling yet this design is worth a try.Pick Your Floor Tile WiselyPlace the focal point of your bathroom on the ground to draw the eye down and then to the back of the room. With the right floor tile, you can make your visitors forget about the square footage. Putting a similar motif on the back window glass similar to that of the floor can make a cohesive bathroom design.Go Unconventional with Your LayoutTrying an unconventional layout can add more space to your otherwise cramped bathroom. With some creativity and strategic placement, you can put everything you need inside the room without making it feel crowded.Don't Forget Built-InsOlder homes have small bathrooms with lots of crannies, nooks and random walls that usually go unused. Get the best out of such surfaces and never let a spot turn into a dead space.Add a MuralPlacing a great mural in your bathroom can fool the eye at first glance. There are many poster style murals in many stores today. Just imagine opening the bathroom door only to be transported to the desert or the beach.Go Bold with Wall CoveringsFinally, a bold wall covering can do wonders for a small bathroom as these are delightfully shocking to the eyes. You can also add the same wall covering to the ceiling for an extra dose of drama and create a unique space in your home.No bathroom is too small when you utilize these strategic tips and tricks. Now it's over to you. Leverage these ideas and get creative. The best transformation you have never thought possible just takes a little planning and daring to be different. Source

Vinyl is probably the world's most versatile plastic material.It is a type of plastic that comes from combining ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). When combined together these substances become Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin, or as it is better known - Vinyl. It is then further processed to be made more flexible, rigid, semi-liquid, clear or colourful, thick or thin.Vinyl was first invented in 1920 by scientists who wanted to develop a material that would help to manufacture everyday products that were easier to make, more durable, and cheaper than what was available. Today, vinyl has become the second largest manufactured and sold plastic resin in the entire world.Although the most common use of vinyl is that in construction (e.g. vinyl flooring) there are hundreds of other applications particularly in the sign industry where vinyl products include vinyl stickers, vinyl graphics, banners, vehicle graphics and floor stickers.Vinyl is a very strong and durable plastic material that can be manufactured in a variety of colours and properties. It is resistant to moisture and humidity.There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different vinyls that a sign-maker can choose from. Choosing the right one for the job is essential as this will improve the finished quality of the application and increase productivity. Although the choice of vinyls can sometimes be overwhelming, all vinyls basically fall within 3 categories: monomeric calendered vinyl, polymeric calendered vinyl and cast vinyl.Monomeric Calendered Vinyl Monomeric vinyl film generally has a bond life of between 1 and 3 years and it the least expensive of the vinyls.Because of it's limited duration these films are not suitable for demanding exterior applications such as vehicle graphics or fascia signage. This is because the vinyl is not stabilised like its polymeric and cast cousins. The vinyl will degrade in a variety of ways. It will shrink, peel, curl up at the edges and eventually flake off like old paint.You see this degradation often when inspecting vehicle graphics that has been applied using a wrong (monomeric) vinyl. Around the edges of the vinyl you will see a dirty black outline. This is where the face of the vinyl has shrunk, leaving an adhesive rim. This rim then attracts dirt and grime and eventually becomes an ugly black outline.Typical uses of monomeric vinyls include stickers for short-term use, short-term exhibition graphics, and window stickers for short term use (1 to 3 years).Polymeric Calendered Vinyl Polymeric vinyls are often a happy medium between the unstable monomeric vinyl films and the expensive cast films. They are often reasonably priced (only a fraction more expensive than monomerics) and can offer durability and bond-life up to 5-6 years.Polymeric vinyls have added polymers to reduce shrinkage. Manufacturers are improving their polymeric vinyls all the time and the lifespan of these vinyls are on the upward trend. However, although these vinyls have improved significantly over time, they still fall short of the stability and durability of cast films. More on cast films later.Compared with monomeric vinyls, polymeric films last longer, are more stable and are much more suited to exterior applications. However, they don't do so well over irregularities such as rivets and corrugated surfaces. For flat surfaces polymerics are fine, but for anything other than a flat surface a cast is much more desirable.Polymerics are, therefore, suited for long-term window decals, flat panels for vehicle graphics, quality stickers, fascias, safety signage, general exterior vinyl graphics.CastVinyl Cast vinyl films are the most expensive vinyl. However, for reasons below the cost is a price worth paying. They often will improve the quality of the job and enhance productivity, factors which will, in the long run, bring repeat business. Since labour cost will always be a sign-maker's greatest cost anyway, choosing the right material for the job should not merely be a question of cost anyway.Whereas monomeric (and to a lesser extent, polymeric) vinyls start life as a dough and want to return to their 'dough-like' state, a cast film begins life in a liquid form. During the production process this liquid is then spread out to an extremely thin layer. They have no 'memory' like calendered vinyls (i.e. they do not want to return to any pre-life form or shape) and can, therefore, take on new shapes, being mouldered by the sign maker. They are also ultra-stable with shrinkage being undetectable to the naked eye. This makes cast vinyls premium grade films.Because cast vinyls are thinner, they are easier to cut, weed, mould, wrap and apply. Apply a calendered film over a rivet and they will eventually 'fail' and return to their flat position. Apply a cast film and it will take the rivet shape and adapt it as it's new form.As such, cast vinyls are the recommended option for the majority of external applications. They are essential for vehicle wraps and vehicle graphics where the vinyl is required to go in and out of panels. Casts are also sometimes chosen for interior applications where a certain colour is required since there colour swatches available for cast vinyls are extensive. Source

