Contrast is a principle in the arts that has become an increasingly popular design style in modern kitchens. When used effectively, contrast can be the key to adding interest and drama to a space. This principle involves using elements that are different in design to add personality and make a striking statement. 

While there are many different ways you can create contrast in the kitchen area, homeowners often mix a variety of styles such as contemporary and country styles to achieve a contrasting look. Also, you can mix up your color scheme, cabinetry, and countertops to create a dynamic look. If you are new to the contrast look, we have listed a few different design ideas you can try implementing: 

Mixing Up Colors

Perhaps the easiest way to create contrast in the kitchen is by mixing up colors, and do not shy away from bold colors. Pairing two bold colors that are different from each other will have a “wowing” effect.  For instance, imagine a bold green color paired with glossy white. These colors will definitely make a striking statement. 

Contrasting Textures

You can further add contrast by using various textures within one space.  You can mix wood colors and throw in colorful fixtures to add an extra pop. The texture-on-texture contrast has also become trendy in the last few years. Instead of mixing and matching textures, you can utilize the same texture in variations around the kitchen. For example, the same natural stone tiles can be used on your flooring and backsplashes. While the final look is subtle, such details will draw attention.

Two Toned Cabinetry

Homeowners can create visual diversity in their cabinetry selection. Here are some ideas:

• Paint the top and bottom cabinet different colors. Using such colors as red or navy blue go well
• You can also try contrasting finishes. If your kitchen has traditional dark brown wood cabinets, you can switch one set out for a stainless steel finish. You can also break up wood finishes with monochromatic materials.

Kitchen Island

If you are looking to make one big statement, you should let your kitchen stand out from the rest of the kitchen. Try painting the bottom of the island a loud color or replace the top surface with a finish that has not been used yet. Do not forget to further add emphasis by adding funky bar stool to add to the overall look.

What do you think of the contrasting look? Would you try it in your own home? Let us know below in the comment section.

Have you ever been curious about your flooring options, but honestly, do not know where to start? As a first-time homeowner, things can seem overwhelming and daunting. We understand that there are a lot of products out there and you want to choose the right one. To help you in search, we created a simple guide with four popular flooring choices, explained. We hope that this helps you in your selection process!

Your Flooring Needs, Explained:

Hardwood.

• We will begin by starting with the ever-so-coveted Hardwood flooring. Hardwood comes in two options: original hardwood (100% solid) and engineered hardwood (top layer is hardwood with solid backing). Both hardwood options have a seamlessly beautiful look, and they are a stunning addition in any space.
• Original hardwood floors are typically best in rooms that do not produce a lot of humidity or moisture. That is where engineered hardwood takes the cake. Engineered wood has made it possible to add hardwood into areas that you never imagined possible. You can now have it in basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Keep in mind that hardwood is not the most durable flooring choice. Consumers often buy it for its beauty and craftsmanship, rather than its durability. Certain features can help protect your hardwood like hardness and the finishes’ protection level. But with all flooring, you want to be careful not the scratch or dent the flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring.

• This flooring is more durable than typical hardwood floors; therefore, it would work well in active homes. It is resistant to moisture and everyday wear and tear. Luxury Vinyl Flooring can be installed in moisture and humidity rooms (bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements), quite like engineered wood.
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring has the look of stone or wood with ease of cleaning and durability. These floors are 100% waterproof to prevent swelling or buckling. This can be the perfect flooring option for families who need a little wiggle room. Plus, with a wide selection of styles, colors, and textures, you can meet any of your flooring needs with this one product.

Engineered Tile.

• Engineered tile is made up of 70% limestone and 30% other durable materials. Engineered tile is an alternative solution to your traditional ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile. Homeowners love engineered tile for its long-lasting characteristics as well as being warm and soft to the touch.
• This type of flooring works well in high-moisture areas, and it even can be a great backsplash to your shower or kitchen wall. This flooring has extreme durability for high traffic areas, accidents, drops, and dirt. In fact, the grout is even stained resistant making it extremely user-friendly.

Laminate.

• Laminate is a budget-friendly option for homeowners wanting the look of wood or stone. Plus, this flooring is easy to install and works in any room of your home.
• This flooring has a durability feature helping it to withstand daily wear and tear. It even comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and looks.

Do any of these flooring types spark your interest? We would love to tell you more and show you our wide selection. Please stop by one of our showrooms or call us with any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Whether you have younger kids or preteens, a child’s bedroom has to serve many different functions. There has to be a dedicated space for them to study, play and sleep; however, when you are working with a small space, it can seem nearly impossible to design a room that is both efficient and comfortable in your child. To help you put your best bedroom forward, we have provided some ways you can amplify the space. Let’s take a look!

