Whether you are moving, remodeling, renovating, or installing new light fixtures, it is important to understand all of the different lighting options available to consumers. Today, we are going to focus on kitchen lighting. The lighting inside of kitchens is imperative for a successful meal. You need to be able to see what you are doing whilst in the kitchen. To help you find this perfect balance, we have created a guide of the most popular types of kitchen lighting. Let’s take a look!

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is an easy way to add glamour and luxury into a home. If you are not familiar with the term, recessed lighting is hidden in the ceiling in little tins to create a more spacious feeling. Most homeowners install recessed lighting for their beauty as well as their easy to clean nature. The only issue with recessed lighting is that you will need enough space above your ceiling for installation. They help to create a beautiful atmosphere but they are not solely used to light a kitchen. 

Pendant Lights

For a more stylish approach, homeowners have shifted gears towards pendant lights. Not only are they stylish, but they are extremely functional. They help provide a closer light to areas which in essence, provides better visibility while cooking. The only issue homeowners find with pendant lights is that they hang low from the ceiling which could potential get in your way while cooking. 

Surface Lights

Surface lights are referred to as the “mushroom” or “bubble” light fixtures in homes. They are placed directly on the ceiling and provide an ample amount of light. They are in fact, easier to clean than the two previous lights mentioned. The only issue homeowners have with surface lights is that they are very visible. If you do not like the look of them, we would not recommend choosing them. With recessed lighting, you have a hidden light source and with pendant lights, you are provided a stylish approach to lighting. Whereas with surface lights, they are kind of just there.

If you are remodeling your home, be sure to keep us in mind for new flooring. We would love to help you complete your home with beautiful floors, cabinets, windows coverings, and countertops. For more information on our vast selection, please visit our website here.

Removing glue from your carpet can be challenging if you do not know the correct procedures.  Different adhesives bring different challenges and should be handled accordingly.  As you read earlier in the series, freezing glue is always a good tactic to try to harden it then scrape it off the fibers.  However, not all glue respond to this method.  While some heavy hitter glues are challenging, young folks bring some challenges of their own. Here are several common types of glue children may bring into the household that can create a tacky nightmare if not handled correctly:

Stickers

Sticker residue can be easy if caught early, but more challenging if it is matted deep into the carpet fiber.  Heat up white vinegar and dampen carpet residue.  Allow the area to soak for about ten minutes to break up the sticker residue.   You should be able to scrub out the sticker residue after it is broken down by the vinegar.   If some residue still remains, repeat the method. 

Glitter Glue 

Scrape away as much residue as possible.  If your carpet is solution dyed, it should be able to handle a bleach and water mixture.  This can help remove the stained color.  If you are unsure, test your carpet in a discrete area.  You can use the bleach and water mixture to remove to glue.  If some remains, apply ice to harden and scrape up to rest of the residue. 

Super Glue 

Super glue can be challenging to remove.  Apply acetone diluted with water to your carpet.  After you remove most of the super glue, go back and apply a mixture of distilled white vinegar, washing detergent, and hot water.   Scrub away at the super glue and pat dry.  This should remove the remaining sticky mess. 

Like most stains, the sooner you can get to the accident, the better chance you have of removing the stain.  Do not let these sticky situations hold you down.  With some tender love and care, you can have your carpet looking like new again.  For more great tips and tricks, visit us our blog hub here and be sure to subscribe!

Glue is excellent for fixing so many things around the house.  Unfortunately, you can find yourself in a very sticky situation when you get some on your carpet, and homeowners find that it can be one of the more challenging stains to remove.  While not only staining the carpet, it creates a sticky residue that can damage the carpet fibers and mat down the resiliency of your flooring.  Different glues will take different methods in order to remove them. To help, here are several of the most common household glues and how you can remove them from your carpet: 

Hot Glue 

Do not handle when the glue is still hot.  If you try to clean it when it is fresh and warm, it will only sink deeper into the carpet fibers.  Allow the glue to dry.  Apply ice to the glue to harden it.  Once it is hardened, you can pick away at the glue.  You can also apply acetone.  Acetone is a strong chemical.  You should dilute the chemical in water and apply it using a wet rag. 

