From the Floors Up

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.

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.

The Top Effective Home Improvement Projects

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Homeowners love to customize their homes and make personalized home improvements. But sometimes, it can feel like a never-ending project when creating your dream home. Eventually, the demand for more space may become a concern. So when investing in your home, you want to know that you can receive a return on investment.

Some projects can significantly improve your home, yet not raise market value at all. Since some larger-scaled home improvement projects can be expensive, you want to know which can help increase your home’s value. Today, we are going to discuss the top most effective home improvement projects.

Bathroom Remodel 

Times are changing. Many styles have become outdated and are no longer trending. If your bathrooms look like they are a thing of the past, consider a bathroom remodel. These projects can be expensive, and you should consider getting a contractor. A bathroom remodel can consist of adding a walk-in shower, new backsplash, cabinets, floors, and a vanity. Be sure to create your own luxurious getaway in the master bath by taking your bathroom remodel to the next level. 

Kitchen Remodel 

Another large project is a kitchen remodel. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and often times, many homeowners will put this project off for some time. However, kitchen remodels can have a high return on investment. If you are looking for ways to help save on the project, consider just replacing your cabinet doors. Kitchen remodels typically will include a sink, flooring, backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops. With so much to consider, it is best to hire a contractor for this project as well. 

Patio or Deck 

Space is a very important element when it comes to the housing market. It is becoming more common for homeowners to indulge in the opulence of exterior space they can facilitate. Nothing makes a home more inviting outdoors, quite like a deck or patio. Search your market to see which is more common in your area. Spend some money in helping create the atmosphere outdoors. A quality deck or patio is a significant investment not only for the next buyer but your home experience as well! 

Where you live, the real estate market, and local demand can all play roles in your home’s price. While these projects do not guarantee a rise in price, they are great guidelines, especially for a home, you plan on living in for some time. Investigate the housing market in your area. Find what trends are increasing home value. If every household in your area has tile flooring, installing hardwood may not increase your market value. You need to pay attention to what is helping other homes sell as well. For more insight on home improvement and increasing your home’s resell value, make sure to subscribe.

How to Remove Stains from a Concrete Driveway

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Concrete driveways can really increase your home’s curb appeal. They are durable, functional, and very visually appealing. However, this porous surface is susceptible to staining. Whether you spill something or a car leaked in your driveway, that stain can become an eyesore. Trying to remove it can even seem impossible at times. Well, to help, there are a couple of tricks you can apply to your driveway to make the stain disappear. Let’s take a look!

Oil and Grease 

First, you will need to identify the stain on your driveway or sidewalk. Oil or grease stain can penetrate deep and are best treated sooner than later. Get a degreaser and spray it onto your stain. You can use a bristled brush to really scrub your degreaser into the pavement. Allow the degreaser to sit for a little bit of time, and spray your driveway down with an even coat of water using a hose. Next, hook up your pressure washer and attach your concrete cleaning detergent. Use your pressure washer to evenly wash the driveway. Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the leftover detergent. 

Paint 

If you notice you have stained your driveway with paint, apply a paint thinner, and allow it to sit and break down the paint. You can use a damp cloth to scrub and remove excess paint. First, spray your driveway down with water. Hook up your pressure washer with your concrete cleaning detergent. Be careful not to use too strong of a tip because this can etch and damage your concrete. Next, spray the area back and forth until the stain is completely gone.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove any remaining detergent. 

Rust, Leaf Stains, and Common Muck 

These common stains are much easier and will not need as much prep work. Simply apply your concrete detergent to the stained areas, and wet down the driveway using your hose. After, hook up the pressure washer and spray back and forth with the spray wand.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the detergent. 

You may need to work in smaller sections so the detergent never dries since this could lead to streaking. If the stains remain, add detergent again directly to each stain and scrub with a brush. To prevent future stains, consider adding a sealer to your concrete driveway. For more household tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe. 

Houseplants for Beginners

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You have heard time and time again that houseplants are great for improving air quality and adding nature into the aesthetics of your home. Maybe you have even felt compelled to purchase a plant and bring it into your home. Yet within a short time, your plant died, and you decided houseplants are just not for you. Well, do not give up that easily. There are a couple of guidelines to consider when adding houseplants to your home. If you have never done something before, chances are you are not good at it. Using some of these simple methods can allow you to keep your houseplants alive and thriving for years to come:

Beginner Plants

Some plants are easier to maintain than others. Make sure you are getting a beginner plant if it is your first time. Plants like bamboo, golden Pothos vines, succulents, and cacti can be harder to kill. If you forget to water your plants one day, they will survive. Finding more forgiving plants as your first plants can allow you to learn the habits it takes and help keep them alive without being disheartened.

Lighting Conditions

First thing you will need to consider is your home’s lighting conditions. Plants need light to grow. Unlike other pieces of décor, you cannot put plants wherever throughout your home. Plants need to be strategically placed near the windows to make sure they receive sunlight. If you have areas in your home that are poorly lit, consider investing in faux plants. However, you can also buy lights which can mimic sunlight and help your plants to grow. Essentially, not giving your plants light is starving them. Remember to expose them to light daily!

Water

Another huge component to consider is how frequently you need to water each plant. Some soil will hold water for more extended periods of time. When you are searching to purchase your household plants, figure out how frequently they will need to be watered, and this will help determine which plants are best for you.

Do not give up hope on household plants. It takes some time to master the lifestyle of keeping them alive. However, the reward is worth it. Household plants are great for your atmosphere, design, and mood. We wish you the best of luck in your planting endeavors.

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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