For seniors, living comfortably in their homes is of utmost importance. Being able to maintain an independent lifestyle without having to spend too much time worrying about demanding cleaning regimens and safety is key to their being able to enjoy the coming years with ease. Therefore, choosing the right flooring material is so important.  Materials like stone, brick and glass tiles are not ideal for slips and falls. Their maintenance isn’t something a senior should have to invest so much time in, nor should they have to worry about being able to afford to hire someone to take care of it for them. There are plenty of alternative choices out there that will make daily life easier while also being aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Here are a few.

Carpet

Carpet is a smart choice for the safety and comfort of seniors. It helps warm up a room, provides better traction than a bare floor and does the best job of providing cushioning for any possible slips or falls. While dust may accumulate in its fibers, this can easily be remedied through light vacuuming. There are plenty of lightweight vacuums on the market today that can easily be handled by an independent senior.

Linoleum

Linoleum is a smart flooring choice that will ensure that seniors do not have to mess around with strong chemicals to keep it clean. There is peace of mind knowing that this material is stain and bacteria resistant, making it a great choice for the kitchen area. A light sweep each day will take care of dirt and debris and a cushion layer between the subfloor and linoleum layer will ensure that any falls will be less severe than other harder flooring material choices.

Cork

While it may not be the material that first comes to mind, the more you learn about cork flooring and its benefits for seniors, the more attractive it becomes. With cork flooring, heat loss is greatly reduced.  This flooring is more forgiving on joints since it consists of millions of small air-filled cells and provides a softer surface if falls occur. It does not absorb dust, so it is a great choice for those who suffer from asthma.  Cork flooring contains Suberin which makes it resistant to mold and will not rot.  This substance also makes cork a fire inhibitor! This is a great, low maintenance choice that seniors can feel safe and secure with.

You may be at the point where your closet cannot hold any more clothing. You have finally broken down and decided to start clearing out your closet. Where do you begin? Organizing a closet can be overwhelming and tedious. No worries, we have seven easy steps to help you declutter your closet this spring. 

Decluttering in Seven Easy Steps:

Step One: Take out large items. 

Bigger items like shoe racks and suitcases can be removed from the closet. Evaluate your need for the items then set them aside for later or put them in storage. If you are not traveling frequently and own a basement or garage, store your suitcases in your basement or garage. 

Step Two: Get others involved.

If you share your closet with your spouse or a roommate, have them help with decluttering the closet. You can socialize during the reorganization and this will help assure you do not throw away anything of theirs. Plus, everything is better with a friend. 

Step Three: Plan ahead.

Set aside enough time to reorganize your closet. Mark a day and time to tackle the big project and stick to it!! Believe us, it is worth it. 

Step Four: Take out EVERYTHING. 

Remove every single thing from your closet. We want a “blank space” like Taylor Swift. 

Step Five: Sort through your items. 

Create three piles: Keep, Trash, and Donate. These piles are pretty self-explanatory, but be sure to donate good quality clothing to the less fortunate. Your help can go a long way and it is appreciated by us and your community. 

Step Six: Put everything back in place. 

Organizing by color may seem like a good idea but generally, you want to organize by item. For example, keep all shirts together in one area of the closet. Also, it may be a good idea to put items from last season in storage. This will open up more room for this season’s clothing without having to get rid of extra clothes. 

Step Seven: Stay organized. 

The most different part of organization is not the process but staying organized after the fact. Commit to keeping your closet clutter-free. When you see your closet getting messy, take 30 minutes to reorganize the space. 

We hope you found these steps helpful and that your closet begins to become more manageable. Do you have any closet organization tips for other readers? If so, we would love to hear from you in the comment section below:

Sidewalk chalk may be an outdoor item and it may say “washable” on the label, but if you’ve got kids you know that they have a unique way of making stains appear out of nowhere. While most of it will end up on the pavement, children like to really get into their art creations and this means laying on the ground while finishing up a drawing and rubbing their clothes and shoes all over this fun craft toy while they do it. They may place the leftover pieces back in the tub before coming inside or they may hide one in their pocket and forget it’s there, but inevitably it will sneak its way indoors. All it takes is just a few seconds for your kids to come waltzing in from outside and sit on the carpet to watch a television show and there it goes right into the carpet fibers. Even the most vigilant parent or caregiver can’t always stop it from happening, but we have a few tips for how to fix it when it does.