Compared to the past, kitchens and bathrooms have acquired a fresh aura and accorded greater importance. Besides functional aspects, they need to be stylish spaces, well decorated with tiles and cabinets, appliances and appropriate lighting fixtures. Ventilation is important for health reasons and art encourages the feel good factor. Remodeling gets rid of the past designs and adopting new technology, smarter and faster. Homeowners now want to be free from grout and keeping it clean. Less maintenance, the easier with durable and affordable materials like porcelains. Cleaning mold on grout and re-caulking are headaches in greater humidity the new generation wishes to avoid.The use of minimum maintenance productsThe younger generation is constantly finding easy solutions and will not accept hard maintenance. The house requires lots of doing and some things require little effort to care for. The new trends like walk in showers with glass doors are certainly easier to maintain, and that is why they are preferred besides the aesthetic reasons. A walk in shower without a door would reduce maintenance and expense too. Is it necessary to have a tub in the master bathroom to match the new shower style?Nowadays, go in for the jet-less soaking tubs in the contemporary style! Why not opt for the combination tub and shower? Large tiles create illusions of greater space. Vanities installed above the ground surface on the wall also create bigger dimensions.A world of attractive fixtures of metalsThe stylized bathroom metal fixtures of faucets, shower heads and fancy taps do liven up the space and uplift spirits each morning and before bedtime. Trendy designs and a range of colors and shades in silver and gold can be found in chrome and bronze along with brushed nickel.Wonder flooring materialsPorcelains and ceramics for floors have always been in favor and continue to be so presently, available in great variety and imitation looks of natural stone and wood. Lavish vinyl is also getting popular and costs are coming down through competition. Once used in business premises alone, vinyl is now installed in homes.Fairy tale countertopsDo you fancy glass and marble, quartz and granite?The home spaAdopting a minimalist approach, the idea of a spa at home is a wonderful thought for a home owner. Pastels and neutrals are the usual colors for a peaceful bathroom. Set up a tidy surrounding and prepare for a grand experience. Source

If you want ideas to update your bathroom décor then you only need to look to magazines, books and the internet to be bombarded with inspiration. Your bathroom is a private area where many of us retreat to in order to enjoy some much needed me-time and generally chill out. Bathrooms are often calm and serene places and it is important that the décor reflects this.The first thing you need to do when changing your bathroom décor is to come up with a theme or an overall decorating scheme that creates the sort of style you are looking for. You need to come up with a plan of how to revamp your bathroom décor that includes three main areas: decoration, color and style. If you are just looking to freshen up your bathroom décor then this is probably the easiest and cheapest room to tackle in the house, however when it comes to a full overhaul you may end up spending quite a lot more.Lighting is an essential part of any bathroom décor. You want to let as much natural light in as possible as this will create a fresh, airy and relaxed atmosphere. Don't worry if your bathroom doesn't have that much natural light, you can always rely on lights. Make sure the lighting isn't too harsh though as this could ruin the calm ambience of your bathroom. Spotlights are a good idea and some people like to install a dimmer switch so that the lights can be softened when taking a relaxing bath for example. As a general rule of thumb, if your room is dark in color you should choose bright lights and if your room is light and airy, go for dimmer lights.Flooring is an essential part of any bathroom. Nowadays, most people are choosing to install laminate flooring in their bathrooms as it is functional and looks sleek and modern. It is also great if you are on a budget and want to create professional finish.The sink in your bathroom is often a focal point of the entire décor. The most popular type of sink is white ceramic but there are a wealth of other styles and colors to choose from nowadays. If you want to create a modern look then a good tip is to choose a copper sink. You can paint this or just leave it as it is, both ways will look beautiful. Another idea to create a sleek, modern look is to purchase a marble sink. These come in a range of different colors so you are sure to find something that will fit in with the overall décor of your bathroom. You could even go for a glass sink but you need to get the rest of the décor right to get the best effect.There are so many different bathroom designs around these days that it can be hard to know where to start. There are three main, well known styles that most people choose between: traditional, contemporary and country. The country style usually features classic touches within the bathroom décor and typically features a lot of handmade items and natural materials. Warm colors are popular with this theme or you can go for more pastel shades.A contemporary theme is characterized by straight, clean lines and often revolves around a modern theme. This is a great style for a bathroom as it is calming and quiet and works well with the relaxing nature of the room. If you go for a contemporary style then you need to make sure that all the surfaces are uncluttered and clean and stick to wood furniture and simple countertops. For a nice finish, try using plenty of metal fixtures and accessories to enhance the theme.For a traditional theme you want to create a luxurious space that has timelessness and elegance. The key to this bathroom décor is rich drapery and beautiful pieces. When creating your theme, keep in mind a European influence with plenty of floral fabric, gilded finished and use material such as silver, gold and porcelain to evoke luxury.It is quite simple to make a dramatic change to your bathroom décor, all you need is a good eye for detail and a vision. Once you have decided on your theme, all you need to do is look out for accessories that fit with your theme and get creative! Source

