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 DesignYou need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.
An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.
Walker WoodworkingYou moved into a house that allows you to have an extra bedroom, or maybe the kids have finally left, and you have a spare room, but now what? We would all agree that it is nice to have a spare bedroom, but should it be a guest bedroom, craft room, home gym, or something else entirely? Extra space is a good thing, but if it goes to waste, it has no value. Take the time to evaluate what you need and what could benefit you the most. A good plan yields excellent results and a space that will benefit you now and add value to your home later. Let’s explore some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
The master bathroom is considered a special retreat for the owners, a place of relaxation. Over the years, the design has changed from a garden tub and shower combo to walk-in showers and soaker tubs. Some wonder if both are needed or if one is more essential than the other. We want to explore the pros and cons of each and help you know which one is the best fit for you, or if you should have both.
Greenbrook Design Liver mush. Cleveland County is famous for its liver mush and the festival that has celebrated it for the past 30 years. Due to COVID-19, however, our community had to do some quick thinking to enjoy our yearly tradition still safely. This is how the first-ever virtual liver mush festival was born, and we at Greenbrook Design are honored to be one of the sponsors. Individuals were invited to share a video of themselves preparing their favorite way to enjoy liver mush for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at over $1,000.
The bare essentials. That is how some would describe a minimalist design style, one void of color and personality. A house designed with this style will only have the necessities needed to function, but that is not the case. While it is true that the minimalist style lacks the extra fluff and sparkle of other styles, it is still a beautiful choice for those who are looking to create a space with simplicity. Let’s unpack this style to see if it suits your home.
Walker Woodworking