Standing

Choosing the best finish for your budget and lifestyle

I get a lot of questions about flooring. Almost every day someone asks: "I need new flooring in my kitchen (mud room, powder room, room of children-you name it) but don't know where to begin-traversing all options?"

Select the right flooring is not easy. You can get an idea of the "look" that you want, but the end result will be practical, cost-efficient and durable? Each room is different, as our lifestyle, and then there is no one recipe that works for us all. This article will help you, providing you with a list of questions that you need to ask the same.

What is the style and the room's function?

Before you begin, take time to consider how the room really is used. How big is the room? How much traffic? Kids will play there? Water damage is possible? The amount of light the room get?

How durable has to be?

If you want your floor to last, choose the right material is a must. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and Mud rooms require floors that can withstand water torture. Wood is lasting and you can refinish it as needed. Species of wood are different hardness, so the level of traffic should determine your choice. Ceramic tile and stone tend to crack or break, if things get dropped on the floor. Laminate come to mind when you look for durability and it works fine on playrooms and utility rooms of kids. Is not an option but to those who seek natural "materials".

How much comfort you are looking for?

Kitchens and bathrooms are spaces where comfort is important. Poaching in winter, isn't it nice to step out of the shower on a floor radiant Heat hot? It works well with stone and ceramic tile. Remember that getting slippery bathroom floors sometimes-select refined stone instead of polished version and look into the alongside some texture to it. in children's rooms, wall to wall carpets is an option, as with playrooms and rooms in the kitchen, wood is my favorite, although Cork gives even more comfort while poaching stone or ceramic tile can be hard on your back. Wood also is wonderful in the room – just add a carpet of exuberant high stack, to make your morning a soft landing.

What level of maintenance is acceptable?

Ceramic tile, stone and laminated definitely win Department of maintenance-a broom or vacuum and a feather duster should get the job done.

The resale value?

When you renew, bear in mind what is "expected" of a house in your neighborhood. Quality materials and craftsmanship are always a great investment.

Is factor "green" important to you?

If so, think stone or wood recovered. Cork is another great option and is the King of renewable materials.

Coating, A-Z

Here is a brief Glossary of flooring materials. Each one comes in many price levels, so you should be able to find one that is right for your decorating style and budget.

Brick-is making a comeback. Due to its porous texture, color thus is easy "red brick" is no longer the only option. Big Mud rooms and kitchens, he can continue in the courtyard for a smooth transition to the exterior.

Carpeting-offers endless possibilities as far as style, color, pattern and texture. It is always present in our rooms, but also makes its way into the living and dining rooms these days. Silk, wool, mixed wool, nylon, stain resistant and grasses sisals-style, and function of a room will inform your choice.

Ceramic tiles-as old as the art of decoration own-they come in colors unlimited, many shapes and sizes, giving an opportunity to create a work of art in your home.

Concrete-large choice of lofts and contemporary spaces and you can colorize to coincide with other elements of the room. Very easy to clean.

Wood engineering-becoming more and more popular nowadays as many owners choose radiant heat as an alternative to systems of forced air or baseboard. It can be installed directly on a concrete base.

Wood-Pine, maple, walnut, cherry, oak, mahogany, bamboo, Hickory, Cypress ... dizzy yet? With more than 50 species of wood and unlimited color stain, what to choose? My favorite is dark wood coating makes a. Dark room looks bigger. It also sets out white trim and furniture so it "pops" beautifully. Lighter Floors are more informal and work well on the rustic styled rooms or coastal. If you want a lighter effect, there are ways to make wood look almost white-pickling, liming and money laundering, to name a few.

Laminate-a quick and cheap way to cover floors. Surfboards fit together and are installed along soft cushioning material so without nails or glue are involved. The key is to check how realistic surfboards look when placed together. Some products appear "real", while others scream "fake" before you even enter the room.

Carpets-a beautiful addition to any room, they will in any hard floor, defining the feeling and the creation of heat is easier and never for carpets of custom colors, patterns and sizes, with many companies offering inexpensive ways to create your own look.

Stone-a beautiful and classic choice. After selecting your stone, you still need to decide: polished, honed or crashed?

Olga Adler is an interior designer with a design studio in Ridgefield. Your company Olga Adler interior is dedicated to the lifestyle design driven. She recently introduced a Somerset kitchens & baths of custom cabinetry solutions line for kitchens, bathrooms, dressing rooms, libraries, game rooms, media rooms, mud rooms, etc. you can send your questions to: olga@olgaadlerinteriors.com