From the Floors Up

The Top Effective Home Improvement Projects

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Homeowners love to customize their homes and make personalized home improvements. But sometimes, it can feel like a never-ending project when creating your dream home. Eventually, the demand for more space may become a concern. So when investing in your home, you want to know that you can receive a return on investment.

Some projects can significantly improve your home, yet not raise market value at all. Since some larger-scaled home improvement projects can be expensive, you want to know which can help increase your home’s value. Today, we are going to discuss the top most effective home improvement projects.

Bathroom Remodel 

Times are changing. Many styles have become outdated and are no longer trending. If your bathrooms look like they are a thing of the past, consider a bathroom remodel. These projects can be expensive, and you should consider getting a contractor. A bathroom remodel can consist of adding a walk-in shower, new backsplash, cabinets, floors, and a vanity. Be sure to create your own luxurious getaway in the master bath by taking your bathroom remodel to the next level. 

Kitchen Remodel 

Another large project is a kitchen remodel. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and often times, many homeowners will put this project off for some time. However, kitchen remodels can have a high return on investment. If you are looking for ways to help save on the project, consider just replacing your cabinet doors. Kitchen remodels typically will include a sink, flooring, backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops. With so much to consider, it is best to hire a contractor for this project as well. 

Patio or Deck 

Space is a very important element when it comes to the housing market. It is becoming more common for homeowners to indulge in the opulence of exterior space they can facilitate. Nothing makes a home more inviting outdoors, quite like a deck or patio. Search your market to see which is more common in your area. Spend some money in helping create the atmosphere outdoors. A quality deck or patio is a significant investment not only for the next buyer but your home experience as well! 

Where you live, the real estate market, and local demand can all play roles in your home’s price. While these projects do not guarantee a rise in price, they are great guidelines, especially for a home, you plan on living in for some time. Investigate the housing market in your area. Find what trends are increasing home value. If every household in your area has tile flooring, installing hardwood may not increase your market value. You need to pay attention to what is helping other homes sell as well. For more insight on home improvement and increasing your home’s resell value, make sure to subscribe.

Is Granite Going out of Style?

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Granite is the number one choice for countertop solutions by many homeowners and businesses. With a beautiful aesthetic appeal and extreme durability, granite has become a staple by giving any design a more luxurious and complete look. However, design is always changing. We see some trends come and go in the industry too often, but granite is a natural material which has reign superior for an extremely long time. However, with improvements and desire in quartz and marble, is granite still in style or just fading away as another trend?

Why Granite Countertops? 

When it comes to selecting a countertop, there are several material options available. Every alternative comes with its own set of pros and cons, and granite is no exception. While it can withstand extreme heat, will not scratch from cutlery or knives, and can add value to a home, it still has two significant setbacks. Granite is not the most inexpensive option available, and granite is porous. It being porous means that it can stain if not treated with a sealant annually. So, has this annual maintenance began to deter consumers from investing in these countertops? 

The Evolution of Interior Design 

We see all the time that interior design and home preferences are changing. Even in fashion and grooming styles, we notice trends come in and out of style, and each generation brings forth new favorites. Sometimes, children do not like certain flooring styles or wall colors because they remind them of “what their grandparents had.” This logic is understandable and is one of the main reasons we see the evolution in trends. However, granite countertops have been around for a very long time. As the decade turns, many styles begin to fade with it. Is granite an exception?  

Is Granite Trending or Forever? 

The truth is, quality and durability will never go out of style. Granite is arguably the most versatile option when it comes to countertops. While granite does have some annual maintenance, so do many things of value in our lives. It is hard to see granite going out of style any time soon with its superior quality and beauty it brings to every home. 

So, all in all, investing in granite countertops is an excellent decision. They work with almost every design style and can truly make your home feel more inviting and beautiful. This investment can be one of the most effective ways to transform your kitchen into a sophisticated style.

How to Master Shabby Chic Design

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There are hundreds of renowned design themes to choose from today. Some designs have passed the test of time and have been around for centuries, while others can become quick fads. One style that has proven to be quite popular is Shabby Chic. This light and airy look can create a feminine atmosphere while incorporating many antique furnishing. It is very recognizable and a fun one to incorporate in your own home or apartment. If you love Shabby Chic and want to add it to your own space, this is everything you need to know:

Antique Furniture 

Antique furniture is a staple of shabby chic. It creates a sense of elegance in the room by incorporating furniture which has stood the test of time. Many of these distressed antiques are typically painted bright white to help give the room a more airy feel. This lighter color scheme can allow old, heavy furniture to capture a more opulent appearance.  

