Kitchen & Bath

Important Considerations for Choosing Your Ideal Kitchen Flooring

July 27, 2023 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

The kitchen is undeniably the heart of any home – a place where meals are prepared, conversations shared, and memories created. The choice of your kitchen flooring is a significant part of creating this lively space, as it needs to be both durable and stylish to meet the functional demands and aesthetic preferences.

But how do you choose the perfect kitchen flooring that is both practical and eye-catching? This post explores essential considerations that can guide your decision-making process.

1. Durability:

The kitchen is often the most frequented area in your home, so your flooring needs to withstand high foot traffic, spills, stains, and even the occasional dropped dish. While all flooring options have their pros and cons, some materials are known for their exceptional durability. For instance, ceramic tiles, natural stone, and hardwood are all tough choices.

2. Maintenance:

Maintenance is another crucial factor. How much effort are you willing to put into preserving your kitchen flooring’s appearance and longevity? Vinyl, for instance, is low maintenance and easy to clean, but it may not offer the same luxurious look as other materials. On the other hand, natural stone tiles are visually stunning but require more care to avoid stains and chips.

3. Comfort and Safety:

Given the amount of time you might spend standing in the kitchen, comfort should not be overlooked. Some flooring options, like cork, are more comfortable underfoot and offer a non-slip surface—a significant consideration if you have kids or seniors at home. But remember, these softer materials may not be as durable or easy to maintain.

4. Aesthetics:

Style and personal taste are vital when choosing your kitchen floor. The flooring plays a significant role in defining your kitchen’s overall look, setting the mood, and complementing your home decor. From the natural beauty of wood and stone to the diverse design options provided by tiles and luxury vinyl, there are plenty of choices to match your style.

5. Budget:

Ultimately, your budget will significantly influence your kitchen flooring choice. Options such as natural stone and hardwood tend to be on the pricier side, while vinyl and laminate can provide an affordable yet stylish alternative. Remember to factor in not just the cost of materials, but also the installation and future maintenance costs.

6. Sustainability:

If you’re environmentally conscious, consider the sustainability of your kitchen flooring. Bamboo and cork are both renewable resources that offer stylish and durable flooring options. Reclaimed hardwood is another excellent choice for an eco-friendly kitchen floor.

7. Underfloor Heating:

Finally, if you plan to install underfloor heating in your kitchen, this decision will affect your choice of flooring. Some materials, like porcelain and ceramic tiles, are excellent heat conductors, making them ideal for underfloor heating.

Selecting the right kitchen flooring involves a careful balance of practicality, style, and budget. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, so your decision ultimately boils down to what aspects are most important to you. By considering these seven factors, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a kitchen floor that not only meets your needs but also transforms your kitchen into a place you love.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Shower Tile

April 14, 2023 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

When renovating a bathroom or building a new one, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right shower tile. The shower tile you choose will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing shower tile:

Material: Shower tiles come in various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common and affordable options, while natural stone tiles like marble and granite tend to be more expensive. Glass tiles are also becoming increasingly popular for their unique appearance and easy-to-clean surface.
Size and shape: The size and shape of your shower tile can also affect the overall look of your bathroom. Larger tiles tend to make a small bathroom look more spacious, while smaller tiles can add texture and dimension. Rectangular tiles are popular for their modern and clean look, while hexagonal and subway tiles can add a vintage touch.
Color and pattern: Your shower tile’s color and pattern will set the tone for your bathroom’s overall design. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are timeless and versatile, while bold colors like blue and green can add a pop of color to your space. Patterns like stripes, geometric shapes, and floral designs can add visual interest and personality to your shower tile.
Slip resistance: Safety should always be a top priority when selecting shower tile. Look for tiles with a slip-resistant surface to reduce the risk of falls and accidents, especially if you have children or elderly family members in your home.
Maintenance: Some shower tiles require more maintenance than others. Natural stone tiles, for example, may require regular sealing and cleaning to maintain their appearance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally easy to maintain and clean.

Selecting the right shower tile requires careful consideration of material, size and shape, color and pattern, slip resistance, and maintenance requirements. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a shower tile that meets your design preferences and practical needs.

Three Bathroom Problems Solved

February 17, 2023 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

Do you feel you like you barely have room to move around in your bathroom? If you are tired of bumping into the sink every time you hang up a towel, it may be time you employ techniques that enable you to increase your sense of space. From smart storage solutions to visually enhancing your space, you can turn a small, awkward bathroom into something comfortable and chic with just a bit of planning.

Problem # 1: Lack of Storage

Is your bathroom vanity cluttered with products? Does it seem like there is no place to store extra towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies? We understand that there is nothing like a clean, streamlined bathroom, but finding space to store those extra items can seem impossible.

The Solution

Steal space from territory that has not been used in the bathroom. This can be the blank walls next to your vanity mirror, the area above your toilet, or corners that go unused. You can even consider adding a shampoo niche inside your shower so that you can keep soap and shampoo off the countertops and floors. Also, be sure to use baskets to keep small toiletries and items neat and organized. Lastly, do not forget about the space behind the toilet. Perhaps, you can add some style and storage with a beautiful shelving system or cabinet.

Problem # 2: Tiny Blueprint

Are you adding a master bath to your bedroom but find that there is little room to add in a toilet and sink? Do not worry this is a common problem that several homeowners will face.

