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Wednesday, November 21st, 2018
If you can’t decide on a full on wall-to-wall carpet just yet, then you can always begin with this lusciousCapel Incorporated Floor Coverings The Player Rug 0023XS Oatmeal Saffron to jump-start your decorating needs.
Carpet has a long yet exciting history to offer with the earliest records coming all the way from Siberia. The excavated Pazyryk carpet came from a burial mound. This was dug up in 1947 and was declared to be 2.500 years old.
This carpet was intact because it was preserved in an ice block. The beautiful details on the fabric were kept. It came in impressive with 24 cross figures, 24 deer, and 28 men riding on horseback. Its colors have definitely faded but all the details are still pretty clear.
The Hermitage Museum now houses this wonderful carpet. This is in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
As if this were impressive enough, there are even some pieces that are known to be older than the Pazyryk piece. Some come from Iran, China, Afghanistan, and North America. The carpets that were also found there also had their own distinctive styles as well as significant stories to tell. In fact, the cultures of these places pretty much dictate the designs that are used on the carpets.
Fast forward to our time, carpets are now being mass-manufactured with the most crucial innovation being the one from Dalton, Georgia which is also known as the world’s bed sheet capital. Mechanized tufting revolutionized carpeting in the 1930s.
Why Wall-to-Wall?
There are many reasons to fall for wall-to-wall carpeting and this is not just being safe for babies who are just starting to walk.
First, wall-to-wall carpeting offers the best insulation. The carpet insulates as it holds warmth and keeps the cold out. During the colder climates, having a wall-to-wall carpet is a huge advantage. With the energy costs ever rising, it is a good idea to have carpeting in your home so you can save on energy bills.
If you love luxury then you should definitely have your home installed with a carpet. Just think of the most luxurious hotels and you cannot think of one that does not offer chic, lush carpeting.
A third reason why wall-to-wall carpet is great is noise reduction. There are even condominium bylaws that require wall-to-wall carpeting only. That’s a no-brainer considering that condo units are often installed with speakerphones, big screen television sets, sound systems, and computers. There are even those that have noisy gaming consoles.
All these equipment and electronic stuff make sounds and vibrations which carpeting could easily absorb. And if your carpet has a good amount of padding then you won’t have to worry about sound transmission at all.
Let’s not forget safety. Carpeting is also best for cushioning everyone’s footsteps. You also won’t have to worry too much about slippage and falls. This is especially useful if you have toddlers or some senior members of the family.
Another reason to choose carpeting is its durability. Quality carpets can last for many years especially when they are properly maintained and regularly cleaned. And speak of maintenance, all you have to do is to vacuum and to clean the carpet occasionally. With newer technologies being introduced, it is now easy to treat carpet stains.
Carpets are also versatile. There are so many colors, patterns, and styles to choose from. So whether you’re designing a contemporary or a traditional home, there is a carpet that would suit your style.
Softness is yet another carpet characteristic that makes it worth buying. Just face it – the hardwood floors could get noisy especially when there are kids constantly running about.
The cushioned surface that the carpeted flooring offers will surely make your life a whole lot easier.
If you’re still not sold about the idea of a wall-to-wall carpet, then just go for a huge enough area rug.
Tags: carpet, carpet design, designing with carpets, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wall-to-wall carpeting
Posted in Decorative Elements, Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | Comments Off on Wall-to-Wall Carpeting: The Perfect Look for the Holidays
Friday, October 12th, 2018
Hooker Furniture Living Room Amani Round Cocktail Table: The design elements in this room look perfect because of the equally perfect flooring.
An uneven floor is oftentimes difficult to notice. Sometimes, what led homeowners to discover that they have uneven flooring are when they place a ball on the floor and then it rolls away on the sloped surface.
The sloping problem happens when the house’s foundation sunk or has settled unevenly. This is not a common problem but it is one that will surely cause you a lot of headaches if it were not corrected right away.
You don’t have to bear with this problem forever. In fact, you need to ask yourself these questions and fast –
Once you notice that your floor is already sloping, it is best to get your home inspected. Have the foundation, basement, slabs, and even the crawling spaces inspected for signs of failure.
