The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. In fact, kitchens can also be one of the most beautiful rooms in a house with all they have to offer. From countertop options, cabinets, flooring, and appliances, you can really make a kitchen one of the most jaw-dropping rooms in your home. Plus, another excellent decor option to consider is backsplash. Not only does it look stunning, but it is functional as well. If you are considering adding a backsplash to your kitchen, here is every reason why it may be an excellent idea:

Functionality

Kitchens can be messy, and they tend to get dirty quickly! When cooking, it is easy for food to splash onto the walls from the stove. So instead of ruining your kitchen walls, backsplashes offer a simple solution. Tile is extremely easy-to-clean and waterproof, so you can protect your walls while making a low-maintenance barrier.

Aesthetics

Not only are backsplashes extremely functional and easy-to-clean, but they also look great! Tile has been one of the most timeless home additions for centuries. In fact, it has been added to palaces, temples, kingdoms, and many other beautiful buildings throughout history. Not to mention, there are thousands of tile designs available today, making the design process effortless. You can even find the perfect match for your home and make your kitchen even more visually appealing.

Other Materials

While typically, backsplashes are done in ceramic or porcelain tiles, you can choose from an extensive selection of backsplash materials. Just make the backsplash your own by browsing all the options available. From glass to metal materials, backsplashes can be very personalized. You can even choose tile art or designs to mount and make an even more eye-catching focal point.

In the end, you can make your kitchen even more stunning by adding a beautiful backsplash. In fact, backsplashes are wonderful enhancements to upgrade any kitchen. Not only do they offer low-maintenance cleaning and protect your walls, but they are downright beautiful. Choose a design that best suits your home. Trust us; this is one aesthetic and functional upgrade you need in your home!

Tile is a beautiful addition to any home. Though tile is extremely durable and low maintenance, it should still be cared for overtime. If you have ceramic or porcelain tile, we put together some simple and easy maintenance to practice on your flooring. Remember, grout can be a little trickier and will take some more in-depth techniques to clean.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both made from clays. Porcelain clay is denser and less porous, so it typically more durable. Being less porous means it can be harder for water or soot to get deep into the tile as well. However, both tiles should be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of unwanted grease and other residues.

Glazed Tiles

Glazed tiles can be easily cleaned by just using water without the need for soap. If liquids are spilled on the ceramic or porcelain tile, they should be cleaned quickly. Remember, ceramic is porous, which can allow liquids to penetrate through easily. If you spill a beverage on ceramic, it can quickly stain it if not removed promptly. Simply wipe away spills and add water to dilute. You can use a rag or paper towel to absorb all remaining liquid or residue.

Abrasive Tiles

For more abrasive tiles, consider using a mop or a bristled brush. Rinse your ground and mop with hot water. You can add a tile cleaning solution as well to help break down dirt and soot. You may want to go over your floor again with a clean water mop to ensure you eliminate all dirt in the area.

Polished Tiles

Polished tile can be very vulnerable to acidic products. Do not use acidic cleaner when cleaning polished ceramic or porcelain tiles. You will also want to immediately remove any spills or accidents with acidic liquids like citric fruits, wines, sodas, kinds of vinegar, and pet urine.

Glass Tiles

Never use an abrasive brush on glass tiles – this can scratch your tiles and be seen very easily. Remember this if you have glass as your backsplash as well. Many homes will use glass as a decorative accent in showers or in kitchen backsplashes. Simply, wipe clean with a damp sponge and pat dry.

Tiles are low maintenance and do not demand much work. However, it is essential to keep them clean to prevent the build-up of unwanted soot and grime. These simple tricks can be done whenever you feel like it is time to clean your floors.