Every real estate investor dealing in rental homes has done his own clean-up and fix-up, at least in the early years. Landlords also become very skilled at managing tenants after being burned a few times.You learn the tricks of the trade and how to get the best results for the least cost. Maybe a few of these tips will be new to you.You can give kitchen cabinets new life with a liberal application of Liquid Gold.Everyone has at least one chip or scratch in the porcelain on their refrigerator, bathtub, stove (except high heat surfaces), sink, washer or dryer. The solution? Touch up that nick with a tough porcelain glaze called "Porcelain Chip Repair". Just dab it on with the built in brush and it hardens in 24 hours. If your hardware store does not carry it you can find it with a Google search.You can quickly clean black scuff marks from vinyl floor covering with a squirt of WD 40 lubricant and a rub with a clean cloth.Put a shiny new strainer in the sink drain. Then install new handles and drawer pulls and you often have a minor kitchen miracle.Get rid of globs of sticky adhesive residue with Goo Gone.When tenants move out they seldom do a really good cleaning job on the oven... or the dishwasher.I'm sure you have discovered the many effective oven cleaners, but how about that gunk caked onto the inside of the dishwasher?Try a product called "Dishwasher Magic"... found in many markets and some hardware stores.The label reads "Removes Lime Scale, Rust & Buildup. Disinfectant".You just remove the cap... place the blue, plastic bottle upside down inside the silverware basket and turn the machine on. You might have to use two bottles if your first look into the washer causes you to run screaming from the house.When vinyl flooring is ready to be replaced use commercial grade floor tile instead. It lasts almost forever and it is cheap to replace a damaged tile now and then.Have you ever received an unsigned rent check? Here's a method that often allows you to deposit that check.Write or type the word "over" on the line where the signature would normally appear. On the back of the check type "lack of signature guaranteed". Add your company's name, and your name and title. Then you sign it on the back.This guarantees your bank that you will take back the check as a charge against your account if is isn't honored. Many banks will then process the check and remit the funds. This saves you the trouble of returning the check to your renter for a signature.Spot those bad checks with this tips. 90% of bad checks are numbered 101 to 150, indicating a new account.Legitimate checks have at least one perforated edge. Most forgeries are cutouts of copy machine created fakes.Checks dated more than six months ago are usually not cashable, no matter how much money the issuer has in his/her account.If the amounts written on a check in words is different from he amount written in numbers, the bank will pay the sum shown in words.If you receive a check with the date missing, it's legal to fill in a date reasonably close to the date you receive it. To predate or postdate the check by several weeks is a criminal act... don't do it.Remember, landlording is not for sissies. I hope these tips will save you a few dollars and a barrel full of aggravation. Source

As the owner of a brand new dance school, the process of putting together all the required equipment for dance and ballet studios is still very fresh in my mind. The following is a list of what is needed in each dance studio:1) Marley or other vinyl floor covering. This is the preferred dance surface for ballet, modern/jazz, and tap instruction. There are several manufacturers of vinyl dance flooring products. Most come in 5-6' wide rolls in lengths up to about 100'. Marley is usually rolled onto a hardwood floor and "floats" on the floor without any adhesive other than special vinyl tape used on seams and edges. Since the marley is not permanently affixed to the floor, it can be rolled up if needed for a performance in another venue. One important thing to note is that rosin cannot be used by ballet dancers on marley - the rosin damages the vinyl surface and is very difficult to remove.2) Sound system for CDs and/or Bluetooth connection to a iPhone/Android device. It is essential to have a sound system with a remote control so the instructor can easily repeat sections of music as needed.3) Barres, either wall mounted or standalone. Please refer to the section on barre construction below for more detailed information.4) Wall Mirrors. Mirrors should be mounted on at least one wall (preferably two adjoining walls). They should start as close to the floor as possible, but even young dancers can see their feet from anywhere in the studio as long as the bottom of the mirror is lower than about 15 inches from the floor. The top of mirrors should be 6' minimum from the floor.5) A small table for instructor's notebook or other instructional materials can also be used for the sound system.6) Large wall clock. Dancers and instructors need to know class start and end times.Ballet Barres - Build or Buy?One of the most important pieces of equipment in a ballet school is the barre. There are many commercially available ballet barres, but in the end we decided to make our own barres for the following reasons:7) Commercially available barres are expensive. Typically, a professional grade 12' barre costs between $400-$1000 for a free-standing model, and between $300-$600 for a wall mounted version.8) Our experience with commercially available free standing barres is that even the highest quality models eventually have failures at the connection points.9) We wanted barres that were absolutely rock solid and would last for many years. We believe that most commercial free-standing barres are too lightweight and "flimsy".10) We wanted a barre system that was flexible enough to meet the needs of our school's schedule of ballet classes for many age ranges as well as modern, jazz, and tap classes.In order to give our school the maximum flexibility in our class schedule, we decided to build two free standing 12 foot barres for each of our two dance studios. We chose free standing barres so we could (1) have dancers on both sides of the barre and (2) orient the barres as either a single 24' span or two parallel 12' spans. Since (unlike commercial barres) we have no need to dismantle the barres for shipping, we decided to eliminate joints (and hence the possibility of joint failures) by using steel tubes and welding the joints.The exact specifications of the barres are as follows:- Tubing material is schedule 40 1 ½ inch steel black pipe. This pipe has an outside diameter of 1.9". The use of 1.9" diameter tubing (a) makes welds much stronger and (b) is very comfortable to grip- The top of the barre is 12' long and is 42" above the floor.- The legs of the barre are an inverted "T" with the "feet" (i.e. the part of the leg that lays flat on the floor) being 2' long.- The top of the barre overhangs the legs by 18" on either side. This allows for easy moving of the barre.- We decided to have a lower barre welded between the legs at a height of 32" for our younger dancers.Schedule 40 pipe is available at most steel suppliers (search "steel pipe cityname"). The pipe comes in 21' lengths, and the steel vendor will usually make one cut per pipe at no additional cost. I had the pipes cut into 12' and 9' lengths to minimize waste.Our welder had no trouble fabricating the barres. Included in the fabrication was thorough de-burring of all exposed ends. The result is a smooth, rounded edge that does not require any type of end cap.After our welder completed the barres I purchased rubber feet (1.5" diameter and 1" thick) and bolted them to the ends of the "feet" of the barre. This has worked extremely well in eliminating damage to the marley in our studios.To finish the barres, I first sanded the surfaces with 180 grit sandpaper to smooth out the horizontal gripping surfaces and prep for painting. I then sprayed with textured black paint. Three coats resulted in a beautiful finish that resembles powder coating at a fraction of the price.Dancer response to the barres has been uniformly excellent. Though heavy (they weigh about 60 lbs each) two young dancers have no trouble moving them into the center and back up against the walls when needed. We have had no issues with the fixed heights of the barres.Total cost for 4 barres was about $450 in materials and $400 for welding services, for a total cost of $850, or $212 per barre. Source