Space Savvy

Of course, when designing a small kids room, you will want to look for ways to save space. That means you should avoid furnishing with large pieces that will overcrowd the room. The key is providing the room with pieces that will maximize the minimal. You can take advantage of vertical angles by opting for bunk beds or a loft bunk bed to keep floor space available. If this is not an option, you can place a twin bed under the window so that you can use the space on the sides.

When selecting furnishings, opt for pieces that have a dual purpose. Ottomans, window seating and toy boxes are multifunctional accessories. Nightstands with extra cubbies and bed frames that are equipped with additional storage on the sides are all furniture you should consider using in a small room.

Get Your Kid’s Input

Since they will be the one living in the space for the next several years you will have to consider their personal preferences. Whether it is fun colors on the walls or painted furniture, you should let them add their own touches into the design of the room. A large wall chalkboard, homemade art gallery or a hand-painted mural are just some fun ideas you can utilize to personalize the space.

Get Rid of Clutter

Since you are already working with a smaller space, clutter will only make the room look even smaller; therefore, you will need to contain the abundance of toys, clothes, books and other items. You must use smart storage solutions to maximize space best.

How do you reduce clutter and provide more storage in your space? We would love to know your thoughts below in the comment section.

While many homeowners are attracted to bold and bright hues, many people are determined to select a shade that they can live with seeing on their walls every day. Let’s be real, a stunning color may look stunning in a magazine, but it might not be a color that you can stand waking up to every morning. So, how do you find a balance between choosing a palette that is livable and something that is exciting? To help, we have four must-know tips that we want to share with you. Let’s take a look!

Never Buy Paint on The Spot

You may be tempted to purchase a paint color because it looks good in the store, but you should never buy paint on the spot. When you begin the process of putting together a palette for your home, you should start with a wide range of options.  Do not worry about picking out the best color; instead, you should go with the intention of seeing what your options are.  Pull a ton of swatches so that you can study them and make an informed decision later. 

Bring a Swatch

When visiting a paint store, you should not go in empty-handed. Bring a white or black piece of paper so that you can see what your swatch looks like in contrast against other colors. In the store, a color can look different; however, when you bring your samples to compare it against black and white, you can get an idea of what the color may look like in your home.

Experimenting with Swatches

Now that you have gotten some paint swatches to play with, you can test with them in your home so you can decide what works for you. You can expect hues to look different in real life light and at different times of the day. Tape the paint chips or swatches against the wall and analyze them in various light settings.

Take Your Time

Be sure to take your time. Most people hate to repaint their walls just because the shade was not right for them; therefore, you should really sit with a color before you make the final decision to apply it.

We hope you found these tips and tricks helpful. For more expert advice, visit us at Carpets N More.

Would not it be nice to know all of the secrets of Interior Designers? Knowing secret little tips from experts can help you completely transform your space. To help you put your best “home” forward, we created a guide filled with some of our favorite, best-kept secrets. Let’s take a look! 

Wallpaper is Wonderful 

Adding wallpaper to your room’s design helps add a pop of color and visual interest. If you choose a grass cloth, which is a classic option, it can be the perfect way to add texture to the room. This little secret does more than just cover an eyesore, it also adds additional flair to your room’s design.

Decorate The Ceiling 

Now, this secret is one that we just adore! You can add elegance to a room by decorating the ceiling. Simply, paint your ceiling a coordinating color to embrace the room’s design. It is a simple way to add detail without breaking the bank. 

No Need for a Sofa 

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have a sofa in a living room. You can create a cozy conversation area in your living room by incorporating comfy barrel chairs with ottomans or even scaling it down by placing two loveseats facing each other. Another benefit of having smaller scaled furniture in the room is to easily move and redesign the room according to the event you are hosting. 

Find Seating for Less

If you already have a dining table, think about purchasing mismatched dining room chairs at a thrift shop or a second-hand store. You can also take advantage of furniture stores sales, and some businesses will put one or two mismatched items on clearance sale. You just need to make sure the style and design of the chairs blend together. Also, think about placing a new or old bench on one side of the table to add diversity. 

Which interior design secret was your favorite? We would love to hear below in the comment section. 

Do you feel like you have the most jam-packed garage in the world? If you are already feeling defeated before you have even begun digging in, you are most likely not alone. While it is easy for this catch-all space to become an out of control mess, it is essential to not get overwhelmed. Smart storage options and taking small steps is the key to gaining control of this area. With just a little patience, you will have the garage organized in no time. 

