Pros and Cons to Different Flooring Types

When it comes to flooring, there are lots of different choices, each with their own benefits. Below, we’ll outline those benefits, and other things to consider, when choosing flooring for different rooms in your home. 

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a durable option that can last for many many many years. Hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it look new again. Wood planks come in a variety of widths, wood species, textures, and colors, making it easy to coordinate with your design. Different species of wood have different hardness, so you'll want to choose one that can withstand the amount of foot traffic in that room. Hardwood is best for shared living spaces on the first floor- living, family, dining room.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood. It looks like hardwood, but is more resistant to moisture. Engineered hardwood is a good choice in areas of your home where you might be concerned about true hardwood warping due to high humidity levels, such as in a basement. One drawback to engineered wood is that it’s not able to be sanded down or refinished as frequently as you could with true hardwood floors because of the thin top veneer. You can refinish one to three times depending on the thickness of the top layer.

Laminate

If you love the look of hardwood, but can’t fit it into your budget, laminate flooring might be a good choice. Laminate doesn’t have a real wood top layer and cannot be refinished. Instead, it’s an image captured using photo-realism technology, covered in a thick plastic coating. Laminate is sturdy and durable, and looks almost identical to the real thing for a fraction of the cost. It is best used in high traffic areas that don’t see a lot of moisture.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is a durable, waterproof option (great for kitchens and baths) that is affordable and typically easy to install. It’s soft underfoot and easy to maintain. It is also scratch resistant, which is great if you have kids or pets. LVP is available in a variety of colors, finishes, textures and sizes to coordinate with your space. The con for LVP is you can’t refinish these floors if they’re scratched. You can replace boards if you order extra (highly recommend).

Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tile is one of the most versatile flooring types. Its many colors, textures, shapes, and sizes make it an option that could coordinate well with any room in your home. It’s important to choose tiles that are rated for use on floors to ensure they will stand up to foot traffic. Tile is great for wet areas- entry/mud room, kitchen, bathrooms.

Carpet

Carpet is another versatile option. It comes in many different colors, textures and materials. Carpet provides a soft, warm surface and helps with dampening noise. Durability depends on the fiber density count- the more fibers it has per square inch, the more durable it will be. Carpet is typically a good choice for bedrooms. Great for a budget but can be hard on allergies.

Which flooring suits your home best? Let us know!

Creating A Cozy Corner At Home

Since we’re all spending a lot more time at home these days, now is the perfect time to create a cozy spot to curl up and relax in. A comfortable spot just for you to sip your coffee, read a book, or take a nice nap. We’ll tell you how to create that perfect space below.

These are some of the main things you’ll need to create a cozy corner in your home- First, find a space with good lighting. Whether it’s with natural light from windows or from lamps, you’ll want a well-lit space, especially if you’re planning on using your new cozy corner to read. Next, have a comfortable place to sit, like a soft, cushy chair with ottoman to put your feet up, as well as a small table to put a beverage on. Lastly, ramp up the comfort level by adding soft throw pillows and blankets. 

You can create a cozy corner in almost any room in (or outside) of your home. Some great locations are bay windows, near the fireplace, in a home library, game room, porch or bedroom. No matter what space you choose for your cozy corner, make it your oasis by adding soft textures, relaxing colors, and other things that bring you joy, such as family photos or other cherished items. 

If you’re looking to create a cozy corner for kids, use a tent to create a secret spot filled with bean bag chairs, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals. Use fun, durable and easy to clean materials. Have a shelf or basket with books, toys, and puzzles within reach. 

Do you have a cozy corner in your home? Where is it and what is your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments!

Creating A Home Gym You'll Want To Use

Source: HGTV

If the thought of going to the gym makes you cringe, perhaps setting up your own home gym is a better option. When most people think of the gym, even one at home, they probably think of something ugly and boring, with no personality. It doesn’t have to be that way, though! You can have both style and function! Read along for ideas on creating a stylish home gym of your own. 