The Solution

Try expanding the sense of floor space by keeping everything off the floor. Opt for a floating toilet and sink. By suspending these items, it will help make the room feel much bigger. Additionally, keep furniture to a minimum. Furniture and bulky items can create an overwhelming atmosphere. Opt for lightweight, smaller pieces to create a sense of balance in your small space.

Problem # 3: No Room for Separate Shower Stall

Do you want a separate shower enclosure but there is no room? If your home has one main bathroom, you may find that keeping the bathtub is necessary.

The Solution

You can turn that small space between the bathtub and the sink into a shower stall by installing tile or other wet-room flooring. Use a frameless shower stall to avoid making a visual interruption, or you can do something traditional by combining the bathtub and shower. You might think that a small bathroom would require the use of smaller tiles, but often the opposite is true. The less visual interruptions or lines that your eye has to dissect, the larger the room will feel. Work with your flooring professional to determine the best size tile for your space. You might be surprised!

Bathroom Remodel Advice

October 28, 2022 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

Completing a bathroom remodel can be exciting but can also be a little more complicated than you imagined. If you are not sure about what to focus on when remodeling your bath, you came to the right place! Here is our expert advice on beginning a bathroom remodel:

Flooring

Making sure you consider a flooring material that is water-resistant, scratch resistant and stain-resistant. Water is always going to be an issue in a bathroom when you are dealing with a shower, tub or sink. Make sure you install a durable choice like tile or luxury vinyl to ensure your floors stay protected from water. Natural Stone can also be a good choice if properly sealed. If you love the look of hardwood, but want a flooring choice that’s easier to maintain, consider luxury vinyl flooring. If you choose a surface like tile, don’t forget about areas like the tub splash, sink splash or the entire wall behind the mirror. These are great areas to add a decorative tile to give the room more personality and design.

Storage

Clutter can ruin a functional space, so take this opportunity to install as much storage space as you need to keep things tidy. If there was too much storage prior to your remodel, try sleeker shelving that will still get the job done. If you are working with a spare bathroom that doesnt’ get much use, you can skip the bulky cabinets and go with a more minimal look through open shelves or baskets. These will still hold the necessities for guests while taking up less square footage in the room. The more items guests can see, the more comfortable they will feel using them.

Fixtures

An attractive set of fixtures can amp up the style in your bathroom. To save space in a small spare bathroom, install a pedestal sink with just enough room for overnight guests to fit their travel kits. A claw-foot tub also makes a beautiful statement. For the master bath, try a vessel sink or an undermount sink to create a more unique look. The master can forgo a bathtub and have a beautiful stand-up shower with tile from top to bottom and be enclosed with clear glass doors to keep the room looking spacious.

Lighting

Most bathroom lighting fixtures are set above where you would be standing to look in the mirror. This casts shadows downwards and is not the most optimal use of light for getting ready in the morning. Try adjusting the lighting to eye level on each side of the mirror. In doing so, it will help cast the right lighting for makeup application as well as a morning shave.

Ask for Help

Finally, do not be afraid to ask for assistance if there are parts of this remodel that confuse you. It is better to ask for help prior to installation so you can prevent purchasing materials for the space that don’t serve your needs!

Why Do I Need Backsplash?

February 26, 2022 By Broadlume Leave a Comment

When you think of your dream kitchen, it probably has beautiful cabinetry, a gorgeous sink setup, plenty of counter space, and of course, a backsplash.  Backsplashes are the perfect remedy to take your kitchen’s aesthetics to the next level because tile is a timeless home improvement that can make any room feel more luxurious and personalized. Additionally, tile can help tailor the design to your liking. 

Think of a backsplash as a blank canvas to express your design theme.  From monochromatic tiles to intricate mosaic glasswork, your backsplash can be designed in a variety of different ways to make a statement.  That being said, backsplash serves more than just this purpose.  Here is everything you should consider prior to adding your backsplash to your kitchen:

Functionality

Kitchens can get messy, and drywall does not respond well to sticky messes and water.  Backsplashes primarily protect your walls and can make messes easier to clean.  Think of your backsplash as an extension to your countertops that runs up the wall.  They can easily be wiped down and help prevent stains from getting on the walls.  Backsplashes work great for behind the sink, range, or countertop where food prep is done.  You can even include backsplashes in your bathrooms as well to protect your walls.

Aesthetics

Functionality aside, backsplashes are downright beautiful.  Adding a backsplash in your kitchen or bath can help enhance your home’s aesthetics.  There are many wonderful selections to choose from when choosing your tile.  Consider mosaic, handpainted looks, ceramic, subway tile, or even creating your own design by picture framing a design with decorative trim.  Your walls are blank canvases for you to create your very own masterpiece.  The next step is to find a complementary grout.  You can go with a close neutral color or even a contrasting color to help make your tiles pop.  A general rule of thumb is to choose a grout color that blends and fades away. Remember that you’re paying for the tile and not the grout.

Other Materials

There are more than just ceramic or glass tiles you can use to create your look.  You can invest in granite, marble or other natural stone in slabs rather than tiles.  Decide what backsplash will enhance your design the most while considering how messy your walls may get and what application works best.  Find the best solution for functionality and then go about the design for your home.

Backsplashes are perfect upgrades to improve your home’s beauty and value.  Get inspired on Pinterest, look online or in person at your local flooring store for a style you would like to replicate. If you haven’t shopped for a backsplash, you might not realize how many design possibilities are out there!  

https://creatingyourspace.com/

Important Considerations for Choosing Your Ideal Kitchen Flooring

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Shower Tile