Carpets N More

On the surface, this kitchen is alright if a bit dull, but look beyond the obvious – the floor is just not a fit. The light shaker cabinets allow the black countertops and appliances to really pop. Then the flooring, with its total lack of contrast with the cabinets, removes any chance of excitement in the design.

This kitchen had another opportunity to add a surprising element with the backsplash, but instead it’s just the same white as the inside of the glass-fronted cabinet, taking the energy right out of the room. Every kitchen deserves some drama, and this one was definitely short-changed.

Instead of what we see here, imagine the space with a black and white tile floor in a checkerboard pattern and a bright backsplash in an orange and red mosaic of contemporary glass tiles. These simple changes would turn this room into something that would make guests stop and stare instead of just walking past, waving at the cook on their way to the living room.

Why not go a little wild in your kitchen? You’ll be glad you did!

When you’re making a decision on a home purchase, do you find yourself confused by the number of options? That’s when you need to use an approach that works well for making a final decision: just walk away.

This concept may sound counterproductive, but in reality you may find that one choice stays in your mind over all of the others. Or it may just be that you will realize that you don’t really want several of the options you were considering. Even taking the time to walk away and then look again with fresh eyes may make the decision easier.

You may want to take a photo of the choices you are facing, or bring home samples. Many stores allow either or both options, with a small deposit on the samples. Once home, give yourself a break from the decision process – at least a couple of hours if not a day. Then go back to your photos and samples and see which ones stand out. You may find that the decision you have been reaching for is now there for you.

While all salespeople want to make a sale, good salespeople understand that letting you take the time you need to make a decision you are happy with will turn you into a long-term customer, which is much more valuable. Let them know when you come back to make your final choice how much you appreciate their patience, and how helpful it was for you in the decision-making process. And you can make your final purchase confident that walking away and thinking about it brought you to the right choice.

We just wanted to share some kind words from a happy customer that we appreciate very much!

Bamboo, traditionally used for roofing and walls has become a sustainable environmentally-friendly material for floors.

Bamboo is a grass that grows quickly and regenerates easily. With the impetus on green housing, bamboo has become a valuable flooring option. Bamboo grows to a height of 20 meters in 5 years. The root system of bamboo naturally regenerates the plant, making bamboo an ideal renewable resource for flooring.

Bamboo floors were not popular because there was a misconception that bamboo wasn’t sturdy and bamboo floors were uneven. Actually, bamboo floor manufacturers make their flooring in the form of flat planks like hardwood for easy installation. Bamboo floors come in a range of tones to suit all types of room décor.

These floors are low maintenance, durable and easy to install. Bamboo floors are strong and will not crack or splinter even if you place heavy furniture on the floor.  Bamboo floors are laminated and water resistant enough to be used in rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and dining areas that are exposed to moisture.

Be careful! Bamboo floors may dent or scratch if you walk on them with high heeled shoes. Bamboo floors fade when exposed to direct sunlight and are not compatible with all subfloors. You need to check with the manufacturer on their suitability to your home before choosing bamboo floors.

Bamboo floors are an environmentally friendly, emission free and durable option when choosing your flooring.

The most effective way to keep your floors looking like new has to be requiring people to remove their shoes when they visit. In Japan, this custom keeps the traditional tatami mats clean, and most homes have special house slippers for family and guests. There are also often disposable slippers for restroom use. While this is more extreme than we would consider here, a shoes-off policy will reduce dirt, germs and allergens from entering your home.

To accomplish this, start with planning your entryway. Make sure to place a comfortable chair or bench for people to remove their shoes. Have a selection of machine-washable slippers in various sizes for those people who would rather not wear only socks. Include cubbies for guest shoes and a basket for the worn slippers at the end of the visit.

From a courtesy standpoint, it’s important to notify your guests of your policy when you invite them. They may want to make sock or shoe choices based on your requirements. Also welcome them to bring their own slippers should they choose, but let them know that you have a good selection available at your home.

Be sure every family member is also shoe free. And at the end of your guests’ visit, be sure to thank them for their consideration in meeting your request. Over time, you may find that visitors are more relaxed and comfortable with your sock/slipper approach to entertaining, and you will have a clean floor that keeps its finish far longer than anticipated.

The first thing to notice about this lovely buffet has to be the way the style matches the space’s design personality. When you walk in and see this room and this table, you can immediately recognize the host’s casual, comfortable country design style.

Every element on the buffet complements every other element in the room. The rustic table fits perfectly into the space and serves as just the right space to set up a buffet. Notice the wrought iron candelabra, with a simple style that connects well with the room. Simple serving dishes and casual serving pieces are supported by a denim napkin, adding just the right touch or softness to the display while keeping that amazing wood top exposed to view. Flowers would be a nice touch, but the table may be too small – so the host has placed a rich fall display on a side table.