Here are some of the telltale signs that your home has foundation issues –
Sloping Causes
Settlement can sometimes occur unevenly. This will lead to sloping where the building goes through a downward movement. The original position of the structure has sunk below that level. The soil can move, shift or be compacted because of many issues such as
Weak soil. This is when the soil beneath and all around the house should be capable of bearing the weight of the entire structure, and yet, it gives in to the weightiness.
Loose soil. This is the soil that was poorly compacted when the house was still being built. It can also be that it gave in to the structural load above it. As this happens, the signs are often sloping or cracked flooring.
Soil consolidation. At times, the weight of the structure compresses the new soil so that the weaker soil, often clay, sinks ever deeper.
Moisture changes on the soil. It can also happen that the soil beneath the foundation is exposed to moisture. The foundation then causes soil shrinkage and a lack of foundational support.
The Solutions
An uneven or sloping floor is the most obvious sign that your foundation has a serious issue. Your next step should be to get in touch with a foundation repair specialist. This expert will help you check and thoroughly inspect the foundation. He will also recommend the right solutions as he quotes the budget that you’ll eventually allocate.
There are no DIY projects for sloping floor surfaces. Sometimes, the specialist would recommend steel push piers installation. These can be installed below the foundation so that added support is given. The floor also evens out so it becomes strengthened and straightened in the process.
The other option is to use hydraulic piers. These are installed then lifted using a hydraulic equipment. Either one of these piers will surely add strength and support to your home. In the process, they also restore if not add value to your property.
You can also go for the temporary solutions while waiting for the expertise of a flooring specialist. You can begin combating the uneven flooring issues by initially adding feet to your furniture. Also referred to as furniture levelers, these can be bought in any hardware store or even online. These dual-threaded brass screws are inserted into the foot of the furniture. One component goes to each foot. A pilot hole can also be power drilled to accommodate these. Felt pads can also be attached to the bottom so that there won’t be any scratching.
Tags: floor care, floor maintenance, flooring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, uneven flooring, uneven flooring solutions
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Uneven Flooring No More
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018
Here is proof that light-colored flooring also works with light-colored furnishings. Featured furniture is the Rae Upholstered Queen Bed from Fine Furniture Design’s Brentwood Collection.
Every homeowner can surely attest that out of the many considerations and decisions that they have to make when designing a space, the wood finish is one huge decision that needs ample attention. Apart from the various wood types, they also have to consider which colors will work best with their chosen design.
Picking light or dark wood will hugely affect the vibes that will be felt in the space. For instance, you wouldn’t want black walls to be paired with equally dark hardwood furnishings and hardwood flooring. Light-colored woods offer a cottage feel but there is no one-size-fits-all type of hardwood flooring for homes. There are people who prefer to use light woods and some who embrace the beauty of dark ones.
Here are a few questions that you might want to answer before you pick the flooring material. –
What’s in Style?
What hardwood color is currently in style? Or would you prefer to have the classic look? In the NYC metro area, what’s hot is dark hardwood flooring. Light floors with no stain come in next.
While dark flooring is in, this does not mean right away that this should become your choice, too. There are advantages and disadvantages that come with each flooring type.
Is It Easy to Clean?
Light flooring shows less dirt than darker hardwood floors. If you like dark woods, then just go for the ones that have a lighter tone. Instead of ebony, you can just go for Jacobean. Pick a satin finish if you find style as your motivation in setting up a flooring.
Of course, you can also choose to just leave the shoes by the door. Doing so will even help preserve the hardwood floors.
As for dents and scratches, know that all hardwoods can show these. Darker types, though, tend to show the scratches more.
Screen then recoat every three to four years. This is an extra poly which will help them last longer.
And here’s where dark-colored flooring becomes the canvas for the equally dark furniture but light-colored walls.
Furniture Choice
Hardwood flooring materials that come with a light finish include ash, oak, maple and hickory. These can go well with almost anything. If you have this type of flooring in your kitchen, then you’ll have to be extra careful with stains and damages. Also, make sure that you use dark-colored cabinets to go with them.
When you chose to install dark hardwood flooring, then you can go both ways. You could either match the darkness of the floor or have the furnishings come a few shades lighter.
Which Creates the Illusion of Space?
