test test
Author: Mark Ward
The Benefits of Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy Flooring Charles Town WV offers a great look to your floor and is highly customizable. It can be sanded down and painted over for an even more unique appearance.
Safety is also a priority with epoxy floors. Anti-slip additives can be mixed in, such as polymer grit, aluminum oxide, or gravel, for added grip on the floor.
Epoxy floor coatings can be applied in a variety of colors and designs to create an aesthetic that suits your space. They can be completely clear to allow the concrete below it to shine through, tinted in standard or custom hues, or embedded with colored epoxy paint flakes or chips to add texture and color. Dye can also be added to the epoxy as it’s mixed for even more customized coloring options.
While ceramic tile is a common flooring choice for commercial and industrial spaces due to its durability and resilience, it’s limited in its ability to showcase your personal style. Epoxy floor coatings, on the other hand, are highly customizable, making them a better option for high-traffic areas that may scuff and scratch more easily than softer materials like carpeting or hardwood floors.
For example, a business lobby might benefit from a shiny metallic finish, while an office garage might be best served by a solid coating in a neutral shade that will keep things looking clean and professional. A home studio that will see heavy traffic and equipment use, on the other hand, would be a good candidate for a vibrantly colored epoxy floor that reflects the personality of the owner.
Regardless of the final look, all epoxy coatings require extensive surface preparation to ensure the strongest possible bond with the concrete underneath. This is especially important in high-traffic areas, where the pressure of wheels and feet will cause the epoxy to weaken over time if it’s not properly prepared. Unless you’re familiar with the process, it’s typically best to leave it to the professionals to avoid an expensive and frustrating DIY disaster.
It’s also important to note that some types of epoxies are not as durable as others. Water-based epoxy and cycloaliphatic epoxy, for instance, are not as hard as the polyurethane topcoats used in the most durable coatings. They are prone to yellowing, fading, and dulling over time, so it’s essential to choose an aliphatic epoxy that includes a urethane topcoat. This will not only increase the lifespan of your floor, but it’ll also make it more resistant to scuffing and other damage.
Durability
Many other flooring solutions require regular waxing or recoating, but epoxy floors can last for years and still look great. Epoxy floors can be used in a variety of settings, including commercial and residential. The durability of an epoxy floor depends on the type of epoxy flooring system installed, how well the concrete was prepared before the application, and how often the floor is cleaned and maintained. High-quality epoxy floors can last for decades, even if they are in heavily trafficked areas.
In addition to being durable, epoxy floors are also resistant to chemicals. Chemicals such as oil and brake fluid won’t damage an epoxy floor, so if you use your garage for car repair or housework, you can rest assured that your flooring will be safe from chemicals. Epoxy floors are also easy to clean, and most cleaners can be swept or mopped without damaging the surface.
If you want to add a touch of style to your epoxy floor, it can be adorned with decorative chips. These can be in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can create the perfect look for your space. These chips can add traction to the floor as well, making it safer to walk on.
Another way to make your epoxy floor more slip-resistant is to add texture. The texture can be a simple grid or a series of bumps, and it can help prevent accidents and injuries. This is particularly important in industrial environments, where an accident can be catastrophic.
Epoxy floors can also be formulated to resist moisture and other contaminants. Antistatic epoxy systems are available for high-traffic areas where static charges can build up and attract sensitive electronic equipment. They are designed to safely transfer static charge to defined earthing points, so they can be used in environments such as clean rooms and specialized food processing facilities.
If you’re looking for a durable, attractive flooring solution for your home or business, an epoxy floor is the right choice. It’s easy to clean and can withstand heavy foot traffic, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Slip-Resistant
Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for many business locations and homes. It is extremely durable and long-lasting, and it can be easily cleaned without the need for sanding or polishing. It also offers a range of different colors, patterns, and swirls that can make it even more personalized.
One of the most important properties of epoxy is that it is slip-resistant. This can help to control, minimize, and mitigate the risk of slip, trip, and fall accidents in industrial and commercial sites or even in residential areas where there is high foot traffic.
Unlike concrete floors, epoxy is not porous and therefore does not absorb spills or water, which could make them slippery when wet. Professional installers can add anti-skid media to the top coat of an epoxy system to create a rough surface that provides positive traction and reduces the chance of slipping. There are a variety of different anti-skid materials, from the least aggressive polypropylene and glass spheres to the more aggressive aluminum oxide. Depending on the environment and level of slip resistance required, the correct product will be selected to suit the application.
The smooth surface of an epoxy floor is also hygienic, as it does not allow bacteria or pathogens to hide in nooks and crannies like some other commercial floor coatings. It is also easy to sanitize. In addition, the chemical-inert nature of epoxy means it will not react with any chemicals that may be spilled on it.
Epoxy resin is a cost-effective solution that can last up to 8 years in harsh industrial environments and 20 years in moderate office and commercial applications. It is a great alternative to carpet or tile and can be resealed as needed to prolong its lifespan.
When an epoxy floor is properly prepped and installed, it is extremely hardy and will withstand shock, heat, and stains. It can also be made more slip-resistant by adding an anti-skid aggregate, making it a safer option for those who work in harsh conditions where the risk of slip and fall is higher.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy is a low-maintenance flooring solution that’s easy to sweep and mop. It can be used in high-traffic areas, such as a residential garage or commercial space, and still look great after years of use. Sweeping the floor daily will remove any debris and dust that may cause the surface to scratch or erode. For a deeper clean, it’s recommended to mop the epoxy flooring on a weekly basis or even more frequently in high-traffic areas. For mopping, a soft mop and mild cleaners are ideal. A cleaning solution such as one part Simple Green and eight parts hot water will be effective for most cleaning needs. For tough stains, a kitchen sponge or deck brush can be used to gently scrub the area. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as these can strip the epoxy’s glossy finish.
If you plan on working on vehicles in your garage, it’s a good idea to place walk-off mats at the entrance of the garage so any dirt or sand is gathered there and doesn’t end up being tracked onto the epoxy flooring. Similarly, it’s important to place mats under bikes and motorcycles to prevent them from damaging the floor surface when they’re being pushed around.
For any chemicals that are spilled, such as oil or brake fluid, it’s important to wipe them up quickly and completely to avoid a physical reaction with the epoxy. It’s also a good idea to keep a neutralizing agent in the garage so chemical solutions can be washed away before they have a chance to react with and discolor the floor surface.
Once the epoxy has been cleaned, it’s a good idea to apply wax to maintain the shine and protect the floor from scratches and other damage. It’s not necessary for every floor, but if the flooring has been exposed to harsh chemicals and excessive sunlight, it’s definitely worth considering. A reputable floor coating company will be able to recommend the best wax for your specific flooring.
Bring In More Visitors With Proper SEO Content
Search engine optimization will be something you hear as a new innovation in marketing. This article is the foundation for your success in SEO.SEO is a great way to increase your website with little effort!
When setting up pages using SEO, it’s better to have many short articles on related topics than one very long article. Long pages don’t carry as much weight as short ones do.
Coding is an important aspect to consider when you want to bring people to your website. For example, if most of your site relies on JavaScript and is poorly coded, search engine spiders cannot index it.
There are a multitude of ways you can use to improve your site for search engine rankings. You will obtain high ranked results if you search the system for search. The optimized performance will result in an overall better experience for the user.
To improve your search engine rankings, include a myriad of keywords, including misspellings, in your meta tags. Search engine bots will be able to see these meta tags and you will increase your visibility. For example, if your site is about eyeglasses, include in your metatag both “glasses” and “glasses, rabbit,” and “cat chow.”
Learn about exactly how much experience this expert actually has. You need to know all the risks in order to make an informed decision.
When using internal links on your site you need a viable anchor text correctly. Using generic anchor text like “click here” is not going to help your search engine rankings because it is too generic. Using the right keywords as your anchor text will allow you to be noticed by those crawling spiders.
This article shared some excellent ways to bring in new visitors to your web page with the help of SEO. Regardless of how old your website may be, you are sure to notice the benefits of SEO. The tips outlined above should help you as you begin your SEO efforts.
You can also visit our other website and post your article.
