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Energy Efficient Wall Ideas for Green Home-owners

September 4, 2015adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

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Staying green by trying to save up on energy is not as difficult as it may sound. There are plenty ways of staying green while cutting costs and much hope exists when it comes to saving our planet in the near future, bit by bit. Walls are, as you know, the outer casing of a home. Protecting it from various weather conditions is not the only benefit the walls can provide.

Insulation

A prime step towards being energy efficient, that which your walls are lined with, is the first thing to keep in mind. Depending on where your insulation will be placed and what type you’ve opted for, you can save up quite an amount of money. Sealing air leaks not only keeps you warmer, but prevents the constant need to get up and fiddle with your thermometer, thus making sure you remain green and keeping your pockets turned the right side in. Unfortunately, an often neglected factor, the Insulation is a key factor towards achieving and maintaining energy efficiency.

Siding and Wall Cladding

If walls are the outer shell of a building, siding is definitively the walls’ answer to human skin. The first line of defense from wind, rain and sun, how it’s applied has a direct influence on your house’s outer layer durability. Cladding systems that are energy efficient have a higher heat resistance, thus resulting in less energy spending. When it comes to protecting your walls (and on that note, your home), stone makes for an extremely durable type of exterior wall cladding. Requiring less energy to maintain the indoors temperature, siding and wall cladding are a great way to support energy efficiency. Therefore, it is of huge importance that you keep quality cladding in mind and reinforce your home’s first line of defense.

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Green Walls

Not only will green walls make people turn their heads in interest, but are a fantastic way of staying energy efficient. Consisting of a frame, panels that are waterproof, irrigation systems and plants, this kind of your home’s outer shell is a great way to save up money, as well as energy. The frame is placed along the walls, making sure there’s air between them to avoid having to deal with moisture. Then, the panels are set up, as a means of holding the whole thing together. Green walls have a great deal to brag about. If you’ve covered your walls in green, you’ve chosen sustainability and durability. In addition to providing quality thermal and acoustic isolation, they work as natural air cleaners, even more so if you cover your home’s interior with them.

While staying green by keeping energy efficiency in mind may not come as a breeze after all, a bit more dedication and motivation are a low price to pay for all the benefits provided. Not only will your energy bill be kinder to you in the long term, but it’s a great and progressive
way to nurture a green consciousness in your mind. If you want to help raise global awareness and be that person that supports the trend of saving the Earth, one wall at the time, Think about keeping the last couple of paragraphs in mind.

Greenovating Your Home: Solar Solutions

August 12, 2015adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

The Sun emits billions of gigawatts of energy into space and we successfully fail to capture more of it to spare our home planet. The carbon footprint of every living person is constantly increasing, due to our dependence on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, those who are thinking about renovating their home can contribute to the world-saving process – go for solar solutions.

More Natural Light – Reduced Bills

When we say solar solutions, we refer to the energy coming from the sun in all its forms. For instance, if you add a window or two to your home, you could get more natural light and that way reduce the amount of electric energy you spend on a daily basis. Increasing the quantity of sunrays that enter your home will contribute to the level of positive energy in your home and make you behave in a green way.

Rooftop Sundrops

If you want to improve your manners in terms of ecology, you could take a bigger bite and install a skylight. Let’s face it – it is a demanding procedure, but it changes the whole perspective of your home. By letting the sunlight directly into your home from the rooftop, you can get a substantial amount of heat from there, even on winter days, thanks to the warm nature of sunrays. It could lead to reduced heating bills, as well.

Electric Window Openers

Although not a direct solar device, electric mechanisms for windows and shades can increase the quality of life. For instance, you can open them with a remote control from the comfort of your bed as soon as the sun pops up on the horizon. Then you can continue sleeping and the sunlight will start filling your room. In addition, installing a motor for opening/closing the already discussed skylight, controlled with a remote control, would be a real treat for every home owner. You will have more air and more money left in your pocket, thanks to the energy of the sun that you let into your home.

