3 Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

Redoing your kitchen can be an exciting project to take on. Even though redesigning your kitchen can be a really fun experience, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to prevent your kitchen remodel from turning into a disaster.

There are plenty of free online kitchen design tools you can use to help you better plan your kitchen. Just make sure you keep these three factors in mind and the rest will be a breeze.

via Alice Lane Interior Design

Think About Electrical Outlet Placement

It seems obvious, but it’s a mistake that a lot of renovators make: electrical outlets that are too far away from kitchen appliances. Nothing is worse than finishing remodeling your kitchen, and finding out that the where you planned your appliances won’t work for the power outlets. You’ll have to re-plan everything all over, or make adjustments by incorporating extension cords and the like.  

You’ll need to plan the kitchen appliances that you will have in your custom kitchen cabinets , where those appliances will fit, and also keep in mind that you will need an electrical outlet close by. Also, kitchen islands are often used as work spaces for homework etc. Having an electrical outlet to charge phones or laptops might be useful as well.

via Alice Lane Interior Design

Storage, Storage and More Storage

Everyone collects a host of pots, pans, cooking utensils, and groceries that need storage around the kitchen, but until you’ve moved all of it in, you won’t know quite how much – you may have much more than you originally thought. A shortage of storage is the number one mistake that is made when designing a kitchen. Less actually isn’t more when it comes to storage space in a kitchen.

Keep storage in mind at all times when designing your kitchen. Not only storage for pots and pans, but also for pantry items and appliances that might not be out on top of a kitchen counter at all times.

via Alice Lane Interior Design

Insisting on A Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are extremely popular for various reasons. For many, they’re seen as an easy way to increase preparation space. But if you have limited space, to work with a kitchen island might just make the limited space feel more cramped.

If your kitchen space is snug, it might be better to completely avoid a kitchen island. Or at the very least, make sure that your island is moveable so that it can be moved out of the way when needed. There are some great options for moveable kitchen islands that can even easily be stored away under a counter top. Having a kitchen island isn’t always better. Thanks to PG Bison for collaborating

Diamond Painting – Square vs Round Diamond

Hello, fantastic painters!! Would you know there are lots of types of diamonds are provided by PaintingsCart? Then we’re here in order to allow you to know we provide an assortment of diamonds such as square/round/special shaped diamonds to your incredible gem paintings. If you’re a newcomer to the Diamond paintings, then you could be overly excited to begin with Diamond painting. But using a query in mind what type of diamonds if I choose? Should I proceed with round square or diamonds diamonds? If so, then no worries beloved we’re here in order to aid you with this situation. We’ll be going to inform you all of the advantages and disadvantages of a Round Diamond Drill. via Amy Bartlam We give you the choice whether you want round or square stones with your new Custom Diamond Painting. But what is the real difference between both types of stones? We are going to explain it to you here. SQUARE STONES/DRILL Diamond stones of square shape have a perfect fit and all stones therefore fit together almost seamlessly. There are no spaces between the stones, which ensures a beautiful whole without uncovered parts on the canvas. Many customers indicate that square stones require a little more precision than round stones. Many customers find the end result of the square bricks more beautiful because there are almost no spaces between the bricks. via Amy Bartlam Our advice:  Choose square bricks if you don’t mind working meticulously. It is also useful if you already have a little experience with Diamond Paintings Netherland or other precision craftwork. ROUND STONES/DRILL   Round diamond stones are often used with small Diamond Paintings because the image on the canvas nicely fills the empty spaces between the stones. With round stones there are always small spaces between the stones because they cannot connect seamlessly. The big advantage of round stones is that they are easy to pick up and that you can stick them on the canvas in any direction. With this you will generally finish faster with a Diamond Painting with round stones than with square stones. Our advice:  Go for round diamond stones if you want to make your Diamond Painting without much thinking. Round stones are also highly recommended if you are going to make a Diamond Painting for the first time. via Amy Bartlam WHAT NOW? By reading this article you will be ready for the real thing! Would you like to view our offer? Then view our  Broderie Diamant. Would you rather choose your own personal painting? Then choose your Diamond Painting Deutschland Or would you rather start right away? Then order the Diamong Painting World.  Thanks to Paintings Cart for contributing

DIY – How to Fix Your Home’s Insulation

For all of you out there who love a good DIY project, have you considered fixing your home insulation? Insulation adds an extra level of comfort to the home, making it easier to maintain a desirable temperature. Not only that, it can act as a sound barrier both internally and externally.

