Monday, June 16, 2014

Look At The New Arrivals

What's New At Enhance?
 It is that time of year that almost every day we receive new styles and products.   We love getting in the new samples and seeing what the current looks and trends are.  We thought we would share some of our favorites with you.   








Carpet
The trend in carpet is going more and more toward unusual, striking patterns.  And we definitely have some cool ones to choose from!  Some of our favorites are the new patterned carpets by Tuftex, the most recent being a style called Ovation.  Ovation, a mosaic tile pattern, was inspired by high-end, woven carpets that utilize multiple colors to achieve an elegant deign.  This mixture of color and pattern creates design versatility when decorating a room. Exceptionally innovative in both design and construction, Ovation is made of 100 percent Anso solution dyed yarn, making it very stain resistant.  Incredibly soft and luxurious, this style is available in twenty-four beautiful colors.  It is both pretty and practical!

Tile
One of the trends that stands out is the high gloss marble look.  A lot of people are drawn to the beauty and finish of natural marble, and now there are more options in ceramic and porcelain that give you the same marble look without the high cost and maintenance of natural stone.

Mohawk makes a gorgeous marble look porcelain tile called Apremont.  This tile is very versatile, comes in many size options, and 4 striking colors.  It also gives you the option of a high gloss as well as a matte finish.  You can install it on the wall or the floor!





Another beautiful high gloss tile is Interceramic's Vesubio.  The rich colors oft his ceramic tile are striking. Vesubio also has very unique decorative accent pieces. This is also a floor and wall tile.



   


Daltile has some new natural stone looks in ceramic and porcelain as well.  One favorite of ours is Exquisite.  The graceful intertwining of travertine cross-cut and vein-cut visuals and textures result in Exquisite's unique interpretation of natural stone. Exquisite's large-format floor and wall sizes and coordinating mosaic can be used to turn any space into a room filled with luxurious splendor.







A new marble look from Daltile is called Marble Falls.  The classic elegance of Marble Falls glazed ceramic tile rivals the exquisite details found in nature. Crisp graphics and wide pattern variation with delicate veining will draw the eye again and again. A glossy floor, wall and mosaic are offered in a neutral color palette in a variety of sizes.





Wood looks in tile are growing more and more popular.  Daltile offers a beautiful wood look ceramic for a great price point, called Emblem.  With classic wood grain visuals and a smooth surface, Emblem is the perfect choice for spaces that need the durability of tile without sacrificing the style and charm of a wood look.





Accent mosaics in all lines are becoming incredibly vivid and bold.  The trend of infusing your backsplash with color is a very popular look, as well as using unique glass pieces.  Urban metal looks are also in this year.  Here are a few of our favorites:



Laminate
Rustic, character, bold color and reclaimed looks are all growing in popularity in wood.  Laminate can offer the same look for a fraction of the cost.  Armstrong Architectural Remnants is a beautiful line of laminates that are inspired by reclaimed hardwood floors.  If you live in an active household, or are just looking to get the hardwood look for less, the Architectural Remnants series will deliver!

Wood
Wood is one of the most popular, ever-changing styles of flooring.  Wood floors offer a variety of looks with something for everybody.  Some of the current trends in wood flooring are grey shades and wider plank widths.  Clients are also moving toward a natural, rustic look, such as wood with character like knots, mineral streaks and varying grains.  Here are a few examples of different wood floors that offer a variety of rich colors and different plank sizes.

Somerset Wide Plank Engineered Wood offers a dramatic pairing of 6 inch wide planks with rich, natural colors.  This engineered wood comes packaged in random length planks to further enhance the natural look.  Natural imperfections are not considered undesirable in this style.

The Somerset Character Collection also offers the rustic, natural look.  Knots, color variations and other things normally considered defects are purposefully left in the wood.  This gives the wood a unique look, with no plank the same as another.  It comes in both solid and engineered construction

Please visit us soon and allow us to show you these exciting new products.  We are here to help you create beautiful rooms!

It's A Good Time To

Summer is here and school is out.  Now is the time that families go out of town for extended periods of time.  While you and your family are out having fun, it's a perfect time to get some of those home improvement projects you've been planning done.  One of the biggest challenges of doing certain flooring jobs is finding the time for people to be out of their homes.  For instance, if you are remodeling your bathroom, that bathroom is out of order for the duration of the work.  Kitchens are the same way.  Here are a few projects that you can have done while you are planning to be out of your home for a week or two.

