From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, … Learn More
Understanding Your Flooring: Carpet Tiles
Carpet tile is an excellent choice for commercial application. Where most carpet fails to keep up with heavy traffic, carpet tile succeeds. … Read More »
Understanding Your Flooring: Tile
Homeowners and business have been using tile in their design for centuries. This timeless flooring option has evolved way beyond just … Read More »
Understanding Your Flooring: Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP)
LVP has come a long way over the years. Now being the fast grossing floor in the industry, this versatile option has many beautiful planks … Read More »
Minimalism vs. Maximalism
In design, we can never generalize that one size fits all. Interior design is beautiful because it allows diversity and provides different outlets for individuals to express their style. For instance, minimalism and maximalism provide homeowners with very diverse ways of expressing their style.
Over the last couple of years, we have seen minimalism and maximalism both come in and out of style. Both bring very different attributes to design; however, neither is the right way or the wrong way to style your home. Consistency is key, and both styles demand full attention. Let us take a closer look at both designs to help you determine which style is best for you.
Minimalism
This style has been trending more with the millennials. Minimalism is a style where less is more. The belief of quality over quantity is the bare backbone to this style. Minimalism embraces functionality and easy access around a room. Clean lines are often exposed, and the atmosphere uses little to no decor. However, this design style is far from boring. The elements that are chosen to be in the room’s design are very selective and serve a purpose.
In an atmosphere with little furnishings, each piece that is selected has more of an impact. Consider a room with two leather couches and nothing else. Now, imagine placing those leather couches in a busy atmosphere with rugs, pictures, wall art, and more. The leather chairs can have a more individual influence on the room when not distracted by other elements. The aspects of the luxury of leather are more appreciated and brought out into expressing the room.
Maximalism
That being said, it does not mean that maximalism is not expressive. Maximalism is exceptionally expressive and will put style before functionality. Wall trim, ornate detailing, and lavished artwork all contribute to this atmosphere. Maximalism contains very decorated rooms and can feel eclectic at times; however, every element still has a place and a purpose. You can scrutinize a maximalism room through the finest details. These rooms will have throw pillows, curtains, wallpaper, paintings, and much more.
Both styles are very unique in their own way. We can see both having influences in today’s design world. Which style do you prefer? We would love to hear from you. Let us know in the comment section, and for more comparisons on today’s designs and more, make sure to subscribe!
Three Ways to Spruce up Your Space
Your home should reflect you, bring your style of comfort, and your taste to the overall design; however, sometimes, your space can limit you. You cannot always change your room’s layout, but there are many helpful tricks to maximize your space and add your flavor to your room. Today, we are going to take a look at three ways you can spruce up your space. Let’s take a look!
Infinite Walls
Mirrors can play the role of a window. A mirror can take a wall that is lacking light and instantly transform it, adding life and aesthetics to your room. Additionally, mirrors are an excellent way to make a room feel larger. Putting a mirror on a wall will reflect more light around the room, making your room feel brighter. Typically, the larger the size of the mirror on the wall, the bigger the room will feel.
Up, Up and Away
Ceiling height can play a significant role in how big a room appears. This is a variable you cannot control, but you can play with the illusions. Placing your curtain rods higher can make the windows feel larger. Just make sure your curtains stream from the top of the window to the floor to make the room feel elegant. This is a great way to amplify how big your room feels. Additionally, putting floating wall shelves at different heights can also amplify the height of a room.
Low-Rider
The same concept can be used on furniture as well. Furniture that sits low to the ground can make your ceiling feel higher. Whether it is a low-profile couch or a low platform bed, this will give you more space between your ceiling and the furniture. Also, lower sitting furniture gives you space to put a picture or wall art above your couch or bed. Pictures and wall art are perfect ways to express yourself in your living space. Additionally, glass or see-through furniture can also allow you to see more of the area, making your room present itself as bigger.
Minimalist
Being a minimalist can be hard to do sometimes. It does allow you to have a less stressful and cleaner environment, though. Ask yourself what purpose something serves in a room or if you have duplicates. If you do not need it, you do not keep it. The more stuff in the room, the more cluttered the space can become. Remember, less is more.
Let your home reflect you. Do not make the size of your room limit your design goals. Understanding tricks and tips to amplify your space is a great way to make a room feel more cozy and comfortable. Try to keep your room feeling opened and free while restricting yourself from clutter. Thanks for reading!
Studios vs. Lofts | What Is the Difference?
There are hundreds of housing options available on the market today. From condominiums, houses, apartments, and everything in between, there is a style provided for everyone. Many people use “loft” and “studio” interchangeably, however, they both have very distinct differences. While the open floor plans and attic influences create the design, lofts and studios are structurally unique and different from one another. If you are considering either of these two excellent options, here is everything you need to know:
Loft
Lofts can be much more than an attic storage space. Usually found in urban landscapes, lofts are made from warehouses, industrial buildings, or factory spaces. This blueprint usually allows lofts to have high-rise ceilings and become more extensive than studios. These architectural differences make lofts ideal for industrial and urban style design. Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and exposed ductwork are not uncommon in the design.