Are you planning on installing new tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom? If so, you have already tackled half the challenge by purchasing a tile that you feel best fits your home’s interior. If you are thinking about cutting out the middleman and laying down the tile yourself, it is important to educate yourself about the process fully. If you are not a professional contractor, it is easy to make mistakes. While we always recommend going with one of our trusted professionals, we have you covered. Here are four mistakes that first-timers are bound to make:

Failing to Purchase Enough Tiles

Perhaps the biggest mistake that people make when launching a tiling project is failing to purchase enough tiles. There is nothing worse than seeing your tiling project coming together only to realize a little too late that you did not purchase enough tiles to complete the project. To ensure that you have enough tiles, be sure to get accurate measurements of the area you are tiling and purchase 10-15% tiles than you need just in case you make a mistake.

Inadequate Adhesive

When purchasing adhesive to hold your tiles together, it is crucial to invest in a quality adhesive. This is especially important if you are installing tiles in the kitchen or the bathroom. You will find that some adhesives are only manufactured for use on the floors or the walls. Therefore, be sure to select one that is tailored for your specific project. Also, you should choose an adhesive that has excellent waterproofing properties.

Working too Fast

It is easy to compromise quality with speed when you are taking on a tiling project by yourself. Sometimes you may become so fed up with the process that you find yourself getting a little careless. However, you should make sure you take your time, especially if you are working with decorative tiles. Use precision so that you will get the best results.

Uneven Distribution

If this is your first time laying down tiles, you might find it challenging to install them evenly. Use battens, which are thin wooden rods, to ensure that your tiles are equally spaced. If you are working with ceramic tiles, opt for order spacers to help you distribute them properly.

If you feel a little worried about this project, leave it to the professionals at Carpets N More. Our expert team is ready to take on your project and create your dream oasis. Do not hesitate; call us today!

If you have kids, you know that they can be tough on your house, especially floors.  For a kid’s playroom or bedroom, there are plenty of flooring options that will please your style and stand up to the daily rigors of life with kids.  If your kids don’t have a designated playroom, having the right flooring in your living room and family room is even more key.  Once the toys and games are put away, you’ll want to feel like you are sitting in your room and not a play zone.

If you are putting in new flooring, talk with us about the best options for kids.  You can also take our “How I Live Quiz” to learn more about the best flooring options suitable for your lifestyle and home. There are many stain resistant and stain repellent carpets on the market. This means you can put carpet in a kids’ area and not fear every time something spills it will stain forever. Another option for carpeted rooms is to put a large area rug over the carpet to protect it.  Feel free to browse our area rug catalog to learn more.  As the kids get older, you can remove the area rug or swap it out for a new pattern or color. With this same idea in mind, carpet squares can be used and replaced if they get stained.

Hard surfaces like tile and stone are durable but might be too tough on little knees and elbows. Hardwood is good as is cork, which has a soft feeling under foot. Again, area rugs are your friends when it comes to protecting floors.

Kids and pets are probably the hardest on your floors.  Work with your flooring person to choose the best option that will be durable and stylish for years to come.

If you’re looking for a fun and mildly educational activity you can share with your child, how about baking cookies? It’s a valuable life skill, it involves following directions and accuracy in measuring, and it has its own rewarding snack at the end.

First, anticipate a mess. Children are not naturally tidy and baking has a lot of things that can spill and splash. Plan ahead to reduce any problems this could cause.

Fortunately, kitchens are made to handle messes. Simple preparation such as paper towels or work cloths ready to wipe up spills on your floor and countertop can provide quick clean ups and allow you to go right back to baking. You may want to pre-measure some of the messier elements such as milk and have the eggs already cracked and waiting in a bowl.

Next, don’t stretch your own capabilities. If you’re a regular baker, then make cookies from scratch using one of your tried-and-true recipes. If not, then plan for a mix or even pre-made dough. Add some decorations such as sprinkles, even with a chocolate chip cookie, to make the process more fun and exciting.

Be sure to plan for your final clean-up while the cookies are baking. Start with the cooking implements. You may want to put them all in the sink out of the way. Then wipe down the countertops. End with the floor, to pick up anything that’s landed there during either baking or cleaning. Have your child help clean – it’s an important part of baking.