If you want to create the illusion of space, then go for the lighter tones. This is especially when you’re designing a small home. Dark flooring can cramp your space but it is ideal for bigger homes and those that have open space plans.
Preferring the dark floors also means you have to be wary with the overhead lighting as well as the wall colors to use. These have to be lighter – not darker – than the color of the flooring.
Choose an Ambiance
If you want a more cheerful and sunnier atmosphere, then you should go for the lighter hardwood floor. Dark floors, on the other hand, exude elegance. They are also warmer and more impressive.
Tags: dark flooring, dark floors, dark vs, light flooring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Dark vs. Light Wood Flooring: Seeing the Pros and Cons
Wednesday, August 29th, 2018
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Living Room Walker Exposed Wood Chair would look great on a painted flooring.
Are you considering painting your porch or even your home’s interior? This project is best when you use a latex or oil-based formula, although, the project tends to last longer with the latter. Be sure to check with your area for any oil-based restrictions.
Consider the Flooring Type
Hardwood flooring can take on a coat or two of paint. But before you do this, though, there is a need for you to test the paint with the flooring material for compatibility. Paint just a small inconspicuous section at first or you may utilize a sample slat for now.
Interior concrete can be painted with latex or oil-based paints. Yet again, conduct a test prior to painting. Check for porosity so you can determine if a wax coating or a sealer was used. Check also for moisture in areas that are constantly subjected to dampness.
Remember this – you must never apply paint for zones that have pooled water.
Laminate flooring, vinyl, and linoleum may or may not be painted. Most contractors do not recommend that these materials are left alone but if you really have to paint them, then use an oil-based paint.
Any existing floor finish especially shellac, lacquer or varnishes should be tested for paint compatibility. If you see lifting, wrinkling or bubbling as a result of painting, then this is an indication that you need to remove the finish first before paint application is done.
Prep the Floors
As soon as the tests are done and you had good results, then it’s time to prepare the flooring for the painting job.
First, sand your hardwood, painted or laminate flooring. Use a 120-150 grit paper to ascertain the highest degree of adhesion. Vacuum the floor then clean with TSP or trisodium phosphate to remove any kind of contaminant.
Let dry.
Here’s a word of caution – if you’re removing a pre-1970s paint, it could contain lead so be sure to wear a respirator. Clean the area with a HEPA vacuum and then finish with a wet mop. Just to be on the safe side, ask the help of professionals.
Another way to prepare the floor is to move floor coverings and furniture. Keep the children and pets away from the painting task.
Pick a Color Palette
Floor enamel and porch paints come in over a thousand colors. And with a sixth portion of your home (the flooring), you need to carefully choose the hue that best suits your theme.
When you have a flooring that just needs a different color but is still in great condition, then you should look for complementary hues based on your draperies, bedding, slipcovers, and just about every design element that you already have in place.
The room’s color scheme is the easiest way to pick a hue for the flooring, too, but this isn’t the only way. Consider also how the floor color could impact the rest of the design elements. If you’re committed to the current color, then it’s going to be easy to pick your floor color. If you want to alter the look, then consider your color preference and the paint’s longevity.
Pick a Finish
There are two kinds of floor and porch paints – the latex enamel and the oil-based types. The latter provides a high-gloss finish while the former comes in low-sheen and gloss finish.
There’s no need for primer paint on your porch. For a floor that’s currently painted with oil-based paint, just recoat it with a latex floor or porch paint.
Another word of caution – never cover a latex-painted flooring with an oil-based paint.
It’s Time to Paint
Once you’re through with all of the above steps, then it’s time to paint. We previously posted about floorboard painting.
Tags: floor painting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, painting the floors
Posted in Color Schemes, Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Art and Science of Concrete Floor Painting
Tuesday, July 24th, 2018
You just gotta love the American Cherry Franklin Goddard Dresser sitting right on a hardwood floor inside this living room.
If you’ve been looking for the ultimate guide in buying wood flooring to use in your home, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an aid to hardwood flooring choices, what the different types are, why they’re good, and what to consider before investing.
First off, you probably already know that hardwood flooring is costly. But there is a reason behind the sky-high prices.
