Posts by creatingyourspace | From the Floors Up

Understanding Your Flooring: Tile

July 1, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Homeowners and business have been using tile in their design for centuries. This timeless flooring option has evolved way beyond just ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, granite, marble, glass, limestone, terracotta, and more, flood the industry with many gorgeous designs. These incredibly entrancing floors can turn any bathroom or kitchen into a beautiful masterpiece. From floor tiles to backsplashes, tiles are adorned for their high aesthetic appeal and sophisticated designs. While functionality, affordability, and durability can all be determining factors in your flooring, we will give a better understanding of tile and see if it is best suited for your needs:

Tile is an extremely durable floor. While tiles can crack, they are suitable for extreme heat like around fireplaces, can be put in wet environments like showers, and some can even withstand the treacherous conditions of the outdoors and be installed on patios.

Scratch resistance will simply come down to the tile you choose. While most tiles can withstand some scratching, painted tiles and glass tiles are not recommended in these areas. Make sure you know if your tile will scratch easily because this can determine if it needs to be sanded or feature unsanded grout.

Tile is porous, which means water can travel through it. However, tile is usually treated and will have a waterproof underlayment to allow it to be installed in shower systems or as a backsplash. Tile is one of your best routes to go when installing floors in a wet area.

Unfortunately, if you fall on tile, you will notice. This is not the most comfortable or forgiving flooring option. If you worry about slipping, make sure to invest in a slip-resistant tile in wet areas.

While spills and accidents will be easy to clean, the floor is not forgiving for falls. Be cautious of installing tile in areas where kids may fall or slip.

Because tile is porous, it is susceptible to staining. Your grout can stain as well. Most grout and tile are treated to prevent staining. Make sure you keep up on the maintenance of your tile to avoid unwanted staining.

While not the most expensive flooring option, tile is generally a little more expensive. Installation for shower systems and backsplash can be on the higher end as well.

Tile can really enhance your home’s look. Consider adding tile to your kitchen or foyer to create your dream oasis. Tile has been around for centuries and rightfully so. This timeless option can truly make a room stunning. For more insight and analysis on different flooring types, make sure to subscribe and check out more of our series.

Different Base and Trim Options

June 26, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Typically, base and trim are used in homes where one surface transitions to a wall. This can help create a more aesthetic, natural look where the ground and walls meet. Different floorings may require different base and trim. Your trim will also help hide any blemishes or contraction and expansion gaps between the walls. If you are looking to add trim, here are your best five options:

Carpet Base

Carpet base is typically used in a commercial project. It is a great complementary piece to add to the aesthetic look of glue down carpet or carpet tiles. Carpet base can be cut in long strips to help eliminate seams. While primarily used in commercial applications, this can be used in homes that are looking to install glue down carpets in their homes.

Cove Base

Cove base is installed to allow the wall to create a more visually acceptable transition. It serves as a protective surface that will stop marks and scuffs from impacting your drywall. Cove base comes in many colors to help create the exact look you want.

Wood Base

Adding wood base is a great way to add some style to your home. These come in a variety of styles with refined woods and unique silhouettes. The wood base always pairs great with hardwood flooring and can come with matching transitions. While more costly, this is a guarantee game changer in your design.

Quarter Round

Installing quarter round is typically added to a pre-existing wood base. Quarter round allows room for expansion and contraction in your flooring. This subtle look is typically stained or painted to blend in with the wood base, and it is installed to blend the two pieces.

Bullnose

A bullnose is a tile with a finished edge. Bullnose tiles give a more completed look to a tile with its sides exposed. This is typically used with tile flooring but has become an alternative option in some Ultra-Modern homes to be used with other flooring options as well.

Installing a base helps protect your walls and gives a smooth, natural transition from the wall to the floor. Whether carpet, hardwood, or tile, cove base is a common application. Decide which will work best in your home or office. It is essential to find a base that looks good with your floor and walls as well.

Tips for Nailing a Monochromatic Color Scheme

June 25, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

It does not take an interior design expert to achieve professional-level results. However, many homeowners find pulling off a mixed color scheme as a challenge. An easy way you can create both harmony and visual interest is with a monochromatic color scheme. A monochromatic color scheme involves using one color in different variations throughout a room. In fact, a monochromatic color design means that a set color is defined in different ways and forms. Both neutral and bold hues can be monochromatic. The thought of sticking to a single color may sound bland, but it is actually trendy in home decor. You can create beautiful spaces that appear larger when using this design strategy, and if you are interested in learning more, be sure to keep on reading!

