From the Floors Up

Building a House…I Wish I Had Thought of That! (Part One)

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Screen Shot 2013-05-07 at 10.37.00 AMWe would like to introduce Megan, one of our readers who has been kind enough to share her story and advice on building a house.

If building a house is in your future there are many things to think about and consider. Below are some helpful tips that will hopefully keep you from saying, “I wish I had thought of that!”

  • Window Shape: When I built my house I was set on having bamboo shades. It wasn’t till after I moved in that I discovered bamboo shades couldn’t be customized to an arched window. This actually made a lot of sense, but I had not thought about it when we were designing the window shapes in the house.
  • Master Shower: This is a brilliant idea instead of installing shelves in the corners of the shower for your shampoo.  You can do pocket shelves on the same wall as the shower knob. This provides a dry area for all your shower essentials and keeps things neat, tidy, handy, and dry!
  • Hallways: For an added touch use arch niches in your hallway. This is great for a picture or plant. Don’t forget the accent light!
  • Screen Shot 2013-05-07 at 10.35.58 AMEntry Area: An insert of tile or slate is the perfect solution for keeping your wood floors from getting moisture from rain and snow. It’s easy to maintain and worry free.
  • Carpet:  Make sure you get a good carpet pad. A good pad will extend the life of your carpet and you’ll be able to feel the difference on your feet!  Also, go one step further and research carpet beyond “base grade”.

You don’t want to miss next week’s post! Megan has even more information she’d like to share.  Stay tuned.

Grand Entrance

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This entrance has drama and panache. It welcomes you into this home with great fanfare, just because of its design.

Having the entranceway set back from the rest of the house provides the impression of an outdoor foyer. The leaded glass surrounding the door adds a touch of grandeur.

The lighting takes full advantage of the inset door, with the two spots overhead brightening the doorway. By including two sconces on either side of the entrance, the stairs and some of the outer edges of the entry area are softly lit, adding to the drama.

The steps leading to the entrance also contribute to the total impact of this entryway. Brick steps provide a traditional and long-lasting surface that suits the colonial flavor of the home. The door itself is painted a rich dark color, providing the right level of contrast and character.

Finally, the large brass handle on the door indicates substance and strength. It suits the warmth of the lighting and fits with the plain but larger than standard welcome mat.

What can you do to make your entrance special? While it may be difficult to change structural characteristics, some of these features are easily replicable. To start, paint your door in a color that contrasts with the rest of the house. Take a look at these two doors. Both the red and green tones help the doors stand out against the white.

Door knockers, wreaths and something special in a welcome mat can also add personality. If the path to your home and the entryway is basic concrete, consider covering it with tile, stone or even faux brick to make it feel more finished and unusual. You may also want to replace your outdoor lighting with something that catches the eye. With just a few changes, you too can have a grand entrance.

Dazzle Guests with a Welcoming Entry

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Create a welcoming foyer, entry or even mudroom to greet you and your guests. A colorful entry makes for a cheerful greeting at the end of a long day or at the start of a party. Here are a few tips for decorating your foyer, entry hall or mudroom.

Light the space well. A chandelier, pendant or small ceiling fixture is a must. The size of the entry will dictate the size of the lighting fixture. Scale is important. If you have a double height entry, a larger chandelier or cluster of pendant lights works better than a flush mount ceiling light or diminutive chandelier. Smaller lights on a console, side table or even shelf create warm ambient light and balance out overhead lighting. A pair of lamps or a single lamp would both work. It all depends on the space.

Pay attention to the walls. Artwork and mirrors bring life to any size space. Artwork can be a great conversation starter as well. Mirrors reflect light and therefore double the light in the room. A mirror in an entry is also great to check clothes, hair and face as you dash out the door in the morning.

A table as a landing space is also key. Bowls, boxes and drawers can all hold keys and miscellaneous items we carry with us.

A cheerful colored area rug or runner finishes the design. Find a rug that works with your existing flooring and has your homes colors in it. Decorating begins when you open the door.

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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