The Carpeteria Blog

Tile is an exciting decorating choice, and understanding your tile options will allow you to choose the best type for every tile need in your home. Let’s start with glass tile, a relatively new product.

Glass tile started in contemporary homes, but over the years even traditional stylists enjoy bringing it in as an accent. Its jewel-toned colors and glorious shine makes it ideal for smaller areas that could use more drama. The most common use is in kitchen backsplashes. A glass tile mosaic makes any kitchen more memorable.

Glass is not as durable as other types of tile, so it is rarely seen on floors. It also requires special installation because it is translucent or transparent. Don’t try to install it yourself. Instead, hire an installer who understands the special requirements of glass tile.

Most glass tile consists of small square or rectangular pieces in a mosaic of colors and or tones set up on mesh in a larger size for ease of installation. The combinations are varied and fun to review, and there is a good chance you will find one that works well for you. Glass tile is also available recycled, with the same style and color drama but allowing you to make a greener choice.

Dropping in an occasional metallic tile within your mosaic works well and can add that extra element of excitement that makes your space unique. Metallic tiles are expensive, but just one 12-inch by 12-inch block of metal tiles can be broken up and placed throughout your backsplash to add the punch you want at a minimal increase in cost. Talk to your salesperson about making that happen.

Would you like to add more drama to your kitchen or guest bath? Take a look at glass tiles to make a small space extra special.

A room with light colored flooring offers a broad range of decorating opportunities. Without care, light-colored floors can make a room look drab and boring. It is important to include contrasting colors and accessories to make the room interesting.

Light colored floors are ideal for small rooms with limited natural light.  For homes in warm climates, light floors give rooms a cool appearance.

You can transform a room with light colored flooring by using contrasting tones in either vibrant or sedate colors. Sedate pastel walls and window treatments provide an elegant appearance. Vibrant colors or brightly patterned wallpaper perfectly complements a light-colored floor. You have the flexibility to experiment with a range of colors or paint walls with dark dramatic colors with a light floor.

Light colored flooring provides a good contrast to heavy hardwood furniture. On the other hand, lightweight rattan or wrought iron furniture on a light colored floor will make the room bright and airy and give the appearance of bringing the outdoors indoors. Some bright colors and rugs in rich tones will also enhance the room.

Rooms with light colored flooring allow you to explore your artistic instincts by providing an unobtrusive foundation for a range of decorating options.

If you are about to sell your house and even if you have no current plans to sell, it is still practical to think of what you can do to your rooms to make them more appealing to prospective buyers. If you are renovating your house, even if you have no immediate intention of selling, it’s a good investment to factor the resale value of your flooring and other accessories when you remodel.
Hardwood is right at the top of the list of floors that will get you the best price should you put your house on the market. Hardwood is expensive but much more durable than other kinds of flooring. Buyers are willing to spend more for houses that have hardwood flooring than those that don’t for it assures them that they won’t have to redo those floors. Solid or engineered hardwood tends to get more in terms of resale than laminate flooring.
Since we are on the topic of hardwood and its resale value, an interesting trend has developed recently. More and more people are opting for exotic hardwood floors to increase the resale value of their house. These include African mahogany, dove-tailing, French parquets, and other unusual woods. This indicates the importance that flooring has in the resale sector.
Stone, porcelain or ceramic tile can also add value to your house. Compared to hardwood and tile, linoleum and carpeting show low resale values. So when you renovate, do away with your carpets and consider tile or wood if you wish to attract the best price for your house.

If you want to create a formal space, your choice of wood floor provides a good first step. This floor, a classic Brazilian Cherry, has all the critical elements needed for a formal mood.

The first factor in the formal approach is evenness of tone and grain. The cherry has a nice grain, but it doesn’t dominate the floor. Instead of seeing variation, the sense is of one complete floor with just enough grain to show that it is real wood.

The next element in a formal look is a darker tone. This color will work beautifully with oriental rugs. In this space, it creates a traditional element in a room characterized by more modern furnishings. The floor’s dark tone anchors the lighter colors of the room, and adds warmth to the space.

By combining the dark wood floor with the lighter more feminine furnishings, this bedroom suite still carries a rich impression, developing a spa feel in the room. Moldings and architectural details also provide contrast, creating a room that fits the transitional category –combining the best of traditional and modern décor.

If you would like to browse our online product catalog to see the different hardwood choices that are available, please click here.

Now that you’ve taken care of flooring and walls (see the previous post), it’s time to consider furniture. In an office, the right furniture makes a difference in your comfort, particularly when you spend hours in front of a computer. Basic tools of ergonomics – the science of making sure your workspace works well for you – can help provide some insights as you make your furnishing decisions.

The best place to start is your chair. Try many before deciding. The minimum goals include one that adjusts to allow you to keep your feet flat on the floor when you’re working. Also make sure that the seat is not too deep – if you can’t sit back in the chair without having your knees touch the front edge of the seat, the chair seat is too big for you.

When you’re setting up your computer, make sure that both the keyboard and the mouse are the same height as your elbows. Consider a keyboard drawer if your desk is too high. Set your monitor so that the top edge is about eye level. Task lighting should be even, and shouldn’t end up creating a glare on your monitor.

The final step is storage. Many office and residential furniture stores have a good variety of file cabinets and bookshelves that work well from a professional perspective while still looking appealing. Take your time and select only the pieces you need right now. You can always buy more later, and it’s nice to have extra space in an office. All set? OK, now get to work!