Flooring for homes and commercial establishments come in various types to meet varying tastes and needs. The choice of flooring depends on a lot of factors. Some of them are budget, use of the room and the amount of maintenance that the floor requires. Five types of flooring have become the most popular for different reasons.1. Carpet. Carpeting is and has always been one of the favorite choices among homeowners and business owners. Carpeting is warm and gives any space a very comfortable and cozy look. If you have kids, then they are also the safest option. People used to install carpets throughout their home. But now, people tend to install carpets only in their bedroom and living areas. The maintenance for carpeting is easy, thanks to modern stain-resistance treatments. Carpet flooring deals make carpeting very economical and are a good option for people considering this flooring choice.2. Hardwood. A genuine wood product made out of timber, hardwood is the classy option. Hardwood floors impart a certain sense of elegance. They also add value to your home. Hardwood floors can be either pre-finished or unfinished. It comes in different varieties such as bamboo, hickory, maple or mahogany. Hardwood can be rather expensive. Discount hardwood flooring sales give various offers on hardwood that are the best opportunity to invest in hardwood floors.3. Laminate. Laminate flooring is one of the most popular substitutes for hardwood. The quality has improved over the years. Laminate flooring can be manufactured in a way that makes it look exactly like genuine wood flooring. Laminate flooring is suitable for areas such as kitchens. With the right installation, laminates can be pretty resistant to stains and scratches. They are an ideal choice for families with kids and pets. However, it is harder to replace than real wood and it cannot be refinished.4. Tile. Tile is popular and extremely low-maintenance flooring. Tiles are very durable and one of the most waterproof floor coverings. Areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms need a moisture-resistant flooring like tile. Tiles are also the most versatile. They need not be used just for the floor. They can also be used for walls, countertops, stairs and even fireplaces. They are also most preferred for exterior projects. There are many types of tile such as porcelain, granite, ceramic, and marble.5. Vinyl. Vinyl flooring is something that is found in most houses. It is considered the best for areas prone to moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl floors can be easily installed without professional help. Manufacturers have dramatically improved the quality of vinyl floors lately.The above are the five most common types of floors that people install. Undoubtedly, they are some of the best and affordable options for all kinds of homes and businesses. Source

Laminate is a great floor cover solution, not only for private homes but also for commercial buildings and offices. With the available variety of laminate grade ratings that can serve even the highest amount of foot traffic, it's no wonder that it's such a popular choice these days. Some problems may arise when there are steps and stairs that connect to laminated floor though. It's often desirable to maintain the continuity of the design by laminating the stairs so they blend nicely with the floor and the surroundings without creating sudden gaps that are visible to the eye.Be warned though, laminating steps and especially larger staircases can be very dangerous. Laminate finishes are often quite slippery, especially those of low grade rating that are meant for more private use with less foot traffic stress. It is essential to consider who is going to walk on it and avoid putting any home members or potential guests under the threat of falling down. Elder people or little kids are often the ones who are most exposed to this danger.Of course a solution is to put a runner cover in the form of carpet or a rug over the steps, even though the reason for laminating the stairs might have been getting rid of using fabrics in the first place! But the thing is, most suppliers and manufacturers would never advise you to laminate your stairs and leave them uncovered. The risk is just not worth it and only someone who doesn't care would let people take such risks.That said, there are a few ways to go around the slip and fall problem. One is to use a more abrasive laminate (higher grade) that has the same or similar finish as the floors leading to the staircase. Another is to install additional elements to the thread and riser of the stairs that would keep feet in place, but that leads to another potential hazard - tripping!If, despite all, you go ahead with a laminate flooring on stairs in your home, bear in mind that most suppliers offer specially made staircase floor planks that fit to most standard steps and are specially made to combat with the problems that arise as best as possible.If you attend to install laminate yourself, always glue the cover and never use nails, as the risk for having an unstable piece (which happens sooner or later) is not worth taking. Another thing to have in mind is that laminating stairs is always a specifically individual tasks. The requirements and factors differ from home to home, so while it's OK to follow some general tips and measurements, make sure to observe and plan carefully for your own specific case. Source

Today's home buyers don't just desire an open floor plan. They demand it! But creating the ultimate open floor plan isn't just about taking a sledge hammer to walls (hello HGTV!) it's about thoughtful and creative design from the ground up. Here are a few easy ways to develop open floor plans that have pizzazz.Definitely Define Spaces: Carving out "functional spaces" gives buyers an idea as to how the open floor plan will flow and cater to their daily lives. Items such as area rugs and statement lighting help define spaces and add interest. By using an area rug in the great room and a gorgeous chandelier above the dining area, spaces are controlled and not confined.Continuity is King: Fundamental design elements such as flooring and recessed lighting should maintain a consistent feel in the open space. It may sound obvious, but this creates an aesthetically pleasing and seamless flow that home buyers desire. Make sure that furniture, accessories and art all complement each other. Even check the color palette among spaces to make sure there is a strong relationship in color choices and styling.Stunning Standout Features: In each "zone" of the open living space, make sure there is a design feature that really makes a statement. A beautiful, stone fireplace wall in the living area or statement pendants above the kitchen island gives personality to each of the spaces.Keep Site Lines Secure: Keep an open floor plan just that - open! Make sure to leave the space uncluttered and don't obstruct site lines with unnecessarily large accessories or furniture pieces. Buyers want to envision themselves cooking, eating and entertaining all in the same open, airy space. Something such as a tall bookshelf or bulky sectional could be more of an eye sore that a striking statement.Take a Space to Soaring Heights: If the home can accommodate, it may be beneficial to add architectural drama. An open floor plan can feel even brighter and fresher with remarkable ceiling height and details. Vaulted ceilings or dramatic wood trim or beams may be the strong selling feature that stand out for a potential buyer.Indoor Outdoor Relationship: Don't let the open floor plan stop at the back door! Create a seamless flow from the fresh, airy indoors to the outdoors with a continuation of flooring materials throughout both spaces as well as impressive, large glass doors and windows.Have fun with a few (or all) of these creative design ideas that are sure to help a property's open floor plan stand out! Source

