From the Floors Up

How to Optimize Your Closet Space

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Hearing the phrase “clean your room” can instantly take you back to when you were a child, and your mom would repeatedly utter that phrase to you. As a kid, your method for cleaning was probably a bit more rudimentary and typically involved more hiding than actually cleaning, but hiding things can sometimes still be the answer. With a few simple tricks, you can still “stuff” everything that you can manage into your closet with a bit more organization than you practiced as a child.

Utilize the Back of the Door

If you have a swinging closet door, you can use the back of the door to hang quite a few of the high-clutter items that you may have in your closet. Shoes can be difficult to keep organized and can quickly clutter up the floor of the closet, so to keep from tripping over them, think about investing in a shoe rack for your closet door. This often-wasted storage space could also hold a belt and tie rack, making them easily accessible and well-organized.

Use Boxes on Your Shelves

Closet shelving can be extremely useful for holding pants and t-shirts, but when it comes to the smaller items, it can begin to get cluttered rather quickly. To help, purchase boxes to put on the shelves to keep your smaller items like socks, underwear, and hats from getting mixed together. You can also label the boxes so you can easily find anything you may need.

Take Advantage of Floor Space

A great place to utilize storage containers is on the floor of the closet. If you hang most of your clothing in your closet, it is likely you have a foot or two of space between the clothing and the floor. Instead of allowing seasonal clothing that you may only wear for a couple of months take up space, store it in a bin beneath your hanging clothes. You can store extra bedding, blankets, and pillows in bins here as well. Just organize the items that may already get pushed into the corners of your closet into separate containers to give your closet a much cleaner, more navigable feel.

Most of us have too much stuff and seemingly not enough space for it all. Sometimes it is not lack of space but an underutilization of it, which leaves us with a tangled mess. With a little creativity and organization, you may find that you have much more space than you had initially thought.

What are some easy methods that you have found helpful for organizing and better using your closet space? We would love to hear from you below in the comment section!

The Various Kinds of Paint Finishes

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Are you getting ready to paint a room in your house? If so, we have compiled the information that will educate you on the various types of paint finishes. The finish that you choose will determine if the end result is shiny or matte once it has dried. Generally speaking, oil-based and latex paints can be found in every paint finish available. Oil-based paints are popular in semi-gloss and glossy finishes, while latex is usually a matte/flat to a semi-gloss finish. To help you better understand, we have listed below the various paint finishes and when they should be used:

Matte or Flat

A matte/flat finish is often used on walls and ceilings or in low-traffic areas because it does not stand up well to rubbing or cleaning. Matte/flat finishes do not reflect light, making it an ideal pick to hide small defects such as cracks or bumps.

Eggshell

Eggshell is similar to the sheen on an egg, and it is a little shinier than the matte finish. It also reflects some light, so it is a good choice for interior hallways.

Satin

This finish has a smooth, velvety look with more gloss or shine than eggshell. It is commonly used on window and door trim, but because most manufacturers formulate satin-finish paint to be able to stand up to some rubbing, it is a reliable option for bedroom or bathroom walls.

Semi-Gloss

Mostly applied to baseboards, molding, cabinets, and built-in-shelving in bathrooms and kitchens, semi-gloss dries with a subtle sheen without being too shiny, and it stands up to repeated scrubbing. Semi-Gloss can be used on walls and ceilings, but because it reflects light so well, proper surface preparation before painting is critical since it will show minor imperfections in a wall’s surface.

Glossy

You will want to use this finish in stand-out spots such as trim, cabinets, and furniture because it is similar to a plastic or vinyl coating. But because of the shine factor, prepping the piece (sanding; scraping) before painting is necessary.

We hope you have learned a bit more about various kinds of paint finishes and where and when to use them. Happy painting!

Solid Surface Countertops FAQ

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Solid surface countertops are a manmade countertop solution that is created from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles to create an alternative to natural stones. These solid-surface countertops have been around for a long time and were traditionally a high-end option for living spaces. Today, however, solid-surface countertops are used more frequently in homes looking to eliminate the cons of natural stone. This frequency has made solid-surface countertops a little more common in the market, taking it from a luxury countertop option to a more practical option. Our readers still have many questions when it comes to this manmade alternative and its many benefits. Here are our top asked questions on solid-surface countertops to help address those concerns:

Q: Do solid-surface countertops have seams?

A: Yes, but unlike natural stone, they are much harder to see. Natural stones have a large variety of character and patterns, which makes it virtually impossible to hide the seam. No two slabs of natural stone are the same. However, solid-surface is fabricated and can come in solid colors which can make seams nearly impossible to see.