Most new homes should already be pretty well insulated. But if you’re in an older home, you might find there’s either no insulation or an extremely degraded product. The great thing is, it’s a pretty easy thing to fix up, especially if you’re already renovating.

LIving room by Nancy Lane

via Nancy Lane Interiors

Check what you’ve already got

Firstly, it’s important to check on the current insulation situation in your home. As we mentioned, many older homes might not have insulation at all. In this case, it’s easy to start from scratch, buy the batts you need and lay them yourself.

In some cases, however, the walls and ceiling may already have some insulation, but it’s likely to have degraded over time. If you need to remove old batts, you should take plenty of safety precautions – gloves, a mask, goggles, even a full-body cover. Batts of years gone by weren’t as user-friendly as todays, so you need to take extra care when handling them.

Living Room by Nancy Lane

via Nancy Lane Interiors

Budget carefully and focus on problem areas

If you’re working on a limited budget, we recommend working out which areas need insulation the most. If you’re in an older home and your ceiling has no insulation but the walls have some older batts, it’s a no brainer to prioritise the ceiling. That being said, if you’re renovating and have easy access to the wall cavities, this should be your target area. The roof cavity can always be accessed, but that’s not the case with walls. Tip: Floor Insulation grants are available under the government’s ECO scheme.Free-insulation-grants.co.uk can help you access insulation grants

It just takes a little planning, and it makes sense to fix your home’s insulation when it’s most convenient. The roof is a huge source of heat loss; however, you might prioritise the walls while you’ve got access, and also because you’ll get some sound absorption benefits.

Remember that where possible, you should always try to insulate internal walls as well as the external ones. We’d recommend doing the external ones as a priority because that’s where heat can leave you whole home. But insulating your internal walls also gives you greater temperature control room to room.

Kitchen by Nancy Lane

via Nancy Lane Interiors

Tips for each area of insulation

Finally, here’s some handy tips for each part of the home you’ll be insulating.

Ceiling: When you install new ceiling insulation, measure carefully and choose batts with an ‘R’ rating between 2.5 – 6.0

Walls: The resistance to heat loss rating should be 1.5 – 2.7. If you don’t want to tear down your plaster, consider blow-in insulation.

Floors: This is best done when building a new home or replacing floors. ‘R’ rating should be 1.7.

Whatever part of the home you’re insulating, you’ll certainly notice the difference in comfort. You’ll likely end up with cheaper power bills in future too! Thanks to Knauf Insulation for consulting!

5 Things to Consider While Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is essential not only for spring but to beautify your home. So, it is important that you think about the great outdoors and how you want that space to look. This can be your garden, lawn, patio, and the deck. What do you need to put in mind as you consider the outdoor furniture for your space? Some of the things like the space you have, the sunlight you get in a day, how you want the space to look, whether it should be child friendly, will you be using it over the weekend? Or you have a swimming pool? Consider all these and others before you spend your money on the outdoor furniture of your choice? Here are things to consider while you choose your outdoor furniture

Photo by angela pham on Unsplash

  1. Have a list in mind 

Anyone looking to buy outdoor furniture has an idea of what they want in their space. How would you want to spend your time where you will put your furniture? How do you want it to function? Is it a place you sit to enjoy a book, meditate, or is it for beauty purposes? Others prefer outdoor furniture that can serve as a dining area during warm nights in summer or somewhere to hang out with friends and family. Once you have a list of how you want to spend in your outdoor space, you have a guideline of the furniture you will go for or how simple and creative you will want it to be. For instance, if you want an outdoor space where you enjoy cocktails, you do not need a dining table. Comfortable chairs with beautiful cushions, a fire pit, and solid wood side tables will work.

