Do you love hardwood floors, but hesitant to buy because of the potential maintenance? We encourage you to keep reading and exploring the easy tasks you can do daily to ensure a long life for your wood floor. Major maintenance considerations are always important, however, they aren’t practical for guarding against normal life routines. The following tips are simple enough for even the busiest person and can be performed on a regular basis. We will cover how to protect your floors from outside influences and simple cleanup as well as the proper way to set things on top of your floor and how/when to move them around.

Threats from the outside

• Window treatments are the first line of defense against the UV rays from the sun.  Make sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your window coverings.  Wood floors are expected to naturally change shades and colors over time due to sun exposure; however, with the right protection, this can be controlled well.
• Mats and small rugs are the trusted guards who protect your floor. These ever vigilant protectors can grab ahold of a large amount of dirt and grime before it ever makes its way into your home.  Most of the sand, dirt and gravel that gets tracked in comes in on the bottom of shoes.  These are a very real enemy of your floors. These highly abrasive particles will do slow but steady damage to the floor. Mats can be placed at every entrance to your home, outside or inside.  Be sure to buy a mat with pad specifically made for wood floors so that the backing doesn’t do any damage.
• The climate where you live can also make a big difference. Wood floors respond best to consistent humidity levels. This helps avoid contraction and expansion of the wood. All air regulation systems can help: humidifier, air conditioner, dehumidifier, or heater. 

Gentle Clean-up.  Quick!

• A cheap broom won’t save you money in the long run.  Buy a high-quality broom. Dust and sweep your floors as often as possible.
• Liquid messes cannot be cleaned up later.  Paying attention to small messes can save you heartache down the road.  Take the necessary time to quickly blot the mess with a clean, soft cloth.
• Be careful about using a vacuum on your wood floor. Using one without a beater bar is a great option, or your vacuum may have come with a hardwood floor attachment.  This is incredibly helpful in removing dirt from crevices where a broom will not reach.
• For candle wax or chewing gum, try using a credit card to remove the excess. 

On The Top

• Look out for high heels! While they look great on your feet, they can do serious damage to your wood floors.  The heel tips can cause small indentions and divots.  Some can be repaired, but not all!  Scars can be avoided by either removing shoes when walking on hardwood floors for extended periods of time or by buying heel protectors that slip over the heel tip.
• Does your dog spend time inside?  Make sure your pet has his nails trimmed often. Indoor pets can damage wood floors if their nails are too long.
• Protect your wood floors from furniture!  All furniture that sits on top of your wood floors needs to have a barrier between itself and the floor.  There are several options to choose from so check with the manufacturer’s recommendations for best protection for your floors. Be sure to put protection on the bottom of all furniture with feet.
• Keep your floors dry!  Use mats in spaces where water is going to splash like the bathroom or kitchen.

Moving Around

• Your furniture can seriously scuff or scratch your floors if pushed around without proper precautions.  Once again, there are multiple products on the market specifically for helping with this.  However, be sure to check with the manufacturer to find the best product to use with your floor.
• Keeping the previous point in mind, you should move your furniture around occasionally to ensure even wearing.  Just make sure you move it safely!
• A furniture dolly can help with moving larger furniture, but make sure to plan for the weight and wheels! 

Your wood floor maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming.  It’s easy to take care of your beautiful wood floors!  Flooring trends may change, as might your taste and style, but your floor is meant to be there for you through thick and thin. With a little care and time, your wood floor will thank you with years of use.  Treat them well!

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Your bedroom is your retreat, one of the most personal rooms in your home and the place that you go to when you want to relax and feel comfortable. Choosing your bedroom flooring is incredibly important because this is the one room where you will most likely be barefoot in your home while at the same time simultaneously needing your floor to work aesthetically in a way that fosters tranquility and happiness.

You have several options when choosing the bedroom flooring that is right for you. What is most important is making sure that you make your decision based on several criteria—you will want to factor in your own design aesthetic, the size and layout of your bedroom, and the climate you live in.