Thin Panels

We have all seen those thick, bulky panels that are usually placed on roofs. Thanks to innovations in this field, however, today thin panels, adaptable to many different areas are overtaking the market. Thanks to their light nature, they can be easily lifted and installed on roofs, but also on many other surfaces, like mobile homes, tents, even boats and grid-connected devices.

Future Craze

The market of alternative sources of energy is a pretty restless area. Innovations are being introduced at quite a fast pace and new products are even more focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels. In accordance with such an ecological policy, people will be able to use solar energy containers as their living spaces. It will be a win-win option – the carbon footprint will be reduced and old containers will be reused instead of being thrown away. What is more, those homes will be available in different sizes, depending on the number of containers.

Check Your Solar Potential

While it is true that solar power is one of the greenest forms of energy, it is not appropriate for every single climate and geographical area. The point of this kind of energy is spending less energy altogether. If you install solar panels or large windows and you don’t get enough energy from the Sun, the whole investment will be a failure. Go and check on this site launched by the US government the solar potential of your area.

As you can see, the environment is craving for a change. By using the existing forms of the natural powers, rather than producing energy, we can save the day and return this planet to its former state.

Synergy of architecture and gardening – living walls and roofs

May 19, 2015adminArchitecture, Green Living, Roofingarchitecture, design, garden, green living, health, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Houses whose walls are covered in green, with only windows sticking out, are definite eye turners wherever they exist. The same goes for those establishments whose roofs resemble a green garden and make you wonder what lies beneath. Are those merely aesthetical contributions or is there something else that inspired their owners to have them? Here is what this is all about.

Green walls are in fact sets of plant panels vertically growing on free-standing or structures attached to the walls. They are sustainable and very durable. Apart for aesthetic contribution, green walls are a great way to improve the quality of living. They provide great thermal and acoustic isolation and represent a very successful air cleaner, especially the interior ones, and pollution barrier. Everything stated applies to green roofs as well. Now, important facts about their installment.

Green walls

There is much more to green wall systems behind the design. The most durable ones consist of a frame, waterproof panels, automatic irrigation system and optional extras, such as lights for example and plants, of course. The frame is attached to the walls on several secured points, without damaging the structure and leaving air between them to reinforce the insulation and prevent moisture. This is additionally secured by using waterproof panels, which hold the entire structure together. The most successful green walls are soilless, which makes them easier to maintain, more efficient and economic when it comes to irrigation and lighter, thus easier and safer to install. The choice of plants that can be used is practically infinite and this makes them highly customizable and allows creation of unique designs and patterns.

Green roofs

So, you put a lot of soil canisters on top of your house, plant different greenery in it, and let the rain and the Sun take care of everything else? Of course not. Installing a green roof, that is a successful one, is a complex task. If you think you will not be able to rise to the challenge, the best way to go is to let the professionals do it and here is why. First of all, the roof needs to be prepared and to have a pitch of at least one quarter of an inch for every foot it runs. This is something that flat roof homeowners should pay special attention to. Next, you need to be sure that your roof will be able to support the load, which can amount to 30 pounds of extra load per square foot. If it needs strengthening, do not do anything else before you finish this. The next step is to isolate the roof surface, usually with rubber or some other waterproof material. Now you are ready for positioning of one by two foot planted trays and arranging them to cover the whole roof area. The trays are placed in rows starting from the bottom all the way to the top. They are connected to each other for stability and irrigation and raised above the roof surface, to allow runoffs. Finally, exterior grade screws are used to reinforce the whole and it is watered to allow the soil to settle down. Unless there is a four week period of draught, you will not need to water it ever again.

Obviously, this synergy of architecture and gardening will not only make your house aesthetically appealing, but you will have a healthier and more pleasant living environment and a bigger home budget. A win-win situation.