The Hardwood Flooring Benefits
There are various reasons why you should choose hardwood flooring instead of other materials. First, hardwood floors can enhance the look of any room. They are elegant to look at and they can instantly give the room a certain level of warmth, thus, your home becomes more inviting.
Hardwood flooring is also versatile. They can be used with almost any theme. There is also a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from so there’s a hardwood material out there that’s surely gonna catch your attention.
Hardwood flooring is also low-maintenance. This means that they are easy to clean. All you have to do is to vacuum off the dust and dirt as deep cleaning is only needed once each year.
Another reason why hardwood floors are so popular among designers and homeowners is that they are durable. They could be dented or scratched but it would take a lot of effort to do just that. And even when the surface becomes damaged, all you would need to do is to spot clean it.
If you’re also keen on adjusting the acoustic quality in a room, then hardwood floors are your go-to flooring. You will soon observe that wood is one of the best options for an awesome sound system or home theatre.
And for those of you with family members who are allergic to almost everything, hardwood flooring is also a viable solution. You won’t have to worry about allergens unless you don’t vacuum the floors often, then that’s a totally different story. But this material is unlike carpets that take on more dust, thus, increasing the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Hardwood flooring can also add to the value of your property. Come the time when you will sell your home, many buyers would be willing to pay more because of this one feature.
Hardwood Flooring Types
There are only two major categories for hardwood flooring and these are solid and engineered. Solid hardwood is what most people generally think of when talking about hardwood flooring. These are solid planks or pieces of wood coming from your preferred wood species.
Solid hardwood is known for its natural, rustic beauty. Install it right and you are sure to have a lasting flooring for many decades. Just check which rooms are the most humid because those are the rooms where hardwood flooring should not be installed.
The second type is engineered hardwood which is made by pressing several layers of wood together. This multi-ply flooring material is known to be less susceptible to damages caused by moisture.
Engineered hardwoods are also known to be flexible. They can be used even in basements all the way up to the upper story floors. They can also be directly installed over concrete subfloors. And unlike solid hardwood, engineered ones are less pricey. So for homeowners who are watching their budgets, these can be their best choice.
Hardwood Species
So what are the most common species of wood that are used as hardwood flooring? These include cherry (with American Cherry as its most popular variety), walnut, oak, hickory, maple, ash, Douglas fir (which is loved because of its pretty uniform appearance), teak, birch, pine, to name a few.
Tags: hardwood, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring options, hardwood flooring types, hardwood species, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, why hardwood flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on All About Hardwood Flooring
Monday, July 9th, 2018
Featured furniture is the Poster Cal King Bed from Fine Furniture Design’s Belvedere Collection: Light carpeting material such as the one found in this room is enough to support foot traffic in this room of relaxation.
Carpet-buying can be a taxing task. After all, you have a lot of styles, patterns, colors, and fibers to choose from.
You need to seriously take on this task especially when you are designing your home. Even that basic cottage becomes instantly glamorous the moment you place the right kind of carpet on its flooring.
Carpeting is everywhere – not only in places where people live but also where they work. It is also found in airports, convention centers, hotels, and other commercial structures. For now, let’s help you find that perfect residential carpeting.
When you are decided on having a new set of carpet, then here are the steps that you need to undertake to end up buying the most suitable one –
Take Your Time
It is important to take your time so that you will be able to check the best qualities and the perfect pattern, color, and even the weight of your carpet. Familiarize yourself with the local retailers of flooring products.
Ask your friends for any referrals. You will soon discover that the prices decrease during spring and fall.
Set a Budget
Of course, you need to know how much you are going to spend for the square footage. The prices differ based on how the carpet is going to be used and where it is going to be placed. There are carpets that can hold massive foot traffic so these are great for spaces such as the living room but it may not be that needful inside the bedroom.
Know Where to Install
It is also important to know where you will place the carpet that you will buy. Know what carpet to place on the stairs, the family room, dining room, etc. For instance, the most durable carpets should be situated in the living room and the stairs while the medium quality carpets should be place on hallways and the dining room.
Now, where do you think the lightest carpet should be installed? If you answered the bedroom, then you are correct.
Decide on the Color
This is the next thing to do. Why? Because the color is crucial in influencing the other color choices.
Do you just go for trendy hues? Or would you pick the carpet based on long-term aspects?