Support Del Ray, Bluestone Construction Inc, The Covid Collective, Colorado DNR, Wallace Consulting, New Hope Woodstock, LV Autoglass Pros, Blueridge Heart Pine Floors, Sanctuary UW, 2 Hill Girt Drive, Jessica Kattleman, Mobilize-It, Candp Tree Service , 7639 Wiscas Set, Instant Recommendation Letter Kit, Acme Hospitality Group, Quick Sailing, Arminda Arant, Burratorffa, Tree Service Virginia Beach, AAtlanta Flooring, Conflict Net, Country Electric, Regional Mayors Summit, Next 7, Energy Accountability, Protect Your Investments, Biometrics WV, 860 Ashley RD, Air Handling Landscaping Systems, One Steppe Ahead, Painting With MSA, St Sebastians Nursery, Roll A Real Estate, Better Kate Than Never, Amazon Theatrix, Eminent Micro, Allegany GP, Gilbert Electrician Now, Personal Development Blog
The Best Garage Flooring of 2022: 5 Upgrade Ideas
In 2022, take your garage from a dull, outdated storage room into your dream space. Discover the best garage flooring ideas to revamp your favorite room in the home.
The floor is the foundation of your whole garage, and choosing your garage floor is a big decision. Our guide will walk you through the best flooring options for your garage, so you can pick something functional, eye-catching, and stylish for years to come
How to Choose the Best Garage Flooring
Every garage requires different needs, so consider all your flooring options before purchasing. We recommend looking out for the three main features of durability, look, and cost
Related Content > How to Create Your Dream Garage
Garage Flooring Considerations
Cost: Regardless of your budget, there is a garage flooring option for you. You can cover a two-car garage for approximately $400 to $6,000+. There are a lot of variables here, including durability, brand, style, installation, etcDurability: You need a floor that will stay sharp and intact from everyday abuse as well as household and vehicle chemicals. If you intend on having substantial rolling weight, look for benefits such as commercial-grade and car-jack approved. Style: Most garage flooring options offer diamond, coin, smooth, or vented patterns. If you choose tiles, you can do all sorts of fun patterns with your layout – mix and match colors, create that classic checkered look, or get crazy with full-on designs.
Other Things to Look Out For
Maintenance: You should weigh the pros and cons of products for their ease of maintenance and if they require any special cleaners, tricks, etc. Installation: Today, most garage flooring is DIY-friendly. We recommend going with our garage floor tiles for a solo project as they are the most lightweight and straightforward to install. While garage flooring rolls are equally easy to install, they are harder to maneuver alone, so having a couple of helping hands will get the job done smoother.
Best Garage Flooring Options
Whether you’re looking for top-rated garage flooring rolls or tiles, we’ve got the best garage flooring. With excellent reviews, ultra-resilient material, and sleek designs, each of these five options is a reliable option you’re sure to love.
GARAGE FlOOR TILES GARAGE FlOOR ROLLS
Nitro Tiles Pro
The Pro version of our most popular garage floor tile. Made of impact-resistant plastic, these floor tiles are a heavy-duty option to upgrade with. Additionally, their easy-to-clean material resists chemicals, stains, and slips. With our Flooring Designer tool, you can create a 100% customized pattern to suit your desired style.
Review
“I love the tiles, and installation was easy. Great investment!” – Leticia from White Plains, MD
How Do Nitro Tiles Pro Measure Up?
Cost 2/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
You won’t have to sacrifice your most important benefits or your wallet with Nitro Tiles Pro garage floor tiles. They are a superb option in affordability.
Durability 5/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
Nitro Tiles Pro come backed by an impressive 3-year warranty and can withstand significant weight from rolling vehicles. They’re a fantastic investment for your garage, showroom, or workshop.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
These garage floor tiles have an eye-catching two-toned pattern to make your floor stand out. You won’t be able to find a similar style like this elsewhere as it’s brand new to the market. The line currently carries six vibrant colors, but more options are to come.
Pros
Luxury styleSlip and stain resistantExtreme durability
Cons
Limited color selection (more options coming soon)SHOP NITRO TILES PRO
Nitro Tiles
Nitro Tiles are one of the most popular garage floor tiles on the market. They’re ultra-durable and ready to take on even the harshest garage conditions. Beyond the garage, use them for dealerships, workshops, trade shows, and more.
For the most popular looks and patterns, go with the diamond tiles and lay them in a classic checkerboard pattern.
Review
“This is my first time using these tiles. They are super easy. To connect the tiles, you just align them and hit them with a rubber mallet. My garage looks amazing now!”- Matthew Stehlin from Cincinnati
How Do Nitro Tiles Measure Up?
Cost 2/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Nitro Tiles are the most affordable garage tiles on the market but come with all the attractive benefits you expect from pricier options.
Durability 5/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
Vinyl tiles and rolls typically hold up better than hard tiles, but the low-profile design of Nitro Tiles makes them a strong competitor.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
You’ll find a wide variety of colors to mix and match– from vibrant orange and blue to muted white, tan, and gray tones. Additionally, you can choose from diamond, coin, and patterns to choose the perfect one for your space.
Pros
High impact designEasy to install and cleanCustomer favorite flooring
Cons
Loud underfootSHOP NITRO TILES
Related Content > Garage Flooring Guide: Tiles, Rolls, Epoxy & More
Swisstrax Ribtrax Garage Tiles
Swisstrax is famous for its Ribtrax vented garage floor tile line. These tiles are extra-large and made right here in the USA. At 3/4″ thick, Swisstrax Ribtrax Tiles are one of the toughest garage floor tiles ever created. With over 15+ colors to choose from, you can mix and match for the perfect floor pattern.
Beyond the garage, use them for boats, docks, around the pool. The vents allow water to easily flow through with no issues or mess.
Review
“It looks fantastic. We just finished an overdue remodel of our garage. It looked good, but the tile was the cherry on the sundae. It’s worth the money and has a quality look and feel.” – John B from Muncie IN
How Do Swisstrax Ribtrax Tiles Measure Up?
Cost 4/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
This USA-made brand comes with an incredible reputation, so these tiles come at a higher price point. However, you’ll receive a hefty amount of benefits that make them an unforgettable investment for the garage.
Durability 5/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
Swisstrax Ribtrax Tiles are incredibly durable and can withstand up to 70,000 lbs. of rolling weight, and have a compressive strength rating of 3,210 psi. To prove their strength, they come backed by an impressive 15-year warranty.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
If you’re looking for the most diverse color selection, we highly recommend Swisstrax Ribtrax. There’s something for everyone with over 15+ vibrant rainbow colors and sophisticated blues, blacks, grays, and browns.
Pros
Wide color selection15-year warrantyGreat for rain and snowHighly durable
Cons
More expensive than most optionsSHOP SWISSTRAX RIBTRAX TILES
Related Content > 10+ Ways to Use Your Garage: From Functional to Fun
Grid-Loc Garage Tiles
Grid-Loc Garage Tiles
can withstand heat, tools, chemicals, oil, antifreeze, UV rays, and more. They’re American-made, ultra-durable, and offer an impressive 12-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.
Beyond the garage, Grid-Loc Tiles
are versatile enough for storage sheds, trade shows, dealerships, and more. They are trendy for their large color selection and variety of garage floor tile patterns.
Review
“Garage looks outstanding! Everything came perfectly. Installation was pretty easy. I highly recommend it.” – Poolster from NY
How Do Grid-Loc Tiles
Measure Up?
Cost 3/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Grid-Loc Tiles
are in the midrange of garage floor pricing. With the benefits you receive, they’ll last for over a decade with regular maintenance.
Durability 5/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
UV stable. Impact-resistant. Resilient. Grid-Loc Tiles
are a 5-star flooring that over 800+ of our customers recommend.
Also, they can withstand 36,000 lbs. of rolling weight, are car jack approved, and resist even oil, grease, and antifreeze.
Style 4/5
1 – good to 5 – best
Color options are a bit more limited with Grid-Loc Tiles
, but it truly depends on what you intend for your garage look. Get inspired, and review our customers’ photos for garage flooring ideas!
Pros
USA madeLow maintenance12-year warranty
Cons
More muted color selectionSHOP GRID-LOC GARAGE TILES
Diamond Nitro Rolls
Our premium Diamond Nitro Rolls have it all – sharp looks, easy installation and maintenance, and superb durability
Beyond the garage, these stylish coin- and diamond-patterned rolls work well in workshops, storage sheds, industrial settings, and more.
