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 Design 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Greenbrook DesignGiven how busy and chaotic life can be, sometimes we all need a comfortable space to decompress at the end of the day and get a good night’s sleep. While the kitchen and bathrooms may be the rooms that affect your property value the most, showing your bedroom some love could prove valuable. You may be thinking that a bedroom remodel sounds stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. These DIY bedroom remodel tips from Greenbrook Design will help you give your bedroom a makeover while ensuring the process goes smoothly.
Walker Woodworking When redoing a room in your home, several key elements are considered, including color, furniture, and accent pieces. One piece that can often be overlooked or become an afterthought is a rug. Usually, a rug is selected based on something we like about it, or we hate a bare floor and need something to cover it. Rugs, however, are more than just something fuzzy under your feet; there are multiple benefits to having a good rug in your space, but what is a good rug? Let’s discuss what you need to know when buying a rug for your home.
Walker Woodworking