Remove the large, obvious pieces by hand to prevent any more chalk from rubbing into the carpet.  Once the debris is cleared away, use a vacuum to try to pull up as much loose powder as possible. To treat the stain, mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water. It is recommended to use a clean, white cloth to dip into the solution once combined.  Take your moistened cloth and apply the solution to the carpet through light blotting or directly and gently pushing into the material. It is important to use a vertical motion to prevent the powder from spreading around, which would happen if circular or back and forth motions are used. Once you’ve pulled up the remainder of the stain, use another white cloth to blot cold water on the cleaned area. Pat the section dry and allow the remaining dampness to air dry.

Messes are going to happen when there are children involved, but it’s nice to know they can still have lots of fun without causing permanent damage to your floors. Fun for them, peace of mind for you.

Your kitchen backsplash is not only a protector against the damage that occurs through daily use but it is also a great opportunity to inject a new style into the room.  There are multiple ways in which you can make your backsplash work for any kitchen style you have in your home.  Read on for some suggestions on how to bring out the best in this part of the room.

Contemporary

Subway tile is a popular backsplash choice for a contemporary kitchen for good reason.  It gives the room a clean, simple look without all the fuss.  To add a little flair to this display, try the tile in a herringbone pattern.  This will add an unexpected component to a runaway favorite tile option.  Don’t be afraid to use color as well. White is a common choice, but use the colors in your kitchen to help you decide if you can move away from a more predictable selection.   Another great suggestion is using natural stone.  When properly sealed, this material can properly perform its main function while also giving the kitchen a striking contrasted look.

Traditional 

A great way to add character to a traditionally designed kitchen is through a noteworthy backsplash.  Try a polished copper, brushed nickel or pewter backsplash panel over the sink and stove to make it unforgettable.  It will add visual interest while showcasing your cabinetry and counters perfectly.  Another way to create a focal point in a traditional kitchen is through the installation of a medallion over the stove area surrounded by ceramic tile.  This is your chance to choose a centerpiece that customizes the room’s look to your preferences. Let your personality shine!

Transitional

A transitional kitchen design can be enhanced through a beautiful mosaic tile installation with additional contrasting patterns sprinkled evenly throughout to provide a welcome diversion to the normal layout.  Another way to add a little unpredictability to your ceramic tile choice is with an unusual geometric design.  This will give you an opportunity to inject a little fun into the room’s look, especially if your kitchen features are on the plain side.

Modern 

Modern kitchens are known for their sleek, minimal design elements. Choose a backsplash that complements its features with glass mosaic tile with metallic accents to complement appliances and other surfaces. Marble is another great choice, especially if you have darker cabinets that will make this material pop out at you upon entering the room.  With the benefit of one large slab installed and properly sealed on the wall, this makes for quick, easy cleaning!

No matter what style you choose or need to match, the consultants at Carpets N More are ready to help!

In the past, kitchen backsplashes were not addressed in the design stage, they were instead an afterthought. Today, backsplashes are a unique and creative way to draw attention to a focal point, and a driving force in design element. Below are a few tips that will make backsplash choices a breeze!

1. Home Colors – Is there a consistent color scheme throughout your home? If so, pick one of these colors for your backsplash. Are you planning on keeping this color scheme for years, or replacing soon? Keep in mind that tile backsplashes are more permanent than paint or fabric. When in doubt, stick with white and neutrals.
2. Balance of Colors – Look around your kitchen and determine if you have different colors or a consistent color scheme. Think wall paint color, cabinet color, countertop color and floor color. If there are many colors in your kitchen, go with a neutral backsplash. If your kitchen is a consistent color scheme like white or neutral, now is your chance to go bold with the backsplash. Just make sure it’s a color you won’t get tired of or a trendy color that fades quickly!
3. Kitchen Surface Patterns – Are the walls a solid color or wallpapered? Don’t forget about decorative moldings and chair railing on the wall. The same goes for the cabinets, are they simple, clean lines, or do they have decorative carved molding.  Are the countertops a solid color surface, or a busy, marble surface? Don’t forget about the floors. Too many patterns can be busy and confusing, while too little can be boring and bland. The goal is a balanced kitchen!
4. Counter Space Use – Do you have small appliances like toasters, can openers or cookbooks, and artwork on the counters? If you display a lot of items on your countertops, a busy backsplash will make your kitchen look confused and cluttered. On the other hand, if your countertops have open space, a plain backsplash may appear boring or washed out. Here is your chance to focus on a backsplash “Focal Point” with color and pattern.
5. Tile Installation is a PATTERN – Most of us never think of this tip as a pattern, but it is! Many backsplash tiles used are smaller and create a pattern on its own. Subway tiles are a wonderful way to add a herringbone or brick pattern, while square tiles are perfect for a diamond pattern. Keep in mind, grout color will also create a pattern.