Note: We do not recommend using this garage flooring roll on top of unsealed epoxy paint, gravel, asphalt, or subfloors with imperfections.
Review
“The flooring turned out great, and it is the “wow” factor when I show my garage to my friends. I installed it myself and am very proud of it.” – Gary from PA
How Do Diamond Nitro Rolls Measure Up?
Cost 1/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Diamond Nitro Rolls are the least expensive option on this list – they’re a true bargain for commercial-grade garage flooring. Their DIY-friendliness makes them perfect for first-time users new to laying down flooring.
Use them as garage floor mats, wall-to-wall flooring, workshop flooring, and in storage sheds.
Durability 5/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
These premium garage rolls are virtually indestructible, designed to hold up to cars, tools, and more. To prove they can stand up to harsh working conditions, they’re backed by a 7-year warranty.
Style 3/5
1 – good to 5 – best
Compared to other contenders, Diamond Nitro Rolls have more limited roll colors to choose from. However, if you’re looking for unique stainless steel and graphite looks, Diamond Nitro Rolls are your best choice.
Pros
DIY installationAffordable and stylish7-year warrantyCar-jack approved
Cons
Multiple rolls may not align perfectlyLimited color selectionMay have to replace full rolls when damagedSHOP DIAMOND NITRO ROLLS
Related Content > Garage Flooring FAQ: What You Must Know
Conclusion
Ready to get started? Order samples of your favorite garage flooring today!
ORDER FREE SAMPLES SHOP ALL GARAGE FLOORING
8 Steps to Make Your Living Room Cozy
You spend a lot of time in your living room — reading your favorite book, cozying up next to the fireplace, watching your go-to guilty pleasure movie. When you spend so much time in one room, you want it to be cozy and inviting.
Here, you’ll learn eight ways you can make your living room feel more cozy, as well as a few bonus tips to redecorating your room on a budget.
What Makes a Room Cozy?
Many factors go into making a room feel cozy. In this list, we’ll talk about:
Adding textureChoosing bold, natural colorsForming a solid foundation by choosing the right flooringCreating ambiance using lightingTriggering cozy thoughts using fragrance
Ultimately, a cozy room is something that gives your heart the warm fuzzies. It’s a place where you can easily nap or relax after a long day. But a cozy room also depends on your personal style and preferences, which you can narrow down with cozy living room ideas.
How to Make a Living Room More Cozy
Make your living room more cozy with these eight tips:
1. Choose a Bold Color Palette
Color is one of the most influential aspects of interior design because it impacts you in many ways. It affects your memories, relationships, mental and behavioral patterns and emotions. Take the color green, for example. It’s connected to feelings of nature, evokes positive emotions and opposes negative emotions.
Use rich, bold colors for a warm, cozy living room. Colors like charcoal, rust orange, brick red and navy blue work well. Include contrasting colors, too, to keep your color palette feeling fresh with additions like white, mustard yellow or light grey. Those combinations create warm and inviting living spaces.
2. Lay Your Flooring
Flooring plays a big role in your home’s aesthetic and function. Before incorporating other interior design elements, you need a base. Choose a flooring that’s comfortable and easily layer-able. Flooring possibilities for a cozy living room include rich-colored hardwood floors. If you don’t plan on layering items, you might usesoft carpetinstead.
3. Keep the Room Warm
Make your living room feel warm and cozy by keeping it actually warm. Insulate the space to keep the temperature consistently warm and prevent cold air from creeping in during the winter months. Consider other heating methods, too, like installing or using a fireplace or adding heated flooring.
4. Create Ambiance Using Lighting
Cozy ambiance, created by lighting, is connected tocalming anxious feelings. Ambiance refers to the overall mood or atmosphere of a room. In this case, you’re trying to create an ambiance that is cozy and relaxing.
Low, warm-toned lighting is optimal for making a room cozy. The more yellow the light, the more comfortable your living room will feel. A simple solution to adding ambiance is switching your lightbulbs to warm-toned LED lightbulbs. Consider installing a dimmer so you can better control the lights’ intensity.
Amplify your interior design skills by adding accent lighting, as well, with lamps or candlelight. Place accent lights near reading areas, on accent tables or other decorative or functional areas in your living room.
5. Find a Comforting Fragrance
Just as color affects your mood, scent can, too. Scent moleculesflow to the limbic system, which processes your feelings, moods, memories and emotions. Certain scents, like clean linen or freshly cut grass, can remind you of freshly cleaned laundry or summertime.
Your home’s fragrance impacts how you feel. Choose a fragrance that’s comforting to you or your household members. Common comforting home aromas include freshly baked cookies, brewing coffee, baked bread and autumn breezes.
6. Layer Plenty of Textures
Modern rooms are typically flat and two-dimensional with minimalistic features. But cozy living rooms have many three-dimensional layers, created with multiple textures.
Texture is another interior design element referring to the feeling of objects. Examples of different textures are leather, faux fur, wool, silk, perforated wood and knitting. Add texture into your living room via throw blankets, decorative pillows, seating cushions, different types of plants, wooden logs and other accents. Plush and fluffy details can contribute more toward a cozy living room, but use whatever suits your tastes.
7. Add a Rug
Another way you can add layers to your living room is by adding a rug. Choose a neutral rug with a light pattern as not to overpower the room with heavy colors. You can play with different textures, too, like with a faux-fur or knitted rug. Place your rug in the center of your space, like under your coffee table, to visually tie your larger furniture together.
8. Bring in Nature
Nature offers many benefits, like:
Improving your overall moodReducing stress levelsInducing feelings of relaxationBoosting your self-esteem
Bring in natural elements to your living room to make it feel cozier. Place fire logs next to your fireplace, bring in houseplants, burn nature-scented candles, use natural colors in your color scheme and bring in natural light.
How Can You Make Your Living Room More Cozy on a Budget?
If you’re on a budget, redoing your entire living room can feel like a challenge. Luckily, you can make your interior design changes more affordable with these tips:
Start with the big changes:The biggest results come from the biggest changes. Start remodeling your living room by redoing your flooring, painting the walls and placing down a rug. Then, if your budget allows, make smaller additions like adding texture through decorative pillows and replacing your lightbulbs.Shop second-hand:Save money on the little touches throughout your room and support local businesses by shopping second-hand.Repurpose existing furniture or decor:You may have furniture or decor around your house you can repurpose. Repurposing furniture can be as simple as moving it into a different room. Or you can do DIY projects and physically transform the furnishing or decor item.
The best way to stick to your budget is by making a wish list before redecorating your living room. Arrange your wish list from your must-have items to items you aren’t as excited about. Determine an overall budget and categorize it, giving each item on your wish list a monetary value. You can then prioritize your budget when shopping.
Schedule a Free In-Home Flooring Consultation Today
Your flooring makes a big impact on your home. 50 Floors aims to help you achieve your flooring goals at an affordable price. When replacing your flooring, contact 50 Floor and learn more about the services we offer. With over four decades of experience, we can help you achieve a cozy living room.
Schedule a free in-home consultationonline today! Have any questions? We’d love to help! Justcontact us onlineor call us at1-877-503-5667.
The post 8 Steps to Make Your Living Room Cozy appeared first on 50 Floor.
A Guide to Feng Shui Interior Design
The art of feng shui has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. Its principles of creating balance and harmony within the home have become more relevant and desirable in today’s ever-moving, fast-paced world. With purposeful furniture placement and incorporation of natural materials, it can be an effective approach to cultivating a peaceful and relaxing home environment. However, structuring your living space to reflect a feng shui design requires more thought and precision than one might think.
Feng shui offers benefits beyond a tidy living room. While the term “feng shui” is used by designers and real estate agents alike, the ancient practice holds a very specific purpose and meaning. With the tips in this guide, you can manipulate the energy in your home to promote health, passion, success and an overall better quality of life. Learn how to create the ultimatefeng shui interior designfor every room in your home.
What Is Feng Shui?
Feng shui is a practice that originated in ancient China. It was developed on the belief that the energy forces, also known as qi or chi, of individuals are influenced by their surrounding environments. The phrase “feng shui” translates to “wind water.” More specifically, feng shui aims to block the wind and cache the water. Water is believed to bring good fortune and wealth.
