Design Notes
It’s a New Year, a new you… But does your resolution list include some remodeling? If it does, it’s probably best to start with your kitchen – from the floors and work your way up. Kitchen floors are often victims of damage throughout the year, and now is the perfect time to give them a fresh new look. Let them shine like you’re going to the following year! There are numerous flooring options to consider for your new kitchen. So, if you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help!
There’s nothing like good old ceramics
Ceramic tiles provide the most design flexibility of any flooring material thanks to their malleability and adaptability. You can find traditional ceramics in neutral colors. While they, if you opt for a more toned-down look. But you can also find ceramic flooring in bold colors that can make your kitchen design pop. Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for kitchens due to their longevity; they are just as rough underfoot as stone tiles. However, beware of the issue of grime accumulation in grout lines.
How is it done?
Natural clay is molded, glazed, and fired at high temperatures to create a ceramic tile. This process results in a kitchen floor that is strong, long-lasting, and resistant to water and stains. Ceramic tile can withstand high temperatures without cracking and may also be broken without causing severe damage. Under normal circumstances, they may endure forever without significantly degrading in look or performance.
You can’t go wrong with vinyl tiles
Because it is a durable material, vinyl flooring can withstand considerable wear yet still feel comfortable when walking barefoot. You don’t have to worry about dropping dishes on the floor; this type of floor can handle it. Since vinyl is sold in planks and big sheets, the installation process requires careful measuring and cutting. However, there are engineered vinyl plank solutions that are not only dent- and scratch-resistant but also simple to install.
Vinyl flooring, once put in, does not absorb water and cannot be stained. Many alternatives exist, including ones that give the impression of being made of wood. However, after some time, vinyl flooring may develop dents from the weight of large equipment, which is one of its few drawbacks.
Laminate is great if you’re on a budget
Laminate flooring has long been a popular and cost-effective substitute for natural wood. It’s similar to vinyl in that it can mimic the appearance of hardwood for less money, but it’s not necessarily waterproof, unlike vinyl. However, more and more waterproof versions are now available. Like vinyl, laminate flooring is a good choice for do-it-yourselfers due to the flexibility of the planks, which may be nailed down or “floated” to accommodate an unlevel subfloor. This kind of flooring is often appreciated because it refreshes the whole space and has a highly desirable rejuvenating effect.
Make a lasting relationship with hardwood
Hardwood flooring remains a perennial favorite for kitchens due to its durability and broad color palette. It’s more comfortable to walk on than tile, and it can be refinished if scratched or damaged. Hardwood flooring is a natural choice for high-traffic areas because of its resilience. However, hardwood flooring wasn’t deemed suitable for wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens for a long time. Since current sealers and polyurethane finishes make hardwood floors more resilient and long-lasting in damp environments, the material’s reputation has undergone significant evolution. The one drawback is that it may be pricey, depending on the type of wood used.
It can be an excellent investment
Hardwood is an excellent option if you’re considering remodeling to improve your ROI when selling. It can look amazing, and many buyers are interested in it. However, it can be quite a gentle little thing when faced with excessive damage, such as the kind that can occur on a moving day. That’s why professional movers suggest using plywood sheets to protect it from scratches and all the damage that can happen by accident.
Fall in love with cork flooring
Cork is added to the list of do-it-yourself kitchen flooring options, a material that has only recently been widely available. To create the appearance of tiles or planks, you can purchase cork flooring in peel-and-stick, glue-down, or snap-together forms. Compared to other flooring materials, cork is warmer to the touch and has a softer, springier feel, making it effective in dampening noise.
Cork floors are great flooring options to consider for your new kitchen
Cork flooring is available in a wide range of gray and brown tones and is made from ground-up cork blended with resins. If you do it correctly, you can home by adding cork flooring. It’s not entirely waterproof, but it prevents stains if you mop up accidents quickly. Cork floors are naturally resistant to stains, but if they do occur, they may be sanded down and restored with stain and sealant.
Bamboo can be a great choice
Sustainable bamboo flooring is another option, similar to cork, because it is a renewable resource. Bamboo is technically a type of grass, yet it can be used as a substitute for hardwood in construction. The best part is that you can refinish it if it gets scratched up. Bamboo flooring comes in three distinct styles:
- engineered bamboo
- strand woven
- solid bamboo
Each of these is perfect for people who like the vibe of Scandinavian interior design, especially in the kitchen.
There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
Home trends and styles change every year as designers track the elements that seem to be gaining popularity and why. While it is not recommended to follow the latest trend simply because it seems like the ideal choice, there are reasons why some trends become popular, eventually becoming a staple in design. 2022 brought several trends in home decor, some of which have been around for a while but are now gaining traction for good reasons. Let’s explore some of the top options on the list so you can understand the benefits they offer and determine if they are a good fit for your home.
We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great, and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must, but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home, but one that has been trending for some time is the use of plants, both in your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally, when we think of plants, our minds think of real but faux greenery, and florals have also become popular. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world.





Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design