You have been looking to purchase new flooring for your home and have final decided on carpet. Carpet can be a great choice for homeowners. Carpet provides you with various styles and designs; the options can be endless. 

Tips for buying carpet: 

• Consider the room that you are buying carpet for and look at the amount of traffic that the room gets. High-traffic areas may require a darker, multicolored or patterned carpet to reduce the appearance of soil. 
• The carpet cushion can be just as important as the carpet when making your purchasing decisions. The better the padding, the longer the carpet will last. 
• The color of carpet you choose can change the look of your space. When choosing your carpet, consider the color scheme and furniture you have currently in your home.

Benefits of carpet: 

• In recent studies, carpet has shown to reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies. Carpet can serve as an “air filter,” helping to improve breathing. 
• Carpet is exceptional for adding warmth to a room as well as your toes. 
• Carpet is great for families with young kids. It can help put parents at ease with active kids. Carpet is soft enough to help cushion a fall or drop. 
• Also, carpet can improve noisy rooms caused by electronics or heavy foot traffic.

Cleaning carpet: 

• Do not be afraid to buy carpet because of its cleaning process. 
• Make sure to react quickly to messes and try not to let an area stay soiled for very long. It is essential to respond the accident as fast as possible in order to effectively remove the stain. For detailed carpet cleaning instructions visit: carpet-rug.org
• According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet should be deep cleaned by a commercial company every 12-18 months. 
• Keep up with high-traffic areas by vacuuming everyday. When dirt gets deep into the carpet it begins to break down the carpet’s fibers. 

Choosing your carpet may get overwhelming at times, because there are so many great choices out there. At Carpets N More, we are happy to help you through the entire process!

Moving to a new home feels like a fresh start and presents you with new opportunities to beautify the blank canvas that is your new living space.  Thinking about all the possibilities can be fun and exciting, but you must get through the moving process first.  We’re here to help you prioritize your to-do list so things do not become overwhelming. Preparation is key! Putting in the extra effort now will ensure smooth sailing later.

Secure Your Packing Supplies

Setting aside a block of time to start packing, just to find out that you’ve forgotten something can be frustrating. Think about all the items in your house that you are taking with you and what you are going to need to keep them secure during transfer.  Some of these items include:

❏     Boxes (Used or New): Ask friends or local businesses for any they have left over or purchase them in bulk online

❏     Packing Tape: Purchase more than you think you need, because you probably will

❏     Bubble Wrap or Old Newspapers: For any fragile items like fine china, vases, figurines, etc.

❏     Box Cutter or Scissors: To customize the length of packing tape and bubble wrap as well as being a quick tool to re-open the boxes when they arrive at their destination.

❏     A Wide-Tipped Permanent Marker or Label Maker: Label the top and at least two sides of your boxes to be able to determine their contents no matter how they are arranged when they arrive at your new home.

❏     Mover’s Dolly: Whether you are performing the move yourself or through a company, lifting heavy boxes all day can be damaging to your back. Try to use the dolly to move the boxes back and forth to the areas you want to store them prior to the move to save time and energy.

❏     Large Blankets: To keep your furniture from being damaged during transfer

❏     Specialty Items: If there are specific items in your home that need special handling, purchase custom supplies as needed.

Narrow Down Your Inventory

Think about the items in your current home that may not need to come with you to the new one. You don’t want to waste space in your moving van to bring them over when you know you are just going to be discarding them when they arrive. The time is now to try to divide these items into piles to donate, sell or give away.  Donations can be as simple as calling up a local company that comes to pick it up from your curbside. Selling will free up some money to help with moving costs and giving items away will always be welcome to the people receiving them.

Secure Help for Your Move

Decide whether you will be hiring a moving company or doing the move yourself.  If you are hiring a company, research a few to compare prices and availability for the time-frame you need.  Keep in mind that summertime is usually the busiest time of year for moving, so try to secure transportation as far in advance as you can.  If you will be doing the move yourself, get a full commitment from family and friends and hold them to it.  The last thing you need is for people to bail out on you the day you need them. Only ask for and expect the help of those you know you can count on.

We hope this guide has given you some helpful ideas to get started with your moving project. Happy packing!