Top 5 Trendy Bathroom Upgrades

June 20, 2014adminBathroom Remodeling, Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Try These Budget Friendly Bathroom Upgrades For A Luxurious Bath!

No one ever said “trendy” translates to “cheap.” Yet when it comes to on-trend, luxury upgrades, you don’t have to spend like a diva to make your bathroom look and function like a designer’s dream. From skylights to shower seats, some of the hottest bathroom trends of 2014 are surprisingly affordable to accomplish.

Home website Houzz polled users and asked what bathroom upgrades they most desired. Many of the answers were both luxurious and affordable (like skylights and double-flush toilets). Others were downright easy, such as towel warmers and foot rests in the shower. Here are five hot bathroom improvement trends and some ideas for incorporating them into your home:

1. Skylights

Many Houzz respondents said they would like a skylight in their bathroom. They’re definitely on to something. In rooms where privacy is a concern, skylights can provide both natural light and ventilation without exposing your personal business to the neighbors. They’re both beautiful – endowing bathrooms with a major “wow” factor – and practical; Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights can help trim electricity costs by providing natural light and passively venting moist, warm air from the room. Install solar-powered skylights and blinds, and the cost of the products, as well as the installation, can qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

2. Lighted vanity mirror

In keeping with the lighting theme, 41 percent said they would like a lighted vanity mirror. Home improvement stores, design studios and online retailers carry a wide variety of options in shapes, sizes, styles and light sources (LED, CFL or incandescent) to suit virtually every taste. Because installing a lighted vanity mirror is a simple do-it-yourself job, it’s also a very low-cost improvement that has a big impact on a bathroom’s appearance and usability. With such a huge variety, it’s possible to find a mirror that will fit your budget, whether it’s less than $100 or more than $1,000.

3. Double-flush toilet

The ongoing trend of making homes greener may have helped inspire the 23 percent of Houzz fans who said they want a double-flush toilet. Dual-flush toilets allow you to use only the water you need to get the job done – less for liquid waste, more for solids – so they contribute to a home’s overall footprint and can help trim water bills. It’s possible to find dual-flush options for less than $250, so they’re a lower-cost upgrade to begin with. They’re even more cost-effective when installed by a savvy DIYer.

4. Towel warmers

Who doesn’t love the comforting warmth of a towel fresh out of the dryer? Towel warmers deliver that effect without the hassle and expense of running the dryer. Wall-mounted or free-standing, plug-in or hard-wired, all towel warmers work the same way; heated bars warm towels hung on the rack, providing a cozy, warm towel every time you bathe. Plug-in versions install easily, while hard-wired ones may require professional installation. Prices can range from less than $100 to more than $600, depending on the style and features you choose.

5. Shower foot rest

Clearly, this is one improvement that most benefits the women in a home, but 10 percent of those polled by Houzz said they wanted a foot rest in the shower. This one is such an economical improvement, you may wonder why anyone wouldn’t do it. Some suction-cup styles cost under $20. For a more refined look or enhanced sturdiness, it’s possible to find one that anchors into the wall through screws, or a style built into shower surrounds. If you’re redoing your shower stall, it’s the perfect time to add a stylish, sturdy foot rest.

Ready to transform your bath into a luxurious spa? Contact us today for a free estimate!

The window you choose makes a big difference [Infographic]

May 29, 2014adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Livingenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trends, window replacementLeave a comment

It’s Time To Replace Your Windows

Window are so much more than just the eyes of your home, they also play a major role in your home’s energy savings. Read on to learn how the type of windows you choose can save you money and energy season after season.

Ready to start saving money and help the environment? Contact us today to have your old windows replaced!

Water Heater Energy Saving Tips

May 25, 2014adminDIY Projects, Green Living, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, energy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

Did you know that your water heater is the second biggest energy hog in your home? It accounts for at least 14 to 18 percent of the total energy cost!

Fortunately, apart from the introduction of the highly efficient and economical gas hot water systems, there are several proven ways you can dramatically reduce your water heater energy consumption.

