From the Floors Up

Replacing Your Fireplace

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Every room deserves one element which can help contribute to the room’s overall feel. Fireplaces can easily be one of the most influential focal points in any room. A fireplace creates an elegant aesthetic to a room while creating an ambiance with the soothing comfort of crackling embers. However, some fireplaces are outdated and are in significant need of an update. These powerful architectural influences, if outdated, can really be a killjoy to your room’s interior design. If you are thinking about tackling this project, here are a couple of elements to consider:

Fireplace Remodels

Remodels can have a large assortment of tasks that are involved. Typically, hiring a contractor will be your best plan of attack for more advance remodels. Fireplace remodels will require some mortar work, refacing, and sometimes even ventilation work. You can also decide if you want to create a glass or mesh screen and a mantle if you wish. Before remodeling, discuss with your contractor if you would like to add any equipment for cooking or chimney replacement. Remember, completing this project early can help keep costs down later.

Refacing

Mortar repair is typically inexpensive. There are hundreds of options to consider when refacing the fireplace. You can choose from stucco, brick, tile, wood, and much more. You will want to check with your contractor that your facing will not create a fire hazard! Tile options are excellent, easy to clean, and can really enhance the look of any atmosphere.

Is It Worth It?

Fireplace remodels are great for helping increase resell value. It comes down to what you think is best for your home. Not all fireplaces will need to be remodeled. Some can simply be refaced, while others may be more advanced projects. Fireplaces are attention-grabbers and should be treated as such.

There are several options to consider. You can just repair or repaint your fireplace, or your fireplace may need to be refaced. You may need to consider a total renovation project, as well. Remember, if the project looks more significant than a DIY project, you should get a contractor involved. For more insight on home improvement ideas and tricks, make sure to subscribe!

Are You Thinking of Using Mosaic Tiles?

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Do you find yourself looking at your kitchen and bathrooms and realize they need special attention? If so, or your taste and style have changed, mosaic tiles are a great place to start jazzing up your dated home design!

If you have a plain ceramic tile backsplash and plain ceramic tile shower enclosure, they tend to become dull and lifeless over time. Mosaic tiles can transform your home’s surfaces into an artistic canvas that pops with style and boldness! There are so many options available, and mosaic tiles are the perfect choice to liven up your design style.

When shopping for mosaic tile, there are various materials to choose from, like porcelain, slate, and glass. We are going to concentrate on glass mosaic tiles due to their versatility and multiple advantages shown below:

Numerous Options are Available

Your local tile stores will have a large assortment of glass mosaic tiles. They are available in almost every color and various styles. Some will have a metallic look, and others will look like mirrors.

Visual Appeal

Glass mosaic tiles have a luminous, mirror-like look or a translucent, pearl look that creates a stylish, high-end design look. Do not overlook upgrading your current lighting to enhance them and play off the reflection of the new tiles.

Design Flexibility

Glass mosaic tiles do not have only to be used in kitchens and baths. These tiles can be used in conjunction with wood, metal, and stone elements in various applications. Many pieces of wall artwork or furniture pieces contain these fabulous jewels that push the piece over the top. They can do the same for your home.

Durable, Easy Maintenance & Environmentally Friendly

Glass mosaic tiles are strong and resistant to most chemicals. They are easy to clean and maintain because of their smooth, non-porous surface. They do not stain while dirt and grease can be wiped away quickly with a cloth. Plus, many glass mosaic tiles are eco-friendly and recycled tiles.

Drawbacks

Glass mosaic tiles are often more expensive than ceramic and slate tiles. Depending on the pattern, the maintenance is more – due to a detailed pattern when installing.

What are your thoughts on glass mosaic tiles? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

From the Floors to the Walls: Tips for Carpet and Paint

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When creating a room, two of the most influential design elements will be your paint and flooring. The colors you choose will set the mood since colors have a psychological impact on the environment. Neutral, warm, and cool tones can all make us perceive an atmosphere differently.

We physically walk on our floors daily; however, carpet is a softer flooring option. It makes a room more welcoming and inviting. Putting carpet in a living room, bedroom, or den can allow the floor to become an extension of seating. Choosing a paint and floor combination that works together is important. Today, we are going to look at pairing paint and carpet. Let’s get started!