These days, kitchen backsplashes are no longer there to protect your walls from spills and splatter. With the array of backsplash designs and materials available, they can add to the decor of your kitchen.  In fact, updating or installing a backsplash is one of the easiest ways to upgrade an old kitchen. So, if your kitchen’s decor has gotten a bit bland, add some pizazz to it by installing a trendy backsplash.

It’s important to spend some time on deciding what type of backsplash you’ll be installing in your kitchen. While it may seem like a simple task, choosing the right type of backsplash material and design can be complicated because it must fit in with your kitchen’s overall design.  What are some important things you should keep in mind during this process?

1. Height of the Backsplash

Many homeowners overlook the height of the backsplash, but this is a critical detail. The backsplash should have an endpoint. The endpoint of the backsplash can depend upon the placement of the cabinetry or your personal preference.

2. Will you go with colors or stay neutral?

The colors you’re interested in using the backsplash design scheme is the first decision you’ll make. You’ll have to decide whether you’re interested in selecting a color theme or if you feel it’s best to stay in the neutral zone. A colorful backsplash is a bold design choice that has an immediate impact. A neutral design is a safe choice that can add just as much character.

3. Type of Material

The kind of material you’ll be using in your kitchen backsplash design is just as important as the colors you will be selecting. What type of materials will blend well with your kitchen? Backsplash materials are available in ceramic, tile, glass and several other variants.

Are you ready to add a wow factor to your kitchen’s design? Well, it’s time to install a well-crafted and intricate design backsplash to your kitchen walls. 

The entryway is the first thing that your guests will notice when they enter your home. Therefore, you should make a great first impression by implementing something unique in your design scheme such as an interesting floor pattern. There are a variety of enticing floor options available. So whether you choose to utilize natural hardwood, tiles or a combination of both on the entry floor you can create an impressive look for your entryway.

Use Borders Along the Entryway

A simple way to define the entry area is to use a border along the flooring. Borders are manufactured in all types of sizes, colors, and designs. Best of all, they blend seamlessly with different types of flooring materials. So whether you select hardwood, ceramic tiling or laminate flooring you can pair it with an enticing border.

The key to successfully using borders along the entryway floors is to install it a little bit away from the wall and square of the room. You can also opt to follow the shape of the wall. If you have tile floors, you may want to consider shifting the border from the outer edges to the interior. For instance, while you may install the tiles around the perimeter of the room you can lay them diagonally in the pattern.

Medallions and Accents

Yes, unique medallions and accents implemented in your floor is guaranteed to create that “pop” effect. Your guests won’t be able to resist looking down and enjoying this decorative piece. You can sparingly insert accents into your floor for a subtle yet noticeable effect.

Utilize Multi-Piece Patterns

Multi-pieced pattern borders can further enhance your entryway. This design makes use of various sized tiles or wood to create a pattern that’s in sync with your flooring. Select more beautiful multi-pieced patterns for eye-catching results. By using a plain, larger field tile alongside a small decorative piece you can create a “step pattern”. A step pattern is more exciting than the more common checkerboard pattern.

Set the stage for the rest of your home by creating a unique entryway!

Having trouble figuring out what design style is best suited to your home?  Our Lifestyle Quiztool is here to help!  Answering targeted questions about family size, pets, special needs and your overall budget will assist us in recommending the appropriate selections in home decor and colors.  Having a precise list of suggestions will better equip you to make the right decision for your design project.

Each set of questions will focus on your everyday needs.  If there are small children in the home with a specific play area, the tool will recommend age-appropriate and functional pieces that are safe and make it easy for you to keep the room organized.  Information about your pets can also be useful in providing storage ideas for toys, food and grooming tools.  Hobbies like painting or scrapbooking, which may need a designated space in your home, are also accounted for when you answer the provided queries. 

The more information you provide, the better the results.  Let this tool take the guesswork out of finding function and style in every room of your home.  It may even help you realize that some of your current items are not the best at taking care of your current needs.  If this is the case, there will be recommendations for different pieces that can help you achieve the look you want while still serving their specific purpose.  Learning as much as you can about yourself and your family’s needs will make this service worthwhile. 

While information about what you currently need in your home is essential, remember to include information about new ideas that you want to implement so your results can be properly adjusted to accommodate them.  This will prevent you from having to go through the questions again once you are ready to renovate. 

Not only does this tool provide suggestions on furniture and complementary color designs, it also includes the recommended cleaning advice for each item in your plan.  Knowing how each product needs to be maintained will help keep them looking fresh and new.  Check out our Lifestyle Quiztool today and get started making your home beautiful and purposeful!