Planning the layout and design of your home according to feng shui allows positive energy to flow uninhibited through your house and bring you success and prosperity.
The Elements of Feng Shui
Like other design methods, feng shui comes with its own set of rules to follow. These guidelines help promote an effortless flow of qi throughout your house while organizing your living space to reflect a calm and harmonious environment.
Qi, pronounced “chee,” is a transient negative or positive energy that lives within every individual and space. In ancient China, feng shui was practiced by rural communities in the placement of local gravesites to harness the energy of deceased ancestors and other life forces. With this practice, farmers and villagers expected to receive an abundance of prosperity.
The goal is to find the perfect location for each piece of furniture in your space. Keep in mind that though this guide outlines the universal components of feng shui design, the end result will differ from person to person. From where to place your bed to the color of your floors, the layout of each room in your house will determine how your space will look at the end of its makeover.
There are several variations of feng shui practices, but these are key commonalities that will transform your home:
The Five Elements
Feng shui principles begin with the five elements earth, fire, water, metal and wood. In both literal, symbolic and metaphysical ways, these elements regulate different areas within your home. They govern the shapes, colors and emotions that correspond with specific areas featured on the bagua map
Here is how the five elements play a role in interior design:
EarthThose who are familiar with chakras and yoga know that the earth symbolizes balance and stability. Earth is seen as a primarily feminine element that strengthens the emotions of feeling grounded and centered. You can easily incorporate this element at home by furnishing your rooms with crystals or salt lamps, clay vases and candle holders, landscape art and earth-colored flooring and carpets that feature gold or red tones.FireFire represents passion, emotional expression and energy. It fans the flames of inspiration, popularity and transformation. Adding candles and pops of bold reds and vibrant oranges with fresh flowers, throw pillows and art will energize any room. Refrain from using these colors in rooms where you want to relax, as they can be very stimulating.Water There’s a reason the sound of flowing water and rain showers is so relaxing — water symbolizes wisdom, clarity and serenity. The element of water is believed to promote wisdom and help us connect with others. You can use cool or dark colors to bring this element into your home — a mocha- or gray-colored wood floor can perfectly encapsulate water traits. If you’re not a fan of blue tones, adding reflective surfaces and mirrors will have the same effect without imposing on your personal style.
MetalThis element may have you scratching your head, wondering how you can casually incorporate metallic elements into your decor. However, metal is a more dynamic element than you may think. While many people consider metal to be cold and strong, it also represents logic, knowledge, beauty and self-assurance. As a flexible energy, you can embrace this element by adding decor that is gray and white, or using smaller accent pieces like bookends or sculptures.WoodWood represents healing, flexibility, growth and progress. It is associated with masculine traits, but can be adaptive to feminine energy because it is also related to new life. While wood is perhaps one of the easiest elements to include in your home decor, too much of it will throw your home’s energy off balance. So, instead of going overboard with wood paneling, try adding healthy green plants and furnishings that are green, blue and teal.
The Bagua Map
The most efficient and common tool for understanding feng shui design is the bagua map. “Bagua” translates to “eight areas,” and is displayed as a three-by-three grid of nine boxes. Each of these squares correlates with a different area of your life, also known as “life aspirations.” These include wisdom, wealth, love, health, family, fame, helpful people, children and career. Other variations of the bagua map are linked to the four directions and astronomy. Every category is connected to an element and color.
The purpose of the bagua map is to analyze the energy within a space and determine what elements are still needed in order to enhance the natural flow of energy. If there are areas in your home that need improvement, you can reference the five elements to bring balance and strength. This is how the elements and bagua categories correlate to one another:
Earth: Health, love and wisdomFire: FameWater: CareerMetal: Children and helpful peopleWood: Wealth and family
The easiest way to use a bagua map to feng shui a house is to lay it over your floor plan with the doorway facing south, and see where the nine energies fall within your home. However, since every house is different, the best way to follow the bagua map is to draw a rough outline of your home’s floor plan. Then, divide the drawing into nine proportionate squares, like a tic-tac-toe board, and label the squares according to the categories displayed in the bagua map.
How to Feng Shui: Where to Begin
Once you understand the basic principles of feng shui, you’re ready to start redecorating. Knowing your elements and mapping out your home are only the first steps in harnessing positive energy and creating an uplifting and relaxing space. These guidelines will break down the fundamental rules of feng shui so you can start feeling more grounded and at peace today.
1. Declutter and Clean
While some may argue that messiness is a sign of genius, most would agree clutter and excess causes chaos and confusion. A clean space can do wonders for your mental state and leaves more open spaces for incoming energy. If you haven’t given your home a good cleaning or purged your closets and storage of things you no longer use or need, this will give you the motivation to get it done. Don’t forget to maximize your natural light by cleaning your windows!
2. Address Your Entryway
The entryway of the home is called the “mouth of qi.” This is where energy enters into your living space and what people see from the outside. Therefore, it represents your face to the rest of the world. It is important to keep the entry of your home clean and clutter-free. This will allow qi to flow freely. Keeping your entryway clean doesn’t mean it should be completely empty. Rather, focus on making it as warm and welcoming as possible.
3. Consider the Command Position
The commanding position is one of the most commonly practiced feng shui principles. The concept of the command position is believed to help you take charge of your life while feeling secure within the space. In order to achieve this, your bed, desk and stove should be placed in positions that allow you to easily view anyone coming through the door of the room. This doesn’t just keep your subconscious at ease, it also makes you more aware and open to new opportunities that are coming your way.
The command position for each piece of furniture will be different in every room, based on the placement of the door. Feng shui dictates that the ideal position for the best energy flow is the furthest diagonal point from the door. This placement is particularly important in rooms where you spend the most amount of time.
If you aren’t able to place your main pieces of furniture in this location, position them so you can see the door from wherever you are sitting, laying or standing. This is a crucial rule when arranging your bedroom. You are at your most vulnerable when you’re sleeping at night. If you can’t see the door from where you’re lying down, you may feel tense and anxious the exact opposite of how you want to feel when you’re going to sleep.
4. Eliminate Obstacles
Feng shui is all about efficiency, in one form or another. There should always be a wide, clear path from room to room, as well as enough space for you to move freely throughout each room. Remove any tripping hazards and similar obstacles that inhibit movement. This may mean it’s time to move that coffee table you keep bumping into.
5. Use Color
Color can instantly liven up a space or send it into a spiral of confusion. We’ve reviewed the relationship between colors and the five elements, so you know how important it is to create and maintain a balance of energy in your home using the appropriate colors. In order to achieve this, you will have to take it one room at a time.
The absence or excess of one element or another can quickly throw your space off balance. To fix this, start by surveying the room and noting what tones stand out the most. If you are missing characteristics of a specific element, it should be obvious. For example, if your carpet and walls feature earth tones with metal picture frames or wall decor, you’ll notice that water and wood elements are missing. In this case, you may feel a surge of energy and awareness when you enter the space, making it difficult to relax.
If you’re in touch with your emotions, you can use your feelings and various aspects of your life to guide your inclusion of new colors. If you have been experiencing mental fog and indecision, then grays, whites and metallic tones correlating with the element of metal can provide clarity and precision. For a rush of energy and wisdom, turn to water-related colors like black and dark blue. The five elements are balanced within nature, and colors are one way to bring that stability into your own life.
Feng Shui Interior Design Ideas
The ancient concept of feng shui is widely accepted and practiced in Western design for its inherent comfort and aesthetic. While the original intent of feng shui was to encourage positive energy flow and growth and prosperity in every aspect of life, there’s no denying the physical appeal of this particular design strategy.
These interior design ideas will inspire you with new and creative ways to integrate feng shui elements into your home:
1. Balance the Living Room
The living room is known as a family space and a gathering place for friends and visitors. It houses the largest pieces of furniture, which can quickly make the room feel cluttered and dark. To rearrange the space to reflect feng shui’s design principles, start by moving the sofa so it faces a door and is backed against a wall, preferably the wall that is furthest from the door. There should be a few inches of space between the couch and the wall.