Of course, in choosing, eliminate the hues that you do not want. You can then find the colors that you fancy and then take home some samples. You will not know how the carpet color would manifest in your home until you have seen it in your home.
Now, if you want to make your room appear bigger, then go for light-colored carpets. A cozier room should have darker shades to help create such an effect.
If you have children or pets in your home, then you might also want to invest in a carpet that can easily hide the stains. A solid, dark-colored carpet will help you conceal mishaps but just make sure to regularly clean it still.
Choose the Material
The major categories are natural and synthetic. Every fiber comes with its own characteristics. Wool is your classic type because it is soft, is fire-resistant, and is easy to dye. It flattens easily, though.
Nylon, on the other hand, is strong and is often used together with wool to strengthen the latter.
Polyester is the type that wears well because it does not flatten and can also be easily cleaned.
Lastly, polypropylene is the stain-resistant type which also wears well. The downside is that it is not fire resistant.
Ask your carpet dealer about the warranties of each product especially when it comes to wears and stains. Be sure to read and understand the fine print since not everything is covered.
Tags: buying a carpet, carpet, carpet buying, carpet shopping, carpeting materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What’s Your Best Carpet Match?
Monday, July 2nd, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Cadence Collection: Nothing beats hardwood flooring in serving as the perfect frame for this bedroom ensemble.
When you are wracking your brain on what flooring material to invest in, there is actually a plethora of options. Do know that cost and looks are main factors in any homeowner’s flooring decision? While this is so, never forget that the floor’s eco-friendliness must also be considered.
What’s a Sustainable Floor?
A sustainable floor is anything that can be produced from renewable materials. The processes used are also eco-friendly, meaning, they have very little to zero impact on Mother Earth. A lot of sustainable flooring materials come with a social aspect. The traditional flooring materials like sisal or bamboo are rated high in terms of sustainability.
Visit American National Institute of Standards and Technology’s BEES or Building for Energy and Environmental Sustainability when you want to learn about the assessment-based life cycle data regarding the flooring materials that you are considering.
At the top of this list are natural materials such as wood, cork, linoleum while composite marble and wool are at the end of the said list.
What greener options are there for you?
Hardwood Choices
One of the most popular options for the longest time are wooden floors. For centuries, they have been the go-to pieces when it comes to color and warmth in any interior design scheme. Unlike carpets, wood is an amazing option for people with allergies. Also, depending on the kind of timber that you eventually pick, this is an environmentally-sound flooring option.
Trees are renewable, hence, when they are grown and harvested commercially, you can be ascertained that there will be more materials to use in the future. You can now order pre-finished hardwood flooring materials.
Bamboo: From Asia and Beyond
Bamboo has been a well-loved interior design material in Asia for thousands of years. It can easily resemble hardwood but it grows more rapidly, hence, it is more renewable.
Bamboo, as opposed to the popular notion, is not wood but is actually grass. It becomes mature in as little as 3-5 years. There is also no need to worry about replanting because for as long as the root system is intact, the grass can grow once again.
Bamboo flooring can be varnished, stained or just left with its natural look.
Cork: Highly Renewable Flooring Material
Cork planks or tiles are harvested from the bark of a live cork oak. This highly renewable and is a sustainable source of flooring material. Cork tree can be harvested every decade when the tree is at least 25 years old.
Every cork tree can live up to two centuries and is a wonderful insulator, is springy, and is even fire-resistant. Cork also rates high on the green scale.
Imagine a Rubber Flooring
Why not? Rubber is often associated with industrial and commercial spaces but when you let your mind become more creative, you could also use it in kitchens, bathrooms, especially in laundry areas.
The true rubber tree is harvested from a living resource, hence, it is a hundred-percent renewable. When used as a material, it is easy to install and maintain. It is also a wonderful option for people with allergies.
Rubber is also a great vibration and sound-proofing material which makes it perfect for areas with high foot traffic.
The Rare Coconut
Not a lot of people are going to look for coconut timber when they are building their floors. Yet coconut is one of the greatest sustainable resources on the planet. Coconut palm is quick to grow with the timber being harvested once the tree is no longer producing fruits. This at around 60-80 years.
