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Archive for the ‘Hints and Tips’ Category

You have spent hours determining what would be the perfect color for your walls, and then you realize “what about the interior trim?” The trim is the finishing touch that does not often get much attention. Many people choose to simply leave the trim the color that it has always been without giving consideration to the beautiful alternatives available. Whether you are thinking of applying a fresh coat of white paint to the trim or using another bold hue on it, here are some ways you can get the look you want:

White Trim

Of course, classic white is always a great choice. Whether you have a plain trim or a more elaborate trim molding, using white paint is always a safe choice. White also works well with colored walls or even white walls. When you pair a white trim with a bold-hued wall or an accent wall, the white trim will further highlight or frame the wall. Also, using white on the trim is a great way to tone down a dominant wall color. The white trim will steal some of the surface area, and the bold hue will not seem as if it is swallowing the entire room.

Neutral Trim

Dressing the trim in a neutral shade is bound to give the room a look of sophistication. Giving the trim a neutral color like grey or brown will create a stately appeal — a neutral trim pairs wonderfully with traditional decor. However, if your style leans more towards contemporary, you can add more modern furnishing to give the room more character. Opt for a neutral trim if you want to highlight an architectural feature, if you have a colored ceiling or if you love a transitional style.

Bold Trim

Are you interested in stepping outside the box by painting the trim a bold color? Since trim typically consists of a small strip of the surface, using bright colors like pink, blue, yellow, or green introduces a pop of color to the space. Bold color trim may be an ideal trim choice for you if you want an eclectic look or if you want to add a new hue without going all out on the walls.

What are your thoughts on trim colors? We would love to hear your opinions in the comment section.

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May-28-2019

Frequently Asked Painting Questions from Beginners

Posted by creatingyourspace under Colors, Hints and Tips

Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to completely transform a room’s appearance. Plus, it is a task you can perform yourself when modifying your home. This project can take a couple of days, so plan to make sure you have time to finish. If this is your first time painting, it is common to have a lot of questions. We answered some of your most frequently asked questions on painting and prep:

How much paint do I need to purchase for a given surface?

Typically, you can use 2.5 gallons to cover 400 square feet. Take into consideration that textured walls will need more product. To calculate the square footage of a wall, you will determine the length times the width (length x width). If your ceiling is 7 feet and 8 inches tall, and your wall is 12 feet and 3 inches long, you have 94 square feet. You may be able to paint around four of these walls with one coat. You should also take into consideration how many coats you will need. If you are priming the wall, you may get away with just two layers; however, bold colors may take more coats. It will also take a lot of coats to take a dark wall and make it a light color. These all should be considered before purchasing your paint.

Where do I start? Walls, ceiling, or trim?

Different people may have different approaches. There is no “wrong” way. Just make sure you can keep clean lines and no overspills or runs. Most people tend to start from the ceiling down. This way if paint runs, you can cover it as you go. Perhaps, start with the ceiling followed by the walls. You may decide to remove your trim to paint to avoid splattering on the floors.

How do I remove wallpaper?

Peel away as much as you can by hand. You may need a wallpaper shaver to get started. If the wallpaper is extremely difficult to remove, consider using a liquid stripper. These chemical options need time to soak into the wallpaper to break down the paste below the paper.

If you have more question you would like us to cover, feel free to leave a question below in the comment section. Painting can be an effective way to change your home. Remember to tape off everything thoroughly to avoid splattering.

For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our blog. Thanks for reading!

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May-22-2019

Chores You Should Complete Every Year

Posted by creatingyourspace under Care and Maintenance, Hints and Tips

You get into a routine of when to do certain chores. Your daily chores may be as simple as making your bed or doing the dishes, or perhaps you have grocery day and a laundry day once a week. These simple habits can become routines. When you space out chores biweekly or once a month, it can be hard to remember what day they fall on during your busy life. It can be even more tasking to remember chores you only need to tackle once a year. However, we still have some maintenance and tasks we need to do annually. We put together a simple checklist as a reminder. If you have yet to tackle these in the last year, make these your new projects this week.

Curtains

While your curtains may be suspended, they still fall victim to airborne nuisance dust and allergens. Most textiles are magnets for dust. While your carpet and couches will hold more, your curtains and drapes should be washed once a year. This can help keep your home cleaner and prevent allergies.

Gutters

Your gutters are a simple way to take the water off your roof and direct it to a run-off or a drain; however, if your gutters get congested with leaves and debris, it will jeopardize the system. You should try to take care of this once a year to ensure your gutters are working correctly and efficiently. If you live in a wooded environment, you may need to do this more frequently.

Fireplace

When you use your fireplace, the wood you burn release contaminants and soot into your chimney. This build-up takes time but should be removed annually if you are using your fireplace. It is best to tackle this in the fall, so it is prepared by winter.