Have Realistic Expectations

When working with such a chaotic space, you should not expect to clear it out in one go. Knowing that the project will take some time will take a lot of pressure off you. Instead, you will want to break things down in manageable tasks. Try dedicating each section of the garage to one specific day, and you will feel like you conquered something.

What You’re Working With

Really take a good look around and see just what you are working with and make a mental note of what you see. Notice any big and bulky items that you want to pitch? If so, you will need to research places where you can donate or dispose of specific items. Also, if you plan on selling items, you will want to take pictures and research various selling outlets. 

Schedule a Day to Tackle The Mess

If your garage is really full, you will likely need to set aside multiple days or a couple weekends out of the month to tackle the mess. You will be surprised at just how much you can get done in the first couple of days. Once you have made a dent, you will see how fast you can declutter. Enlist reliable people to help or even make it a family project.

Invest in a Storage System

Once you have sorted through everything in the garage, be sure to devise a storage strategy. Storage cabinets and wall mounted racks are some storage options that will make storing items easily accessible. Transfer items that you have been saving in a  cardboard box into your new storage system. Storage bins are ideal for storing a mix of items such as toys, holiday lights, textiles.

We hope you find these tips and tricks helpful. For more great advice, please visit our blog hub. Thanks for reading!

Tile floors are beautiful, durable and they can add exceptional style to your home, but how can something so attractive be potentially dangerous? Unfortunately, tile flooring accounts for many injuries due to slips and falls in homes across the world. If you are having trouble keeping your tile floors slip-free, we are here to help! Plus, you do not have to keep your tile floors covered with rugs to keep the floors safe. Let’s take a look! 

Why Do Tile Floors Become Slippery?

There are several reasons why your floors may become slippery. Perhaps the biggest cause of slippery tiles is the failure to clean the surface properly. Slip and fall hazards occur when tile surfaces are not adequately cleaned or are not cleaned frequently. Additional causes include:

• When the appropriate chemicals and tools are not used, it can damage the finish of the floor which makes it slippery.
• Applying too many or not enough coats of finish to the floor
• Using an oily or overused mop on the floor

How to Make Tile Floors Less Slippery

If your tile floors have become slippery, it is time to clean them thoroughly. Throw away any old or soiled dust mops, or you can rent a steam cleaner to remove the oils or product buildup from the tiles. When cleaning the floor, you should use oil-free products along with a grease-fighting cleaner such as dish detergent. You can use a clean sponge or mop to rinse the floors. 

Applying an anti-slip product to your floors can also aid in making the surface less slippery. Many anti-slip products come in powder form and are designed to break down the oil and fats so that it can increase traction.  Use an acid-based product, or you can stick to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a less expensive alternative which works by drying out the floor while sanitizing and deodorizing. 

When using acid-based products to dry up the floors, you should allow it to soak into the tile so that it is effective. Do not leave the product on the tiles for more than fifteen minutes to avoid eroding the material. In extreme cases, a slippery floor may need to be completely stripped and refinished. 

As always, we recommend checking with your flooring manufacturer before proceeding with any cleaning. Each flooring can be a little different in its needs and usage; therefore, you want to be sure that you use the correct products on your floors.

Thanks for reading!

Vinyl has become a popular flooring choice among homeowners. It provides them with a stylish and versatile flooring option that meets their budget. If you are one of the many homeowners installing vinyl in your home, we have three tips to help you keep your floors clean and in pristine shape. Let’s take a look!

Tips for Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors:

Regular Cleaning.

You will want to sweep or vacuum your vinyl floors routinely. Just be sure not to use your vacuum’s beater bar to avoid damaging your floors. Also, you should occasionally wash your floors with the proper solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Restore The Shine.

If you have a low gloss finish or high gloss finish on your vinyl floors, you can protect and restore the shine of your floors with the proper cleaning solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Protecting Your Floors.

To keep your floors looking beautiful longer, we recommend following these four protective tips:

1. 1. 1. Use floor protectors underneath your furniture. This will help reduce the effects caused by indentation and help reduce the cause of potential scratches and nicks.
      2. Place floor mats at the entrances and exits of your home to catch dirt and debris at the source.
      3. Put an area rug inside of your high-traffic rooms to help cut back on daily wear and tear. Experts recommend purchasing a non-staining polypropylene rug, colorfast woven rug, or vinyl-back rug. They discourage using rugs that could potentially discolor your floors like rubber-backed and latex-backed.
      4. Cleaning your floors regularly can be one of the best ways to keep them looking new longer. Be sure to follow your vinyl manufacturer’s recommendations on products to avoid damaging your new floors.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your floors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can call or visit us for more information. We hope you found this helpful and be sure to check back weekly for more updates and posts.