Studios
The most notable differences between studios and lofts are their sizes. Studios have much smaller atmospheres, tailored to an individual or a couple lifestyle. Usually, studios will consist of only one room with little to no privacy. This makes the environment not ideal for hosting guests. Yet, the comfort and coziness of studio living are unparalleled to any other space. This quaint living style is highly desirable and can come with a low-price tag comparable to other options.
Which One Is Better?
It simply comes down to what will accommodate your living style best. Studios lack privacy but can be less expensive for renting. If privacy is not a huge concern of yours, this option may be tailored for you. Studios are not very accommodating for family living, yet they are more cost-friendly. However, lofts have a larger layout. They give you more space for hosting friends and family. If this is something you plan on doing, you may want to consider living in a loft.
Both styles have benefits for different types of lifestyles. They are very unique in their look and can give you an edgy style of living. Which style do you like best? Let us know below in the comment section.
Should I Hire an Interior Decorator?
So you have a vision for what you would like your home to look like, but the big question is: should you decorate yourself or seek out the help of an interior designer? Before interior decorating became an industry, people just designed their homes themselves; however, we are not all gifted with the ability to decorate. If you are struggling to determine whether you should hire an experienced decorator, we have outlined some things you should consider. Let’s take a look!
Is It Right for You?
Many people think that only lavish, luxurious homes can benefit from the help of a professional decorator, and that is simply not true. Whether you live in a small cottage home or a big house, you can still have your space skillfully designed by a professional. On the other hand, others think that hiring an interior decorator is not in their budget. However, it does not have to break the bank. If you are hesitant to hire professional help because you think a professional designer will make your home reflect their own personal style and taste, you are wrong. A collaborative process is always encouraged.
Why You Should Decorate Yourself
There are many advantages to decorating your home yourself. Obviously, you can keep all your coins in your pocket if you decide to take this route. You can expect your home to truly reflect you and your family’s style, which means you get to take all the credit. Beware that the do-it-yourself route only works if you know what you like, what you hate, and how to work design elements.
Another advantage of decorating your home yourself is that you can complete the project in stages. Since it can be a challenge to decorate on a small budget, when done in stages, you can proceed as extra funds become available.
Benefits of Hiring an Interior Decorator
Of course, seeking help from a professional will make the job a bit easier. You can expect professional results without a headache. Designing your home yourself can be time-consuming, especially if you are a novice because there is a steeping learning curve. Plus, interior decorators have access to a large variety of fabrics and furnishings. Home goods found at your favorite outlets are only a fraction of what is actually out there. Through a designer, you will have access to showrooms.
All in all, the decision is yours. Weigh out the pros and cons of an interior decorator and determine if it is right for your budget and design dreams. If you feel incapable of doing it yourself, there is nothing wrong with asking for some assistance. An interior decorator can be life-changing.
Which Driveway Is for You?
Your curb appeal is made up of a complex formula containing many intricate details. Your siding, windows, plants, lawn, and driveway all can influence your home’s exterior. Functionality and aesthetics can both play a significant role in what driveway you choose. Your driveway is the first interaction most people will come in contact with when visiting your home, and not all driveways are created equal. Selecting from some of the many options available may seem like a daunting task at first because most homeowners do not replace their driveways very often. However, when the time comes, you may need to refinish or replace your driveway. Discover the pros and cons of different driveway options so you can best choose a selection that is best suited for you.
Asphalt
PROS
Asphalt is a more durable compound than stamped concrete or gravel. Many homeowners use asphalt in colder regions. This is because it is highly salt resistant, easy to remove snow, and slip-resistant.
CONS
Asphalt is a very common driveway material, and because of its frequency, it has a low curb appeal feel. It is not resistant to oil stains, yet its dark nature can hide some stains. While being durable, when it breaks down, it is no easy task to repair.
Stamped Concrete
PROS
Stamped concrete is very attractive and will help enhance the exterior look of your home. It is very durable as well. By switching from poured concrete to stamped concrete, your driveway will also be oil-resistant. While not as convenient as asphalt, you will still be able to remove snow fairly easily from your driveway.
CONS
If your stamped concrete driveway does crack; however, it is not an easy repair. It is one of the least slip-resistant driveway options as well. Also, to be noted, if you live in an area that treats driveways with salt, it can damage your driveway in the long run.
Gravel
PROS
Gravel will be your most cost-effective route to creating your driveway. It is extremely easy to repair, and you will not have to be concerned with slipping. Also, if you salt your driveway, you should have no concern.
CONS
While salting your driveway is easy, plowing and shoveling will not be. The driveway is one of the least durable options and lowest on curb appeal.
When selecting a driveway material, weigh out the pros and cons. If you are looking to get your driveway done at the most affordable price, gravel is your best option; however, if you are looking to get more durability and longevity from a driveway, consider stamped concrete or asphalt as an alternative method. For more insight on home improvements, make sure to subscribe.
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