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!

Fall Home Decorating Tips

Summer is almost over and fall is on the way here in Raleigh/Durham NC! With that comes cooler temps, shorter days, pumpkin everything (yum!), changing leaves, and also, fall decorating! Here are some ideas to spruce up your space for the season. 

Add Texture

Think velvet, faux fur, and chunky knits. Thick, warm, soft materials such as these bring a coziness to your space. Items such as pillows and throw blankets are an easy, budget friendly way to incorporate texture. Add some woven baskets for stylish storage. 

Layer

Similarly to adding texture, make your space cozy and inviting by layering fabrics such as blankets, drapes, pillows and even rugs. Use items with different textures, patterns and coordinating colors for a pop of visual interest.

Incorporate Fall Colors and Patterns

When I think of fall, I think of patterns like plaid and colors like burnt orange, burgundy, gold, forest green and brown. Bring these colors and patterns in to your space through art and accessories, pillows and blankets. Luckily Target, HomeGoods and even Michael’s makes this extra easy on you!

Bring Outdoor Elements In

Glass vases with stems and greenery from the trees outside, pinecones, leaves, and small gourds are perfect to create a fall inspired feel inside your home. The best part is you can find most of this for free in your own yard! Or enjoy a fall scavenger hunt by going on a family walk.

Do you have any fall decorating tips we haven’t mentioned here? Let us know in the comments!

- Kerri

Product Review: Nuvo Cabinet Paint

As we mentioned in last month’s blog post, we often tell occupied home staging clients that updating their home will help with the sale. One update that has a big visual impact is the cabinets! Now, I’ve already painted our kitchen cabinets when we moved in. That said, recently I have been eyeing some beautiful navy cabinets on Instagram. Alvin was not on board with painting our kitchen cabinets again (who could blame him?!) but the bathroom cabinets were fair game!

There is this product on Amazon that I recommend to our clients who could benefit from a cabinet update but don’t want to (or can’t afford to) install new cabinets or have them professionally painted. It’s called Nuvo Cabinet Paint. It comes in multiple different colors, all of which are currently popular for cabinets and claims you can complete an entire kitchen in a weekend or less. I went with Oxford Blue for a bold look in our small space.

The kit comes with everything you would need, but I already had a ton of painting tools except the paint so I just ordered the single quart. I used our mouse sander on the old cabinets to give the paint a rough surface to cling to. It’s worth noting that the bathroom cabinets had a laminate surface, which made me a bit nervous that the paint would chip right off. You can see below what we started with.

Luckily, the little bit of sanding I did did the trick! In just an hour we had brand new (looking) cabinets! This includes the time I spent sanding and removing the hardware. The paint dried quickly so I was able to apply the second coat as soon as I finished the first one. Based on this timing, it seems completely reasonable to think you could complete a kitchen in a weekend. I’m also happy to report that it has been several weeks since I completed the painting portion of the project and there have been no chips! Ta-Da!!

Since I wanted a more complete updated look, I also added new cabinet pulls. I ordered these ones from Wayfair and LOVE them. I’ve also added them to Atti’s dresser and our bathroom cabinets. Eventually I will be painting our cabinets with the Nuvo paint as well.

Other updates I’ll slowly chip away at are vanity lights, faucet, and new vinyl tile. These are the ones I’m currently eyeing.

If I were to break the costs down it would be:

1. Paint: $32 (covers both bathrooms)

2. Knobs: $1.80 a piece, $3.60 total for this bathroom

3. Floor Tile: $1.20/sf, ~$20 total for this bathroom

4. Faucet: $56

5. Vanity Light: $84

6. Total: $195.60
   

Overall, not bad! This is a very budget friendly way to give your cabinets and bathrooms a quick update whether you’re planning on listing your home or loving it!

Cold Weather Home Styling Tips

I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly ready for it to warm up! The taste of spring we got last week was amazing and I can’t wait for winter to make its way out of here! While we wait for spring to arrive, let’s talk about decorating your home for the cold.

Layer

Layer! Layering isn’t just for clothing. Layer in textured bedding, throws and pillows in materials such as velvet and faux fur, to turn your space into a cozy spot to get away from the cold. You can also layer your window treatments to help keep out drafts. Heavier, thicker drapery panels over sheers will help keep out the cold while still letting light in.

Color

Add color! It’s stark and cold outside, and adding cheery color will brighten up your space and your mood! Add pops of fun color into your space with a bright colored throw, boldly patterned pillow, and colorful art and accessories. Plus, these colorful items can transition into your spring and summer décor.

Light

Hang mirrors and add lighting. While daylight is limited, maximize the natural light available by hanging a large mirror on the wall or over the mantle to reflect the light and make your space seem lighter and brighter. When the daylight fades to night, light the way with lamps, string lights and candles.

Greenery

Add plants and flowers! Bring nature indoors by adding greenery (real or faux) and fresh flowers. These add vibrancy to your space and create the illusion of being outdoors while you stay warm and cozy.

Do you have any favorite cold weather decorating tips? Let us know in the comments!

- Kerri