Mattress

You are recommended to sleep 1/3 of your life. That means you probably spend that portion of your life in bed and matting down your mattress. To prevent your mattress from “over-forming” to your body, it is best to flip and rotate your mattress once a year.

Today’s high pace society can make annual chores the last thing on your mind. With these four annual chores, you can rest assured that your tasks are complete. You can tackle them all once a year or break them into four separate tasks that you complete quarterly. Just find a method that works best with your own schedule.

Looking for a way to add character to your home without doing a complete overhaul? Try decorating an accent wall. It is a simple solution for creating a focal point in the room, and there are many ways to approach this idea. From traditional methods to more unique materials, the point of creating a feature wall is to have a section of the room that catches the eye, expresses your style and maintains functionality all at the same time. Read on for some great ideas for accent walls.

Forever a Classic

The simplest method and usually the first one that comes to mind is a painted wall. If you want to keep things minimalistic, a solid color that is more on the “bold side” can do the trick. If you are going to add something with a little more detail, try a patina paint to bring out a metallic look, or you can stick with a solid scheme and incorporate alternating stripes or a sponging technique.

Welcome Back, Wallpaper

If you want to skip the paint, there are endless possibilities with wallpaper. Smooth, textured, simple, intricate-there will most definitely be something to suit your tastes. It is especially helpful if you enjoy a particular design but do not want to have to go through the hassle of stenciling each section individually.

Embrace the Senses

Another way to add texture to your space is by simply using a different material. A few tried and true choices you can count on for a fabulous look are reclaimed wood panels, stacked stone, and faux brick. Any of these choices will add a more earthy, warm feeling to your home.

More Modern Approach

If you are looking for a more futuristic, modern vibe for your living space, try installing 3D panels or stacked upholstered wall panels. The 3D look will be an eye catcher and conversation starter no matter what color you choose. Like art, it will jump right out and command the attention of those in the room. Upholstered wall panels are a great way to achieve a symmetrical look that pops out at you as well. The extra dimension will add some softness to the room but will not make the space look too busy.

Which accent wall idea was your favorite? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section!

May-8-2019

Different Types of Underlayment for Your Floors

Posted by creatingyourspace under Hints and Tips

Some floors can require installing an underlayment.  Your underlayment is a layer between the subfloor and the flooring you install on top of it.  Different underlayments come with a list of different pros and cons.  Knowing a few different types of underlayment options can help you choose the one the best suits your needs.  Most underlayment comes down to personal preferences, but keep in mind that some manufacturers will not warranty floors if you use a competitor’s underlayment.

Felt

The most traditional underlayment is felt.  It is one of the easiest underlayments to install and has a little bit more weight to it.  Thick felt is the best sound dampener underlayment.  It serves as an excellent insulator to help regulate your home’s temperature.  Plus, thicker felt can even give your floor a soft feel when you walk on it.  However, that being said felt is one of the more expensive options.

Foam

Foam is a common underlayment option and will come in different varieties of thicknesses.  Foam underlayments are typically manufactured with a moisture barrier to protect your floor from water damage.  They also serve as a sound dampener which is excellent for two story homes.  This can prevent noises from traveling through the home when people are walking upstairs.  Though foam absorbs some noise, it is not as good as cork underlayments, but you will find that foam is usually the most cost-effective underlayment and easy to install.

Cork

Another standard underlayment option is cork.  Cork is a natural option that does not hurt trees when extracted.  It serves as a moisture barrier as well as a high-quality sound dampener.  Some people prefer cork because it is an excellent insulator to homes as well as fire resistant.  If water does happen to get on your cork, unlike felt and foam, the cork will not mold.  That being said, cork can be a little problematic to install when it comes in rolls.

Even if your floor does not require an underlayment, some homeowners and business will still add one for their many additional benefits.  If you are looking for the most inexpensive option, go with foam, but the best quality would be felt.  Some homeowners will still go with cork because it is a more natural approach and offers slightly fewer benefits than felt at a lower cost.

Apr-30-2019

Best Flooring Ideas for Commercial Spaces

Posted by creatingyourspace under Flooring, Hints and Tips

Commercial environments are prone to heavy traffic.  The wrong flooring may wear quickly, fade, or even break down and increase the chances of injuries. As flooring professionals, we understand that these are all issues you want to avoid because investing in the wrong flooring will mean you will have to replace it more frequently.  To save time and money, you may want to consider some of these options for your business.  Every flooring comes with its pros and cons so you will want to decipher which flooring option is best tailored for your needs before making a purchase.

