From the Floors Up

Textures in Your Home’s Design

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Interior design is an outlet for you to express yourself and tailor your design to your specific needs. In fact, there are many attributes to consider when designing a space. We have seven elements to consider when designing your home: space, lines, form, light, color, texture, and balance. Yet, these elements are more than just the visual aesthetics of the space. A well-thought-out space integrates all the “what you hear,” “what you smell,” and even “what you touch” aspects. Our most perceptive sense is our ability to feel; therefore, it is critical not to neglect the element of texture in your design. What we physically come in contact with in a space creates a huge part of the experience. If you want a room to feel relaxing and comfortable, you better have furniture that is relaxing and comfortable. To help you better understand the topic, here is what you need to consider when adding texture to your home:

Physical Textures

The physical textures in your home are what you physically feel. This can mean, if your room is meant for comfort, you may have soft carpet textures on the floor. You may also include blankets and throw pillows on the couches. These small features are ways of having physical texture in your room. If you are trying to create a space that is more rustic, you may want more raw and authentic natural textures like woods. Texture is essential in finishing off how your room feels.

Visual Textures

On the other spectrum, we have textures we see but may not come in contact with touching. These can be stucco walls and ceilings or unique plastered wall arts. While we may not physically touch these elements in the room, their visual texture can add depth to the atmosphere. This concept is important to consider, as well, so try to have several forms of texture in every room.

Do not neglect texture from being apart of your design theme. Step back and ask what is your room’s general design purpose? Do the textures in the room help create that thought? If not, make sure texture is always aligned with your room’s purpose.

Solid Surface Countertops FAQ

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Solid surface countertops are a manmade countertop solution that is created from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles to create an alternative to natural stones. These solid-surface countertops have been around for a long time and were traditionally a high-end option for living spaces. Today, however, solid-surface countertops are used more frequently in homes looking to eliminate the cons of natural stone. This frequency has made solid-surface countertops a little more common in the market, taking it from a luxury countertop option to a more practical option. Our readers still have many questions when it comes to this manmade alternative and its many benefits. Here are our top asked questions on solid-surface countertops to help address those concerns:

Q: Do solid-surface countertops have seams?

A: Yes, but unlike natural stone, they are much harder to see. Natural stones have a large variety of character and patterns, which makes it virtually impossible to hide the seam. No two slabs of natural stone are the same. However, solid-surface is fabricated and can come in solid colors which can make seams nearly impossible to see.

Q: Can I put hot pans or pots on my solid surface countertop?

A: No, because solid-surface countertops are made from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles, and both compounds perform poorly under extreme heat. This can cause discoloring, bubbling, and other unwanted damage.

Q: Are solid surface countertops durable?

A: Solid-surface countertops are very durable. They are antibacterial and nonporous, making them extremely low-maintenance. However, they can be scratched with knives or abrasive products and extreme heat. Professionals can renew the surfaces if damaged, which can save you from replacing your countertops early.

Q: What are the main advantages of solid surface countertops?

A: These countertops are primarily desired for their low-maintenance and inconspicuous seams. They may not be granite or marble; however, they still look beautiful in homes. Many homeowners and businesses enjoy how customizable these countertops can be since they can fit with any design theme in the industry!

The variety of colors, styles, designs, and versatility of solid-surface countertops is highly desirable. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, these countertops will work in almost any atmosphere! If you have more questions about solid-surface countertops, let us know in the comment section, and for more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

Different Window Options for Your Home

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Every window on our home serves a purpose. They let in the outside light while opening up your atmosphere. They can also be used to let in fresh air from outdoors. Additionally, quality windows can be necessary for keeping your home insulated. If you are looking to replace your outdated windows, you have many options to consider. There are several great window options available today, but here are four options you may want to consider for your own home:

Transom

Transom windows are usually used for trim. They allow light to enter the home but do not open. These are more ornamental for the exterior of the home than used to ventilate your property. However, they do allow light to enter and can be installed over doorways.

Slider Windows

Slider windows are installed on a track. They can slide horizontally across a track and are often used in many Modern home designs. In most cases, they can be opened from both sides, allowing the window to be in the middle while air wraps around both sides, ventilating the home.