For additional chairs or loveseats, place them in a position that will allow for conversation without cramping the room. When choosing a coffee table, it’s best to buy one that doesn’t have sharp angles. However, if a round shape contrasts too much with the rest of your furniture and decor, you can use a supplement with circular shapes in other areas, like pillows and mirrors.
2. Craft a Calm Bedroom
In general, your bedroom should be a clutter-free and minimalist space. Too many colors, prints and wall hangings can make the space feel busy and overstimulating. To create a calm and peaceful bedroom, place your bed away from the door, but not in the direct path of the door.
Remove electrical components that sit next to your bed, such as phone chargers and remote controls. While keeping your cellphone close by is a hard habit to break, having it on hand at all times drains your creative energy and affects your focus and clarity. To create balance and tranquility, avoid putting a television in your bedroom. Bedroom TVs can take away your positive and peaceful energy, and they also become the focal point of the space, which is distracting and unattractive.
Abedroom should have elements of masculine and feminine energy. An example of equal balance and representation is using a metal bed frame and covering your mattress with soft-colored blankets and linens. Remember that each element offers its own energy. So if you feel like something is missing from your bedroom, take inventory of the elements that are already represented and fill in the blanks.
Lastly, optimizing your storage may be what is causing your energy to turn for the worst. When your house or apartment lacks closet space, one of the first solutions you think of is to use the empty space under your bed. However, feng shui principles suggest doing the opposite. Filling the space under your bed inhibits qi from flowing freely throughout the space. Rather than adjusting the living space to meet your abundance of material possessions, consider scaling back for a more minimalist approach.
3. Think Floor to Ceiling
When it comes to redecorating, many people tend to forget that the room itself can use a spruce, not just the furniture and items inside it. Your floors are the foundation for cultivating the perfect feng shui design in your home.
Changing the type of wood, laminate or carpet in your house will make a significant difference in the overall appearance and energy within the space. Keep in mind, flooring for feng shui also involves keeping your floors clean. A clean home naturally makes your space feel brighter and more welcoming.
The corners of a room can also fall victim to neglect. However, they are just as important as any other element of design. The state of corners in a room is a telltale sign of how clean you keep your house, though they are often left untouched when spring cleaning comes around. Remember to dust the corners and vents of every room as you rearrange them.
Lastly, you may be hanging your wall decor too low or off-center. If you have been experiencing depression or dips in your energy, take a look at how your art and picture frames are placed and readjust if necessary.
4. Remove Signs of Negativity
To complete this list offeng shui tips, it’s absolutely vital that you remove any negative symbolism that occupies your space. We subconsciously absorb everything that fills our surroundingenvironment. From movies and television shows to traffic patterns and outside noise, we are affected by everything around us. Negative energy gets into our space unintentionally through symbolism.
Your home is a place of comfort and intimacy, and allowing negativity inside can perpetuate challenges and fear. Remove any bleak or gloomy pictures, dead plants and furniture with severe angles.
If you feel a drop in your mood or confidence when entering a space, this means there may be unaddressed negative feelings associated with something in the room or the room itself. Be sure to note any changes in your own qi as you survey each room in your house, especially if you are particularly affected by a certain object or location within the room. This is a major sign that it’s time to change things up and rebalance your space.
Contact 50 Floor to Get Started With Feng Shui Flooring
50 Floor offers the ultimate at-home shopping experience for homeowners looking to create a positive and uplifting space. As experts in our craft, we bring all our flooring options to your door, so you can see how every color and material works with your personal decor and style. For more than four decades, we have solidified our reputation as the experts in flooring, with hundreds of samples to choose from.
Browse our flooring trend guidefor more inspiration. If you’re ready to transform your home, schedule a one-on-one consultationtoday!
The post A Guide to Feng Shui Interior Design appeared first on 50 Floor.
How to Achieve a Minimalist Design in Your Home
In home design, minimalism is the act of removing unnecessary elements. Many homeowners have recently turned to minimalist decor to help them live a more organized life that’s free of clutter. However, achieving a minimalist design is often not easy, especially if you already have many belongings or a busier decor style. This guide provides tips to help you convert your home into a minimalist haven.
Getting Started
If you’re thinking about making your home more minimalist, the first thing you should do is understand your “why.” Why do you want to make your home more minimalist? How can minimalism help you live a more intentional life? If you have a good idea of the life you want to live and know your core values, you can more easily decide which things you want to hold on to and which to get rid of.
Declutter and edit: Having a home with minimalist decor means reducing clutter. To accomplish this, you must edit what you display on tables and shelves. Limit yourself to essential items only and keep the rest stored away in cabinets. If you find something you haven’t used in many years, get rid of it. All items in your house should serve an emotional, aesthetic or functional purpose.Repurpose the things you already own:After you declutter — and before shopping for more decor or furniture — make an effort to repurpose the things already in your home. This is a great way to save money, and you may find you don’t need to buy anything. For instance, consider using shoeboxes to organize clothing within drawers, with smaller boxes serving as dividers for smaller clothing items. Clear boxes are useful since you can see what’s inside and can easily label and stack them. Use clear boxes in closets, kitchens, bathrooms and garages.Consider using the KonMari method:One effective way to declutter your space is by using the famous KonMari Method, which involves living a more joyful, intentional life that minimalism can provide. To make decluttering easier, sort through your belongings by category, beginning with clothes. Next, sort books, papers, miscellaneous things and finally, sentimental items. This order, which begins with the easiest things to remove and ends with the hardest, helps you hone your sensitivity to the things you enjoy most.Limit yourself to timeless pieces:One of the greatest benefits of minimalism is it allows you to invest in fewer, higher-quality items. When it comes to decor and furniture, choose well-made, classic items that will stand the test of time. Well-build pieces with clean lines will always be in style.
Choosing Furniture for Minimalist Homes
When choosing furniture for your minimalist home, you want to shop with purpose. When you buy without intention, you’re more likely to end up with clutter, but you can avoid clutter if you adopt a minimalist mindset. When you shop with intention, you’re less likely to buy unnecessary items. Whenever you’re considering purchasing something, ask yourself, “Will this serve a purpose for me and my home?”
Other pointers to keep in mind when shopping for furniture include:
Aim for flat surfaces and clean lines:The objects and furniture you choose for your minimalist home should primarily have flat surfaces and defined, clean lines and curves. Cabinets and drawers with no handles are a great idea for a minimalist kitchen, as the lack of handles creates clean lines.Remember simple objects can also be powerful:When you decorate your home in a minimalist style, you may find yourself rethinking ordinary objects. While simple objects rarely catch your attention in a busy room, they can be attention-grabbing in a minimalist room where they don’t have to compete with flashier items.Include personal touches in your decor:Another useful tip for decorating your minimalist home is to use your favorite items and furniture as a base. To add a personal touch, find items that are especially meaningful to you. This could be anything from your child’s artwork or family photo to everyday objects like candles and books. Arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way.Use multipurpose furniture:When shopping for furniture or deciding what to keep, look for flexible items that can serve multiple purposes or that you can easily move from one room to another. One example is a stool that doubles as a side table or a nightstand. You could also consider an entryway bench that you can use in your dining room to seat extra people.
Choosing Colors and Textures
While minimalism is most commonly associated with a small amount of furniture, it also has specific colors and textures. When choosing the colors and textures for your minimalist home, consider the following:
Choose a restrained color palette: When choosing colors for your minimalist home, we suggest light colors like white, understated neutrals, pastels and faint grays. While brighter colors are permissible, try to limit yourself to just one or two.Include color beyond neutrals: While minimalism primarily features neutral color palettes like whites, beiges and light grays, you can still play around with color. The end goal is simplicity, so you can still have small amounts of texture and color through artwork, plants and textiles.Add warmth with natural textures: If your color scheme is predominantly white — a common color for minimalist homes — then incorporating natural textures can make your home feel warmer. Consider introducing handwoven textiles, natural woods and plants.Use accent decorations: Making your home minimalist doesn’t mean you should avoid bright colors and decorations — just use decorative elements as accents and be careful not to overwhelm your house with too many things. When it comes to art, pick one piece of art as a focal piece rather than many small ones.Select your patterns wisely: When picking out the patterns for your minimalist home, be careful that the patterns don’t overwhelm the space. Homes with minimalist decor tend to use few patterns or no patterns at all. If you choose to use patterns, select small scale or simple patterns. Use prints as an accent piece, such as on your throw pillows or curtains. You can have both, but if you do, ensure you have lots of negative space. You can’t go wrong with a patterned carpet centered in the room to help break up any monotony.