Carpet

The wrong carpet fibers will quickly wear and create many problems; however, carpet is not a bad option!  Carpet can be placed in some of the most substantial traffic areas in the world including malls and airports.  Commercial glue down carpet is a great solution to have carpet in heavy traffic atmospheres.  You can go a step further and invest in carpet squares.  Carpet squares are great because if one of them is damaged, you simply remove the tile and replace it with a new one.  This can help save you time and money.  However, carpet does not do well to water.  You will want to avoid environments with wet foot traffic.

LVP

Luxury Vinyl Planks or Luxury Vinyl Tiles are incredibly durable floors.  Most options can be floated directly over the subfloor which allows them to be installed in basements, over tile, or any unperfect floor.  Most LVPs are also waterproof and can be installed in water exposed areas.  These luxury planks can be very resilient to scratching and wear; however, they can still be scratched with extreme abuse.  Amongst being simple to install, very durable, and waterproof, this wonder floor is excellent for almost any application.  LVP is a very versatile flooring option and has been the largest growing floor in the industry to date.

Tile

Look for commercial grade tile.  The smaller the tiles, the less likely they will lead to cracking and breaking.  These floors have an extremely long wear layer, are treated to be stain resistant, and can be easy to clean.  Tile works great for commercial bathroom or any space you want to add a more luxurious feel.  Make sure you treat your floors properly to get the greatest longevity out of them.

Concrete

There are several different types of concrete floorings available from epoxy, urethane topcoats, poly-aspartic finishes, and more.  You may have noticed many commercial franchises and chains have been using this look in their designs.  Concrete is currently trending.  With the industrial look, concrete is extremely durable and with the right finish, can be very easy to clean.  

If you need additional assistance choosing the right floors for your commercial space, one of our expert sales associates would love to help you. Please click here to call or visit one of our locations.

We look forward to working with you.

Apr-18-2019

Tips and Tricks for Soundproofing a Lease

Posted by creatingyourspace under Hints and Tips

If you are leasing an apartment or a home, it can be challenging to do any modifications. Typically the lease will prohibit any construction or renovations, so what do you do when your neighbors are too noisy? Luckily, there are several tricks you can do to your space to help soundproof your home that will not break the ground or your budget. Here are the top soundproofing tricks:

Rugs

Your lease will most likely prevent you from installing wall to wall carpet; however, you can throw down some rugs. Rugs are excellent at absorbing sounds from lower levels. Take it to the next level by adding some heavy eight-pound padding for extra noise absorption.

Wall Tapestry and Curtains

You can prevent noises from coming through your walls by applying and hanging wall tapestry. Textiles are exceptional sound barriers and can work on the walls as well. For windowed areas, add thick, heavy curtains, and you will be amazed by how much sound you will be able to absorb.

Seal Doorways

If you try to locate where the sound is coming from in your apartment or home, it is most likely coming through windows and doors. Getting a draft stopper on your door can also prevent unwanted sounds from penetrating into your home. This is a simple but effective method. Weatherproofing your door can also help with keeping your apartment warmer while also eliminating sounds. It is a great two for one solution.

Furniture

An empty home is a loud home. Add furniture to help muffle sounds. Large couches, bookcases, and chairs can all help dampen undesired noises. Putting them against “loud” walls can help stop the sounds at the source.

Acoustic Panels

If the sounds are still bad, invest in some acoustic panels. These are engineered to absorb sounds in your home. You can hang them on your walls or ceiling to prevent unwanted noises. Acoustic panels do more than just muffle the sounds but almost magically eliminate them completely.

These simple investments can save you from sleepless nights and unwanted noises throughout the day. For more great tips and tricks, be sure to check back weekly at Carpets N More.

If your home has an open floor plan, it can easily began to feel like your decor is chaotic. With no walls to distinguish space and function, it might seem like everything is just roaming free. That is where area rugs come into play. The right area rugs can be a valuable asset to a open floor plan because they help give the illusion of order without the need for walls. However, if you plan on using several rugs together, it is important to give thought to how they will look together. While the easiest solution may be to use matching rugs, this can sometimes be aesthetically boring and may even ruin the look you wanted to capture. To help, check out these tips for using multiple area rugs in an open floor plan:

Using Matching Area Rugs

When using multiple area rugs in one space, you might be tempted to take the simplest approach which is opting for matching rugs. Using matching rugs will help keep the spaces separate while keeping things harmonious. While using matching area rugs is a bit unpredictable if you really want to take this approach, consider choosing a rug that features a bold graphic pattern. Using such a high contrast pattern rug keeps things interesting, and it does not overwhelm the space.

Using Different Area Rugs

You also have the option of using distinct floor coverings. Using different area rugs within the same space can seem a bit scary, but it can actually turn out great if it is pulled off right. You can use different floor coverings to distinguish the function of each space or section. The key to pulling this off is by choosing rugs that feature similar color palettes.