Color Palette 

Shabby Chic is a very light and airy design. White is a great way to help open up the space and make older furniture feel less obtrusive. Typically, color is still added but in light hues, using pastel shades. Pastel colors are great because they can make very dramatic colors less influential on an environment. Consider if you painted a wall blue. The dark blue would have a very dramatic cool-tone effect on the environment. Yet, when you tone down the blue with pastel, you are left with a neutral tone that can still benefit the environment without being over-influential. 

Decor 

Shabby Chic is considered a very relaxed, romantic design. Romantic designs typically are very robust and dramatic, yet Shabby Chic can accomplish romance through its decor linens and fabrics incorporating floral designs. Shabby Chic is believed to be heavily influenced by garden design. Adding plant life or floral patterns can really make your space come alive. Incorporate subtle antiques like Edison Bulbs and distressed wood to give your space a more complete feel.

Shabby Chic is not for everyone, but it is a very growing style. It is a great way to help spruce up your home yet keep it as a passive environment. What do you like about Shabby Chic? Would you use it in your home? Let us know below in the comment section, and for more great tips and tricks on design, make sure to subscribe.

What Are Remnants and How Are They Beneficial?

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Carpet can add warmth and comfort to any room or office. If you are looking to invest in flooring and you are considering carpet, you may want to look at remnants. Many flooring stores have showrooms with carpets available to order; however, finding a flooring store that offers remnants, may allow you to buy excellent valued carpet at a cost-effective price.

When you typically order flooring, you select your carpet off a display rack. The carpet is specially ordered in for your job and can have additional charges for shipping and handling. While getting the carpet you want and the color you choose is great, you may like to explore the world of remnants. Here are three reasons why remnants may be the best option for your home improvement:

Cost-Effective 

Ordering carpet will guarantee the exact feel, look, and color you want; however, many remnants are available in high-quality looks as well. While your options are limited, you can save a lot by finding a remnant for your home. Remnants are one of the most cost-effective ways to floor your home. While your carpet may not match throughout your home, remnants are great for small offices or bedrooms. 

High Quality and New 

Buying remnants sometimes get a bad rep. Remnants do not insinuate used or low-end carpet. In fact, many remnants are the exact quality of carpet you would have ordered. Remnants can be shipped to distributors for less money when high-end, quality carpet rolls get to a small remaining balance. When mills create rolls of carpet, they can take them to 12×150 feet in space. When these rolls get down to 12×20, it is best the mills sell them to move the product – this allows distributors to carry higher-end carpet for lower pricing. 

No Cutting Fees or Shipping 

Some carpet mills have additional fees for cutting carpets and shipping. When the carpet gets to the end of the roll, there is no additional cutting fee. While shipping may still be included, distributors can purchase remnant packages. These packages allow them to get a variety of remnants at a lower price. All in all, this can be a win-win for the consumer, mills, and distributor. 

So, next time you are looking for carpet, swing into the showroom to look at some remnants. Finding a remnant for your space is the perfect way to complete your home. Remember, remnants are excellent options for small hallways, steps, and even rooms. Be sure to ask your sales representative for more information.

The Power of Color

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Color is one of the most influential properties you can add to a room. Color, yet so simple, is very complex. When we see colors, they are received and transmitted in different pathways of the brain. Due to this, we have emotions, hormones, and feelings that are directly correlated with colors. That being said, not everyone is affected the same way by colors. Since many colors have psychology feelings affiliated with them, we all can feel different ways about certain colors.  

Color Changes 

While choosing color is simply a choice of personal preference, there are many elements to consider. We cannot see color without light. If a room was painted red and another room was painted blue with no light, you would not be able to identify either. This also means natural lighting can affect how we see a room. When the sun rises and sets, we have warmer tones. However, midday light can have a more fluorescent feel. Where your windows faces can make the room feel completely different. In fact, color can be changed simply by your lightbulbs, the color of your flooring, the reflectiveness of your paint, and even the outside atmosphere (grass, sand, or snow).   

Choosing Colors 

A general rule of thumb is that rooms facing north and east do not get enough light throughout the day. This means it can be more beneficial to add warmer-hued colors. Colors like red, orange, and yellow can all help influence a warm feel in the space. Rooms that face south and west typically have enough light in them throughout the day. These rooms may thrive better using cooler tones like blue, green, or purples.

Color Feelings 

Remember, all colors have moods which they can set other than just warm or cool. Using dark tones can make a room feel smaller or more sophisticated. Lighter shades open up the space allowing light to travel more freely, which can make a room feel airier and inviting. Research color psychology to help determine which colors are best for your space, but try to not add too many colors to a space. Just see which shades work best with one another to create a seamless color scheme.

Lastly, you should always get paint swatches and test them in your room’s actual light. Check them in the morning, evening, and midday to see how they feel with the rest of the atmosphere. Remember, color can be one of the most influential elements in a space, so take the time to pick the perfect colors for your home while remembering to have fun. 

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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