From the Floors Up

Spring Projects: Embracing the Blooming Season

By Leave a Comment

With the soon-arrival of the blooming season, homeowners may find themselves busier than ever. In fact, homeowners may even be participating in springtime’s associated activity “spring cleaning.” The activity derives from the fact that our homes will need a little more TLC since we are transitioning from colder, drearier months. During winter, we put these necessary home projects on the backburner until the weather begins to warm. Therefore, the opportunity to tackle these must-needed home projects is almost here. And to help you prepare for the day, we have created a list of five spring projects that you may want to start this season. Let’s take a look!

An Effortless Landscape

When you take a step inside, does your house feel underwhelming? If so, you may be in need of some new floors. In fact, flooring can set the stage for your design. So this spring, take some tips from the light and airy season by renovating your floors with this year’s hottest trends, including light-colored floors. From hand-scraped to wire-brushed trends to marble looks, the design possibilities are endless in 2020. Plus, with innovations in the industry, you do not have to settle for only one type of flooring in your home.

A Fresh Look

Every year, the global color authorities, Pantone Color, determine a “Color of the Year.” This year, Pantone Color chose “Classic Blue,” and its definition is not far from its name. This color is described as “calm, confident, and connective.” It provides a peaceful slate for our designs while captivating us through its thought-provoking properties. In fact, Classic Blue is the perfect paint color choice for any room that needs a relaxing yet timeless tone. You can incorporate this effortless color into your room’s landscape this spring for a refreshing twist on your interior design.

A Delightful Addition

Since spring embraces new plant life, we think that there is no better way to highlight your countertops than through the use of plants and flowers. In fact, plants can help provide greenery and life to a space while adding to the overall aesthetic. However, if you notice that your countertops are not as pristine as they once were, you have two options. One option is that you can have your countertops replaced. The renewing season of spring is the perfect time to refresh your design, especially when it comes to countertops. If you are looking to refresh your countertop design this spring, currently homeowners love the natural, one-of-a-kind beauty of marble and quartz countertops. Marble countertops feature an authentic, beautiful veining that is unmatched by any other countertop. However, if you are looking for a more durable & low maintenance countertop, quartz is a great option, you can opt for beautiful quartz countertops. Quartz is composed of natural crystals, which makes it an insanely gorgeous countertop option. Plus, quartz countertops are perfect for homeowners who love to cook because they are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant.

A Sweet Escape

With the weather warming, there is no time like the present to upgrade your backyard. In fact, we like to capitalize on this sweet oasis during warm nights by utilizing our space. If you have not created an outdoor oasis yet, you can simply add items that make you happy. For instance, you can incorporate some comfortable seating for entertaining, build your own firepit for warmth, hang decorative stringed lighting for creativity, or make a beautiful paver pathway to and from your house. The options for your outdoor retreat are truly endless – just remember to add items that will have you coming back for more.

A Warm Welcome

Nothing says “welcome home” quite like awesome curb appeal. Plus, spring is the perfect time of year to spruce up your front yard. For instance, you can replace your house numbers, repaint your front door and shutters, add potted plants to your porch, incorporate a new welcome mat, and swap out your mailbox. Much like our backyard projects, our front yard projects are all about your personal preferences. Start with whatever you currently dislike about your curb appeal and work from there.

With these simple spring projects, you can create an inspiring, noteworthy design that is ready to take on the new year. We hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!

Tips for The Most Effective Spring Cleaning

By Leave a Comment

With winter drawing to a close, spring is on the horizon. The dreary, monochromatic grey skies are retreating as the spring air begins to brew up again filling our days. As days grow longer as nights become shorter, emerald blades emerge back from the earth’s depths while bushes are ignited once again with crimson roses and sunny open-mouth daffodils. The bitter snowcapped ground melts and the once reminisced melodies of our feathery friends return to the air. Yet, this transition leaves our yards in shambles. A collection of broken timber, mucky, turfed terrain, and an unkempt patio is no way to celebrate. It is time to reinvest time in your exterior and curb appeal and have your home beautiful again in time for spring.

Front Entrance

Consider your front entrance your gateway to your castle. The path to your fortress of solitude. Ask yourself what makes your entrance? Your front door, the pathway, a courtyard, or perhaps steps to a porch? Remove any winter debris. Depending on where you live, you may need to consider sanding and staining your patio as a spring project. If you have seasonal decor, bring it back out to prepare for spring. Take down any winter door hangers or welcoming mats that are for the cold season. You can spruce up your curb appeal again by painting your door or simply putting a seating area on your porch for entertaining.

Back Patios and Decks

Our back patios and decks may not add to our curb appeal, but they are vital retreats for outdoor spring nights with family and friends. Bring out your patio furniture and decor pieces to liven up the outdoor space. Easy additions can include an outdoor kitchen and grill, fire pit, or even fun games like bocce. Investing time and money in your back patio this spring is a great way to incorporate all the aspects your home has to offer.

Lawn & Bed Maintenance

Nothing says spring like a well-kept lawn and some beautiful flower beds. Make sure your yard has no winter damage or missing grass patches. You will want these to be fixed as soon as possible to allow the lawn to look good during the next couple months. Remove any remaining leaves, twigs, or timber from your lawn, and decide what kind of flower beds are tailored to your desired home. Mulch, gravel, even wood chips can all create a distinct look and work with certain plant life better than others. Build harmony around your house with complementary flowers, bushes, and trees to give your home a more complete, balanced look.

The time is now! Be proactive in creating your spring atmosphere before spring reaches us. Spending a couple of hours on the weekends can make a world of difference. Eliminate the damage and remainders of winter and enforce the majesty of spring. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe!