  1. Regard space and size 

As you choose your outdoor furniture, the space you have determines the furniture that you will put. Consider this space as another room in your house. Then, shop for furniture for the size and space that blends well with the design of your home. Ensure you scale the outdoor furniture according to the area where you will like to use, either it is a balcony or a full deck or in the open space in the garden. So if you have small space and size, you can invest in a great porch swing that you can relax on, read a book and meditate. Besides, this furniture will give you enough space to walk comfortably and still enjoy your space. Also, you can opt to have bar stools if you need more furniture than just a porch swing as they take less space than chairs. Alternatively, choose a smaller design of the furniture you intend to buy. 

Photo by Courtney Smith on Unsplash

  1. Consider quality 

What you pay for is what you get when it comes to outdoor furniture. For instance, if you invest in a plastic resin chair and tables for your outdoor space. As you shop for them, they look good on the shelf, and when you bring them to your outdoor space, they will keep their look for a year or slightly more while out in the sun. However, after some time, they will start losing their natural coloring and become brittle. This applies to some rattan pieces and wood material too. So, shop wisely, as you consider the quality and check in various places to see what they have to offer before spending money and finding out later it was not good quality. When you buy quality, it serves you longer. Thus, it is worth the money you will spend.

  1. Budget 

Even though you are going to buy quality furniture, budget is always a factor. Also, many designers advise that people should not overspend much on outdoor furniture. Since after three years at most, you may have to replace it, as many cannot survive past two harsh winters or other harsh types of weather. Plus, it is a good way to upgrade your space after several years as there are new designs that come up in home furniture that you can use to change for a fresh new space. Therefore, aim for quality furniture at a reasonable price that is within your budget that will last you few years. Since accessorizing is next to ensure that you budget for the theme, you cannot have your outdoor furniture looking plain. Budget for bright cushions, driftwood sculpture, or an outdoor lamp, among many themes, you may want to follow on to complete your outdoor space. 

Photo by David Merrick on Unsplash

  1. Comfort 

Pay attention to comfort and make it a priority. There is no need of buying outdoor furniture that you will not feel comfortable with. Regardless of the outdoor furniture, you are adding. Choose materials that will feel relaxing. If the chairs do not have cushions and pillows, invest in some, until you get the comfort that you want. Also, you require furniture that is mold and fade resistant to ensure they still look their best even after storing them during cold months. Plus, as you shop, ensure that you try out your furniture before you choose to buy it to get the best one from the rest. Additionally, consider the weather in your area as you shop. For the furniture should still be comfortable with the right materials and design that you can sit on when it is hot or even when it rains you can still enjoy your chair.

In summary, other than the above factors to consider while buying outdoor furniture. There is more to consider to get the best furniture for your outdoor space. For instance, as you choose furniture, it is best to opt for easy-care pieces and materials. The color that you choose needs to fit your surroundings from inside the home. Opt for dual purposes pieces that you can use for various activities. The choice of accessories will make a huge difference as you design your outdoor space, and you do not need to be too extravagant even, simple stuff will make your space beautiful and improve your outdoor décor. Thanks to Gardeners Path for consulting.

6 Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bills in Summer

Summer comes with a lot of heat that can make you uncomfortable as you relax on your premises. As the weather rises, you’d want to do everything possible to save on electricity bills and, at the same time, maximize the usage of your air conditioner and get relaxed and comfortable temperatures. However, getting the balance between your budget and your desired conditions can be quite tough. For one, the summer weather demands that you find ways to cool your body and the environment at large. Most of the options you can think of involves electricity. Therefore, if you’re really determined in reducing your expenses, then opting for a no deposit electricity plan should be your first step.

Below is a list of six tips you can implement to help you save money on your energy bills and get suitable temperatures to make your stay comfortable.

Install a New Air conditioner that is Energy-Efficient

An older air conditioner could be using a lot of force to work, which consumes a lot of energy, increasing your electricity bills. There are several options when it comes to air conditioners. Each of these brands works towards increasing the efficiency of their products while reducing the among of energy dissipated. Therefore, it would be prudent to replace your current system with a new and modern AC.