Commercial Glue 

Commercial glues are usually applied using a caulk/adhesive gun.  These compounds are extremely difficult to remove.  Most commercial glues know this and have a recommend glue removing solvent sold separately.  This is your best option for removing this glue from rugs in your home.  Try applying a small amount to a discrete spot in the house.  These solvents can be powerful agents and may not be very forgiving to the carpet fibers and dyes.  If it seems to be damaging the rug, try to use ice to freeze the glue and remove.  

Rubber Cement 

Another extremely durable glue is rubber cement.  For this process, scrape away as much rubber cement as possible from your carpet.  Mix warm water with a little bit of laundry detergent and some white vinegar.  Apply the mixture using a damp rag and scrub your carpet.  Allow it to air dry.  This should help remove most of the rubber cement from your carpet.  You can repeat this process again after the carpet has dried. 

While glues are extremely useful around the house, they can be quite the pain to remove.  Using these tricks can help you from having to replace your carpet.  Check out the rest of this series to find more tricks and tips to removing difficult glue stains from your carpet.  Have a stain request you want more information on removing?  Let us know in the comment section! 

*Disclaimer: Please check with your carpet manufacturer for their stain removal advice. Results may vary. 

Interior design is not only about having functionality in a space but creating a visually appealing atmosphere. While aesthetics and beauty are subjective, there are several ways that you can help enhance the design and visual outcome of a room.  One tried-and-true trick that has been commonly used throughout the centuries is allowing pairs to complement each other.  There are several ways you can use the power of pairs to help enrichen your atmosphere and create a harmonized and compelling environment. 

Symmetry Through Seating 

Symmetry influences the space’s flow.  There are many different ways to accomplish this but pairing furniture takes the win.  Create the scene by allowing complementing chairs or couches to mimic each other in the room.  These duos can create balance and make a more coherent and harmonized room.  You can even cattycorner your pairs or use them asymmetrically to add interest.  In these layouts, the pairs will still be noted as one and help enhance the overall space. 

Harmony with Lighting 

Another way to help harmonize the atmosphere through pairings is through the use of lighting.  Duplicate lamps can help give the room a more “even” illumination.  With lights paired correctly in a room, you can create even shadowing and consistent lighting throughout the space.  You will find that lights are a powerful tool in design.  Complement them with pairing two and watch them transform your home. 

Balance with Décor 

Décor is an artistic and creative way to express your design theme.  While contributing to the overall appeal of the room, décor does not need to stand alone.  Using duplicate décor can create symmetry back in the room and make it feel more balanced.  Try doing this with a simple bowl, baskets, books, or other decorative objects in your home. In doing so, you will add interest and aesthetic appeal. 

There are three types of balance: symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.  You can incorporate all in your home to create different feels in your room.  Never neglect the power of pairs though in your space.  While singular chairs or art can be unique, duos work together to complement one another.

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?

Installing anything in your own home can be very rewarding.  It is always a great feeling after you paint your own walls or install your own light fixture in a room.  While do-it-yourself projects are great for saving money, there are several reasons why you should probably consider saving your carpet installations for the professionals.  Today, we are going to focus on four reasons that you may want to decide to hire a professional. Let’s take a look! 

Time-Consuming 

Installing your own carpet can be a very time-consuming process, especially if you do not do it daily.  You should consider the amount of time it would take you to complete the project and decide if it is worth your time invested.  While you may be willing to sacrifice a day for installing your carpet, you need to make sure you are confident that you are able to finish the task.  It can be very tricky to hire an installer after the carpet has been tinkered with or half-installed as well. 

Tools 

So you may not be as concerned with time, but you should consider the amount of money you will spend on tools.  Carpet installation has many tools precisely for installation.  These tools can be quite expensive for one-time use.  Installers have already made these investments because they are in this for the long haul.  It may be best to rent these tools if you do not plan on installing a lot in the future. 