Guide for Decorating a Christmas Tree

By Leave a Comment

We probably have all decorated a Christmas tree in our lives. But were we ever taught how to properly assemble and decorate it? Let us be honest, decorating trees are unique to each homeowner. There is not one correct way to do it. But if you find yourself struggling each year, we are here to help! We have five simple steps on how to decorate your Christmas tree. Enjoy!

Guide for Decorating a Christmas Tree:

Step 1: Choose Your Tree.

There are two types of trees out there for consumers: the faux tree and the real tree. Depending on your family’s lifestyle, you may opt for the faux tree to save money each year. But if you are a lover of having a real tree on Christmas, you may choose to buy a fresh one each year. Once you have selected your tree, you are ready to move onto the lights!

Step 2: Begin with The Lights.

The wire of the lights needs to match your tree’s color; therefore, you will find a selection of green and white wired lights. After you have chosen your Christmas tree’s color, you will want to select from one of the four main types of lighting styles.

The lighting styles include:

  • Bubble Lights. These lights are trendy take on the traditional Christmas lights. They can be a beautiful addition to your tree this holiday season.
  • Globe Lights. These lights are a more preppy and a happy take on traditional lighting. They are balls of color throughout the tree that produce a soft and subtle light.
  • Incandescent Lights. These are the most popular lights of the bunch because they provide a warm glow and can actually enhance the smell of your real pine tree throughout the room.
  • LED Lights. These lights are becoming more popular because of their safety features. They are fireproof and flameproof; therefore, homeowners feel completely safe decorating their trees with them.

Step 3: Move onto The Garland.

As you place the garland on your tree, you want to work your way from the top to the bottom. Gently put garland in between openings in the tree branches.

Step 4: Place The Ornaments.

This step is often considered the most fun because you are able to personalize the tree to fit to your liking. The main event should be your favorite ornaments. You want to give them the main focus by placing them on the front section of the tree. After you have set your favorites, you will work from large to small. Start placing the larger ornaments throughout the tree then work your way to the smaller ones.

Step 5: Admire The Beauty.

After all that hard work, you can now admire your beautiful Christmas tree.

What is your favorite Christmas tree ornament? Let us know in the comment section!

Ten Party Ideas to Celebrate The Holidays

By Leave a Comment

The holiday fun does not stop after Thanksgiving. As December 1st hits the calendars, the race begins to get to the malls for holiday gift shopping. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, homeowners may feel stressed, overworked, and tired. The last thing you probably want to do is organize a get-together with all of your friends. Do not let the stress of the holidays stop you from enjoying yourself. Everyone needs a little break here or there, but what if you could combine a break with getting done seasonal chores? Sounds genius, right? Well, we have ten party ideas to help you celebrate the holidays AND accomplish your seasonal tasks! Let us take a look:

Party Idea #1: Custom Ornaments.

This party is perfect for all ages! Custom ornaments have been a treasured gift for as long as we can remember. For the party, you want to gather blank, new ornaments or provide thick paper for your guests to create their own. Just throw on some Christmas jams and get crafting!

Party Idea #2: Deck The Tree.

It may seem like an odd idea to have your guests help you decorate your tree, but you may be surprised by how willing guests are to help. Just be sure to provide buckets of ornaments, tinsel, and lights for guests to help dress up your tree for the season.

Party Idea #3: Movie Marathon.

Who does not love cheesy Christmas movies? We sure do! Have a movie marathon and feature all of the holiday classics for all ages to enjoy.

Party Idea #4: Winter Wreaths.

Did you know you can make your own custom wreaths? This actually makes for a fantastic holiday party, because guests get to walk away with a gift for themselves!

Party Idea #5: Cookie Decorating.

Santa will need some fresh baked cookies for Christmas morning; a cookie decorating party can be just the yummy holiday fun you desire!

Party Idea #6: Holiday Gift Exchange.

Sometimes it is difficult to get together individually with all of your friends or family to exchange presents. The solution: have a holiday gift exchange party. To make things interesting, you can throw a white elephant gift exchange. During this type of gift exchange, you have all of your friends or family bring a gift that meets your set price (i.e., $15). Once everyone arrives, everyone will receive a number. You go through the numbers in order and have each individual open a present in front of everyone. The gifts can only be “stolen” once per turn. To keep things fair, each item can only be stolen a maximum of three times, and by the third steal, it becomes the 3rd person’s gift (no more steals).

Party Idea #7: Gingerbread House.

Decorating gingerbread houses can be a fun and rewarding activity. After the party, each guest gets to walk away with a unique holiday decoration for their home (a personalized gingerbread house). Be sure to provide tons of fun icing colors, toppings, and homes for everyone to partake.

Party Idea #8: Christmas Caroling.

If you are looking to bring holiday cheer, Christmas caroling may be the party for you! Have a set list of songs you plan to perform and gather your closest friends. Afterward, invite everyone back to your house for hot cocoa and cookies.

Party Idea #9: Gift Wrapping Galore.

Busy parents have a lot of gift wrapping and little time. Not to mention, they need to wrap while the little ones are sleeping or at school. With little time to wrap, a gift wrapping party may be just what your friends need! Have each guest bring wrapping paper to share and provide several options yourself. Turn on a holiday movie and get wrapping!

Party Idea #10: Holiday Treats Pot-Luck.

If you do not have time to prepare a meal for your party, make it a holiday pot-luck. Ask your friends to bring their favorite holiday treats and meals to share! This helps get everyone in the holiday spirit and cuts down on stress for the host/hostess.

What holiday party could you see yourself throwing this season? Let us know in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

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!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.