Though it may cost you a lot more to replace, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Your overall electricity bill will significantly reduce, especially if you also consider the rest of the tips in this article. Some of the best-rated manufactures are Trane, Rheem, among others. Such quality products come at almost double the price of other HVAC products.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, you can control your HVAC systems, whether at home or away. Use a timer and schedule your thermostat to match your preferred settings. Most of the modern models are designed to change the settings automatically according to the surrounding. This relieves you of the responsibility of having to adjust the thermostat every now and then. You can just set your desired temperatures for each room when leaving for work and when you come back home.

Change Your Air Filters

You can replace your air filters each month with the help of a local heating and air conditioning service provider to keep the air conditioner efficient and functional. When the system gets blocked with dirt and dust, it clogs, rendering it inefficient, and makes it consume more energy bills. It can also cause various ailments in the home.

Keep Your HVAC System Free from Debris and the Sun

While tree shade protects your unit from direct sun, reducing energy consumption, its branches can also hinder its performance, causing complete damage. If possible, you can clear the surroundings to minimize the sources of such debris. The sun can also be quite damaging to your system. Therefore, as you focus on cleaning your gadgets, make sure they’re also safe from direct sunlight.

Clean and Open the Vents

Sometimes, taking care of everything in the home can be overwhelming as you need to keep a close eye on each item. When cleaning vents, you may close them unknowingly, which causes air leaks, leading to energy waste. If you notice unusual happenings to your unit, such as warm rooms, check the vent.

Keeping the vent clean prevents debris from getting into your home. It’s often easy to overlook the dust and dirt in the vent. Ensure you maintain cleanliness in and outside your home. Also, clean the vent and air filters to keep them in good condition.

Gravity should be at the Back of your mind

A hot season causes heat to rise in your home. The ceiling and floor become hotter in summer, and you can use fans to keep the heat out of your home.

Various types of fans, such as standing or ceiling, can play a crucial role in your home’s air circulation. It creates a more relaxed and comfortable environment for your family. When the air from the fans circulates in the house, it maintains even temperatures, making the HVAC to consume less energy.

Of course, it is not only heating and cooling solutions in the home that consume energy. When re-evaluating your usage, consider other area’s you may be able to save. Swap incandescent bulbs to LED lighting solutions.  Appliances can account for a whopping 30% of home energy usage. So, when updating white goods, choose energy-efficient appliances.

How to Compare Real Estate Agents Quickly and Simply

Regardless of whether you are looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time or if you want to rent, sell or buy a particular commercial or residential property, then you should be aware that finding a real estate agent can often be a challenge. However, you should understand that a number of comparison services are available on the Internet which can assist you during the process of finding a real estate agent to deal with your property sale or purchase. Furthermore, you should also be aware that a number of services can allow you to compare the pertinent data relating to the performance of a number of real estate agents in a particular area. As a result, you will be able to rest assured that you can compare the pertinent data pertaining to the housing market in a particular location, so that you can make the best decision possible out about which real estate agent would be most appropriate to buy or sell or rent your property.

Jenny Keenan entry

via Jenny Keenan Design

  • Compare the performance of several estate agents
  • Make an informed decision
  • Use pertinent data to make your choice
  1. Compare a number of real estate agents

If you are a property owner or if you are looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time, you may be unaware about how to go about the process of finding a real estate agent to work on your behalf. Indeed, if you have identified a number of potential real estate agents, then you may not be aware about how to go about the process of choosing one quickly and simply. As a result, if you are looking to compare Gold Coast real estate agents you should be aware that a number of real estate agent finder services are available on the Internet.

Jenny Keenan bedroom

via Jenny Keenan Design

  1. Make an informed decision

In addition, it is also important to understand that if you want to buy, sell or rent a particular type of property, especially a new house and if you are not sure about how to go about this particular process, then an agent finder service can help you to locate the most appropriate company in a particular region. As a result, you can make an informed decision by comparing the pertinent statistics pertaining to the average house prices as well as the amount of time a property has remained on the housing market.