It can be a challenge for homeowners to choose the type of flooring that will work best in their home. Each type of flooring comes with its' own advantages and disadvantages, and in choosing the right one for you there are several things to consider.Budget, aesthetics, taste and lifestyle as well as the amount of humidity, sunlight and water in the room need to be taken into consideration. There is an extensive range of choices and limitless design options to suit all kinds of looks and needs.Following are some of the pros and cons of several types of flooring available:* Hardwood floors are known for their strength and sturdiness. They are also easy to maintain as they only require dusting and vacuuming and need to be refinished only once every 10-15 years. However, on the flip side, they are prone to scratching and gouges and have a tendency to get discolored if exposed to dryness or wetness for periods of time* Ceramic tile adds value to your home because of its' durability and wide decorative range. There are varieties to suit every need and budget. Maintenance is simple as ceramic tile requires only sweeping and mopping. The downside of tile flooring is that it can feel cold for bare feet (although you can compensate for this by using throw rugs or an area carpet), it may be hard to clean light colored tiles with wide seams and from personal experience I can tell you that things you drop on it usually break!* Laminates are produced to look like an exact copy of wood floors but come with a lower price tag! They can be easily maintained and are also known for their price and durability. Damp mopping is the only thing needed for maintenance although replacement may be needed approximately every 10 years.* Vinyl Flooring is affordable, durable and resistant to wear and tear. There is an extremely wide variety available to fit both budget and design guidelines and you only need to sweep and mop to maintain them!* Carpeting is less expensive than many other flooring types, although as with other kinds there is a range of pricing. Carpets come in many sizes, shapes, fibers and colors, and are relatively easy to install. On the downside they require a little more maintenance than some of the other types of floors as they need to be vacuumed on a regular basis and need a thorough shampooing and cleaning once a year. People with allergies may want to steer clear of carpeting as it can trap dust mites and other allergens in its' fibers. If you do have allergies and you really want carpets it would be safer to stick with throw rugs and area carpets that can be cleaned more frequently and thoroughly.As you can see there are many directions you can go to beautify your floors, as well as keeping them functional and easy to maintain. Most homes utilize several types and combinations to go with the different styles and uses of each room. Hopefully this article can be of some assistance to you in choosing your future flooring! Source

In the recent times, concrete flooring has become increasingly popular for residences and commercial establishments. It is due to the durability and cost effectiveness that it offers along with its sturdy and astounding beauty. It is available in many finishes like stained concrete. You can add bespoke designs of acid stained concrete to any part of your building. It is a great option for both interior and exterior flooring.Concrete staining adds versatility to your flooring options. It is customizable into various designs and effects reflecting translucent hues. It is low-maintenance and can be easily restored with wax polishing. To apply acid stain concrete to your home, you need the help of expert professionals. These companies have specialized knowledge and experience in providing concrete solutions with sustainable results.- For Proper Evaluation Before Acid Staining Of Concrete:These floors are done after thorough evaluation of aspects like existing condition of floor, stain suitable for its finish, and method for preparing the surface before application. These factors must be evaluated by a team of experts well-versed with the nuances of stained concrete floor. They can offer you customized solutions with a guarantee of durability.- It Requires Proper Equipments:Professional concrete flooring companies are well-equipped with machineries and raw materials required for acid staining concrete. It gives them an edge over DIY enthusiasts ready to take on such projects with the help of online resources. Professionals use industrial grade stains for better results and longer life.- Experts Save Your Time And Money:Concrete flooring solution providers have sufficient experience of working in this field. Hence, they can leverage upon this expertise to save your time. Their team is adept at finishing the projects within specific time and budget. They understand individual needs of every project and provide solutions accordingly. If your budget allows, they can offer diamond polish on acid stained concrete floors.- They Can Handle The Aftermath:In case your flooring requires sealing and polishing, experts can suggest you the best measures in this regard. They can prevent any flaws in application and make repairs as and when required. You can also trust them for regular maintenance services at competitive pricing.- They Can Provide You Customized Designs:If you were anticipating a logo design or a traditional motif on your flooring, professionals can offer you comprehensive solutions for the same. They can turn a dull uneven floor into an effervescent style statement for your home.These are the factors substantiating the need of professional services for concrete flooring in residential or commercial high-traffic areas. Source

