Design Notes
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
What Flooring Material Is Best?
Each area of the home will have different flooring needs depending on the use and function of that space. There are multiple options available in a variety of colors that suit whatever your style or personal preference. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing flooring for specific areas in the home.
- Kitchen: This is the hub of the home, the place we gather to cook, eat, talk, and write those quick to-do lists. Because of the high traffic flow, your flooring should be durable. Ideal choices are tile, laminate, waterproof vinyl, or wood. Since cooking is one of the main purposes of the kitchen, it is inevitable that food will land on the floor. So, an important factor to keep in mind is maintenance. Choose a flooring that is easy to clean, can withstand scrubbing, and is less likely to stain, which will make it much simpler to take care of in the future.
- Bathroom: One of the most important considerations for this area of the home is water resistance. The bathroom is synonymous with getting wet, which can happen from an unexpected leak, overspray from the shower, or kids having a good time being kids. The excess condensation that happens can also run down the wall and slowly seep into the floor over time. This is why tile tends to be the number one choice for bathroom flooring, and laminate is discouraged. Of course, there is a drawback to tile, which is its smooth finish, making it a little slippery. When choosing a tile flooring, go with one that has some texture. Waterproof vinyl flooring is also another great flooring option.
- Entryway: This is the area that makes the greatest impression because it is the first thing your guests will see when they come over. It will also receive a heavy amount of dirt and grime, which means you need to pick something that is both durable and easy to maintain. Some great options include hardwood floors, porcelain tile, which is built to withstand high traffic, and, of course, vinyl tile.
- Outdoor: Having a separate outdoor area is becoming more and more popular with homeowners today. For the areas that extend beyond the deck, some good choices include brick, ceramic tile, and concrete. It is important to remember that this flooring will be exposed to multiple elements, as well as foot traffic. Be sure to talk with your designer about options that meet this requirement.
Taking the time to research the needs of individual areas will ensure that you install the correct flooring and maximize your investment.
What Flooring Matches Your Style?
Flooring is meant to do more than just provide you with a functional material to walk on. It should also be a reflection of your style and match the feel of the design. There are so many different styles, such as:
- Farmhouse
- Contemporary
- Traditional
- Transitional
Each carries its own unique elements and may need a different material to best complement the look and feel of the design. A farmhouse-style kitchen works well with hardwood floors, especially ones with wide planks, plus they are durable and easy to maintain. A contemporary design leans towards neutral tones and mixed textures. Tile and vinyl flooring are great choices for this particular style. Traditional designs are best suited for hardwood floors, similar to the farmhouse, but you can also use linoleum, tile, or even engineered wood. For transitional styles, they mimic the traditional, but, of course, the color choices can vary drastically. There are multiple options available now for a wide variety of design styles, so you should be able to find something you like. Be sure to talk with your designer and ask questions about the material and style.
Does Flooring Affect Your Home Value?
Of course, changing or upgrading your flooring can be a large expense, depending on the material, since it covers the entire house. You may be wondering if it is worth it, does it even matter? The answer to both is yes, it does, but it can depend on the type of flooring you choose. Hardwood flooring can yield a decent return on investment since it can boost the sale price of your home by up to 2.5%. Of course, hardwood is also at the top end of the budget light. A few budget-friendly flooring options include:
- Vinyl
- Linoleum
- Engineered
For additional information about how much certain flooring options can increase the value of your home, read a post by HomeLight. Color is also an important factor, especially if you are considering selling your home in the near future. Neutral tones such as creme, soft whites, and even grays are a good choice, along with nature-inspired shades such as rich wood tones and dark tints like charcoal. Avoid following trends when flipping or renovating a house to sell, as they come and go and don’t appeal to everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding the return on investment when selecting flooring for your home.
Benefits Of Correct Flooring
While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, you may wonder what the benefits are of choosing flooring that works best in a particular room. There are several, some of which depend on the material chosen, such as hardwood or tile. Here are a few of the general ones:
- Lasts longer
- Better function
- Enhanced aesthetic
- Maintenance friendly
When you choose flooring that works best for individual spaces, it means that the function you need will be there and last longer than if you had chosen a material ill-suited for the room.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Walker Woodworking