Choosing Minimalist Flooring
Many simple flooring styles lend themselves well to a minimalist style. These are the most popular floors for minimalist homes:
Hardwood
While this timeless material is a fantastic option for virtually any home decor, certain stains and designs can givehardwood floors a minimalist feel. Light hardwoods like maple, white oak and beech will help your home feel airy and open, perfectly fitting the minimalist aesthetic.
Narrow planks can help hide the grain, making the flooring look more seamless. If you’re interested in staining your flooring, consider a gray tone, which will make your room feel brighter and bigger, giving it a decluttered feel.
Laminate
If you have a smaller budget, consider havinglaminate floors installedfor your minimalist home. Laminate flooring has seen many advancements in recent years, with modern products closely mimicking the look of authentic wood. As with natural hardwood, lighter-colored laminate flooring can help your rooms feel brighter and more open.
Tile
If you’re creating a minimalist look but don’t want to use hardwood,monochromatic matte tileis another option to consider. Large, wide tiles will provide your home with an airy, clean feeling, while smaller tiles can create more texture and interest in a minimalist home. A solid neutral tile will let your decor shine.
Luxury Vinyl
Like laminate,vinyl flooringhas come a long way. Luxury vinyl floors are available in planks and tiles that mimic real hardwood and ceramic or porcelain tiles. Vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture, stains, scratches and scuffs, so it works well in any room, and it comes in many color and texture options suitable for a minimalist style.
Miscellaneous Tips
One of the main objectives of minimalism is to draw attention to a few things, not many things. Empty space is one of the most important elements in minimalist interiors, as space interacts with the objects, defining the look. Equally important is visual balance, which can only be accomplished with a focal point.
Some other valuable tips you may want to consider are:
Let in light: In minimalist interior design, bare windows can be an excellent idea. Consider keeping your windows unadorned to let in as much light as possible. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can opt for thin curtains or blinds. Sheer curtains let in lots of sunlight without compromising your privacy.Stay consistent with your materials: Creating a minimalist look is all about keeping it simple and making a home with a bright, relaxing, air and modern feel. To achieve this, choose between one and three materials that you can consistently use throughout your house, keeping function and practicality in mind. Use materials that feel light, like white concrete or bleached oak. We also recommend that you use neutral paint throughout your home.Try concealed storage: Another key idea in minimalism is that not everything in your house was meant to be put on display. These include utility items such as cords, lightbulbs, paper files and batteries, which can be put in attractive baskets and bins and tucked away. You can also purchase a built-in storage unit, which can make your home feel minimal and streamlined.Use negative space: Negative space highlights your home’s simplicity and beauty, allowing the materials to tell their own story. Resist the temptation to fill every square inch of space with furniture or decor. Leaving a little negative space evokes peaceful, tranquil feelings and communicates the idea of having lots of space to breathe. You won’t feel claustrophobic in a minimalist home. If you have lots of negative space and would like to decorate it, limit yourself to simple touches like a piece of artwork or an indoor plant, which can go a long way toward making your space feel comfortable while still adhering to the simple, understated minimalistic aesthetic.In terms of decor, think big: Minimalism requires you to have a small number of items in your house, but it says nothing about the size of those items. If you’d like to go for “less is more,” consider investing in bigger rather than smaller items. Large items have more visual impact and go a long way to creating a stunning yet simple space.Look for pieces that coordinate: In minimalist homes, items should share a common language and speak with one another, creating one story. No item should complete for attention. The minimalist style aims to bring out the beauty of a view, space or artwork, so everything else must blend in harmoniously. Make sure textures and colors complement one another, and keep shapes simple.Tidy your space up regularly: Another aspect of minimalist living is regularly cleaning your space and having a place to put or store everything. Once you introduce a new item to your space, it must have a home. Deciding on a dedicated space for every item will take less time and energy than finding a new home for it each time you use it.Get creative with your lighting: Have fun with your lighting to give your minimalist home more visual appeal. Light fixtures these days come in an endless variety of options, so choosing something a bit unconventional in a powder room or dining room can give your minimal home some character.Showcase your favorite piece of artwork: If you have a collection of artworks, rather than putting your entire collection on display at once, you can display just one piece at a time and store away the rest of your collection.Remember to have fun: It’s important to remember that minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all style, and every homeowner can create their own minimalist decor. So, when deciding on a minimalist decor for your home, don’t try to copy a specific look. Instead, think about what will work for you. Also, don’t hold yourself to hard and fast rules, such as owning a certain number of things. Instead, use this simplifying process as a chance to play around with and get in tune with your authentic tastes, goals and values. Be patient, and work through your house one space at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Discover the Perfect Minimalist Flooring for Your Home
Choosing the right flooring is important, as it affects the appearance of your home, your comfort and even your health. For high-quality, durable and affordable minimalist flooring solutions,get in touch with 50 Floorfor a free appointment.
The post How to Achieve a Minimalist Design in Your Home appeared first on 50 Floor.
How to Design and Build a Home Addition
One of the biggest perks of homeownership is the ability to renovate and customize your home to best reflect your needs and personal style. While owning and living in your home, you and your family may go through many different changes that affect how you use your space. These transitions can include family changes such as having children, personal desires such as wanting a home theater or gym or health changes like integrating accessibility features.
Many homeowners find that planning, designing and building a home addition can be a highly effective way to extend a home’s living space. That way, they can continue using and enjoying their home for many years to come.
Creating a home addition with a flowing, natural design that aligns with the rest of your house is certainly possible. It will simply take some careful budgeting and planning to design and execute the best home addition ideas. There are many important factors to keep in mind both before and during your home addition project. Some of these factors include your budget, your objectives for the addition, your desired design elements, coordinated flooring and local building codes and regulations. Explore them in more detail below.
Simple Steps to Design a Home Addition
As a homeowner, you may feel overwhelmed by how to plan for a home addition and how to account for all the considerations that go into a home addition design. However, with a bit of planning, time, care and the assistance of a trusted contractor or design professional, you can easily make your dream house addition a reality. While each home addition project is unique, a few common tips and steps can serve as helpful guidelines as you plan and build.
1. Establish a Budget
Establishing an accurate, realistic budget is perhaps the most important step to building a home addition. Any construction project will naturally come with some stress. Without a firm and manageable budget, your stress level will likely be much greater than necessary. Budgeting before you begin planning and designing your home addition is crucial.
Your budget will be an essential determining factor regarding the size of your addition and the quality and appearance of its finishes and features. Your budget will also determine which contractors and designers you can hire and may influence the timeline for your home addition project.
When crafting your budget, it’s generally advisable to obtain multiple quotes from a few different contractors. Doing this will give you a good idea of what’s a fair, average market cost for your potential addition. As is true with nearly any home improvement project, there will inevitably be surprises and delays.
Craft your budget so that you have some extra safety money put aside for any unexpected problems that may arise throughout the duration of the project. Homeowners nearly always underestimate home construction costs, so keep this consideration in mind when creating your budget.
2. Hire a Trusted Contractor
Hiring an experienced, trusted contractor will be key to turning your home addition plans into a reality. Your contractor will play an important role in keeping the project on schedule and in budget. They will also ensure the quality of the build and installation of flooring, windows, fixtures and other features.
As previously noted, consider reaching out to a few different reputable contractors in your area before you go ahead and hire one for your project. Many contractors offer free or low-cost quotes and evaluations before taking on an assignment. By getting a few different quotes, you will be better situated to protect yourself against possible scams and unfair pricing.
The flooring experts at 50 Floor have extensive experience with installing quality, affordable flooring, and we offer price-match guarantees, professional installations, comprehensive warranties and excellent, timely service. These are the kinds of qualities and offerings you should look for when hiring any professionals to work on your home addition.
3. Check Local Building Codes and Regulations
When planning and designing a new house addition, few things are more disappointing than finding out your plans don’t adhere to local building codes or regulations. Legal restraints on home construction, including new home additions, can include considerations such as height restrictions, property lines, building area ratios and design covenants, among others. If you live in a historic district, you will nearly always have to follow some set of design and material guidelines.