Experience 

Consider your experience versus a professional installer as well.    Most installers have been doing this for quite some time.  With this time, comes experience for different dilemmas that may come up during installation.  Carpet installation is an art and a skill.  Every room can come with its own sets of challenges and difficulties.  While you may be comfortable installing it in an easy room, be ready for unexpected challenges.  Troubleshooting these challenges comes with experience and are essential if you want to install your carpet correctly. 

Warranty 

If you install your carpet incorrectly, you will probably void all warranties.  Carpet is an investment which should stay with your home for some time.  You do not need to install your carpet incorrectly and not be able to make a claim if something goes wrong like bubbling or fraying.   

As flooring experts, we recommend leaving it to the professionals unless you feel like you have the skillset, time, and tools to complete the job. We definitely want to encourage all of the do-it-yourself go-getters out there, but we also want homeowners to be cautious and make the best choice for their investment. If you would like to speak to one of our expert sales staff about installation, please do not hesitate to call or visit us. 

Garage conversions are perfect for individuals not facilitating the space.  If you do not mind parking outside, your garage is a prime location to create some fantastic home additions.  There are hundreds of avenues you can choose to go down when designing this space.  We put together our top four to help you start thinking outside the box on how you want to convert your garage. Let’s take a look!

Home Gym

An easy yet super beneficial renovation to your well-being is creating a home gym.  It can be challenging to get to a gym after a long day at work and having the convenience of a gym studio in your own home is optimal for time management and fitness goals.  Install rubber flooring or the flooring style of your choice and invest in some equipment.  It is your home gym, so create an environment that you will want to train.  Discover what workouts are tailored to your goals and invest in the equipment best in line with your goals.  Lastly, buy a couple of mirrors, paint the walls, and enjoy your new home gym.

Playroom

If you have children, it can be nice to have a designated spot in the house for them to play.  Create a space with toys, playhouses, and games for kids.  This can be great for when they have friends over and to help consolidate the mess from spreading throughout your home.

Lounge

You can fully convert your garage to a hangout lounge by finishing off the garage door wall, or you can leave it to allow your lounge to open to the outdoors.  Create your own man cave or female getaway away.  Insulate your walls and create an area with seating, television, and you can even add a bar.  Creating your own lounge can be a great way to convert your unused garage into the new house “hot spot.”

Home Theater

Another great renovation is creating your own home theater.  Insulate your space and create a surround-sound home theater by installing a projector and sound equipment.  You can use a blank white wall and have a pull-down screen.  A home theater can offer hours of entertainment for the whole family and be a great place to invite over friends for game night.

Never let an area in your home go unused.  A garage is an excellent opportunity for special home designs.  You can think outside the box and create so much more than just a designated parking area.  What will you do with your garage space?  Let us know below in the comment section!

Congratulations! You have made an excellent decision and bought brand new floors from Carpets N More. This is a fantastic step forward in the design process, and we are excited to a part of this journey with you. But before your installation, there are a few things that we recommend preparing. To help you get ready for the big day, we have created a guide with four easy steps to assist you. Let’s take a look!

Preparing for Your Flooring Installation:

1. More Furniture.

First, you will want to take all of the furniture out of the room where the flooring is being installed. It is a good idea to also remove all fragile items from the room. You will want to remove your wiring from electronics and store it in a different place. Also, you may find it to be a good idea to remove all of your bedding from your bedroom. This will help to ensure no dust and dirt gets inside of your clean sheets.

2. Vacuum Carpet/Clean Hardwood.

Next, you will want to vacuum your old carpet or clean off your hardwood floors before your installers come. By doing so, you will cut back on the amount of airborne dust and particles.

3. Hardwood/Laminate/Vinyl Installation.

You want your hard surface flooring to acclimate to your space; therefore, you want it to be delivered 48 hours in advance. You will want to set aside time and a space for the delivery as well as following the temperature and humidity guidelines for your flooring.

4. Be Available.

If any unforeseen circumstances arise, it is good to be available over the phone. We are not saying that these events are common, but in case we need you, we recommend turning on your cell phone during the installation.