The floor of any room is very important. The floor can make or break the entire room, it is the base of it and what can make every other part of the room stand out. So choosing the right floor is very important if we want a room to look its best.Many think that flooring options are not very wide, but it is completely the opposite. There are countless of different flooring types available all around the world, and each one has its different benefits besides giving spaces the beauty they need.So, if you want to know some of the flooring types that exist, the following are some of the most popular on the market.VinylAll vinyl flooring is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin along with additives, such as plasticisers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers and it is a very popular type of flooring. This kind is very convenient because it is replaceable. If a part is severely damaged, you don't have to replace the entire floor, just remove and replace that area. It is very easy to install.And another one of the perks of vinyl is that it can be printed to look like a lot of different natural floor surfaces like hardwood, natural stone and ceramic. The tiles can also let the imagination go wild because you can mix the individual pieces to create any kind of coloured design.TimberTimber flooring is basically a wood or plank flooring where any recycled or reclaimed wooden boards are installed. It is also known as planking because it uses hard board wood planks. Many like this type of floor because of its aesthetic appeal.The advantages of timber are that they are strong and durable, it is eco-friendly, it doesn't need a lot of maintenance just a re-polish to keep the lustre, it is a good insulator and hygienic. But one of the few disadvantages is that it can be expensive.BambooThis type is becoming more and more popular. It is a type of floor manufactured from the bamboo plant. But it is environmentally friendly because it is not actual wood, it is a grass. It could be considered as an alternative to hardwood.It is very versatile, durable and has resistance to insects and moisture too. And it actually has natural variations of colour because of carbonisation, which gives the floor a honey brown or light tan colour. Being very similar to hardwood, it needs a very similar maintenance.LaminateLaminate floors -also called floating wood tile- is becoming the most popular kind of flooring in the United States. It is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product and it is fused together through a lamination process. It can simulate wood or stone with a photographic appliqué layer that is under a clear and protective layer.It is very popular because it is a lot easier to install and maintain than other more traditional flooring options. It is also more affordable and is reasonably durable -can resist burns, scratches and chipping- and it is also hygienic. Laminate flooring is the kind of floor suitable for high traffic areas.CeramicCeramic tiles is the kind of flooring considered as the most waterproof type of all. But ceramic tiles are not used only for flooring, it is also common to see ceramic tiles used for counter tops because of the high gloss finish available, though that finish sometimes tends to scratch.It can be used for outdoor flooring and for showers with the unglazed finish due to its resistance to water. But there is more than one finish available in ceramic tiles, there are others like matte, embosses, textured, glazed and anti-slip.MarbleMarble floors are known for looking good in all rooms, it blends with all spaces and type of designs. Marble tiles can give a room a clean and rich feel that can't always be achieved with other floorings. Marble products are processes all around the world from metaphoric rock blocks.One of the things that makes marble popular is that you can get it in a lot of different sizes, from really small to really big. Also, marble is available in so many different varieties of colour. The most popular colour at the moment is the light tan and black.CarpetFor many years and even centuries carpets and rugs were the most popular kind of flooring, but lately they have had a downfall because of installation problems. But now, in effort to bring carpets back, there exist carpet tiles. These are just like any other flooring tiles but, it's a carpet tile.With this type of carpet, it is easier for anyone to install it. But the biggest perk of all is that if there is any kind of spill or stain, that tile can be removed and replaced, instead of trying to clean the impossible stain or replace the entire carpet of the room.HardwoodThe classic solid hardwood floors are still one of the staples in the flooring industry. The reason for this is simply its natural beauty and the durability; just like carpets, hardwood flooring has been around and very popular for centuries.Although it can be expensive, many people look at it as a timeless investment because it will add value to any house or location as well as giving a lifetime of beauty. There are many types of wood floors, but the most popular ones are Maple, Pecan, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Pine, Birch, Walnut and Hickory.As you can now see, there are a lot of types of floors, and these were just a few. Remember that the flooring is key to a nice looking space, so make sure that you choose one that will make a room and not break it. Source

The modern farmhouse style is a look and feel that is relaxed and warm - the epitome of "home." However, that's not to say a lot of thought hasn't gone into achieving something so...easy-going. Quite the contrary and surprisingly, an aesthetic that is so fundamentally effortless takes some planning, and the right products to complete the look. Much like the history that inspires this look, each finish and furnishing tells a story through proudly presented (and emulated) chips, scratches and artful imperfections. As with all throwbacks, the modern-farmhouse aesthetic is an evolution of its namesake. This traditional-made-modern decor style is more refined than its original, featuring clean and contemporary elements mixing and mingling with those well-loved and well-worn pieces that bring some country into the modern urban home. Here are five favorite product picks for flooring, in five different materials, to start your modern farmhouse interior off on the right foot, so to speak. Farmhouse Luxury Vinyl Plank With "rustic" being the main influencer of the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic, it only makes sense to work it into your decor, from the ground up. Our top pick is a luxury vinyl plank product, Bellevue Avenue in Sunken Treasure. The look is textural and warm, yet light enough to lend that cool and casual modern-farmhouse look to a space. For your farmhouse kitchen floor, this product pairs beautifully with black hardware and white or tonal painted cabinetry. Apart from its aesthetic attributes, farmhouse vinyl flooring is durable, so it's ideal for use in heavy-traffic area such as a mudroom or foyer. Farmhouse Hardwood Flooring Natural wood is the epitome of farmhouse-chic. It's earthy, simple and it's practical, and it looks great when it carries through the entire home - including the kitchen! As the main farmhouse wood floor throughout the home I suggest Shelbyville in Dovetail, by Rustic River. This wide-plank hardwood boasts a character and charm that works beautifully with a modern-farmhouse vibe. This particular product is slightly warmer in a medium brown tonal effect.  It showcases the natural beauty with its characteristics in the knots of the white oak which is the notable theme in this look. Farmhouse Laminate Flooring  For those who love the look of wood, but want durability, laminate products are an option to consider. Laminates have come a long way from the kitschy tiles you might remember from Grandma's house way back when. Modern laminates are available in a range of looks and styles that give real hardwood a run for its money - and they're very affordable, too. Despite the changes in laminate over the years, they've stayed true to the functional features that made them a popular choice in the first place. They're durable, affordable and stylish and thus, a great go-to solution for a quick and easy floor update on a dime. For the modern-farmhouse laminate floor, try Laurel Springs in Cardigan by Mirror Lake. This product is light, rustic and it fits the bill for a relaxed look in the modern farmhouse design. It's got these great saw marks, large knots, and loads of character. TIP: Lighter floors are great for the modern-farmhouse style. It gives you the flexibility to lay darker area rugs, and mix and match different wood tones. Lighter floors also bring brightness to the room, enhancing its sense of space. Farmhouse Porcelain Tile Porcelain flooring is a great choice for homes in all styles, because it's super durable, low maintenance and long lasting. To complement - or inspire! - your modern-farmhouse interior, check out Haut Monde Unpolished tile in Elite Grey by Bel Terra. The matte finish is ideal for this laid-back aesthetic, and it's also practical- great at hiding your usual daily messes. Try installing this farmhouse tile in a staggered-brick pattern to achieve a cobblestone look. Consider contrasting the tile with a darker charcoal grout, which will make the farmhouse tile floor "pop." Darker grout will also keep your floors looking fresher longer, since lighter grout will stain over time. Carpets & Rugs for the Modern Farmhouse  What is a modern-farmhouse interior without come cozy farmhouse carpet? A wall-to-wall carpet will keep a bedroom feeling warm and cozy. In living areas, stick to areas rugs which allow you to combine the charm of hardwood (or laminate!) with added warmth and texture underfoot. Stick to a neutral palette to make the room appear fresh and open. Consider keeping patterns simple, and bring depth to a neutral palette by incorporating a variety of textures in the carpet and other textiles throughout the space. For neutral looks, carpet options include Orchard Stones in Ice Cap from Oath by Resista. This carpet product has all the elements of modern-farmhouse charm - simplicity, warmth and low maintenance required. The cut and loop design and color makes a space feel welcoming, while being practical for everyday use. The modern-farmhouse look is easy going, but don't misunderstand that for thoughtlessness. It is all about achieving the right character and charm - the imperfectly perfect. This aesthetic is less about location, despite the farm-inspired moniker. It's more so suited to a particular lifestyle: pet people, busy families and those who love relaxed living. The goal is a home that feels welcoming and comforting. It's never too precious, and features finishes that can keep up with the lifestyle. Rooted in history, this style is easy to modernize with the right elements, starting from the floor up!