Refinishing hardwood floors/new site finished wood floors
If you have wood flooring in your home, eventually it will need to be refinished.  You will do this, in effect, to get a brand new floor; you can even change the color of the wood for a fraction of the cost of new floors.  However, this type of work takes several days and there will be times that you cannot walk on the floors that are being refinished.  This is also true for new site finished hardwoods, the kind that are sanded in your home.  In many houses, if you cannot walk on the floors, you cannot get to your bedrooms, use your kitchen, etc.  Many, many clients have this work done while they are out of town.  We are already scheduling into July, so if this is a project on your "to do list" this summer, please be making arrangements now.

Staircase makeovers and refinishing
Staircase makeovers (complete replacements) are when we remove all of your existing treads, handrails, newels, and balusters and replace them with new.  When completing a new install we will have the stair parts sanded, stained and urethane coated prior to the installation which minimizes the time you are without your staircase.  The installation of a complete staircase makeover generally takes 1-2 days.



Refinishing an existing staircase and its parts can really disrupt the schedule in your home.  Stairs cannot be used for the duration of the project, and generally people don't have an extra set of stairs laying around.  When your bedrooms are upstairs, it can be very hard to live in the home without access to the stairs.  It is ideal for people to not be using their homes at all during a staircase refinishing, and keep in mind depending on what all we are refinishing, it can take 4-5 days to complete.

Bathroom remodeling
You might could say the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a house, and if you only have one, giving it an overhaul will be an issue if you still plan on using it every day.  Bathroom remodels take a lot of time and planning.  You will not be able to use your bathroom for at least a week, more than likely longer.  If you're already planning on going out of town for a while, it is a perfect opportunity to completely redo your bathroom.  And just think, when you come home you'll have a brand new, beautiful bathroom!

Kitchen remodeling
Kitchens are also a very highly used and important room.  Imagine not being able to cook for two or three weeks.  If you are a family with kids, that is a huge inconvenience.  Kitchen makeovers can be a long and lengthy project, so it works out better for everyone involved if the work is scheduled during a time where you will be out of your house for a little while.
Trends in Wallpaper
Wallpaper has a way of warming up a room and creating a rich, sophisticated look.  On the flipside, there are wallpapers that completely destroy a room's visual.  For instance, if you have not replaced the large, bold floral prints of the 80's,  it is time for an upgrade.  Most people today are moving towards a more subtle look with neutral tones.  Horizontal and vertical stripes in wallpapers can make a small room appear wider, and a low ceiling room appear more open. 

When picking out a wallpaper it's important to remember less is more.  You don't want the wallpaper to be the focal point of the room, rather choose a pattern that enhances the décor that you already have.  If guests are immediately faced with gigantic flowers on the walls, that's probably all they will notice about the room.  If you are set on a pattern of some sort, there are lots of options that won't overdo it, such as simple geometric shapes.  Another point to keep in mind:  if you are planning on selecting a new floor or fabrics, it's much easier to work with  solid toned wallpaper than wild patterns and prints.

Feeling Overwhelmed?
Sorry, but we cannot help you if you are stressed out at work, but if decorating your home has you feeling anxious, we can help.  Schedule an in-home design consultation with us and an experienced Enhance Floors & More design consultant will come to your home and help you put your new look together.  Prices start at $99 for this helpful service.  And remember, consultations in our showroom are always free.  Just bring in your fabric and paint swatches, kitchen drawer (really!), take some pictures of the room(s), and spend time with a showroom design consultant for complimentary decorating assistance.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Need Color Inspriation?

Is painting on your to do list this summer?   A recent study of Interior Designers reveal this year's "in" colors.  The most popular colors move away from the traditional neutral colors:  bright, bold colors are in this year.  Popular choices include
-Blues (light and dark, tropical, turquoise)
-Greens (teal, light, moss)
-Fire colors (reds, magenta, pink, yellow, coral)
-Dark purple

These colors work best as part of a whole room design.  Make use of accent walls, furniture, pillows and other accessories.  TIP:  If you plan on doing new flooring as well, make sure you select your new floor first.  Start where you have the fewer choices (flooring) then move on to where you have the most choices (paint).  We see clients all the time who have already painted and are having a very difficult time finding a flooring product that complements the paint they have chosen. 

Here are a few design ideas to get you started in putting it all together:

Seaside Harmony
The most tranquil of our four trend themes was inspired by the colors of the coastline: sea glass greens, warm white beach sand, and the peaches and soft blues of the ocean sky at sunset. The style is a fusion of streamlined modern and casual elements, softened with tarnished metals, waxed woods and cotton knits.  Use a cool aqua blue as the main color, accenting with dark blues and off whites to create a relaxed, inviting room.