Source: Blue i Style

First, you’ll have to choose the right place in your home to set up your gym. Typically, places that are more secluded, such as a basement or a spare room upstairs will have less interruptions and allow you to focus on your workout. I’ve even seen them set up in the garage. Once you choose the place, consider the setup. Think about what kind of training you want to do in the space and what equipment is necessary. You don’t want a bunch of unused equipment cluttering up the room, making it hard to move around safely. Plus, lots of clutter can ruin the look and feel of the space. The mood and atmosphere of the gym is important, as it plays a big role in how much the room will get used. 

Speaking of mood and atmosphere, the colors, lighting, decor, etc, play a big part in that. If you’re setting up a yoga studio, soft, calming colors are a good pick. If you’re planning on doing a lot of cardio or weight training, then you can go with something bold and energizing. Don’t be afraid to have fun with patterns and colors. A fun light fixture, funky wallpaper, colorful art and accessories are what will give your space personality. You might also consider adding amenities such as a mini fridge stocked with water, a tv, or a sound system. 

Source: Houzz.com

Organize your space by creating areas with shelves, hooks and bins for various pieces of workout equipment such as jump ropes and resistance bands, as well as things like towels, magazines, and anything else you’ll need during your workout! Stylish and functional storage will keep all of your essentials easily accessible and tidy.

The goal is to create a space you will want to use and enjoy being in on a regular basis. One that is inviting and inspiring. What are some of your fitness goals this year? Will you be setting up a stylish home gym area? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Fireplace Mantel Styling Tips

A fireplace is often the focal point of a room, but many find it difficult to decorate the mantel. The trick is to create layers to get that perfectly styled mantel you’re looking to create. 

Source: Tidbits & Twine

Layer 1 is the anchor. The anchor is a large piece such as a mirror, art, or even a flatscreen tv. This anchor piece should be the tallest object in your overall design and should fill a large portion of the space. An anchor that is too small or too big will look off. A good tip is to make sure that whatever you’re using as an anchor visually balances the firebox below.

Layer 2 is the weight. Choose items to place on both the left and right sides of your anchor that will add width and visual weight to your overall design. These items don’t need to be the same, though they can be, just as long as there is balance on both sides. Items of similar weight, size or scale can create that visual balance. For example, tall candlesticks on the left of the anchor and stacked books with a plant on top on the right. 

Source: Magnolia Market

Layer 3 is the filler. This layer is optional depending on the look you’re going for. If minimal is your thing, skip it. Otherwise, you can add objects of varying height to the center of the mantel, underneath/in front of the anchor. Keep these items smaller in scale than the objects used in layer 2, but still proportionate. 

Following the layering steps above will help you create the stylish mantel you’ve always wanted. Switch out items for the seasons or different holidays and have fun with decorating your space!

2020 Colors of the Year

Source: Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams has released their pick for 2020 Color of the Year and I’m super excited about it! Naval (SW 6244) is a “rich navy that creates a calm and grounding environment infused with quiet confidence.” I’ve been digging navy for a while now and I can’t wait to see more of it used in design, furniture, and decor. It’s a great, bold neutral, and it pairs well with gold accents, white marble, and greenery. 

As described on the Sherwin Williams’ website, “Giving a nod to Art Deco influences, Naval fuses the striking and bold opulence of Art Deco with the awe‑inspiring power of nature – from the infinite night sky to the mysterious depths of the sea – bringing navy out of its comfort zone to usher in an empowering new year and fresh decade of change. This deep shade evokes a prominent sense of confidence that fuses timeless color with a fresh mix of natural materials and textures that bring navy blue into a new era.”

If you’re on the fence about using such a bold color on your walls, check out the tips in our newsletter for ways to incorporate navy into your home in a more subtle way.

Source: Benjamin Moore

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Benjamin Moore’s choice for 2020 Color of the Year. They picked First Light (2102-70), a “soft, rosy hue blooming with new potential. The backdrop for a bright new decade.” It’s described as “A refreshing alternative to white or beige, First Light is a soft, airy pink that flatters any space and plays well with other colors.” Pair this uplifting color with gold accents, light wood, and greenery to keep the overall feel light and bright. 

I think pairing these two colors would look amazing! Which one do you like best?

- Kerri