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Small Modern Living Room Ideas

Designing any room in a home is challenging, however, it is the living room where people spend most of their time, and it automatically makes it more exposed to a critical eye. That is where you entertain your guests and spend a lot of family moments, celebrations, important events, etc. When decorating and shaping a small living room, the designer must overcome the imbalance between making it as spacious as it gets, but also providing it with sufficient seating – making it functional to the most. These guidelines will help you find the right path.

Mirror Play                                                                                

In order to avoid the boxy feeling of a small living room, especially one with not enough window space, you need to create the illusion of extra space by combining wallpapers and a large wall mirror. By positioning the mirror opposite the window (sorry, feng shui people) you can create an impression of an extra window, as it reflects the garden view from a real window. In this case you can focus your living room furniture on a love seat set against the wall, flanked by two identical side tables and lamps. Throw in a coffee table and if possible two slim chairs opposite the love seat.

1 - photography by Zara for Kate Forma

photography by Zara for Kate Forma

https://decostudioblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/foto-once1.jpg

Scale it down

With current trends of conserving space, there is little use for cumbersome armchairs and bulky full-fledged sofas. Small scale furniture can be equally interesting and practical. Antique shops offer a good deal on small furniture pieces, as rooms used to be much smaller more than half a century ago. Ask for small benches, love seats and chairs. By centering a love seat in front of the window, and including side walls. small tables on each side, you can save more space than with a full armchairs/sofa set. Add a pair of subdued period armchairs opposite the sofa, and you are all set. Small living rooms benefit from a dual use of pieces, like using a trunk as a central coffee table. This setting allows for a chaise lounge on one of

Ceiling is the Limit

If you are lucky enough to have a small living room with a high ceiling, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of that vertical dimension to create an impression of more space. Of course, you cannot add another seat vertically, but what you can do is attract the viewer’s attention up, persuading them that they are sitting in more spacious room. Turn your high living room walls into a private gallery of intricate small pieces. The effect won’t fall out.

Making the most out of a Corner

Contrary to sound logic, if you have a small living room, a good strategy is to take up that corner with a large piece of furniture you can find, like a sectional sofa. Such an array can make the living room look bigger than it really is, because it relies on one piece only, and more importantly can seat a dozen of people. Opt for a modern sectional with clean straight lines. Complement the sectional with a natural fabric rug Sydney style, in small prints or plain colors, to achieve the expansive effect. And if you are always in need for extra seating, involve a pair of leather folding stools opposite the sectional.

2 - Foto Shift Interiors

Foto Shift Interiors

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Double Approach

If your living room arrangement dictates for an open-space sofa position, try a backless model. It has many advantages, especially if you are left with only a small sofa option. Apart from being a chic alternative to a traditional couch, it can be used from both sides, which kind of doubles the seats when the room gets crowded with people. In another scenario, a backless sofa can act as a divider between a living room and a dining area. Another way to create impression of spaciousness, apart from wallpapers and mirrors is the use of plants. Greenery softens the corners and draws a conclusion that there is more room behind than it really is.

There are many solutions for making a small living room space look bigger. There are two approaches, which often combine beautifully: making the impression of larger space and using furniture pieces that take little space and provide substantial seating.

Author Bio:  Zoe Clark  is a home decorator from the land down under. She loves playing with colours and spaces, and has a tender spot in her heart for everything vintage. You can find her on Google+Twitter and Facebook.

Does Your Porch Truly Reflect Your Lifestyle?

porch

In the past, the porch had quite a prominent place in every home. It was a place of gathering, family reunions, friendly neighbor visits and small talk. It was a sort of a summer living room, where homeowners and their guests could catch the refreshing breeze in the shade while the rest of the garden basked in buzzing sunlight. The porch brings memories of a creaking rocking chair and grandpa reading his daily papers. Don’t deny your children these memories when they grow up. A splendid porch should be the elemental to every suburban home.

Where to Start?

The porch should first and foremost be an extension of your house, and as such comfortable as any living room or study. A well-designed and functional porch on the other hand requires careful planning, and a lot of inspiration and creativity. For the beginning, in order for people to feel comfortable, the porch should be spacious. Which can be achieved in two ways, either you make it bigger, or you smartly outline and draw the arrangement of the furniture. You can find different ideas online that can inspire you and let you see what works for you. Whichever option you choose, remember that the porch is a relaxing and soothing space, which shouldn’t break your budget.