We look forward to your installation day, and we are excited to show you your brand new floors. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us or visit us. We want to make sure that you are 100% satisfied and happy with your purchase.

The key to Rustic Design is earthy tones and natural elements.  Dark browns and warm woods thrive in this atmosphere, allowing the country-style design to flourish.  Architects use things like exposed wooden beams, copper accents, and oak doors to credit the beauty of natural elements as well. However, there are many “unnatural elements” which have trickled their way into the industry, and we find that they are still considered to be very much natural in appearance:

Brick 

When you think of a countryside’s natural elements, you probably imagine everything you would find out and about on a hike.  Woods, stones, even some metals may come to mind; however, when it comes to brick, you think of it as an artificial building material, and it may not be your first thought.  But in fact, adding bricks to your home can help amplify a traditional Rustic Design while helping to bring in a little color to your room.  Whether you go with the classic red, darker browns, or even white painted options, bricks have proven themselves worthy of amplifying the design in Rustic Style.

Concrete 

A stone fireplace with a wooden mantle is a timeless staple in Rustic Design, whereas, concrete is a man-made element. But recently, designers have shifted gears and begun to incorporate concrete in their designs, and they do not limit themselves solely to concrete flooring.   There is a wide variety of great concrete elements on the market today, such as concrete end tables, concrete walls, and even polished concrete countertops.  With new textured concretes available, adding concrete to your Rustic Design can help spruce up your space as well as keep the room feeling balanced and well grounded. 

Vinyl Planking 

Hardwood floors are a beautiful home remedy; however, not all spaces are tailored for all hardwoods.  Luxury Vinyl Planking has come a long way in engineering and designs.  Luxury Vinyl Planking can mimic many natural kinds of wood while coming with many added benefits. Vinyl Planking can come as a floating floor and be installed over virtually any surface, most on the market today come with a durable surface, and waterproof Luxury Vinyl Planking has overtaken the market.  Investing in Luxury Vinyl Planking in your home is a phenomenal home investment which can look great and hold up to wear and daily traffic. 

Rustic design flourishes off natural elements while also being amplified with some of these “unnatural” tricks.  Have your atmosphere feeling robust and lively by adding some of these man-made elements into your design.  Be creative and find balance when creating your space.

Choosing the right entryway floor pattern will help set the tone for the overall design of your home.  This area of your living space will be the first thing that guests see; therefore, it can be the perfect opportunity to impress them with a unique and eye-catching display.  While there are multiple ways to draw attention to your home’s entrance through patterns and material choices, be sure to keep reading and learn how to ensure this spot in your home does not go unnoticed.

Shapes

If the thought of using multiple materials and tile shapes seems overwhelming to you, consider choosing a uniquely shaped tile or one that can be arranged in a pattern by itself.  A hexagon or fish scale shape will catch the eye by merely being an unexpected choice, or to create a design with an ordinary tile shape, you can use a long, thin rectangular tile and install it in a herringbone or basketweave pattern.

Bordered

A simple idea for adding distinction to your flooring is through the addition of a border.  This can be accomplished with tile or hardwood. Your border can be right around the perimeter of the room, or you can bring it in a few inches to make more of a statement.  For hardwood, simply use a different stain for your border pieces.  For tile, choose a border color that will complement not only the entryway but the rest of your home.  Inside the border itself, you can have the pieces arranged on a diagonal, parallel or perpendicular angle to the direction of your border.  It is your preference!

Sizes

Using different sizes of tile can help bring depth and style to an entryway design.  Using large white square tiles staggered with small black square tiles will keep the design looking symmetrical while preventing it from becoming boring.  You can also use three tile pieces of the same color in different shapes and sizes to create a pattern where each piece is locked into the other without grouping the similar ones too closely together.

Floor Medallion

For a real showstopper of an entrance, if you have a large enough room, consider a floor medallion.  This creates a focal point from which you can expand your floor’s design outward.  Since the attention should stay on this unique piece, you can keep the remainder of your flooring materials relatively simple.

Which floor pattern caught your attention? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!