Jenny Keenan kitchen

via Jenny Keenan Design

  1. Access useful data

Finally, it is important to understand that if you want to find a number of real estate agents you should use a service to compare the pertinent data relating to the housing market. Indeed, if you are looking for a particular property in a certain area, you can make a statistic-based decision about which real estate agent to use. This choice can be based on accessing useful data, including median house prices and the average amount of time a particular property has remained on the market.

Jenny Keenan bathroom

via Jenny Keenan Design

Therefore, in conclusion, if you are looking for a quick and simple way to compare a number of real estate agents in a particular area, you should think about using a real estate agent finder service as you can gain access to pertinent market data to help you make an informed decision about which real estate agent would be most appropriate for your needs. Thanks to Local Agent Finder for consulting!

Where Can I Buy Home Décor

Introduction It’s the small changes in life that matter the most, according to experts. You can practically feel this statement when you make slight changes to your home décor. Simple things like changing your furniture or wall color can bring about a massive difference in the entire visual appeal of your home. Here, let’s look at some important points about choosing the right place to buy items for decorating your home. coastal living room via Kara Miller Interiors What is the first step when you are planning to buy home décor items? Are you planning to do a little re-jig to your home? If yes, you need to choose the right place to buy all the relevant items that you might need. However, even before deciding the retailer, you have to ask yourself one important question – “How exactly do I want my home to look after decorating it?” Are you looking to style your home in a traditional way by investing in a lot of vintage items? Are you looking for a more contemporary style with lots of bright colors all over your home, including your furniture and walls? What do you want the focal point to be, and what is the theme that you have in your mind? coastal bedroom via Kara Miller Interiors As you can see, there are lots of questions you need to ask yourself before you choose the right retailer to shop. All of these questions will give you the much-needed clarity on the budget that you can allocate for decorating your home. Then, you can go ahead and search for the best shop that sells classy and useful interior décor pieces that are in line with your taste & budget. coastal entry via Kara Miller Interiors How to choose the right place for your interior décor needs According to experts, one of the most important interior décor tips is to compare the prices of your favorite items across various sites and retailers to get the best deal. Once you have a clear idea about the style & theme you want, you can choose a retailer that specializes in those specific items. For example, if you have a very tight budget for your interior décor project, you may have to look for websites or retailers that sell second-hand items at affordable rates. It is all about finding the right supplier for your demands. However, it is highly recommended that you choose specialists who are reputed and have a long-standing in the market to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous sellers. Thanks to Lunares Home for consulting

What Should You Know About Wall Decals?

 

Wall decals offer a quick and stunning way to decorate your home without damaging your walls. Contrary to the misconception, wall decals can also be placed on smooth surfaces like windows, mirrors, doors, laptops, and furniture. Here we have shared everything you wanted to know about lovely wall decals.

Why Would You Want to Use Decals in the First Place?

Decals are good for cleansing your home of sad vibes and bad moods. For example, rainbow wall decals can be useful to create a happy atmosphere when expecting a baby. These decals can personalise and decorate your personal space, highlighting the baby’s nesting phase or arrival. By using these decals, you will definitely have the sensations of happiness over time. You will also impress your friends, roommates, and family by installing these decals.

bedroom wall decals

Can These Decals Be Applied on Any Walls?

This depends on the material and adhesive used in wall decal making. According to experts, these decals can be used on PVS, painted walls, nitrocellulose paints, and polystyrene. Before applying these decals, make sure the wall surface is smooth and even.

Experts do not recommend wall decals for rough, bumpy, or textured walls, such as eggshell painted surfaces. Eggshell paints contain small amounts of silicone, and sticky things do not work well on these walls. Bumpy walls create air pockets and prevent the adhesive from working effectively. Wall decals are also not recommended for non-painted cement or brick surfaces.

What Are Decals Made Of?

The popular ones like rainbow wall decals consist of thick matte coated self-adhesive paper, free from unnecessary plastics and chemicals. These decals are made from paper from sustainable sources. The adhesive used in decals is made of pressure sensitive water-based acrylic. The print on wall decals contains solvent-free, completely non-toxic, and odourless latex colours that look great on any walls.

bedroom wall decals

Do Wall Decals Damage Paint While Removing?