Believe it or not, you can have fun with pairing different types of rugs together. Of course, it is easier to pair solid colored rugs than ones featuring a pattern. When pairing solid rugs, just select two colored rugs that look great together. Neutral colored rugs will look great with just about any rug, but if you want to go the color route, try to find a color that is used in both area rugs to pull their designs together in the open space.

What are your thoughts on area rugs in open floor plans? Do you like using different rugs or similar ones? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

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Feb-19-2019

Space Hacks for Small Rooms

Posted by creatingyourspace under Hints and Tips

Small space living can be tricky but also quite quaint.  Finding the perfect balance of furnishing and decor to balance your space but not overwhelm it is essential.  While we cannot change the blueprint of our homes, we can find ways and loopholes to make the most of our space.  Incorporating simple space-saving hacks into small studios, apartments, or houses is the best way to get the most out of your place.  We put together a couple space hacks that you may want to consider adding into your own home.  Let’s take a look!

Pocket Doors 

Initially, you may not consider a door an area in your room that takes up mass; however, you have to calculate how much space you door takes up when it is opened and closed.  You do not need items to be obtrusive to your entryway.  A pocket door is a simple solution that can have your door slide along the way.  It is an innovated architectural hack can help open up the space where your door use to hinge.   

Mirrors 

While mirrors do not necessarily add more space to your area, they do visually help with the room’s overall aesthetics.  A mirror can create an optical illusion of a larger space, let light travel more freely, and help visually eliminate boundaries.  Using mirrors is a great design trick to open up smaller areas.  Try adding mirrors on walls to help open up spaces and make a brighter feeling environment. 

Furniture Storage 

Incorporating furniture with storage is a fantastic way to save space in your home.  Ottomans, coffee tables, chairs, and other units with built-in storage compartments will help eliminate clutter in your home.  This minimalism hack is perfect to open up space in your home. 

Low-Profile Furniture 

Another easy way to enlarge your room is by adding low-profile furniture.  This can help create the illusion of higher ceilings and give the room a more spacious vibe.  Low-profile beds, couches, and stools are great for enhancing the visual aesthetics of the room.  You should try adding a light paint color to the ceiling to also allow the room to visually feel larger.  These little hacks are quick, but they can make an incredible impact on your home. 

With a small environment, conserving space is imperative.  Try to think outside the box when it comes to space saving hacks.  There are hundreds of way you can visually make your space larger and eliminate obtrusive areas in your home.

We would love to hear from you.  What is your favorite space hack?

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Jan-3-2019

How to: Make Your Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Posted by creatingyourspace under Bathroom Blogfest, Hints and Tips

You dream of owning a large bathroom with a spacious tub and separate shower area. But it may be time to deal with reality: your bathroom is not meeting your expectations. Just because your bathroom is pint-sized, does not mean you cannot make a big impression on it. By adding in chic details and implementing sophisticated style ideas, you can create a space that rivals the best. To help you create the bathroom of your dreams, we have five tips and tricks for you. Let’s take a look!

White on White

Perhaps the easiest way to make your bathroom feel much more spacious is to go heavy with the color white. With white wall colors, white tiles and an all-white vanity, you are guaranteed to create a light, airy feeling. White naturally recedes, resulting it in reflecting light as opposed to absorbing it. Going with an all-white color scheme does not mean the space has to lack visual interest. Instead, you can incorporate textural elements like molding, stone, and unique fabrics. You can further add style by selecting hardware in different finishes such as stainless steel, gold, rose gold, or matte black.

Light Hues

If you cannot get on board with the all-white color scheme, you can still achieve that breezy look by using hues with the same tone. Embrace palettes like soft gray, warm beige, blush and even light blues. Such colors are serene and create a spa-like ambiance.

Glass Tiles

We all know that mirrors can alter the way we perceive a room’s size. Add touches of sparkle to your powder room by using glass tiles. Glass tiles are often used in the shower stall, but it is time to take those tiles outside the bathing area. You can install them on the wall surrounding your vanity to create a flawless backdrop. The options are truly endless.

Wall Storage Options

Keep your storage flush to the wall to maximize floor space. You can also install narrow shelving units to store all the things you need to keep in your bathroom. The small units may fit in snug areas like beside your toilet or in tight corners.

Bright Lighting

Bright lighting is necessary to really expand the size of your bathroom. Find ways to maximize natural lighting and implement multiple layers of lighting to create a dreamy escape.

If you are in the market for new flooring or backsplash, look no further! Carpets N More carries a wide selection of tile to meet your design preferences. For more information on our selection, please visit our online showroom or visit us one of our beautiful showrooms. We look forward to working with you.

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