Do your research about local building laws and regulations before you begin your home addition planning in earnest. Failure to do so often results in significant time delays and additional costs, such as having to apply for permits or change parts of your design.
4. Choose a Purposeful and Well-Planned Design
You should ask yourself a few crucial things during the planning and designing stages of your new house addition. These include but are not limited to the following questions:
What Is the Purpose of the Addition?
There are many reasons why homeowners may want to build a new addition to their homes. Your ultimate objective will likely be the greatest influence on nearly all other decisions and considerations pertaining to the addition.
For example, you may simply want your addition to extend your day-to-day living space. Alternately, you may have a much bigger vision. For example, you may be building this addition to serve a specialized function, such as a sunroom, a crafting space or an in-home movie theater. You may even want to design and build an addition to function as an income property, such as rental space. These types of additions will require significantly more money and planning than a simple extension of your current living space.
You’ll want to consider your own dreams, the overall equity and the return on investment (ROI) that this addition will represent for your home. All these factors determine why deciding on the purpose for your addition is a critical part of the planning and design process.
Have I Considered the Addition’s Roofline?
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that a home addition will be part of your house. You may be building it years or even decades after your home was originally constructed. As such, you may have concerns about how an addition will cohesively blend in with your home’s existing structures.
Consider the roofline. Your existing home’s roofline should serve as the guideline for your addition’s roofline. Overlooking roofline cohesion will greatly impact your property’s overall appearance and curb appeal. As such, roofline design should be a valued part of any home addition project.
How Will the Floor Heights Flow With the Rest of My Home?
Similar to the roofline, the floor height is an important consideration when ensuring cohesion between a new home addition and an existing home structure. Creating a consistent floor height should be an integral part of your design process.
You can employ several helpful techniques to eliminate any step-downs and create an even floor height between the new addition and your existing home. Making the floor line flush can be as simple as removing the old subfloor or tile. If you are using wood floors, flooring professionals can use “weaving” or “toothing” methods to create the desired floor cohesion.
Relying on expert, professional floor installation is crucial to this step in the process and will result in a better flooring design — which creates a much higher ROI for your home than inconsistent or sloppy flooring.
How Will the Addition’s Design Style Blend in With the Rest of My Home?
Often, you might be tempted to use your home addition as a space to incorporate new interior and exterior design styles and aesthetics that you like but are not found in other parts of your home. While you are the homeowner and certainly have the right to design your home addition however you would like, you may want to thoughtfully consider your overall home equity and ROI while selecting a design.
In most cases, creating a fluid, cohesively designed addition that blends with your home’s existing aesthetic is the best way to ensure a high ROI. Incorporating a style that complements the rest of your house will create visual harmony within the interior space and greater curb appeal for the exterior. Doing so will also enable you to account for practical considerations like repurposing existing windows, door styles, cabinets and other features.
Select Quality Design Elements
Choosing design elements for your home addition is the most enjoyable part of the construction process for most homeowners. Quality design elements are important considerations to make to create a beautiful, stylish home addition, and they can create more equity for your property in the long run.
Keep in mind that while certain features are worth splurging on, you don’t always need to spend tons of money to design a beautiful house addition. Some of the most popular design elements to consider include the following:
Flooring
There’s a common misconception that an addition’s flooring must “match” the flooring of the rest of the home. While creating an even, cohesive flooring plan is important to the overall design, your focus should be on flooring coordination rather than floor “matching.” Matching is a practice that, in many cases, doesn’t really exist. Because of the specific skills needed to create floor coordination and install quality floors, it’s nearly always best to trust this part of the construction process to experienced flooring professionals.
If your addition includes a kitchen or has countertops and cabinets for another reason, it’s worth considering how your flooring might coordinate with these home features for a timeless and attractive look.
Windows
Most home additions feature at least two or three exterior walls. Depending on the addition’s function, you may need to consider window design and installation throughout the space. Windows can contribute greatly to a home’s curb appeal and incorporate brightness. Many different window styles are available on the market. Depending on your budget, windows can have great potential for ROI. Consult with your home designer and contractors to see what type of windows would fit best.
Paint Colors
If you’ve ever walked through a home design or hardware store, you’ve likely seen a wall full of colorful paint chips. The possibilities for home paint colors are nearly endless. Paint can be a relatively low-cost way to infuse style and personality into any space. It can also be a simple, low-stress method of creating cohesion between your addition and your existing home.
Most hardware stores allow you to take home free or low-cost samples of different paint colors. You can test a few in your space before investing in certain ones. You might also decide to coordinate your wall colors with your flooring. This might require you to consider what type of flooring your addition will have and which hues will complement it best. For example, dark wood floors often look attractive with light-colored walls.
Furniture
Furniture is another obvious way to bring personality and beauty into your new home addition. Of course, you may have a very particular use in mind for your addition. For example, if you’re planning to use it as a home theater, this concept will require considerably different furnishings than a home gym or crafting room would have.
It’s essential to consider your addition’s purpose before you purchase any new furniture. While furniture can certainly eat up a budget, there are ways to save money while still providing nice, comfortable pieces. Consider reupholstering or refinishing pieces you already own. Flea markets, estate sales and secondhand stores are other places to find some great deals on furnishings.
Lighting Fixtures and Other Design Features
Chandeliers? Fireplaces? Built-in shelves? Entertainment units? These popular, dynamic design features can pack a big style punch in your home addition. These types of features are often custom-made, allowing you to splurge on key pieces that reflect your taste and personality.
Be Flexible
Remember that a new home addition, like any renovation or construction project, can be a long and sometimes unpredictable process. Unforeseen delays and unexpected events are always possible at some point. Be flexible and keep your cool — and keep extra emergency money on the side. By doing so, you’ll be better able to maintain a calm, low-stress mindset throughout the design process.
Design Your Home Addition Like a Pro With the Help of 50 Floor Experts
At 50 Floor, we are flooring design and installation professionals with over 40 years of proven experience and thousands of satisfied customers! Our experts are proud to provide excellent service through every step of the flooring process — from planning to design to installation.
We offer many styles of hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile and carpet flooring. Our product lines can accommodate various needs and budgets, enabling a wide range of customers to receive their dream flooring designs. We also provide price-match guarantees and flooring and installation warranties across most of our product offerings.
We are proud to serve 18 different metropolitan areas throughout the country. If you’re ready to take the next step in creating your home addition or developing any other construction project, contact us today to schedule a free appointment!
The post How to Design and Build a Home Addition appeared first on 50 Floor.
Home Addition Ideas
Are you looking to freshen up your home with some new additions? You’re not the only one! Over the past three generations, theimportance of home decorationto the general population has risen. Adding new additions to your home isn’t just fun — it’s a step towards making your home reflect your style on a deeper level.
How your home is put together can also have positive effects on your mental health. For example, the way a room inside your home is planned out, including how much space it has,can positively affectyour physiological stress.
Researchers have even found that carpet inducesless physiological stressthan walking on wood floors. However, wood floors are aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. Any new home additions will depend on what you need from your home!
With all that said, let’s look at ways to create the perfect home for you with unique home additions.
The Best and Most Unique Home Addition Ideas
We know sorting through all the home addition ideas out there can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a simple list of the best and most unique home addition ideas.
1. Kitchen Addition
Are you looking to rehabilitate your kitchen? Consider adding square footage to your kitchen so you can fit in extra amenities, such as an eat-in counter, a breakfast nook, or even new appliances, such as a larger refrigerator or an additional food pantry.
2. Screened-in Porch Addition
Sometimes you might want to witness the total beauty of nature without dealing with the weather. A screened-in porch is a perfect place to chill out during these moments. Is it winter? No problem. Grab your book and watch the snow fall from your new porch.
3. Bathroom Addition
A bathroom addition can include a walk-in shower, a larger bathtub,new, unique flooring, an extra sink for your partner or a whole new bathroom on a different level of your home. A bathroom is a place you can go to be alone and relax, and bathroom additions can help you create a bathroom you want to escape into.
4. Pantry Addition
We could all use a little extra storage space. For a pantry addition, you could utilize space that’s already free in your home or you could convert an unused closet into a pantry. Consulting a professional on how to add a pantry to your home is your best bet.