Color Palette

Since a monochromatic design scheme relies on the use of a single color, you will have to first decide on what hue you are going to use in the space. Once you have settled on a color, consider how you can successfully pull off this look.

Tones, Tints, and Shades

The key to decorating in a monochromatic color scheme is to embrace several unique tones, tints, and shades of the hue. In fact, using different tones, tints, and shades will prevent the design from becoming dull and flat. For instance, if you have decided to use the color blue in your living room, here is how you can use the monochromatic design:

Dark navy blue sofa
Light baby blue window treatments
A rug in the deepest shade of blue

If you have selected a color that is especially deep and dark, then you should balance things out by implementing some pale pieces.

Textures

To further enhance the look by adding dimensions to the monochromatic design, you can use textures and patterns. Pillows, throws, artwork, and window treatments are a great way to add texture. Texture can appear light or dark in whatever hue you have selected.

Patterned Prints

Patterned prints can add additional visual interest. Be sure to choose fabrics with patterns that are harmonious with your theme. Once you have selected a fabric, you can apply it to upholstery for furnishings and accessories.

Have you ever tried a monochromatic color scheme in your space? If so, what tips and tricks would you give other readers? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

How to Correctly Use Accent Lighting

June 24, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

There are three types of lighting to use in your home: ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. While all three are very important when designing your space, accent lighting has a special place among the three. Accent lighting is used to highlight focal points in the environment. It can be used more than once in a room and helps create the room’s ambiance. Knowing how to use accent lighting correctly is vital to enhance your rooms theme and overall aesthetics. Here are three rules of thumb to remember when applying accent lighting:

Accent Light Your Focal Points

Accent lighting’s primary purpose is to highlight points in the room. Your accent lights will attract attention, so make sure you are drawing it to the right areas. Giving a room more visual impact through accent lighting can allow your focal point to become a strong influence in the room. A solid, well-lit focal point is a key element to any interior design theme.

Apply Backlighting and Recessed Lighting

When lighting is recessed or backlit, it creates a level of a mystic-this ambiance is great for adding subtle yet practical accent lighting in your room. Backlight behind pictures, cabinets, entertainment stands, and television. Add recessed lights in your room on dimmers to help make the lighting adaptable throughout the space.

Less Is More

Going overboard on accent lighting can take away from the power they have to offer. While accent lighting is good, less is more. Know how to apply dimmers to help enhance the space. Your ambient lighting should be used to illuminate the room and to make a dramatic impact.

Incandescent Lighting

While fluorescent lighting is great for lasting longer, it is not ideal for accent lighting. The true, warm color incandescent light has to offer may be more beneficial for your room; however, this comes down to application. In some areas of the home, even LED can make powerful backlighting and help the design. Make sure you consider what lighting option is best for your home.

Use accent lighting in your home to enhance your space. The more you can nail this down, the more powerful your design will become. For more insight on interior design, make sure to subscribe.

Three Unique Flooring Ideas

June 21, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Flooring can transform a space while adding character and value. When designing your home, you will explore many different flooring options. Finding the best one to make your home feel unique can be challenging. However, simple tricks for installing floors in unique ways can really make your design pop. Think outside the box and use some of these unique tactics in your own home for optimal design results:

Backsplash on Stair Risers

When adding flooring to your stairs, you probably will consider staining, carpeting, or runners, but have you considered adding tile? This concept is beautiful when done right. Allow the elegance of tile and wood to make your home remarkably stunning. Stain or paint each step and on the back of the stair risers, install a backsplash. While tile can be expensive, this project can range around the price of doing a backsplash in the bathroom or kitchen, and it can really transform your stairwell.

Herringbone Pattern

Not all hardwood and tile flooring can accommodate this style, but some flooring options can be installed with the unique herringbone look. Herringbone is a 90-degree, alternating patterned sequence which can be used on the floor or in backsplashes. It is a classic look that can really add a new appeal to the room. While it may take a little more time to prep and install, the end results are fantastic! It is an instant focal point in any room with this catchy pattern!

Carpet Tile in Residential Space

Carpet tiles are an excellent alternative for wall-to-wall carpet. Typically, carpet tiles are used in a commercial application. They come with the benefits of comfort, sound dampening qualities, and help insult a room. Carpet tiles are great because worn or damaged tiles can be easily replaced. With moderate to extreme, carpet tiles come in all sorts of patterns and colors. Consider adding carpet tiles to your home gym or basement!

Having a different perspective of options available may influence you in a new way. These unique trends and styles are great for any home. Which one is your favorite? Let us know below in the comment section.

Understanding Your Flooring: Tile