Finally, be sure to check your young one’s hands and shoes or feet for flour or other ingredients before he or she heads out the kitchen door to less forgiving flooring.

Q:  How do I know if the tile grout in my kitchen is protected and how do I remove stains from it?

A: If you happen to have ceramic tiles, good news because ceramic tiles are relatively easy to clean given that it has a glossy or semi-glossy finish. Even latex paint that has dried can easily be removed with a fingernail. However, there is a major difference between the tile surface and the tile grout. Grout happens to be porous that is why it is more prone to stains. This is where grout sealants come in. Grout sealants are applied to your tiles after installing them. This can help reduce the porosity of your grout. It also helps prevent the settlement of moisture underneath the tile and protects the surface from stains.

To see if your grout is still protected, test it. Simply put a few drops of water on the grout joint. The water drop should not soak into the grout. If the grout absorbs the water, then it means it isn’t working. Usually, grout sealant lasts for one to two years at the most.

Two of the best mild cleaners you can find in your home for grout are simply baking soda and water. Apply the mixture with a soft toothbrush. This can be helpful in removing food, wine and coffee stains. But as for difficult stains, it is always best to apply grout colorant. Before attempting to do this yourself you’ll want to consult with one of our tile specialists.

Would you like to take a break from the everyday priorities of life and plan for a bit of romance? Valentine’s Day is around the corner, but on a birthday, anniversary or just for the fun of it, it’s nice to let your honey know that he or she is still special to you.

To begin, take a look around your house to choose a location to create a romantic indoor picnic. If you have a fireplace, that’s a great choice. Other possibilities would be a window with a view, a corner of the family room, or the center of a den.

If the flooring is tile or wood, grab some area rugs from other parts of the house. If the room is carpeted, you can still put at least one rug down to anchor your romantic space. You may want to pile two or three on top of each other to create a cushioned spot that resembles the feel of a Moroccan or gypsy tent. Don’t be afraid to mix colors.  Add some pillows and position a small tablecloth or scarf in the middle for serving the food.

Complete your décor with the fresh flowers of your choice and candles. For the cushioned area, using the new LED lights that resemble votives such as the ones in the photo are much safer and worry free.

Choose favorite foods for your lunch or dinner. Finger foods are easier to manage when sitting on the floor. While it’s fun to make this event a surprise, you may want to ask your sweetie to bring some wine, just to provide a hint that a fun evening is planned.

Once you’re finished, take a step back and make sure everything looks inviting. Turn off the room’s lights, creating an island of warmth in the room. For a final touch, pull apart one of the flowers and sprinkle the petals around the area. Now you’ve created the right atmosphere for romance!

Question: I’m thinking of having a vinyl floor installed in our kitchen because I like the way it feels underfoot, but my husband doesn’t think it will work with our high-end cabinets and granite countertops. Is he right?

Answer: You may want to take your husband on a visit to our showroom to see the truly beautiful choices you have in vinyl today. New designs really stand up to more expensive flooring options. This kitchen shows one vinyl choice that closely resembles porcelain tile. The upscale design easily works with this kitchen.

Vinyl floors are also gentler on the feet in a room that involves a lot of standing if you like to cook. Vinyl, laminate and wood floors are considered “soft” flooring as opposed to tile and stone’s hard surfaces.

Vinyl is also an easy clean floor. Just a damp mop or cloth keeps it looking its best. This particular pattern and color combination will keep the every little spot from showing dramatically, keeping the room looking nice even after a major cooking extravaganza.

The other major advantage to vinyl is cost. With its reasonable cost per square foot compared to tile or stone, you can select a higher-end vinyl flooring while still staying in your budget.

As you make choices for your home, be sure to pay attention to your personal preferences. This is not a model home; it’s the place you will be living in, probably for years. When you combine your design goals with the functionality you really want, then you will have a home that is both livable and beautiful.