5. Second Story Addition
Whether your family is getting larger or you need more space for an office, gym, library, etc., a second-story addition can help you out. If you want a ton of extra square footage, it’s time to build a home on top of your home!
6. Mudroom Addition
Finding a space for shoes and other objects that come in contact with the outdoors can be tricky, but a mudroom addition to your home can solve this problem. Add a mudroom and protect your home from germs that come in with shoes and coats.
7. Family Room Addition
Family rooms are important. It’s where families often gather to watch movies or do other fun activities. That being said, family rooms get a lot of use and traffic, so adding square footage ornew flooring is always a good idea. Not sure how to choose new flooring for your home addition? Check out 50 Floor’s blog, where we have blog posts about everything flooring, such as how to choosethe best flooringfor an open-concept floor plan.
8. In-Law Suite
When you gain additional family members through marriage, why not gain an addition to your home along with them. In-law suites are a great place for your in-laws to stay when they visit, babysit the kids or stay long-term. They’ll feel welcome and comfortable with the addition of an in-law suite.
9. Garage Conversion
Not using an old garage? An unused garage is the perfect space to convert into a gym or game center. Of course, with this addition, you’ll want tothink about flooringthat will fit the function of your new space.
10. Glass Walls
Who knew that walls could be chic? Glass walls not only let in a lot of natural light in whatever room you decide to install them in, but they can give the appearance of more open space.
11. Guest Room Addition
We know you love your friends and family, so why not have a special place for them to wind down when they come to visit you? They’ll gain comfort, and you’ll get to design and decorate a beautiful new addition to your home.
12. Square Footage Addition
A square footage addition is appropriate for any room in your house, though it is best to consult a professional on how much square footage you can add to your home and where that square footage can be added. Of course, with any square footage addition, you’ll have to think aboutreplacing your flooringor coordinating your new flooring with your old flooring.
13. Den Addition
If you want a room similar to a family room but a bit more intimate, consider a den addition. Den additions are typically designed to be a cozy place to relax with your loved ones and maybe watch TV or play video games.
14. Sunroom Addition
If you’re a plant lover or you like to bask in the sun yourself, a sunroom addition is the perfect way to go. Sunrooms get plenty of natural light for your plants and you to enjoy.
15. Small Deck Addition
A deck addition doesn’t have to be big. A small deck can add a lot to your home. It can be a place to relax and enjoy the weather or a place for you and your family to gather and cook some delicious food.
Design Your Perfect Home Addition With 50 Floor
Looking for unique floors to replace your old ones? At 50 Floor, we’ll come to your home to show you a range of flooring options. The best part about shopping at home is you’ll be able to see how different flooring options coordinate with the décor in each room of your home.
Why shop with us? We offer competitive prices and free in-home consultations. The following are morebenefits of working with us:
On-time promiseSuperior safetyElite maintenanceLearn more about all our flooring options and their costs when you contact us at 1-877-505-5667.
Start on your new home addition, andschedule an appointmentwith us today.
The post Home Addition Ideas appeared first on 50 Floor.
10 Small Bathroom Ideas
When designing a small functional bathroom, there are many ways to make it feel bigger and fully utilize the space. Keep in mind that aspects such as lighting, color scheme and flooring can all have a significant impact. Click this link to view great flooring options for your small bathroom. There are plenty of ways to give the illusion of a roomier bathroom and organizing tricks maximize the area. This article can be helpful if you are moving and experiencing a bathroom downsize or just looking perform a makeover in general. Now, let’s dive into some things you can do to make the most of your compact space.
1. Large Mirrors
Our first tip in small bathroom design to extend your area is to replace your small and mid-sized mirrors. Larger mirrors play off of optical illusions to enhance the depth of a room, in turn, making it feel bigger. It is especially helpful to angle mirrors in a way to reflect the outdoors if possible. More oversized mirrors also can reflect other parts of the room, giving the illusion that the room extends further than it actually does.
2. Wall Shelving
A great way to make the most of your space is to take advantage of the walls for storage. Rather than taking up more room on the floor, moving your storage area to open or closed shelving units is the way to go. Open shelves may help give a more roomy feel but won’t do much to conceal clutter. Floating shelves are also very popular amongst ideas for small bathrooms as they are simple and take up the least amount of space. Whether you utilize your wall space for decor or functionality, there is a way to do it without visually shrinking the room.
3. Flooring
Choice in flooring for small bathrooms also plays a vital role in the optical illusions of the space, as larger tiles make a room appear bigger. There are many different considerations for your choice of bathroom flooring as it varies in functionality and price. Tile, laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring seem to be the most popular and come with their own pros and cons. However, tile for small bathrooms seems to be the most popular due to its durability, visually pleasing aesthetic, water resistance and how easy it is to clean. Flooring decisions along with wall colors are the most significant determiners when it comes to perceiving room size. This link offers a lot of insight about tile and can help you decide if it’s suitable for your bathroom.
4. Under Sink Storage
While a smaller sink with no storage underneath may give the look of a bigger bathroom, it leaves less room to store your essentials, which can already be a problem with limited space. Finding the balance between a small sink area and one with underneath storage to hide clutter is essential when making the most of your small bathroom. Depending on your need for storage, either sink option has benefits for a small space.
5. Light Colored Paint
It goes without saying that a room’s color scheme has a major impact on how big or small a room feels. Ever felt claustrophobic in a dimly lit room? Well, you’re not the only one. It’s commonly known that light colors make a room feel more spacious due to their ability to reflect light. Sticking to a color palette of creams, beiges and white for walls is recommended for small bathrooms. However, don’t let this deter you from using colors; pops of earthy tones look great with this aesthetic.
6. Wall Hooks
Utilizing your wall space with hooks is a great way to make storage in a small room. Rather than folding up towels and putting them on shelves or in drawers, save crucial space by hanging them on the wall. Wall hooks are such a space saver and allow you to still keep your necessary items in the bathroom. Wall hooks in a smaller size can also be used for hanging your jewelry or hair accessories. Find cute hooks that match the energy and style of your bathroom to add variety to a functional piece.
7. Recessed Lighting
Choosing recessed lights for your small bathroom design is sometimes an overlooked factor in remodeling. Recessed lighting works because it takes up less space visually in the room. For instance, a large chandelier would draw most of the attention, taking up more room and making it appear smaller. Recessed lighting will also aid in bouncing light around the room to create the illusion of a wider space. Another benefit to upgrading to this bathroom lighting is the timeless style. Light fixture trends come and go so quickly while consistently providing the same purpose. Keeping your lighting out of the way while still purposeful will likely lead to it lasting much longer.
8. Utilize Corners
If possible, putting a corner sink or storage unit can help free up more wall space in your bathroom. Strategically utilizing each part of your bathroom will ensure that it stays uncluttered, making it appear more spacious. Putting a corner cabinet with a rounded edge can provide a lot of storage in your bathroom without appearing bulky or oversized.
9. Avoid Clutter
While this small bathroom tip may seem obvious, it can be hard to manage if you struggle with a lack of storage for your bathroom needs. Keeping surfaces tidy, with few items out in the open, will also help your bathroom look and feel bigger. One way to avoid clutter is to look for items that serve a dual purpose, such as a shower-safe bench that can also double for towel storage. If you’re working with a small bathroom that is designated for personal use, following these storage tips above can help you minimize your clutter.
10. Glass Instead of Shower Curtains
This tip may require more work and be a bit steeper in price, but glass shower doors visually make your bathroom appear much bigger. Shower curtains close off your bathroom, and when already dealing with a compact space, it’s the last thing you need. When working with a small room, it’s so important to keep things open, including the shower. There are also options for adding glass to both your bathtub or stand-up shower.
Looking to Upgrade your Small Space?
Flooring is a great place to start when it comes to a small bathroom remodel. Schedule an Appointent to have 50 Floor experts help you discover unique bathroom flooring options to expand your space. With a wide selection of tile for any bathroom style, it’s easy to find what you need. 50 Floor provides quality service matched with the best tile for small bathrooms to give you the space and upgrade necessary. Visit our website and request an at-home consultation to see what bathroom flooring options are best for you.
The post 10 Small Bathroom Ideas appeared first on 50 Floor.