How Big is Enough?

back-porchIt goes without saying that the size of your porch will be determined by the thickness of your wallet. You should know that there are several types of porches, like rooftop integrated, wraparound porch, sunroom porch and front porch. Every type comes with its own set of pros and cons, and with a different price. The most common type, however, is the roof integrated, but be warned that this is also one of the most expensive, as it follows the roofline and requires more calculation and complex construction. If you’re looking for a more available option, there you have the front porch, which can be added any time later.

Decorating the Porch

The only rule in decorating your newly built porch is that there are no rules. Everything you do will be directed by your budget and creativity. The safest and the most effective way is to decorate it in a way that reflects your lifestyle and the home interior décor.  In a recent chat with reputed Sydney-based outdoor furniture retailers , I found out that another approach is to decorate the porch according to its purpose. If you want a nap spot, involve a daybed, a swing, a hammock or just a softly cushioned rocking chair with a wool blanket. It is often said that what makes a good porch is a good nap. The best strategy is to have several more chairs on reserve for guests.

Accessories and Embellishment

screened-porchThe extra stylish look of the porch is achieved by decorative wall hangings, while potted plants bring it close to the garden. Match the blankets and pillows to the rug, creating a serene and peaceful color effect. The key is to use as few metal objects as you can and to consider taking the pillows, blankets and even rolling the carpet up indoors, as they tend to absorb moisture if left unattended in rainy weather.

Eventually, you should try to envisage the porch as a sanctuary, a place where you can escape from the stress of your work or house chores. So, however much you invest in it, it will pay back tenfold, providing you with countless hours of pleasure and joy.

 

5 Tips for Decorating Your Walls With Tile

ceramic tileIf you’re tired of the same old boring paint and flat walls, there is a solution that adds dimension and a modern flare to your walls – wall tiles. Tile can be anything from stone to 3-D wallpaper tiles, or even tiles made into beautiful murals.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, most tiles are some type of clay or a clay mixture and are classified as porcelain or non-porcelain – red or white clay fired in a kiln. What you need to know for your decorating needs is that porcelain tiles have better water resistance and hold up longer to wear and tear or heavy traffic. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are less expensive but better suited for lower traffic, such as walls or out-of-the-way places.

1. Choose Your Material

Your first step is to choose which tiles will appear in which part of your home. For example, a glass tile may look perfect in your bathroom but not look quite right in a master bedroom. If you’re unsure which tiles to add where, ask to take home a few samples of each and set them up against the wall. This will show you how they blend with the other décor and also give you an idea of how well the tile colors go with the overall color scheme and look of your home.

2. Decide on a Color Palette

Tiles come in every color you could possibly imagine. You may want to think of about three to five colors you’d like to use throughout your house to tie everything together. You can also shower tileschoose a general color palette before you ever go shopping for tiles to make sure color combinations work well together and have enough contrast.

3. Paint Existing Tiles

If you have tile in your home but it is outdated or a horrendous color, take heart. You can paint tiles for a more uniform look or just to update the overall theme. Most painters use either latex or epoxy paint to freshen up old tile. Use a combination of colors to create a textured look, paint the tile wall a solid color or paint a mural on the tiles. You can even leave plain tiles alone but add a detail such as a floral accent or geometric pattern.

4. Create a 3-D Pattern

Another option for wall tiles are 3D patterns. Typically, these tiles come in sections, but when placed side by side you can create forms such as waves, circles or flowers. You can combine different types of tiles to create a wall story or simply stick with one design and paint it a simple white. You can make this an accent wall with touches of color or create the pattern in an entire room.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Unique Materials

tilesDon’t be afraid to try unique ideas, especially for accent. For example, create a beautiful mural backsplash from tiny glass tiles of the French countryside. Take copper or stainless steel ceiling tiles and use them behind your sink for a sleek, modern, industrial look. Use huge marble floor tiles for the walls in your bathroom for a Grecian design.

When it comes to adding interest to your home by placing tiles on the walls, take the time to lay a few pieces against the wall, hold them up and make sure it is a look you’ll love for years to come. There is only one thing that is more challenging than choosing the tile you want for your home: That’s trying to take it back out if you decide you don’t like it. With just a little planning, you’ll find something you love and the time and effort will be worth it. You’ll be thrilled that the tile is there to stay.