Coconut timber is a lot cheaper than teak but it is as hard as mahogany.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring options, green flooring choices, green flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable flooring choices, sustainable flooring materials
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 5 Sustainable Flooring Options
Wednesday, April 11th, 2018
Queen Sleigh Bed from the Fine Furniture Design’s Antebellum Collection: Notice how the area rug is cleverly placed on the stone tile flooring. A combination of two materials is often seen on the most beautiful floors.
Picking the right flooring material to use for your home is a great decision. You see, you have to consider the cost of materials, the schedule on which the project will be finished, and how it will be maintained in the long run. These are the factors that make homeowners reluctant in taking the plunge.
You might have found yourself in a similar situation and so you’re now anxious on how to begin. Here are some guidelines to help you get started –
Consider the Function
You need to consider where and how the flooring will be. Knowing these in advance will help you determine which materials are most suitable for high-traffic areas and which ones are not reliable when it comes to wear and tear.
Let’s begin with vinyl. This is made of synthetic polymers and the color is later added. It is a material that you would want if you want a low-maintenance sort of flooring. This is the natural pick for functional spaces like laundry rooms, kitchens, and mud rooms (a casual space that serves as a place to store footwear).
The tile, on the other hand, is either porcelain or ceramic. It is water-resistant and also easy to clean. This is the typical choice for those who are not enamored with vinyl. Tiles are more aesthetically pleasing, hence, it is used to improve the looks in bathrooms and the kitchen. Stone and wood finishes can also be used in the living area.
Composite or engineered wood is another type of flooring material that often sits under a thin hardwood layer. This can be installed over any kind of subfloor. This is a wonderful material to use in any room that is moisture-free.
Hardwood is no less than the gold standard when it comes to flooring materials. This is as durable as durability could get. If you love traditional and classic themes, then this is the go-to flooring material.
When all else fails, then you can have carpeting installed. This is often made of polypropylene, polyester or nylon. This is the default material for living areas and bedrooms.
Think About Maintenance
There are many homes that have more than one flooring material. Since this is so, you need to know how to take care of the materials that you ended up picking. It is easy to clean up vinyl and tiles. As for wood, you need to be able to sweep away the dirt. As for mold and stains, you need to mop the floor now and then.
Replace the wood every 5-10 years depending on how you maintained the floor. As for carpets, you should know what your manufacturer suggests. Other than this occasional professional cleanup, regular vacuuming would be good enough.
Establish a Budget
Of course, any interior design project must have a set budget. Pick the material that would be suitable for your budget. Vinyl ranges from about $2 to $4 each square foot. This can also be bought in large sheets. As for tiles, they are generally pricier. These can be bought at $12-19 a square foot.
Composite or engineered wood is your alternative to hardwood. Every square foot is priced at $7 to $11. If you want the real deal, then install hardwood. Real hardwood is priced at $10-15 each square foot not including the installation costs.
If you decide to go with carpeting, then be ready to shell out $4-$6 for every square foot. Usually, you would also need to pay for professional installation.
Conclusion
Don’t let shopping for flooring become a stressful event for you. This is a huge investment, sure, so you would want your project to be perfect. Just follow the considerations and simple guidelines and you should be fine.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Only Flooring Guideline You’ll Ever Need
Sunday, July 9th, 2017
The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Fair Oaks King Upholstered Bed sits beautifully on the lush bedroom carpet and a unique area rug just on its side.
Carpets have come a long way from the time when woven wool was used in the 1700s. Thanks to the power loom of Erastus Bigelow, the world has now more woven carpets to enjoy.
If you haven’t decided to use a carpet yet, it would be best to take a look at the benefits. Primarily carpets are used to protect the surface of your flooring. Whether you decided to have wood or stone installed, your flooring needs all the protection that it can get. Having a carpet does not just beautify the place but also helps it protect your feet and the flooring from having more scuffs and dents.
There are literally thousands of carpet designs and colors in the market. Your ultimate choice, therefore, should represent who you are and what truly personalizes the living space.
The carpet can serve as a neutral foundation or if it’s interesting enough, it can also serve as the focal point. If you choose to do the latter, make sure that you pick a carpet with bolder patterns, interesting texture, and brighter color.