Listed below are some practical energy-saving tips to get you off to a good start.

Reduce hot water usage.

If there are 4 of you in the family and you shower for at least 5 minutes daily, you will end up consuming approximately 700 gallons of water per week. If you do the math, that’s already a 3-year supply of drinking water for one individual! Fortunately, there are other ways to reduce your water consumption apart from not staying in the shower for too long. For starters, you can look into installing faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to help reduce your consumption by as much as 25 to 60 percent. As an added bonus, you can end up saving on your water bill, too! Furthermore, the simple installation of the aforementioned basic fixtures can help save up to 14,000 gallons of water annually.

Ensure exposed hot-water pipes are insulated.

When you insulate your hot water pipes, it will mean water will be 2 to 4 degrees warmer when it gets to the faucet. This spares you from having to wait for too long for it to heat up. On the brighter side, you will also end up saving water, energy and money. While oftentimes seen as a cost-effective DIY job, slipping self-sealing sleeves over your pipes can be time-consuming. However, it is deemed by many as a highly effective way to dramatically cut down your water heater energy consumption.

Keep your tanks sediment-free.

Build-up of sediment in the tank is one of the common reasons known to reduce water heater efficiency. That being said, it makes saving on energy difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, keeping the tank free from sediment is straightforward and easy. Start by turning off the water and setting the burner to ‘pilot’. Then proceed by connecting a garden hose to the spigot located at the tank’s base. Start the water flowing by lifting the pressure-relief valve and turning off the spigot of the tank. Also, it is reassuring to know draining does not have to be done often. Once or twice annually will do the trick.

Reduce your tank’s thermostat

While it’s not common knowledge, you will end up saving at least 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill every time you turn your tank’s thermostat 10 degrees down. In most instances, water heaters have a preset setting of 140 degrees. Ideally, however, the recommended setting for most households is just 120 degrees. If you happen to own a water heater that does not come with a numbered gauge, the midway between the ‘low’ and ‘medium’ marks is often considered the ideal setting.

Undoubtedly, waging a war against water heater energy consumption can be tough. Fortunately, if you apply any or all of the abovementioned practical tips, then you have a higher chance of winning the battle.

Top outdoor living trends for 2014

March 18, 2014adminDecks & Patios, DIY Projects, Green Livingdeck, green living, home improvement, home trends, landscaping, patio, spring8 Comments

From genteel porches in the East to sleek, seaside balconies in the West, the popularity of outdoor living spaces is poised for significant growth from coast to coast with industry analysts predicting it will be a $5.7 billion market by 2016. Reinforcing these projections, 63 percent of architects cite an outdoor living space as the most popular “special function room” in housing construction, according to the American Institute of Architects. What’s more, the-Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that homebuilders list decks among the top three features most requested with new home buys.

“Decks and porches are now considered true extensions of a home’s living space,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing. “People are showing increased interest in maximizing the function, comfort and personalization of their outdoor spaces and are realizing that it’s far more economical to expand their living space outside than to enlarge or renovate their home’s interior.”

As planning and preparation for the 2014 outdoor living season begins, the experts at Trex offer a glimpse into the national trends that will be emerging outside homes across America in 2014.

Size matters

The biggest trend in decks right now is the increase in square footage. Gone are the days of the 20-by-10-foot rectangle with just enough room for a grill and some patio furniture. Today’s decks are expanding both horizontally and vertically. Demand for decks with multiple tiers is increasing, as are requests to finish the space below an elevated deck.

Thinking outside the box

When it comes to deck designs, today’s homeowners also are thinking way outside the box and customizing nearly every aspect of their outdoor living spaces. Remodelers and architects report increased interest in pergolas and walls to define different functional areas and create privacy, as well as integrated features like built-in benches, planter boxes and storage. Similarly, consumer interest in accessories such as deck lighting, ornamental post caps and decorative balusters also is on the rise.