Everyday I have customers calling me trying to locate discontinued products.They have damaged floor to be replaced. They had a flood, or someone dragged some furniture across the floor. Or, they just want to continue existing floor to another room. But, because the manufacturer discontinued the product, they can't find what they need.Manufacturers discontinue products that don't sell well. After a product has been discontinued over 2 years, it is unlikely to be found. Manufacturers discontinue items all the time, so I always suggest to my customers that they buy 1 or 2 boxes of extra flooring. It has always been my experience that damage will occur, and product will have to be replaced.When you can no longer find the product you have several options. For Laminate, Tile or Stone, you can call the manufacturer and ask for a cross over. Many time manufacturers will make a small change to an existing product. They will either change the locking system, the wear layer, or the finish. Otherwise the product looks the same. But, manufacturers are required to change the product sku number if they make any changes to the product at all. You can also ask the manufacturer if the product was created in a cabin grade or second quality. It won't be a perfect match to the original, but extremely close.If there is no cross over, you can try to replace damaged areas from closets, under appliances, etc. If this is not an option, you can pick the closest matching product to fix the repair, or reinstall the room with new flooring.In regard to Hardwood products you have more options. If you can't find close matches or other product in your home you can use, you can get the product custom made. There are two ways to do this. One, you can send a sample to a specialty manufacturer; they can make it for you. Or, you can buy an unfinished hardwood, and take an old piece of the product to a local hardware store and have them match the stain color. You can then stain and finish it yourself. Or, you can hire a local handyman or flooring contractor to do the job for you.So, you can find the closest matching product, search for a cross over via the manufacturer, get a custom made hardwood, or get unfinished hardwood you stain yourself. We offer all these services at our store. Designer's Touch Flooring in Vero Beach, FL. If you are in our local installation area, we can do the job for you. If not, you can buy either the custom made product or unfinished wood. Source

Because your hallway is long and narrow, there must be times when you thought there's nothing you could do about it. In fact, you might have the feeling that your feet are glued to the floor especially when you are standing at the end of the hallway. Fret not because there are things that you can do to lessen this feeling. Each idea presented here is fairly simple. Moreover, each idea plays on convincing one person to take the first, the second up to the last step towards the end of the hallway without him noticing that he has indeed passed through a long and narrow hallway. Read through!Top Idea # 1: Work with the end first!Because you have a hallway in your house, then there must be a reason for you to move down that hallway. So why don't you give yourself a cue that the end is just within reach? A simple idea is to place a small table with a vase or a plant at the end of the hallway. The desire to see what's at the end draws anyone to move forward. You can also paint the wall at the end darker than the rest to signal that the person is almost at the end.Top Idea # 2: Along the WaySince you used a darker color at the end of the hallway, you need to use a lighter color for the walls along the way. Of course, make sure that the lighter color you choose is not so close to the color of the end wall.Top Idea # 3: Floor CoveringsYou have done the first and second idea and of course, the last thing you want to do is to hold up or stop the progress the person in the hallway is making. For this reason, you might want to add some fun by using tiles or other non-gridded flooring system materials. You might also want to use a low pile carpet. These will serve like a maze placing the person in space. For sure, this will inhibit and facilitate forward progress.Top Idea # 4: Keeping them BusyPlacing a few paintings or pictures on the walls is such a perfect way to keep the person walking on the hallway unaware that he or she is making a long and narrow journey. However, remember to keep the paintings or pictures staggered and separate from each other to keep the person moving. Also, do not ever use furniture because the person will surely stop on one physically and visually.Just a few clever tips on how you could decorate a long and narrow hallway and for sure, the person involved in this long journey will reach the end happier and more relaxed. Source