Are you looking for the Pinterest-perfect way to transform your home this spring? With our top ten tips, you can instantly change the way your home looks without spending loads of cash and here is how!

Creative Ways to Add Style to Your Home:

1. A Metallic Touch.

Metals are a fantastic decor piece that adds detail and finishes an entire room. The best part about incorporating metals is that you do not have to choose just one. Recently, interior designers have begun encouraging homeowners to mix metals in their room’s design. We love the outcome so much that we insist you try it in your own home!

2. Pastels, Please.

Pastels have begun to rule the design game, especially during the warmer months. They blend well with neutrals and create a refreshing, youthful vibe in any room.

3. Reclaimed Wood.

If you are thinking of creating a DIY headboard or wall, you must try reclaimed wood. Recently, reclaimed wood has been all the rage because of its rustic and authentic look. If you have the chance, be sure to incorporate a few reclaimed wood pieces into your home’s design.

4. Mason Jar Storage.

You may be wondering, are mason jars still a thing? The answer: most definitely! Mason jars are incredibly chic and provide a wonderful amount of storage for small items. You can incorporate them into your kitchen for a decorative storage display.

5. Chalked Up.

Chalkboard walls were an early 2000’s trend, but they have come back around for a good reason. They allow the homeowner to express their creativity. If drawing is a stress reliever for you, you may want to consider adding a chalkboard wall in your home. It can even be an excellent idea for parents that need a distraction for their children.

6. Tray Chic.

Trays are the perfect decor piece that is as functional as it is stylish. Trays can help organize a countertop and create the perfect collection of items. They work well in bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens! When life feels a little messy, try organizing it with a chic tray.

7. So Retro.

Antique shops are the perfect place to find retro items to use throughout your home. You can find a wide selection of timeless pieces that are one-of-a-kind.

8. Color Me New.

One of the best ways to recreate your space on a budget is changing up the paint color. Whether it is your walls or furniture, the color of your paint can completely transform the look of a room. If you are looking for a fresh start, begin exploring colors that you have never used before and try working them into your design. You may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

9. Embrace Textures.

Textures are a great way to create contrast in a space. You can add textures through materials or fabrics. We recommend trying to add at least one textured material (i.e. brick, wood, stone) and one textured fabric to each room.

10. Add Drama.

A little bit of drama never hurt anyone, right? That is what your lighting is saying at least. Try adding drama and depth to your space with an incredible light fixture. You want to find something that lights up the space effectively but also is stunning.

Are your floors out-dated? Let us help you revamp your home with brand new flooring. Stop in today or visit our online showroom to view our selection.

Decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays is a creative challenge that can be exciting, especially if you live in a neighborhood that embraces outdoor holiday decorations. Devising a plan for your outdoor lighting does not have to be complicated. For maximum curb appeal, consider installing lights that place emphasis on your home’s best features. This will no doubt be an attention grabber. To help you highlight your home’s best features, we created a list of  some light design ideas you could consider implementing:

Architectural Features:

When decking your home’s exterior with Christmas lights, it is always best to start at the front of the house and work your way towards the sides. You really want to do your best work at the center because it will be the first thing everyone sees. If you have distinctive architectural features, be sure to highlight them with lighting. Perhaps, you have a chimney, a large oak door, arches and other types of rooftop details. The front door should be the focal point, so feel free to go all out in this area. Also, balance is key; try to tie in the upper level with the lower level for a layer lighting look.

Festive Colors:

Many favor an all white lighting color scheme but colors are becoming increasingly trendy. Red, white, and green are popular, but you do not have to stick to these colors alone. You can play with a combination of hues, or you can stick to just one color throughout the entire design.

Light up The Landscape:

Your lighting design does not have to stop at the house. You can also extend it to the landscape or the front lawn. Try wrapping a canopy of lights around the shrubs and tree branches. Illuminate the walkways and borders with additional lighting. When done correctly, you can even highlight your yard decorations such as water fountain or sculpture.

Decorative Accessories:

You can further enhance your holiday lighting scheme with decorations. Be creative with the decorative enhancements you choose to put on display. Populate the yard with Christmas theme characters such as reindeers and Santa Claus. Use garlands, wreaths, lampposts and other seasonal decorations to add a festive flair to the outdoors. 

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and cheer. Thanks for reading!