From the Floors Up

What is a Mood Board?

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Whether you have noticed it or not, many interior designs are created with functionality and a theme in mind. When we are designing our space, we thrive on giving a room its own feeling. This ambiance or tone we are setting is called the room’s “mood.” Many elements such as color, texture, design theme, and flooring can all play significant roles in how our rooms feel. However, it can be challenging to envision the finished product of a room. Picking out floors, paint colors, furniture, and more can all seem great in your head but turn to complete chaos. To prevent this, you can create a mood board. A mood board will gather all the elements you would like to add to your space and collectively display them together. Still confused? Do not be; here is everything to know about creating your mood board:

Digital Mood Board

Ideally, there are two types of mood boards which you can create. A simple mood board can be created digitally using apps such as Pinterest or even just a photo album on your phone. Save and pin all the ideas you would like to incorporate in your home. From flooring options to colors, you will begin to generate a mood. Seeing all these elements with each other can help you determine what is a “must” and what can wait.

Physical Mood Board

Your second option is creating a physical mood board. This is great because you can physically encounter the tangible objects, and it will allow you to understand the textures and feels you bring into your home. Go and get the carpet, laminate, or hardwood samples you are considering. You can collect paint swatches and fabrics as well. Pin these to a board as see how these elements interact with one another. Being able to touch them physically can help. Now, this may not always be the easiest option but is typically the best way to know exactly what you are getting.

Creating a mood board can save you time and money. While you may be investing more time up front, the finished product will be well worth it. All you have to do is decide which mood board is best for you.

Different Base and Trim Options

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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.

Three Unique Flooring Ideas

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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.

Checklist for Your First Apartment

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Moving into a new apartment can be very exciting. Whether it is your first time renting or you are just looking to relocate, you want to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Each apartment will come with different amenities and options. Try to get your list down to about 3-5 apartments you are considering. If you have too many, you will be overwhelmed, whereas not enough will not allow you to make an educated choice. You want to find one that is best tailored to your specific needs and wants. In order to do this, we created a comprehensive checklist to consider. Use a scoring system of 1-5. Let 1 represent not adequate, while 5 represents superb. Talley up your apartments at the end and discover the winner.

Location

One thing you should consider is the location of your apartment. What is the neighborhood like for your lifestyle? Are you near work and family? Try using this checklist on your apartment options.

  • Distance to work
  • Distance to loved ones
  • Distance from gas stations
  • Distance from freeway entrances or main roads
  • Distance from grocery stores
  • Safety of the community
  • Is the location quiet

Cost

Your budget will play a massive role in your apartment search and this goes deeper than just rent. Additional fees may add up quicker than you think. Here are some things you may need to consider:

  • Rent
  • Security Deposit
  • Water
  • Parking
  • Waste Management
  • Gas
  • Renters Insurance
  • Late Fees
  • Laundry

Appliances

Since we are looking at if your apartment offers laundry, we should consider appliances. Not all apartments come fully loaded. This may happen problematic to you. Remember to view all the appliances:

  • Laundry Machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Stove/Range
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Services/Amenity

Services/Amenities

While everything in your unit may make a significant role, do not forget amenities. Look at services you plan on using–this can quickly create an outlier for some apartments:

  • Gym
  • Movie Theater
  • Pool
  • Entertainment
  • Convenient Store
  • Maintenance Office Hours

Before ranking everything, you should consider what is important to you. If you do not need a garbage disposal, do not make it a deciding factor on your list. If you are not looking for an apartment with a gym, do not add it to the list. Once you determine what is important to you, rank each item 1-5. This can give you a definite number ranking for each apartment. However, if you feel like you are in love with one option over another, always go with your heart. For more lifestyle and living tips, make sure to subscribe!

Understanding Different Types of HVAC

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When you are looking for a business or a home, you probably notice different HVAC systems available. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) refers to the technology used to control the temperature and quality of air in your space. At first, you probably did not pay much attention; however, each HVAC system has its own sets of pros and cons. It is especially important for you to consider if you are looking to invest in your own HVAC system in a space without one currently. To help, here are the top systems and their benefits and cons:

Forced Air

Forced air uses a furnace or a heat pump to warm and filter the air in your home. It is then spread throughout your home with ductwork. These highly efficient machines can eliminate dust and allergens in your home; however, using ducts and vents means uneven air distribution. Some rooms may be colder or warmer than others. The filters need to be changed regularly to prevent the allergens that have been filtered from reentering the atmosphere. Lastly, this is one of the loudest HVAC system available. While they are considerably efficient and do not waste energy, they can be noisy when the fan pushes the air through the vents.

Pressure Gravity Air

Pressure gravity is a hybrid natural ventilation system. A machine will suck cool, clean air from the outside into the building while a passive natural ventilator to allow the hot air to exit the building via the roof exhaust. The vents that bring the air into the building are located low around the building’s walls and can easily be accessed for maintenance.

Radiant Floor

Radiant floor heating is an extremely reliable system. Where some system can go bad after just two to three years after installation, radiant floor heating can last as long as thirty-five plus years. It is very efficient and can save you money when looking to heat your home. Unlike forced air, radiant floor HVAC systems are quiet and do not use a blower or fan; however, installation is pricey due to the need to rip up your current flooring.

Before purchasing an HVAC system, research which is best for you. Determine how long you will be a resident at the location, your demand for even air control, and even if the sound may bother you. These all can play major roles in choosing the proper HVAC system.

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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