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedroom flooring. If you love the look of hardwood but don’t like the feeling of cold feet on hardwood floors, you can still enjoy the elegance of the hardwood in your bedroom.  Simply incorporate an area rug into your bedroom layout or include a small rug next near your bed. If you have a hardwood floor you could choose a large area rug that centers under your bed and radiates out into the room, adding a splash of color and texture. If you have pets that sleep in your room, consider luxury vinyl flooring as an alternative to hardwood to achieve the same look while choosing floors that are more pet friendly.

Carpet is another popular option for bedroom floors because of its comfort underfoot. If you want to fully carpet your room there are many different carpet choices and which one is right for you will depend on how much foot traffic your bedroom receives while also factoring in what type of design and style you are looking for. Some people prefer the look of a saxony while others prefer a thick shag carpet.

If an eco friendly floor is important to you, let that be your deciding factor!

There are many different flooring options for your bedroom and it can sometimes feel overwhelming choosing what is best for that special room where you go to rest and recharge. What is important is knowing that you have options and then choosing what type of flooring feels most natural and relaxing to you. 

Creating Your Space

Have you ever seen a home decorated in shabby chic style but aren’t quite sure how to pull it off successfully in your own space?  Look no further! We’re going to educate you on what pieces and motifs are considered shabby chic and how to incorporate the style into your home without going overboard.

Shabby chic is all about creating a natural, inviting environment with soft, feminine colors and designs. Clean whites and calm pastels are welcome and the “distressed” look is the star of the show. Soft cottons and linens as well as a recurring theme of roses give this style its unique look. Pieces that have seen a little wear and tear over time are prized for their aged look and imperfections. Natural elements and colors as well are all part of the flow this romantic style creates throughout a space.

What separates this method of decorating from being classified as simply “vintage” is the fact that not just older items are used but newer pieces can be manipulated to mimic styles from time gone by. Modestly constructed furniture can be transformed through performing painting and sanding methods that resemble an old-fashioned finish without the antique price.  Vintage hardware can be added to complete the look.

Crystal chandeliers, touches of lace and vintage mirrors are all great ways to add a shabby chic touch to your home. Touches of ballet pink, baby blue and mint green accents throughout the room add a gentle touch of character. Floral patterns, chenille bedspreads and decorative containers placed throughout will add charm to the space while staying on theme.

Vintage clocks, wall sconces and candlesticks can be easily added without great expense. A beautiful embroidered tablecloth with vintage china and linen napkins would be a real showstopper in any dining room if you commit to this decorating style.

When it comes to flooring that can help achieve this look, there are so many options depending on whether hardwood, laminate, tile, luxury vinyl fit your needs. If you are considering luxury vinyl plank, this guide to the best vinyl plank flooring may help. Feel free to ask us if you need more guidance.

Whether you want to add little touches here and there or go all out with this theme, do what works for you in the space. You want your home to be beautiful as well as functional, so only incorporate pieces that will still allow you to enjoy your living space without having to worry about disturbing its overall look through everyday use. 

Creating Your Space

A quiet place to read a book is a luxury with today’s busy lifestyles. Finding space in your home to create a library can mean turning a spare bedroom into a library and/or den. Perhaps you don’t have a spare room. A library can be in a shared space like a dining room, hallway or living room.  All you really need to make a home library is a place for books, a good light and a comfortable reading chair.

This photo shows how you can create a library with unused space under the stairs. The warm wood floors and cozy red chair set the tone for an afternoon of escape into a good book!

A library nook can be carved out of a larger room like a family room or living room.  A formal dining room that isn’t used all that often can be turned into a library that is also a dining room. Built-in shelves along one or more walls can instantly give a room the feeling of a library.  Even a pair of bookshelves or glass front bookcases can make a space feel like a library.

Having a good reading light is a must for a library.  Floor lamps are a great choice next to a comfortable reading chair. Lighting along the bookshelves can make it easier to find your favorite book.  Next to lighting, the reading chair is a must. Find a chair that works for your taste and style. Leather club chairs and wingback chairs are classic choices for a library, but any comfortable chair will do.  Continue the traditional library style with a warm, textured or patterned area rug.  An area rug, antique, vintage, or new, can provide a place to sprawl out with your books. Great for family reading time too.