A couple of functional changes would be a good idea. Instead of placing the silverware and napkins on the plates, wrapping the forks in napkins and placing them in a glass or pitcher would make it easier for people to grab their serving pieces before they select their food. When you plan a buffet, even a small one, think about managing traffic efficiently so lines stay short. Other than this minor detail, this rustic buffet demonstrates a design style that is as appealing as the food.

This interesting article was found on Talkfloor.com. Thought you might enjoy it!

Mathematician-philosopher Alfred North Whitehead once said, “It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.” This certainly rings true with Chris Maluszynski’s Las Vegas Carpets series, whose name explains it all. The photos draw out the psychology of Las Vegas through the simple observation of carpet.

Years ago, while in Las Vegas covering the World Series of Poker, Maluszynski found himself as enraptured by the drama unfolding below the tables as above them. Originally from Sweden, now based in New York, Maluszynski spent four years roaming Sin City’s kaleidoscopic corridors with his camera.

“The carpets definitely play a big part in keeping the town as surreal as it is,” said Maluszynski by e-mail. “Thought has been given to the carpeting by people who want to create this special atmosphere, [one] that defines Vegas as a gambling city.”

That’s a theory backed up by Dave Schwartz, Director of the Center for Gaming Research, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Schwartz theorizes that “casino carpet is known as an exercise in deliberate bad taste that somehow encourages people to gamble.”

Schwartz also points out that the busy carpets are not without design: There are floral designs at Mandalay Palace, abstract pointillist floors at Paris and, at Caesars Palace, the wheel – the Roman symbol of the “relentless capriciousness of fortune.”

As he trod the psychedelic multilevel-loop carpets of Vegas, Masulynzski’s thoughts flashed back to the Vegas experienced and described by Hunter S. Thompson: “You’re in a prison of sensory impressions. I was trying to rest my eyes, and I looked at the carpet and thought, Shit, I can’t do it there, either,” Maluszynski recently told The New Yorker.

Vegas isn’t all obvious ornament however; Maluszynski did manage to find refuge, “There is actually a surprising number of galleries in Vegas where great art can be found. Wynn’s art collection is impressive.”

Maluszynski exhibited Las Vegas Carpets in April and has no intentions to return to the series. However, he continues to explore his interest in, and expand his collection of “odd patterns that define particular places.” Maluszynski plans to point his lens at another smothering of American kitsch: “I have started shooting motel bedspreads; it’s a great excuse to go road-tripping.”

All Images @Chris Maluszynski/MOMENT.

Chris Maluszynski is represented by Moment Agency. Pete Brook writes regularly about visual cultures at Prison Photography.
Read More here.

Environmental flooring options are easily replaceable, sustainable, durable, and generally do not require a lot of maintenance. More importantly, they are healthy and do not give off toxic emissions that will adversely affect the health of your family.

Environmental flooring materials are natural without chemical processing or treatment. Flooring material that can be reused or recycled and flooring material made of recycled material also come under the definition of environmental flooring.

An example of environmental flooring is cork. You may not know this, but cork is natural and obtained from the bark of a tree. Cork flooring does not undergo a lot of chemical processing and can last for a very long time. Bamboo is another example of renewable flooring. Bamboo is a grass that can be replanted easily. Bamboo floors also require very little processing and are chemical free. Hardwood floors are examples of environmental flooring but you must make sure that the timber used is from trees that can be easily regenerated.

Easy to maintain and durable synthetic carpeting material made of recycled PET bottles or recycled nylon or rubber tires are another environmental flooring option. Linoleum is made of a combination of recycled components including linseed oil, wood shavings and cork shavings and makes an excellent non toxic environmental flooring option.

Stone and ceramic tiles are strong natural durable environmental flooring options that require very little maintenance and don’t give off toxic emissions.

The healthy wealthy and wise flooring choices for modern homes are environmental flooring options.  What’s your favorite choice for environmentally friendly floor choices?

For many people, party planning stops after inviting the guests and setting the menu. One more step in the process can move your party from nice to memorable – designing your space to complement your party.

Fresh flowers offer the best starting point. Inviting, easy, and inexpensive, they give you the best bang for your design efforts. Visit your local grocery or warehouse store and select one or two bouquets of similar flowers – either type or color. If you have color in your linens, look for flowers that will work well with them.

If arranging flowers seems challenging to you, go for very simple. Let the flowers determine the design. In this picture, just two stems join a handful of oranges to make an elegant and simple arrangement. Use any hard fruit or vegetable or even objects such as stones or marbles to hold the stems in place and add to the design.

Scatter your flower arrangements throughout your home. If your vase collection is limited, use any glassware you have to hold flowers. Whether you choose a casual approach or more design-focused, fresh flowers tell your guests that you spent some special time thinking of them and planning for their welcome.