6 Creative Backyard Improvements for the Summer

Backyard improvements

Summer is almost here and it’s time to leave the house and start enjoying in your backyard. There are some improvements you can make in your backyard in order to prepare it for many interesting things to do during the summer. You will want to create a place where the whole family can gather and spend time together, or where you can organize a party for your friends. Be sure to check out the following tips and start preparing improvements for your backyard.

Prepare a hammock to rest in

Backyard is definitely the best place for resting during the hot summer days. Making a hammock is a great option for an improvement before the summer starts. It provides you with a great place to rest even while you are making other improvements in your backyard. A hammock is the ultimate symbol of relaxation and surely lives up to the name. You can easily make the hammock yourself and place it in a shaded part of your backyard.

Make your own outdoor theater

If you want to gather the whole family in the backyard or call up your friends and make a party, an interesting thing to do is to make an outdoor theater. The only thing you would actually need is the projector. Screen fabric is quite cheap but another idea is to simply pin white sheets to the trees or the wall. Prepare comfortable sitting chairs and get ready to play a movie for your family and friends. You can also make a drink cooler near the chairs in order to make your backyard a great place for watching a movie or a game.

DIY hammock

Create a gym in your backyard

During the summer there is no need for you to go to the gym, since you can make your own in the backyard. It is more enjoyable to stay at home and work out outside in the fresh air. You will save more time and feel better during the training. You can do some of the exercises that do not demand equipment and the only thing you may have to buy is a workout mat.

Make your backyard storage shed

You don’t want to spend much time in public transport or your car during the hot summer days. Riding a bike on a fresh air seems like a better option. You can make a storage shed for your bike and all of your bike accessories in your backyard. You will want to have easy access to your bike since you will use it quite a lot during the summer. The shed can be made out of wood and can be attached to the house or your garage.

Backyard barbeque

Increase lighting in your backyard

If you are going to spend more time in the backyard during the summer, be sure to increase lighting in it. You can add porch lights or rope lighting if you want your backyard look beautiful at night. You can install new lights wherever you want and they will always make your backyard look better. Solar-powered lights are a great option for this, since they do not require and underground wiring and digging in your backyard.

Build a backyard barbeque

Backyard barbeque is a great backyard improvement option for the summer and you can make it by yourself. You can build it in such a way that it completely fits in the backyard. It is up to you to choose whether you want a simple barbeque or a complex smoker. You can make a fire pit or install a gas grill. Whichever options you choose, you will enjoy the meals prepare in your backyard.

If you want to enjoy summer the way you never did before, try these things and create a family or party ambience in your backyard. Prepare all of your equipment and start working on these improvements in order to get a beautiful backyard where you will spend much of your free time during the summer.

 

Proper Ways to Deal with Plumbing Emergencies

plumberOne of the most serious things that can happen to your home is a plumbing emergency and, even though it is not as dangerous as fire or electrical problems, it can get quite problematic. The thing with plumbing is that the entire system is not completely visible and you cannot know when the issue is going to rise – it can happen while you are sleeping, when you are at work, or, the worst case scenario, when you are away from home on a vacation. And not only can water, for example, damage your home, but it can, if you live in a residential building, affect your neighbors as well, quite heavily. So, in order to prevent mishaps, here are a couple of ways you can deal with the most common causes of plumbing emergencies.

Gas Leaks

This issue is probably the most easily detectable one: if you smell gas all over your home, the chances are that there is a gas leak. But, as soon as you do detect it, be sure to follow the proper course of action and contact your plumber at once – the more you wait, the more serious the problem gets. What you can, however, do before the plumber arrives to your home is regulate the main valve and switch it off immediately. This should be done instantly – preventing further leaks prevents not only explosions and damages to the property, but also health threats and diseases.

Heating Breakdown

Similar to gas, you can deal with heating breakdowns on your own first, but alert a plumber, too. The first thing you should do is minimize the damage and, as soon as you see a problem with the heating system, check the thermostat, burner switch and the circuit breaker. Make sure they are working properly, quickly fix or restart them if you have a chance to.

