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 many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
At the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Every area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.






Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design