Paint

You can start by choosing your paint or your carpet first. Remember to take your paint swatches home. Color can look different in certain lighting. Some paint shops may have overhead fluorescent lighting while you may have a more ambient style of lighting or natural light coming from your window. Additionally, remember that neutral colors are great because they tend to work with everything. If you decide to go more bold with color, you can purchase a test paint mix to sample on your walls prior to buying the whole paint can.

Carpet

Take your selected paint swab to your flooring store. Try to find a carpet that complements and matches your paint. Most fleck carpets are good at matching multiple colors while also hiding dirt and stains. Carpet can have slight changes in dye lots, which is important to note. You can also request to take your carpet sample home to see in your own lighting. Feel the sample and imagine it in your own home. Remember that padding is important to giving carpet its extra cushiony feel.

Paint and Install

Always paint your room first. While installation may scratch some of your walls, you can always fix them with touch up paint. However, paint splattering on new carpet may not be as easy of a fix. For both projects, you should clear your room or all the furniture before beginning.

In a short time, your room will look and feel completely different. It is amazing what carpet and paint can do to a home. While it may seem like the options are endless, selecting a paint and carpet combo can be fun. For more tricks on home improvement, make sure to subscribe.

The Best Flooring Materials for Contemporary Homes

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When searching for flooring materials for your contemporary home, there are a few options that stand out among the rest. They are the type of materials that are very desirable to homebuyers in the market for an up-to-date look that is move-in ready. If you want to be sure you have made the right choice, check out some of the best choices for contemporary settings.

Hardwood/Engineered Hardwood

Hardwood is one of those materials that has stood the test of time. These floors are endlessly versatile with a variety of furnishings and are valued for the quality look they bring to a living space. While more expensive and timely to install, hardwood floors are always going to be a good investment. If your budget is not as high as you would like, you could still achieve the look you want through the installation of engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood has a thinner top layer of hardwood with additional wood layers fused beneath it. It is a quicker process to use the engineered version of this material, and you can still enjoy the warmth and class it provides to the room.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is another excellent choice for a contemporary home that is always sought after by homebuyers. Tile gives the room a clean look and is easy to maintain. The variety of tiles available on the market today makes it easy for anyone to create a complementary look to any of their decor. Textures, patterns, and shapes can all be used to add a bit of customization to the space while still being able to enjoy the stain- and mold-resistance properties that it provides.

Carpet

Carpet is always going to be appealing for homebuyers who want a space to provide a warm and welcoming retreat from other more formal areas of the house. Carpet is an excellent addition to the living room or bedrooms. Its padding will provide comfort underfoot and help reduce noise, which is a desirable trait if you have children or pets. It is also a safe space in the event of a fall, so both young and old can feel secure when they are standing on a carpeted area.

All in all, contemporary designs can have a very versatile flooring selection. From carpets to hard surfaces, contemporary design is able to gracefully master any of these flooring types.

Exterior Stone Siding Options

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If you are looking for a more luxurious siding option for your home, consider adding stone. This is more durable than traditional wood or vinyl siding and is quite elegant. There are several different stone sidings to consider adding to your home. Here are the most commonly used and some expectations that come along with them.

Solid Stone Siding

Utilizing solid stone siding is a way to keep your siding the most authentic. This siding is not manufactured or compressed and is delivered in its most legitimate form. The drawback homeowners typically face with this product is its weight. While these stones can create an absolutely stunning appearance, the weight of the rocks can affect the cost of product, labor, and delivery. However, if you are interested in this product, it is an extremely durable and beautiful exterior investment for your home.

Cultured Stone Siding

On the other side of the spectrum is cultured stone siding. This is a much more common option for homeowners due to the manufacturing process, eliminating some of the negative effects of solid stone. You can save money on weight and delivery as well as an installation with this option. These stones are created with cement replicas of stones that are still very durable but significantly lighter.

Polyurethane Faux Stone Panels

Do not let the word “faux” push you away from this look. Polyurethane faux stone paneling comes in very realistic replicas. Though not real stone, this process of composing polyurethane creates a very sturdy and dense mimicking stone. Being much lighter, it is easier to install and less expensive for delivery. These come in panels, which makes installation less costly as well. If you are considering stone, look into this fantastic alternative to create the look at a more affordable cost.

There are many different options to consider when siding your home. Stone is truly an eye-catcher that can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. If you are considering this option, look into the many different styles, kinds, and variations to see which is best tailored for your home and budget. For more exterior home insight, 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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