The heating system is quite complicated and delicate, running all through your home and cannot always be seen due to its complex structure. During the winter months, it is usually working in full capacity, so, besides trying to figure out how to make your radiator a bit nicer, you should consider how to make the most of it. It does not matter if you have central heating system or not, you should make sure your heating installations are properly working in order to prevent serious damage.

Burst Pipes

water-pipeIn a recent conversation with an experienced Sydney-based emergency plumber, I discovered that probably the most financially harmful thing that can happen to your plumbing system are burst pipes and all the things that come after that accident. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent it – it is not like you can see through the walls and detect when the pipes are going to burst – so all you are left with is damage control and assessment. To top it all off, you cannot even be sure that the pipes will not burst at certain times of year, because the threat is equally serious in winter and summer as well, whether from freezing or overheating.

What you can do is take immediate action when you see the problem arising and the best way to go is to shut the main valve off and then contact a professional plumbing service. However, people generally panic and tend to take the wrong steps, which only leads to further problems – they try to stop the water burst themselves and, being inexperienced, do more harm than good.

Further Actions

Once the plumber solves your problems, you should ask them to give you instructions on how you can act properly should the problems reappear. Knowing how to prevent emergencies is more than helpful, but still have a plumber’s phone number nearby just in case.

Synergy of architecture and gardening – living walls and roofs

green architecture

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

green wallThere 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 everythinggreen roof 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.

 

Tips on Creating a Truly Stunning Landscape

garden-tips

Making your garden a functional and eye pleasing place is not an easy task. Both of these aspects require careful planning, implementation and maintenance. Of course, without an initially well thought out idea the chances of getting a satisfactory final result is practically impossible. Yes, it is true that there are many possible  and existing stunning gardens that are so different when compared, however, they all share several universal characteristics and this is what is going to be covered here, giving you

Color Harmony

garden-flowersYour house and your garden need to be in perfect harmony if you wish to leave an impression and have an overall recognizable landscape. What this really means is that the dominant color of your façade needs to be followed by complementary or analogous colors that are dominant in your garden. Chose a scheme that pleases you the most and opt for flowers and bushes accordingly. Wood and terracotta colors are always a win when it comes to garden accessories and sheds, as well as flower pots.

Surface Levels

Practically, there are two possible approaches, a single level and a multi level terrain. Both of them have their upsides and downsides and both can be a great base for creating a stunning landscape, just as is proven in nature. The safest way to go would be, if you can choose in the first place, to let your house dictate. If it is a one storey house, single level terrain would be a safe choice. On the other hand, two or more storey homes would be better accompanied by multi level terrain, that is, if the circumstances allow any adjustments at all.

Trees and Bushes

garden-tropicalThis is another area where proportion plays the most important role. By all means make a difference between the trees you choose and the bushes you opt for, in term of height. If they are of similar height they will blend into an indistinguishable whole making you uniform in all negative aspects of the term. In a recent talk with the people behind Sydney-based company Priority Trees, I found out that this type of mistake is very common and that people change their flora several years after planting it due to not being initially informed. Therefore, when you narrow your choice to a few of each category, do your research on expected height of different types of trees and shrubs you are considering and only then make your final choice.

Less is More

By all means do not clutter your garden, rather let it breathe. Every item you chose for it needs to be clearly visible and identifiable; otherwise it should not be there in the first place. This means from the distance and up-close as well, so make sure you do not put too much of anything.

Final Touches

As a matter of fact, they do not exist in the exact meaning of the word. The work and creation never ends since almost everything in your garden is a living organism. Keeping your garden landscaping ideasimpeccable is necessary to keep its stunning appearance, so, be prepared to dedicate a lot of energy and time.

As you can see, every step in creating and maintaining a stunning landscape needs to be carefully planned and taken. However, all the hard work required will be more than rewarded and surely will not go unnoticed.

You may also consider adding a stunning Gazebo or Pergola to your landscaping project!  Be sure to contact us for your outdoor addition needs!

How to Set up the Perfect Nursery for your Child

How to Set up the Perfect Nursery for your Child1

Having a baby is the happiest moment in everyone’s life and everything that is connected to this wonderful event is beautiful. This also includes decorating and setting up a nursery for the upcoming child. It is an exciting decorating project and if it is done right, it will result in the best possible space for your child’s first months and years. So, what exactly does one need to take care of in order to set up the perfect nursery for one’s child?