Did you also know that studies have proven how people with asthma or other allergy problems have improved symptoms when the carpet was installed in their homes? This means that carpeting can also improve the indoor air quality.
The newest carpets have low VOC-emissions. They act as passive air filters that can trap pollen, dust and other harmful particles. These are then removed from the breathing zone.
Of course, carpets also provide warmth and comfort. They also soften one’s fall or slip as they are also the best cushions for your feet.
Last but not the least among carpet benefits is noise reduction. Just imagine all the speaker phones, TVs, and modern sound systems in your home. Without carpeting, the sounds that these create will not be reduced.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS Regal Blue
Professional Carpet Cleaning Tips
Despite your family’s best efforts to clean up after spills, accidents, and drops, the carpet will eventually succumb to damages. If you want to clean up your carpet in ways that professionals do, then learn some tips –
Let the solution sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. A sponge could then be used to soak up the liquid. As soon as the stain is gone, be sure to rinse the previously stained spot with warm water.
Cap your carpet cleaning with shaving cream by spraying the area further with a mixture of one part of water and one part of vinegar. Again, using a clean cloth, wipe away the solution.
Tags: carpet, carpet cleaning, carpet maintenance, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Carpet Appreciation and Maintenance
Thursday, June 22nd, 2017
Credenza with Marble Top: A beauty from the Belvedere Collection of FFDM.
Not a lot of rocks have numerous uses as the marble. It is used on many applications from sculpture, architecture to tile flooring. More than anything, it is used because of its cosmetic and chemical properties.
This metamorphic limestone is abundant which is why it is used in a lot of different industries. Just imagine the Vermont marble used on the façade of the Supreme Court building. Imagine also the innumerable stairs, floor tiles and risers that are all made with marble and you’d know how useful this stone really is.
A Little Marble Trivia
Did you know that marble – being exceptionally white – is, at times, used in whiting? This is a white powder that’s utilized as a pigment which has a brightening effect on paper, paint and many other products.
Marble quarrying is not easy. Special equipment is needed in order to saw blocks of stones and then they are eventually carried with another heavy equipment.
Now, let’s go to the interior design purposes of the marble stone. Let’s begin from the
ground, up.
Go for marble tiling if you want a refined look for your home. This stone has been used for many centuries inside many different homes. You will get a rich look because of this classic choice. The Romans and Greeks had spas that made good use of this natural stone.
If you’re artistically-inclined, then the marble flooring is exactly what suits you. Remember that it is durable so it is meant to last long. It is also very attractive so its value will definitely increase with time.
Marble is also bacteria and water resistant so you won’t have to worry about mold and mildew. Just have it polished from time to time so that it will retain its lovely glow.
Marble Staircase
Staircases represent the transition from different levels of your house. Stone types are wonderful because they can offer a luxuriously elegant look.
Marble and granite are obvious choices because they have a luxurious feel and look to them. Staircase steps – or the sequence of treads and risers – must be functional yet also pretty. The great news is that marble has a large variation of design, shapes, even colors, so you won’t run out of options that would suit your personality.
Going Greek with Marble Columns
Many ancient Greek structures showcase the beauty of marble columns. A lot of people consider this as their first choice because it is already a widely used building material. And, yes, it is definitely one of the oldest.
Marble columns are expected to be durable and beautiful. Just take a look at the ancient Greek architectural masterpieces and you’d know how long these columns will last. You also won’t have to worry about the raging elements because it can take direct impact and it would still look great – rain or shine.
Marble Tables
Now that you know how durable marble can be, you should also consider using it on your furnishings.
Marble table tops are a popular choice. The marble dining table, specifically, has a natural beauty that you can display proudly in your dining area. It is elegant and has a sophisticated look which will certainly impress your guests and family members alike.
Have the marble table sealed before you use it especially if it is the porous type. The sealant should prevent scratching. You should also seal marble once each year. This is the kind of light maintenance needed for this beautiful stone table top.
Should the marble table get very dirty, make sure to wipe off the dirt straightaway. Use a coaster for your glasses so that you could prevent ring formation.
Tags: marble, marble columns, marble design, marble flooring, marble table top, marble tables, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Flooring Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Marble on Just About Everything
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