For most wall decals, removability is recommended up to one year. If you leave wall decals for longer periods, they are more likely to damage paint during removal. Hence, you need to follow removal instructions coming with products.

Can Decals Be Applied on Newly Painted Surfaces?

You should wait for at least a month before applying wall decals on newly painted surfaces. The paint surface should be completely dry before applying wall decals. Paints are known to release gases until they dry out. If you use decals on a freshly painted surface, it can lead to bubbles due to out-gassing. This will affect the beauty of the decals.

bedroom wall decals

How to Clean Surfaces Before Sticking Decals?

Use a sponge or moist cloth to clean wipe the surface before applying decals. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying the decal. Also, make sure the cleaning solutions applied to the surface are also removed completely before applying decals.

Can Decals Be Used in Bathrooms?

If the decals are intended to be used on surfaces like mirrors, you can use them in bathrooms. Read the product’s instructions to know which are ideal places or surfaces to use the wall decals. If the product information mentions, it is safe to use decals on tiles, you can apply them on bathroom tiles.

bedroom wall decals

But, you must take a few precautions. The wall decals need to be applied on dry surfaces, so don’t use the bathroom for at least 3 hours before applying decals. Make sure the surface where you plan to stick decals is completely dry. After sticking the decals, avoid using the bathroom for at least 3 hours. Don’t splash hot water on decals as it softens the adhesive.

Wall decals can give any place a fresh look. This essential information about wall decals will remove any confusion about these popular decorating products. Thanks to Never Never Shop for consulting

How to Create a Cozy Nook in Your Home

There’s something so inviting seeing a cozy nook in someone’s home. Nooks have a way of just making you feel warm and comfortable just looking at them. They’re the perfect spot for reading, sleeping or just relaxing. Nooks are like your own private getaway within your own home. Don’t have a cozy nook in your home just yet? No worries. Carving out your own special space for quiet time is a relatively easy thing to do. Here’s some things you can consider to get you started. reading nook via Jenny Keenan Design

  1. Determine Its Purpose

First of all, how many people need to fit in this nook at a time? When planning your nook, make sure everyone is going to fit inside comfortably, without ever having to feel claustrophobic. What activity is going to be taking place within the nook? If it’s only going to be used for reading, then it can be relatively small, especially when you choose a comfortable reading chair. Sites like homeideas.com can help in this regard. However, if your three kids are going to be playing with their toys there, you may want to create a nook up in your attic area where they’ll have plenty of space.

reading nook
Comfortable place for rest with different cushions near window
  1. Decide On Its Location

Since most nooks are small, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a little space to set up your nook. If your home has stairs, you can set it up underneath them. Otherwise, all you need is a corner in whatever room you’ve chosen. If possible, utilize a window within your nook, so you can enjoy the natural light flowing in. A simple padded bench placed under the window gives you a well-lit space to enjoy a good book. Simply paint your nook in a different color so it stands out from the rest of the room. If you happen to have a closet you can sacrifice to use as a nook, you can use it to make one that is large enough for one person to fit inside. You might even place a little nook at the end of a hallway. If you have enough money in your budget, you may opt to put a larger nook inside of your attic. Its low roof lines will make your nook feel extra warm and comfortable.

  1. Define the Space

If you’re setting up your cozy nook in the corner of a room, you need to make sure you’re somehow defining it from the rest of the room. A good way to do this is by laying down an area rug. Not only will it provide definition, but it will keep your toes cozy warm. reading nook via Jenny Keenan Design

  1. Decorating Your Nook

The furniture you select for your nook will depend on what you’re using your nook for. For example, if you’re creating a breakfast nook in a corner of your kitchen, you would need a table and proper seating. On the other hand, if you’re designing a reading nook, you might opt for a big, comfy chair with a throw blanket, throw pillows, and a small bookshelf next to it. It would also be a good idea to always have a small table or surface to place a cup upon. You don’t want to have to figure out where to put your morning cup of coffee while you read the paper. Allow your personality to shine through when decorating your nook. This is your special space, so it should reflect who you are. Think out of the box, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The only common thread with your nook is that whatever design elements you choose should have a relaxing feel to them, which is relative to the individual. Think about the things that make you feel happy, and surround yourself with them. reading nook via Jenny Keenan Design