“We are seeing a lot more mixing of materials,” reports Zambanini. “Contractors and consumers alike are creating highly customized deck designs combining two or more decking shades and also mixing materials such as composite railings in white with contrasting black aluminum balusters. Our product offering allows for more than 1,200 different design combinations so there truly is something for every taste and lifestyle.”

High-performance, low maintenance

In addition to design aesthetics, homeowners across the country are increasingly concerned with performance. Specifically, they want materials that allow them to spend more time enjoying their outdoor living space rather than maintaining it. This motivation has contributed to the continued innovation and popularity of composite decking and railing. Unlike wood or even traditional composites, high-performance wood alternatives like Trex Transcend resist fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. Upkeep is hassle-free and requires no sanding, staining or painting. Food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

Sustainability

Composite decking also responds to another growing trend among U.S. homeowners – interest in sustainable, eco-friendly building materials.

“High-performance decking provides the look and feel of real wood, but without the environmental impact, making it an ideal choice for today’s eco-conscious consumers,” notes Zambanini.

The entire high-performance Trex decking portfolio is manufactured from more than 95 percent recycled content, including reclaimed wood and sawdust, as well as plastic from many common household items. The company salvages and keeps more than 400 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap out of landfills each year.

To see examples of these and other top outdoor living trends, visit the Trex Inspiration Gallery. Image Source: Trex.com.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you transform your outdoor living space!

Keep Your Garden Pest-Free Without Toxic Chemicals

March 1, 2014adminlawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, green living, home trends, landscapingLeave a comment

Tips to keep your yard pest free in a natural way

A lush and serene garden is the natural centre of energy for your yard. It not only gives a fresh start to your day but also fills you with a relaxing feeling when you come home from work in the evening. Pests and bugs are notorious for being a menace to yards. It is often quite frustrating to see your garden, which is being nurtured by your love and care, getting trampled by those nasty rats, insects and other bugs. And the toxic chemicals in the bug and pest repellents are surely not the means to keep the garden in a healthy state for long. Organic gardening products are much more effective in warding off pests and keeping your garden safe and healthy. Here are a few tips to keep your yard pest free in a natural way.

Try Scented Traps

A wonderful way to get rid of the insects and bugs is to lure them by something they can’t resist. Insects are usually attracted to mating scents which generate biological indication in them. The traps, usually called pheromones traps, are an effective way to remove the insects from your garden. The pheromones traps are in the shape of a basket and contain a sticky substance inside them which makes the bugs get trapped inside the basket. They contain mating scents, which makes the insects come into the trap and then get stuck there. Always remember to keep these traps on the fence of the garden as these scents attract insects which make them collect at one point, so if that point would be the middle of the garden, then the insects could wreck havoc in the midst of garden itself.

Floating Row Covers

The bedcover of the garden is covered by opaque objects which are light in weight and are usually known as floating row covers. You have these available in the market in the form of rolls so that you do not fall short of these while covering your garden. And the good news is that they are not too expensive as well. Nothing passes through this cover other than water and sunlight. Mostly pests, insects, birds and other garden destroying creatures are kept strictly at a distance as they cannot pass through the floating row covers in any manner. If you are worried about the growth of your plants, take heart, as these row covers do not hinder the growth of plants. While growing up, plants simply push these covers and stem up, as they are too soft to cause any obstruction.

Row Covers To Protect Your Kitchen Vegetation

If you have cultivated a luscious kitchen garden in your house which has grown abundant in beets, carrots, broccoli, spinach and similar vegetables, then guard against flying insects which are merely looking for an opportunity to sit on these vegetables and lay eggs on them. This condition would surely result into the production of multiple insects and bugs and the consequences could be petrifying for the vegetation of your garden. Put up row covers, which are mainly used to protect seedlings, and keep these menacing creatures away from the plants.

