From the Floors Up

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!

Tricks for Making a Room Appear Brighter

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Now that it is Autumn, you may have noticed some of your rooms appear dark and even cold. If you do have some rooms that appear dim and dull, we have some tricks that will help make that darker room seem much brighter. Let’s take a look!

Paint

Rooms that are painted a medium to dark color are a sure way of making the room appear cold and gloomy in the colder months. To help address this, experts recommend painting the walls with light colors, and paint baseboards and trim a bright white. Painting the ceiling a light neutral can really make the room look much larger and brighter.

Windows

Your windows may not let in a lot of light, but you can help this by making sure the windows are clean. Additionally, do not cover with heavy and dark window coverings. Use window coverings that are sheer and light in color. Depending on privacy, you can leave the window bare. Bare windows look sparkly, fresh, and airy, and most of all, they let the sun shine through your room.

Furniture

Dark and bulky furniture tends to overtake the room, making the room appear much smaller. An easy fix is to buy some light-colored slipcovers. We recommend a light, solid color while adding your pops of color with decorative throw pillows.

Lighting

A guaranteed way to make sure the room appears brighter is to invest in a ceiling chandelier and lamps that provide ample light. Table lamps with white or off-white shades put off more light than dark shades. Also, light fixtures that have metallic or shiny metal finishes brighten any room.

Mirrors

Everyone knows that adding mirrors can make the room appear larger. Mirrors reflect light and make the room appear much brighter. Add a mirror with a frame finished in gold or silver to add just a little bit more shine and brightness.

Greenery

Do not forget to bring live plants into the room’s design. If the room is small, find a corner or nook for a tall plant in a sleek white or cream container. A tall plant will give the illusion of height. Plants are soothing and calming while bringing in the outdoors.

How do you create a bright and airy oasis? We would love to hear your tips and tricks below in the comment section.

Minimalism vs. Maximalism

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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

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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!

Should I Hire an Interior Decorator?

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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.

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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