  1. Provide Appropriate Lighting

When it comes to designing your nook, don’t overlook the importance of the right lighting. Even if your nook is in front of a window, you’ll need a light to be able to read at night. To make your nook look elegant, you could go with a crystal chandelier that becomes the focal point of your nook.  If space is limited, you could opt for wall lights, such as a dimmable LED sign. This will help create the perfect ambience without taking up any space.Overhead or recessed lighting can also be used as an accent to bring attention to your special space.

Final Thought Creating a cozy nook doesn’t have to be a big investment of your time, money or effort. Allow your imagination to guide you through your design process and in the end you’ll create something amazing. So are you ready to create a cozy nook within your home? Thanks to HomeIdeas for consulting

Wood Flooring Trends For Every Room

Wood flooring is a timeless design feature that goes back centuries. The very first examples were found in colonial American homes, where thick planks were cut out of ancient trees. Decorative flourishes followed closely behind in the 18th and 19th century. Painted patterns and glossy coatings became the order of the day, long before new tools made parquet patterns possible. You would be forgiven for thinking wood flooring’s possibilities had been exhausted by the 21st century, but engineered options opened the material to a host of new stains and styles. This year’s wood flooring has broken free of its natural palette and old-fashioned layouts. There is now an aesthetic for every room.

kitchen

The Living Room

The floor of your living area is probably the most important design feature of the entire home. It decorates the room you spend most of your time in and unifies the palette and style of the entire space. Engineered wood has crept into design magazines all over the world this year, but don’t expect to see any old-fashioned oak hues. This year’s flooring resides in the extremes: Extreme dark and light hues are on trend. Even black stains can bring your room a fashion-forward, crisp accent. If your living room is spacious, the layout of your wooden flooring can help improve your aesthetic. Diagonal and parquet flooring can shorten and fill the area.

living room

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its floors take a beating. Engineered wood flooring is up to the task, though. It can last many years before showing signs of wear. Most homes incorporate the kitchen into the living space as far as possible to enhance the floor’s expansiveness, but if yours has its own room, you are free to give the flooring its own unique style. Hand scraped, wire brushed and distressed wood adds to the charm of a rustic kitchen. Engineered wood can be laid in over-sized planks, and there are few better rooms for them than this one. They will undoubtedly make your kitchen look more spacious.

bedroom

The Bathroom

A spa-inspired bathroom works well with a pearl-like sheen. Satin finish wood flooring will bring a sense of sophistication to the space. If you’re working with a cool palette, a grey or white stain will bring your colours together beautifully.

The Bedroom

Every bedroom deserves its own aesthetic, but the main bedroom’s size and prominence deserve special attention. Blonde, honey or grey wood flooring will fill the space with light while adding an accent to your darker furnishings. If you are working with a spacious bedroom, you can use herringbone or parquet patterns to fill up the space better. Diagonal flooring is everywhere this year, and if you choose an oiled or high variation stain, it will make a large space seem smaller.

Children’s bedrooms are often the brightest rooms in the home, and why wouldn’t they be? Bright hues and primary shades are difficult to match with classic wood, but engineered alternatives have many colour talents. A bright room needs a neutral floor, so stay away from oak, cherry, or other exotic woods in favour of whitewashed or chocolate.

Bedrooms are supposed to be cosy and warm, and that’s where your flooring’s texture comes in. A satin finish won’t do much for your sense of comfort, but a matt herringbone texture will feel just right when you climb into bed after a tough day. Remember that engineered wood can be sanded down and refinished, so your choice is far from final.

 

Final Thoughts

There’s a wooden floor for every space in the house, so let your imagination run wild. Decorating is supposed to be fun, after all. Do not forget to express your personality, though. That is the most original thing you have to bring to your interior.

 

Author Bio: This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin has over two decades experience helping homeowners pick the perfect wood flooring for their home.