Theme or no theme?

Many parents decide to go with a certain theme when they are decorating the nursery. Either they want to keep things simple and go with a theme or they are fans of a certain motif that will pervade the new nursery. Most themes are gender-based, with princesses for girls and sports for boys, for example. There are also plenty of nursery themes that are gender neutral and that will work for any child, like animal kingdom or something retro. Other parents choose against a theme and they come up with the design and the “feel” on their own.

Best furniture you can afford

If there is one thing where you will not want to skimp is buying furniture for your nursery. We think there is no need to list everything you will need for your nursery, but we will tell you this – make sure you get the highest-quality furniture you can afford. Try to make it natural and untreated with anything that might harm the baby. We are not saying that you should spend thousands on a bassinette, but do not skimp either. A good idea is also to put in “support” furniture that will not be for the baby itself, like a chair and a coffee table for the parents who spend time in the nursery.

Choosing the color

You have to be very careful when choosing the color for the nursery. Painting services professionals we talked to recommended something mild and calming, as opposed to something very aggressive and exciting. We are talking shades of beige, milder shades of blue and green or even yellow or orange, but making sure the actual shades are airy and easy on the eyes. Some of the colors you will want to avoid in the nursery are red, strong yellows and orange, as well as aggressive shades of pink or purple.

Controlling light and warmth

A baby needs to spend time in warm and comfortable environment with enough light, but not too much. Because of this, most experts will recommend that you enable precise control of lighting in the nursery. For instance, you can put in shades that will allow you to control how much natural light gets in at any given moment. Also, when artificial lighting is in question, it is always a good idea to install dimmers. You should also install air-conditioning and heating that will enable you to finely tune the temperature in the nursery at all times.

How To Transform Your Home Into Your Sanctuary of Rest and Relaxation

transform your home

Image source: flickr

With all of the stress that surrounds us, one place we shouldn’t have to deal with added stress is in our own homes. The problem, however, is that too few of us take the time to make our homes the center for relaxation, our safe haven or sanctuary if you will. If you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, though, you can easily transform your home into a relaxing, stress-free place just for you, and all you need is a little paint, the right lighting, and a few other unique upgrades.

Get Rid of the Clutter

Over-stuffing is one of the biggest distractors from relaxation. Piles of books and clothes or items in general disarray is one of the biggest stress-inducers in any home. So, as you begin your home transformation, the first place you should start is getting rid of some of the clutter. Go through your things and sort what you want to keep and what can be donated or even sold. Be mindful that your goal is to create a relaxing space, and it’ll be easier to get rid of a few things here and there.

Change the Paint

Painting is one of the single most effective ways to change the feel of a room without making too big of an investment. If your room is bathed in a loud print or a bright color, it is obviously not going to be soothing or relaxing. Opt for colors that are soft and airy instead. Shades of blue and green are especially good for bedrooms while neutral earth tones are great for rooms throughout your living space. Whatever color you choose, just remember to keep the combined color scheme simple, calming, and comforting.

Select the Right Furniture

interior-designAs you transform your home, you’ll want to consider comfortable relaxing furniture as well. For everyday pieces, focus on choosing furniture that is functional and comfortable. Remember to choose pieces that work together, too, instead of combat one another in form or design. If you want to really up the relaxation factor in your home, look for a massage chair that you can home to each evening. Having unique pieces that exude relaxation and comfort is one of the best ways to make your space relaxing and renewing.

Check Your Lighting

Lighting is another component that can really add to or take away from the ambiance of your home. To increase the relaxation-factor of your home, focus on lighting locations, not the whole rooms. Bright overhead lighting is often too aggressive, especially in the evening when you are trying to calm down and soothe your senses. Lamps and other single lighting features are great for adding soothing lighting to an area. To soften the light of larger overhead options, add a dimmer to the lighting fixture so you can adjust the brightness to fit your mood. Also, select full-spectrum bulbs that are made to mimic natural light, instead of standard bulbs that are too bright. These lighting options will help create a more soothing, natural atmosphere in your home.

