By Jill
Posted on Monday, September 15, 2014 1:17 PM
There’s no doubt that new flooring is made to be beautiful. Whether you choose the authentic character and rich grains of hardwood, the luxurious warmth and comfort of carpet, or the sophisticated realism of luxury vinyl tile – the right flooring can completely transform a room.
While flooring manufacturers continue to develop products that are more durable than ever before, the fact remains – not all flooring material is suited for use in all situations. For example, while certainly beautiful and durable, a solid hardwood may not be the best flooring choice for some situations as solid woods tends to swell when exposed to high humidity and moisture. For rooms prone to these conditions, a quality engineered wood floor would be the better choice.
Customers often come into our showroom looking for a specific flooring type based solely on a decorating style they are trying to achieve. But when we find out more about the room they are planning on covering, we sometimes realize that the flooring they have in mind may not be the best choice.
So as a flooring consumer, how can you ensure that the flooring choice you make will not only complement your design aesthetic but also measure up to your expectations? It all starts with asking the right questions – even before you step into the showroom. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following informal checklist of some important things to consider when shopping for new flooring.
New Flooring Checklist
Location
- What room(s) is the flooring for?
- What is the size of the room (width, length, and shape)? (Draw a simple diagram of the room layout.)
- Is the existing floor above grade (suspended), on grade, or below grade?
- Is this a remodel project? If so, what is the existing flooring?
- What is your décor – contemporary, traditional, ultramodern, rustic, etc.?
- Are there a lot of other colors or patterns in the room?
- What is underneath the existing flooring (concrete, plywood, oriented strand board [OSB])?
- If looking at hardwood or tile… Is the sub-floor level?
- Is there the potential for moisture, mold, or mildew in this room?
- Does the room get direct sunlight?
- What flooring is in the adjoining rooms?
- Are there outside entrances to the room?
Function
What do you use the room for?- Do you have pets? If so, will pets be allowed in this room?
- Does anyone using this room have allergy concerns?
Questions to Ask Prior to Installation
- What is the cost of installation? What does this cost include?
- If the old flooring needs to be removed, will installers remove old flooring? If so, what is the cost?
- Who will dispose of the old flooring? If installers, will there be an extra charge?
- Do you need furniture moved? If so, will there be an additional charge?
Have questions about your next flooring purchase? Stop in our Barry Carpet showroom in West Los Angeles. Or give us a call or send an e-mail. We’d be glad to answer your questions and help you pick the flooring that best marries function and style.
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Find Out More
To find the hardwood flooring that best meets your needs,
contact us. We’d be happy to answer all of your hardwood flooring questions and show you the latest trend in hardwood flooring.
By Jill
Posted on Saturday, September 6, 2014 1:04 AM
Top Carpet Trends
Carpet definitely adds a certain warmth, softness, and comfort to a room that is unmatched by other flooring options. The latest trends in carpet offer even more reasons to consider this versatile material when updating a room in your home.
Add Visual Impact with Patterns
From classic pin dots or basket weaves to more modern geometric shapes and linear designs, pattern carpet is a popular way to add visual interest to a room. Patterns can open up a small space and help to define specific areas within your home. Vivid patterns such as florals, stripes, and geometrics will definitely set the decorating tone in a room, while small-scale patterns offer a more subtle design aesthetic. When mixing patterned carpet with other fabrics, a good rule is to stick with patterns that are related by form, color, or texture. It’s also best to bring carpet samples home before you buy. A bold pattern you fall in love with at the showroom can look a lot different in the context of your room.
Make a Statement with Color
In rooms with lots of pattern and texture, it’s often better to go with a solid-color carpet. But solid doesn’t have to mean boring. Today’s homeowners are packing more punch into their carpet selections by choosing bolder tones, such as vibrant oranges, deep greens, bright reds, and rich purples. Going with a bold accent color from a fabric or curtain in your room is a great way to pull off this look. While definitely an attention-grabber, a bold-color carpet also helps hide signs of daily wear.
Go for the Quiet Elegance of a Neutral
Rather have your furnishings or wall color make the room’s design statement? Carpets in neutral tones offer a more quiet sophistication. Homeowners favoring this subtle look are choosing neutral tones in classic designs such as tailored patterns and ribbing. And while earthy tones of beige and light browns remain popular, today’s neutrals also include taupe, gray, khaki, sage green, sandy yellow, and even blue-grays.
Bring Nature Indoors
Many environmentally conscious consumers are incorporating more natural carpet fibers into their homes. Sisal, which is commonly used to make twine and rope, adds a unique look and texture to a room. Or for those who prefer a softer feel, seagrass is a popular eco-friendly option that produces carpet known for its dense textured patterns and natural softness. Naturally stain resistant, seagrass rugs are not chemically dyed, but instead come in natural colors, which change as the carpets age. And, of course, you can’t get much more natural than carpeting made from wool, which offers unparalleled softness underfoot, and adds a subtle elegance to any room.
Lasting Beauty
In addition to a broad selection of available styles, colors, and patterns, advancements in fiber technology have made today’s carpet more durable, stain-resistant, and longer lasting than ever before. Carpets not only add coziness to a room, but they can inspire a designer look that truly showcases your personal style.
To see the many decorating options available with today’s carpet, stop in our
Barry Carpet showroom or give us a call to set up an appointment.
No Comments
Find Out More
To find the hardwood flooring that best meets your needs,
contact us. We’d be happy to answer all of your hardwood flooring questions and show you the latest trend in hardwood flooring.