The Best Flooring Choices for High Traffic Areas In any interior decorating project, choosing the right flooring can be among the most difficult decisions. This is true for both homeowners and business owners. Choosing the right flooring for heavy traffic areas can be particularly difficult. The flooring used in these areas must be able to withstand all of the "abuse" it will suffer due to the many feet that will walk across it over the course of its lifetime. It should also be easy to clean. After all, heavier foot traffic means a greater likelihood that the flooring will suffer spills, stains, and more.Of course, there are many different flooring options, including carpet, laminate, tile, wood, and so on. Within each of the major categories of flooring, there are some choices that are quite suitable for high traffic areas. Nevertheless, some flooring materials remain better than others in areas where people and animals will move repeatedly across the floor every day.The best flooring for high traffic areas is probably tile. Ceramic tile, stone tile, and other tiling materials are incredibly durable and hold up well to high foot traffic. Unless it is made of a highly porous material, tile is also easy to clean with a damp mop. It should be noted, however, that not every type of tile is good for an area that many people walk across. Glossy tiles made of material such as marble can be quite slick when they get wet, increasing the odds that pedestrians will slip and fall. Tile grout may also stain easily if it is not sealed. A darker grout is probably the best flooring for high traffic areas because it will not show spills and stains as easily.After tile, wood is a good flooring choice for high traffic areas. In addition to adding warmth to a room or building, wood flooring is durable, especially when it is made of a hardwood such as oak or maple. Real wood floors, on the other hand, are very expensive. Furthermore, they can get scratched and scuffed very easily. Therefore, it is probably not a good idea to install them in high traffic areas where heavy items such as furniture are regularly moved across the floor.Laminate flooring is a wood alternative that, while less expensive than wood, retains many of wood's benefits. It can also add warmth to a room because it is designed to look like real wood. Laminate can also be quite durable, especially if it is cared for properly. However, this layered flooring material is also susceptible to water damage. Spills must be cleared immediately; otherwise, liquid can soak through the layers of the flooring material and ruin it.Vinyl flooring can be a good choice for high traffic areas because it is inexpensive and can mimic the look of real ceramic or stone tiles. Usually, it is made of a durable plastic or a plastic composite. However, like various laminates, vinyl can be damaged by water over time. It will usually take longer for such flooring to suffer water penetration and damage, but water that sits on vinyl for lengthy periods of time can warp the vinyl and cause it to pull up from the floor.One final flooring material that many people consider for high traffic areas is carpet. This flooring is perhaps the least attractive option for high traffic areas because it soils easily. Buying carpets that are stain resistant can help alleviate this problem, but no fiber is completely stain proof. Those who insist on this flooring material for a high traffic area should choose a carpet rated with a performance level of 4 or 5 in order to guarantee that it will hold up well over time. Source

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder: What is your dream home? Do you have an idea of what it will look like? Defining a dream home is very difficult, especially if you have a spouse or significant other that has tastes different than your own. Although you might be able to agree on a floor plan, do you both agree on what the purposes for each of the rooms? My solution to this matter is simple. Brain storm together. Make it fun! After all it's your dream that you are talking about. Privately each of you collect floor plan ideas from other sources, and prioritize what you like. List the top 10 bedroom floor plans, bathroom floor plans, kitchen floor plans and of course the floor plan layout styles.You can do this by researching these topics: Log Home Floor Plans, Model Home Floor Plans (which, by the way, utilize small spaces very efficiently), Kitchen Floor Plans, Apartment Floor Plans (another very good space effective plan), and various architectural floor plans. Collect your "top ten" sources from each of these plans and then select your top ten out of those. You will have a very comprehensible top ten list to discuss with your spouse or significant other. Keep in mind that you can make any room the size you desire from these plans, but it's the concept and ideas of the plans that you should be collecting.You both then get together with your top ten lists and discuss why you really like the plans you choose. Make it fun! Make it a party if you want with friends and family, but you need to remember to be open minded and "listen" to the each other since you both have your own pro's and con's with each of the plans. Surprising enough, eventually you will agree on a top ten between you. In fact you probably will have extremely similar plans picked out! I did this with my wife and found that in a few hours we agreed completely on our dream home! This was the hardest part! (This method also works in determining baby names and other life critical significant other issues.)Factors to Consider: Probably the hardest factor to consider is financing availability and budget. You need to review your own current budget and evaluate how the new budget will affect your current life style. If you check your credit report and it is not what was anticipated, you might have to adjust your budget or take the necessary steps to clean it up. Since I am not a financial specialist, I would ask you to consult with the credit personnel at your local bank. Once your credit is cleaned up as much as possible, apply for a loan. Apply for the maximum amount you can get. Find out what the monthly payments would be and see if that works in your budget. Make sure your monthly payments do not affect your ability to landscape and buy some interior design items and new furniture. A common mistake most people make is that they put everything in their home but leave out the funds and budget for interior design and landscaping. Always have available financing reserved for future emergencies. Do not put everything in your home and become house poor.Location of your new dream home is also a factor. Does the neighborhood have houses similar to your style? Is there a variety of home styles? Do research on what type of neighborhood it is. Are there neighborhood, city or county ordinances that might affect your lifestyle? Make a list of all the pro's and con's of each of your choices of sites, narrow it down to your top 3 to 5 and seriously think about all the factors that might influence your decision. You don't always want the perfect size or shaped lot if there are ordinances that will effect how you use it. Be careful.Make sure you have no surprises. Ask your real estate agent for a list of permits necessary to build your dream home on the lot you chose. If they will not provide this, then go to your city and county and get the list. Make sure your construction contactor provides all of these permits in their contract with you.Local codes can also surprise a lot of dream home builders. Ask the architect that does the signed blue print on your floor plans to research local codes that may or may not affect your floor plan and dream home design. Homework pays. You can save yourself a lot of money and time if you do your homework up front.If you find this information useful you should visit the site http://www.homedesignfloorplans.com/ where you will find lots of interesting articles related to this topic provided by Robert Kempe. Source