Guard Your Plants By Using Cloche

The young plants and miniature beds of seeds could be protected effectively by using cloche; which is actually a sort of a greenhouse for plants. It is very powerful in keeping the unwanted animals, pests and other insects from harming the plants and devastating the garden. Plants which have been newly planted and are still very vulnerable to external sources could be very well kept in proper condition by the help of cloche. You have to open the cloche on days which are relatively warm and water it frequently to maintain the efficiency. Cloche helps the plants establish firm roots into the ground and this strength helps the plants to keep pests away from destroying them. It is actually the best guard since there is no requirement of electronic repellents as well in this case. So you need not worry that during watering, the pests might creep into the plants.

Colorful and Sticky Traps

These kinds of traps usually come with a sticky substance inside the trap basket and also have a peculiar kind of color. The color of the trap is actually the main factor which draws the insects and bugs towards the trap. Once they get into it, the insects get stuck with no way out. Hang the sticky traps according to the height of your plants, which would be about three to five feet. This kind of trap is very effective in catching beetles, snails and many such creepy insects.

Author Bio:

Bernard Naylor is a Passionate Blogger and Writer. He likes blogging about Home & Garden, Health & Fitness, Online strategies that are related to SEO, Content, PPC & Lead generation.

New Home Builders Offer Modern Remodeling Ideas

February 11, 2014adminArchitecture, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling3 Comments

When you want a change in scenery, you don’t have to look for a new home builder. Modern home builders encourage you to give your current dwelling a mid-century-inspired makeover that simplifies the space and makes it more functional.

About Modern Home Design

Modern Kitchen and Open Floor Plan New Home Builders — Designed by Reworks Architecture

Modern homes are all about form and function. Modern home design refers to the time when the style was created in the 1920s to 1950s. The style uses clean lines, natural materials, acrylics and polished metals. Modern home builders construct this style of home with large windows, unadorned interiors, exposed beams, neutral colors and open spaces. The outdoor spaces also seamlessly transition inside.

Famous modern architects include:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling Water in Mill Run, Penn.
Frank Gehry: Guggenheim Museum in New York City
I.M. Pei: Glass pyramid entrance to the Le Grand Louvre museum in Paris, France

An Open Floor Plan

One of the quintessential aspects of a modern home is an open floor plan. For a home remodel, this may mean tearing down a non-load-bearing wall or a wall that doesn’t have essential elements in it, like plumbing or ductwork. Walls that homeowners commonly remove are the ones between a family room and living room, a kitchen and dining room, a hallway and den, or a kitchen and family room. The best walls to take down are those in the spaces that you’re willing to share.

Ideas for a Modern Kitchen

Cabinets: Reface or replace cabinets so they’re plain, smooth and flat. Forego the cabinet fixtures or use ones that are simple. Go with a neutral color. Feel free to use glass cabinet fronts or simply take the doors off the frames.
Kitchen islands: If you have the space, give yourself room to work and a place for friends to sit. Instead of having a range and cover, install a stainless steel cook top in the island and a matching free-standing range hood.
Layout: The look of a kitchen doesn’t mean anything if the layout doesn’t make your life simpler. Think about things like how easy it will be to get a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove, where you want to store frequently used ingredients and if you want to eat in the kitchen.

Ideas for a Modern Bathroom

Glass shower enclosure: A clear glass shower enclosure will make the bathroom look bigger and give it a spa-like feel.
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Abundant lighting: A bathroom retreat shouldn’t feel like a cave. Use skylights, frosted windows, large mirrors, cove lighting coming out of cabinetry and shelves, and recessed lights.
Sinks: Consider free-standing sinks with the plumbing in the wall or in a sleek floating cabinet.
Toilets: There is no reason to have to look at a toilet tank. Modern bathrooms commonly just have a lid, seat and bowl; the tank is in the wall.

Modern Lighting Ideas

Modern homes love the sun. During a remodel, make it a point to maximize the natural light that comes into a space by enlarging windows, adding extra windows, installing a sliding door to the outside or adding a skylight. Then use lighting fixtures to functionally and artistically compliment nature.