Q: Can I put hot pans or pots on my solid surface countertop?

A: No, because solid-surface countertops are made from pressed polyester resin and acrylic particles, and both compounds perform poorly under extreme heat. This can cause discoloring, bubbling, and other unwanted damage.

Q: Are solid surface countertops durable?

A: Solid-surface countertops are very durable. They are antibacterial and nonporous, making them extremely low-maintenance. However, they can be scratched with knives or abrasive products and extreme heat. Professionals can renew the surfaces if damaged, which can save you from replacing your countertops early.

Q: What are the main advantages of solid surface countertops?

A: These countertops are primarily desired for their low-maintenance and inconspicuous seams. They may not be granite or marble; however, they still look beautiful in homes. Many homeowners and businesses enjoy how customizable these countertops can be since they can fit with any design theme in the industry!

The variety of colors, styles, designs, and versatility of solid-surface countertops is highly desirable. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, these countertops will work in almost any atmosphere! If you have more questions about solid-surface countertops, let us know in the comment section, and for more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

What Is Schluter Systems?

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Schluter Systems® is an innovation of the future. Wherever you want tile in your home, you can use Schluter. This underlying tile protection is a remarkable discovery and proves to be one of the leading choices for consumers. Schluter Systems® is incredibly durable and practically indestructible without taking away from the beauty of your floors. If we do not have you intrigued yet, imagine it working with an array of endless designs, colors, textures, and sizes for you to choose. This easy-to-maintain protectant is an excellent investment for your home, and we are here to share why.

Versatility

Upon being absolutely remarkable, Schluter Systems® has exceptionally versatile products. From your bathrooms to your kitchen, Schluter can make your home a luxurious escape. They have changed the industry with their ground-breaking design. You can use the Schluter System in your shower without having to worry about the growth of mold or tile cracking. Schluter has reduced the water and vapor penetration that leads to mold growth in showers. Can you imagine being able to have stunning tilework without having to worry about the potential hazards like mold or cracking? 

Not only is it perfect for your bathrooms, but you can expand the luxury into the rest of your home with heated floors. One of the significant drawbacks of tile is having cold feet, but not anymore. You can have the luxurious look of ceramic or stone tile while having your feet heated and warmed. 

Maintenance

Schluter Systems® has made maintaining their products simple and easy for consumers. Since tile floors are one of the easiest floors to maintain, you can have ease of mind with this extraordinary product. 

Durability

The durability of Schluter Systems is one of our favorite features. Recently, owning tile floors that look like wood has become a popular trend. Now, you can have the gorgeous look of wood with exquisite durability. There is no need to worry about spilling water because Schluter Systems® is exceptionally durable and waterproof. This feature makes having Schluter Systems® in any room more feasible and captivating for consumers. 

Studios vs. Lofts | What Is the Difference?

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There are hundreds of housing options available on the market today. From condominiums, houses, apartments, and everything in between, there is a style provided for everyone. Many people use “loft” and “studio” interchangeably, however, they both have very distinct differences. While the open floor plans and attic influences create the design, lofts and studios are structurally unique and different from one another. If you are considering either of these two excellent options, here is everything you need to know:

Loft

Lofts can be much more than an attic storage space. Usually found in urban landscapes, lofts are made from warehouses, industrial buildings, or factory spaces. This blueprint usually allows lofts to have high-rise ceilings and become more extensive than studios. These architectural differences make lofts ideal for industrial and urban style design. Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and exposed ductwork are not uncommon in the design.

Studios

The most notable differences between studios and lofts are their sizes. Studios have much smaller atmospheres, tailored to an individual or a couple lifestyle. Usually, studios will consist of only one room with little to no privacy. This makes the environment not ideal for hosting guests. Yet, the comfort and coziness of studio living are unparalleled to any other space. This quaint living style is highly desirable and can come with a low-price tag comparable to other options.

Which One Is Better?

It simply comes down to what will accommodate your living style best. Studios lack privacy but can be less expensive for renting. If privacy is not a huge concern of yours, this option may be tailored for you. Studios are not very accommodating for family living, yet they are more cost-friendly. However, lofts have a larger layout. They give you more space for hosting friends and family. If this is something you plan on doing, you may want to consider living in a loft.

Both styles have benefits for different types of lifestyles. They are very unique in their look and can give you an edgy style of living. Which style do you like best? Let us know below in the comment section.

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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