Create Your Own Personal Spa

Don’t have time to make it to the local spa? Don’t worry. You can have a spa in your very own bathroom. This change is a slightly more costly renovation, but it is well worth the spa bathroominvestment. Consider installing a jetted tub where you can sit and relax at the end of the day. Heated floors are a nice touch for coming home and relaxing or even just staying warm on an especially chilly day. And, there are few things more relaxing than a shower after a long stressful day. Finish your bathroom off with fine touches like granite countertops and tile flooring and you’ll have a space that rivals even the most upscale spas.

Your home should be your sanctuary, and with a few simple upgrades, it can be. Transform your home into your haven of relaxation and look forward to living right where you are every single day.

5 Tips When Picking Wood Flooring

wood floors

Sorry, folks, the carpet versus wood flooring was only the beginning of your decision-making process, not the end of it. Although settling that debate provides a clear direction for moving forward, there are still many questions to answer before you purchase.

Need a few tips on how to pick the wood floor of your dreams? Keep these five factors in mind as you weigh your options.

1. Location

If you’re picking out wood flooring, chances are you already have a room in mind. However, you may not realize the room in question will play a big role in determining your flooring.

Solid wood has many perks. It’s a classic and beautiful upgrade, hypoallergenic and capable of lasting for decades. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pair well with water. That means if you’re renovating a bathroom or basement, solid wood is not a good choice. The moisture found in underground rooms and water closets can damage or warp solid hardwood floors.

If you want the look of hardwood in a high-moisture space, your best bet is engineered wood. A top veneer provides you with the aesthetic you desire, but the plywood core makes it more durable in moist environments. (Durable, but not impervious, so you still want to wipe up spills as soon as possible.)

Engineered wood can also be laid over radiant floor heating and concrete subfloors, whereas solid wood works best over a plywood subfloor.

2. Installation

wood flooringDo you plan to hire out your installation or DIY? Many factors — time, money, experience — will determine which route you will take, but it’s important to have a rough idea of where your skill set and the materials meet.

Engineered hardwood offers easy-to-install options like a tongue-and-groove option. Simply match the tongue to the groove and snap the planks in place. Of course, this still takes some skill with a saw and the patience to do it right. The upside is that you can float this flooring over existing material — tile, plywood, concrete — which makes for far less prep work.

Solid wood needs a plywood subfloor, which may mean more work if you have particle board or damaged subfloor. Preparing the subfloor for hardwood will either mean more money to the pros or more DIY hours for the homeowner.

3. Cost

Cost is often the biggest determining factor in any renovation. As you can see from above, it’s important to factor installation into your budget. Just don’t make the mistake of assuming engineered wood will automatically be cheaper.

Many oak options are close in price to engineered wood. And although the plywood core cuts costs, an exotic veneer choice can drive up the price of engineered wood.

Don’t forget to factor in longevity. Solid wood has a proven track record, when properly maintained. It can withstand numerous sandings and refinishings, while engineered wood’s thin veneer means your repair attempts are limited.

4. Style

Between engineered and solid options, there is a wood floor to match every style from rustic to modern, historically accurate to eclectic, farmhouse to shabby chic.wood flooring design

Several factors contribute to a wood’s style. You’ll want to consider board width; thin strips can make a space seem larger, whereas wide planks can evoke a cozy, rustic feel. Color can come from natural variations in species or from a bevy of stain options available at your local hardware store. Finally, you can select finishes that range between the rough and weathered finish of reclaimed wood or the polished lacquer of engineered planks.

5. Lifestyle

Do you have pets? Children? Is it a high-traffic area? Are you clumsy? Before selecting your flooring, it’s good to give some consideration to your lifestyle.

Solid wood is rated on a Janka scale. Essentially, a BB is driven into the wood and the rating reflects the wood’s hardness and durability. While you likely want to avoid the softest woods, like the poorly performing Douglas Fir, you don’t necessarily want to jump straight to the hardest options. Not only are they more difficult to work with, they also tend to be the most expensive.

Again, it’s important to remember solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times. A great middle-of-the-scale option like red oak offers decent durability for an equally decent price, and any damage (aside from flood or fire) can easily be sanded away.

If your options still feel too overwhelming, get an expert involved. They can help answer any of your lingering questions about design, durability, cost or installation.

AUTHOR BIO: Ali is a tea-sipping writer who focuses on healthy and sustainable living via her family blog Homey Improvements. She was born and raised in Alaska and dabbles in Pilates and is a princess for hire for kid’s parties.

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