Use pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands to add color or visual interest to a space. Large arching floor lamps double as art and task lighting over a couch, bed, desk, armchair or table are both modern and functional. Or, go more compact with a stylish arm lamp. Give the space a boost of light at night with recessed lights or track lights with a dimmer switch.

Modern Sustainable Living Elements

Modern home builders construct with the health of the environment in mind, and you can too. Here are some ways that you can update your home and help the planet:

Use sustainable, reclaimed or recyclable building materials.
Install products and appliances that save water and energy.
Shop for locally sourced products.
Tighten the building envelope of your home to save energy.
If appropriate, install solar technologies like rooftop solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, PVC and mercury.

While it was born in the early 1900s, modern home designs have staying power that will remain popular and have powerful curb appeal well past the 21^st century.

Courtesy of George Hale, owner of H. Hudson Homes, a Portland new home builder that focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability. When it comes to purchasing new modern homes, buyers can rely on H. Hudson Home’s wealth of expertise in construction and modern building practices.

Top Flooring Trends for 2014

January 29, 2014adminDIY Projects, Green Living, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, flooring, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

Happy New Year Home Improvers!

After the holidays, most of us home improvement enthusiasts will be busily planning our property to do list for the coming year. But for homeowners that want to keep up with and introduce the latest trends to the home before their neighbours, what does the near future have in store for our flooring?

We have compiled the hottest flooring trends for 2014 so get creative this year and craft a stylish and striking home in the process.

Reclaimed Barrels and Wood

When it comes to flooring 2014, it is all about sustainability and nothing says eco-friendly like using reclaimed and reconditioned barrels as your floor covering. Each barrel has been fully recycled with the markings of old wine names and distant vineyards creating a bespoke vintage finale to your newly decorated living space or kitchen area.

Reclaimed wood is also a beautiful hardwood trend to take advantage of and, this trend in particular, is certain to last from this season to the next.

Non-Toxic Cork

Eclectic Kitchen by Fremont Kitchen & Bath Designers Project Partners Design

Another highly sustainable option is the non-toxic cork, in spite of many of us thinking of cork as a material reserved for pinboards and traditional bottle stoppers. This type of flooring is derived directly from the cork oak tree, which cultivates easily and can be harvested continually without damaging the environment or yield.

The cork is treated using eco-conscious materials and methods and, despite not being homeowners’ first choice for flooring in previous years, cork flooring has some excellent qualities that are certain to put this green material in high demand during the next year. Cork is a great insulator and even has a level of soundproofing that many flooring products lack. In addition to this, cork flooring is truly beautiful and is great for homes where individuals suffer from allergies due to its hypoallergenic nature.

Bamboo

Contemporary Kitchen by Pittsburgh General Contractors frankovitchjm

Looking for a wooden floor covering with a difference? Then bamboo flooring may just be the trend for you! Bamboo is available in a horizontal, vertical or strand woven application, which provides a hardened finish for high traffic areas. The highly engineered stand woven flooring is actually twice as durable as traditional bamboo flooring. In addition to this, bamboo flooring is available in a range of stunning finishes, from natural blonde tones to black and chocolate colours. Avoid installing bamboo in moisture-prone rooms, this type of wood is particularly porous and will expand in the face of high humidity.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete has been a firm favourite on the interior design scene for the past few years and 2014 sees this firm and fashionable favourite return. Polished concrete flooring offers the perfect cocktail of durability and style to transform any room in your home. Concrete is also an extremely versatile material and polished flooring is available in a number of decorative finishes.

Due to its popularity in recent years, polished concrete has become quite expensive, installation is also costly as it requires specially skilled tradespeople to achieve the seamless look this type of flooring is renowned for.

This post was written by Brittany Thorley from Readymix Concrete. She is an avid home improvement blogger and actively shares her expertise on flooring and other home improvement topics.

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