Awning

Awning windows have a hinge that allows them to open outwards. These will not take up space in your interior and can help direct wind into the home. This ventilation option is excellent, even on rainy days. Opening from the top makes an awning effect, which will also prevent rain or snow from coming into the house.

Double-Hung Windows

These window frames hold two windows: one on the top of the frame and one on the bottom. The frame allows these windows to travel vertically up on down along the rails. This is great because you can open your window from the top or from the bottom. This will also prevent the windows from protruding into the room like some windows do.

When looking for the right windows for your home, consider all the options. Some windows may be a better choice for your house needs. You may even consider different options for different areas of your home. Just be sure to do your research before committing to any one type of window.

Benjamin Moore’s Pick for Color of the Year 2020

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Image by Benjamin Moore

The announcement of the Color of the Year can be an exciting time in the design community. Since the Color of the Year tends to be an influential color on the marketplace, it can help put forth predictions for the upcoming year’s design trends. Recently, Benjamin Moore announced their top pick for 2020’s Color of the Year. They chose “First Light,” a soft blush that is light and airy.

“Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2020, First Light 2102-70, is a rosy hue blooming with potential.” – Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore describes First Light as “a fresh palette, a revitalized spirit, and a soft, rosy hue blooming with potential. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2020, First Light 2102-70, is the backdrop for a bright new decade.”

Image by Benjamin Moore

Plus, while being the perfect backdrop to any design, First Light is considered both a cool- and warm-tone color, making it incredibly versatile in any design.

Image by Benjamin Moore

Additionally, Benjamin Moore paired First Light with their Color Palette prediction for 2020. Alongside the Color of the Year, you will find nine other bright and airy colors (White Heroon, Crystalline, Windmill Wings, Buxton Blue, Golden Straw, Thunder, Cushing Green, Oxford Gray, and Blue Danube). Benjamin Moore states, “The Color Trends 2020 palette-ten harmonious hues that complement First Light 2102-70-combines optimism with understatement, a selection of bright, airy hues and saturated colors that are easy to live with. Hand-selected by Benjamin Moore’s Color and Design experts, these ten paint colors can stand alone or cohabitate seamlessly. “

  • Image by Benjamin Moore
  • Image by Benjamin Moore
  • Image by Benjamin Moore
  • Image by Benjamin Moore

What do you think about Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2020? Do you prefer one of the colors found in the Color Palette for 2020? We would love to hear all of your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

How to Make a Visual Dramatic Impact to Your Home

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Interior design has many ways in which it can captivate our minds. A good design should be functional and fluent. Incorporating a “wow factor” to a room is also a great way to bring your design to the next level. But how do you create that dramatic impact? Some rooms can feel so mundane. Well, you do not need an elaborate room to create some visually stunning features. Here are three great tips for creating a dramatic impact in any room of your home:

Hard Contrast

A tried and true method of catching attention is a hard contrast. Hard contrast is created when two opposing colors are next to one another. While red and blue or orange and green may create a very visible contrast, colors with varying hues will also create this effect. Therefore, the strongest contrast is black and white. You can help create depth to a room by incorporating black and white. These opposite colors create hard lines and a visually noticeable effect.

Ornate Design

A dramatic effect in the atmosphere does not need to be created with contrast. Victorian Design was a very lavished and highly ornate design style. It is hard not to find any aspect of these environments from being visually intriguing. You can create a dramatic effect in your environment by adding some ornate design and going above and beyond the details in your room. Add crown molding, intricate baseboard, unique furniture, and beautiful textiles to accomplish this look. Adding luxury to a room is a for-sure way to take a boring atmosphere and make it stunning.

Enhanced Focal Point

Most good designs will incorporate a focal point to their design. This can be anything from paint, a unique piece of furniture, a chandelier, or even a fireplace. The key is to enhance your focal point. Add depth to your paint or put a spotlight on it. For example, you can add a tile backsplash above your fire mantel to draw more attention to this area. This can help enhance the overall aesthetics of your room by drawing eyes from weaker design areas and forcing them to look at the key points you choose to highlight.

With these three tricks in your arsenal, you will be ready to elevate your design theme. But remember, not all homes are created equal, so carefully evaluate how you can make your space have that “wow factor.” You may need to mix a few of these styles or just make subtle notes of them. For more insight on interior design, make sure to subscribe.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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