Urban Alternative
Urban Alternative incorporates reclaimed woods, oxidized metal and contemporary furnishings for an updated industrial look. Inspired by the revival of home crafts and back-to-basic ingenuity, the colors are earthbound and weathered. Deep spice tones in burnt orange and dark olive, mixed with chalky browns of aged woods, and raw, unfiltered whites. The result is a palette that is both flexible and functional.





Grand Era
The popular period movies and television shows have revived interest in historic design from the late 19th and early 20th century. The result is a stately and opulent rendering, as traditional rooms and luscious jewel tones in ruby, topaz, sapphire and tourmaline make an appearance once again. These elegant rooms are fitting stages for romance and drama.


Natural Avocation
The curiosities of science drive this trend-from celestial events to geological wonders. Stars, planets, birds and insects give us glittering bright colors from the heavens, while shadowy jungle green and baked earth brown feel a little closer to home. The design style is a relaxed approach to traditional décor.  Make use of yellows, greens and bolder neutral tones to bring this theme together.

Friday, May 9, 2014

My Pets Are Ruining My Floor

 One of the reasons given by our clients for replacing their floor is that it has been damaged beyond repair by their pets.  Others recognize that they will almost certainly always have a dog or cat, and want to make the best possible choice for a pet friendly floor.  In fact, over 60 percent of families in the U.S. share their homes with pets, so it's no surprise the flooring industry is getting creative with options that are durable, inexpensive and stylish. Here is a look at some of the best pet-friendly flooring options on the market today. 

Stone and Tile
Stone is one of the best floors for pets as far as durability and slip resistance, but natural stone can involve a little more upkeep (sealing) than porcelain or ceramic tile.  Porcelain and ceramic tile are easier to clean and maintain, but care needs to be taken when you have active pets.   Natural stone isn't as likely to be as slippery as a tile, therefore making it slightly safer for pets to walk, run and play on.  Rugs are a good option to keep pets from slipping and injuring themselves.  Another plus to tile and stone for pet owners is that if you or a family member has allergies, it cuts down on the dander that can get stuck in carpet.  In the summer, your fluffy pet gets hot and will appreciate the coolness of tile flooring.  A drawback of tile and stone is that it can be uncomfortable for pets to sleep on all day, especially older animals.  If you go with tile for your pet, make sure you have comfortable beds for them to sleep on.  Grout lines can also get very dirty with pets, so we recommend upgrading to a stain resistant grout.  It's important that the floor be cleaned regularly to keep the dirt and grit out of the grout.  Tiles are even being made to look like wood, so that is an alternative to risking real wood getting scratched if you like the wood look. 

Wood
Wood is a popular choice for any home, but wood can be scratched and damaged by pets.  We do not recommend many wood floor styles if you have large or active dogs.   But if you are set on getting wood, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage.  An engineered wood is made up of plywood layers with the real wood being the top layer.  It is a risk with pets because it is difficult (and sometimes impossible) to refinish an engineered wood.  If the pet causes a deep enough dent it could chip through the top wood layer.  If you are on a concrete slab, an engineered wood is your only option and you might want to consider a laminate instead.  If you are not on a slab, and want a solid hardwood, you will want to look for a harder species of wood.  Hickory, Brazilian Cherry and Acacia are all very hard woods,
while Elm, American Cherry and Birch are on the softer end.  The harder woods tend to be more expensive, but the more durable wood is well worth the price if you have an active dog.  Also, you will want to make sure you have a good finish on the wood.  A high gloss finish is going to show more scratches and scuffs than a more matte finish will.  A goodoption for people that have pets and want wood is going with a handscraped or distressed hardwood.  A handscraped wood already has imperfections, scratches and dents as part of its look.  When a pet scratches it, the scratch just blends in
like it is supposed to be there.  Strand woven bamboo is one of the hardest woods you can get, and it is extremely durable with pets.  However, strand woven bamboo is reacts more to moisture, so that's something to keep in mind if your dog has accidents or is sloppy around the water bowl.  Other things you can do if you have your heart set on wood  is to make sure that your pet's nails are kept as short as possible and use lots of area rugs.  Also try and keep heavy running and playing to a minimum on the wood floors.  Make sure any spills or accidents are cleaned up immediately or it could seriously damage the wood.

Laminate
Laminate is one of the best options for pets.  Laminate is more scratch resistant than a real wood and is very easy to clean.  It gives you the look of wood, with added durability.  Laminate comes in a large variety of looks, finishes and plank sizes.  Design technology has gotten so sophisticated that it is hard to tell the 

difference between a laminate and real wood.  Laminate is installed floating, which makes it relatively easy to replace a board or two if it gets deeply scratched.  Although laminate isn't a wood, it is still a wood based product and spills and accidents should be cleaned quickly to prevent swelling, buckling or other damage.   A sound proofing pad is recommended to muffle the clicking sound your pet will make while walking on laminate.  Door mats help with pets tracking in dirt and other things from outside.

Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is an excellent option for pets.  Sheet vinyl is incredibly easy to clean, and essentially water proof.  Pet urine and other moisture related spills will not seep into the subfloor, nor will it cause much damage to the sheet vinyl.  Entry level vinyl is inexpensive to put down.  However, sheet vinyl can tear if a pet's nails are too sharp and can be slippery.






Luxury Vinyl (LVT)
The newest development in flooring is luxury vinyl.  Luxury vinyl is made to look like realistic wood or stone, but it is a vinyl.   LVT is waterproof, easy to clean, and installs either floating or glued down.  LVT also offers more comfort for your pet; it is softer than wood, stone or laminate.  It is also more slip resistant than a tile or sheet vinyl, making it easy for pets to get up and walk.  It is very durable and scratch resistant as well. LVTs are not as loud as a laminate, so there is no need for a sound proofing underlayment.  Luxury vinyl tiles and planks come in a variety of realistic wood and stone looks, and again, sometimes it's hard to tell that it's not real! 

Carpet
If you worry about pets scratching the floor, then carpet is the best option.   On the other hand, carpet can be extremely difficult to keep clean with pets.  If you choose carpet, which is an extremely affordable choice, here are a few options to consider if you have a pet.  Always go with a darker color over something light.  Darker colors better hide dirt and stains.  Consider a fleck carpet, as those tend to make dirt disappear.  Many pets can snag and pull a loop carpet; for this reason we do not recommend Berber carpets for homes with pets.  The carpets made from the SmartStrand fiber are incredibly stain resistant. A solution dyed nylon is another extremely stain resistant option for pets.  These fibers will offer the best long term durability.  Solution dyed polyesters are also warranted for pet stains.  In fact, all
three of these fibers can be spot cleaned with a bleach and water solution.  You will want to upgrade to a pad with a plastic liner.  This will keep pet urine or other fluids from sinking into the pad, which will help minimize odors.  Magic Fresh is a carpet treatment that is available only on Beaulieu and Bliss carpets.   Magic Fresh is completely safe and natural, lasts for the life of your floor and is continuously working to rid your home of common household smells, like those from pets, cooking and smoking.  Consider using a good enzyme cleaner on pet accidents; these cleaners have enzymes that will "eat" whatever is on the carpet and will lessen odors and the chance of the carpet staining.  (Do make sure that the enzyme cleaner has been tested and approved by the carpet manufacturer for use on your particular carpet.)  A good vacuum is a must, especially with pets that shed heavily.  Vacuuming regularly keeps hair and dirt from being ground into the carpet.

Video of the Week

Click on the picture to view a great video from our website that shows the best way to spot clean your carpet.  If you have a looped carpet, you can also see how to trim a snag if your dog or cat pulls a loop.


                       

Monday, April 21, 2014

If You're Gonna Do It, Do It Right!

Spring is finally here:  flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and everything just feels better.  Spring is "out with the old, and in with the new."  And spring is also time for spring cleaning. 

Here are a few tips as you spring clean your home:




CARPET
Move your furniture so that you can vacuum under it.  Wipe down your baseboards and crevice vacuum while the furniture is moved.  Do not drag heavy furniture across the carpet; Berber carpet could snag and run; the heat and friction generated by the dragging of the heavy pieces can burnish the tips of all carpet fibers, leaving a permanent mark.


The warranties on most carpets require the carpet to be professionally steam cleaned (hot water extraction) every 18 months.  Many people do this in the spring to rid the home of all the winter grime that has been tracked in.  Make sure you are choosing a reputable carpet cleaner and save the receipt.  If you ever have to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will require proof of regular professional cleanings.


TIP:  When you need to spot clean your carpet, first call the manufacturer of your carpet or the Carpet and Rug Institute to find out the appropriate product to use.
           
Mohawk Industries                         800-266-4295
            Shaw Industries                              800-441-7429
Beaulieu                                            800-918-6483
            Carpet and Rug Institute               706-278-3176

Many cleaning products can set in the stain, or worse, damage the carpet.  You will find that if you have a relatively new carpet most stains come up with just plain water.

Check your exterior door mats and replace as needed.

Also check for any wrinkles, buckles or ripples in your installed carpet.  Call to have the carpet restretched as soon as you begin to notice any ripples.

TIP:  Filtration soil is the dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, or under doors.  Changing the filters regularly on you HVAC system and using vacuums with good filtration systems can help prevent this problem.

RUGS
Have your area rugs professionally cleaned, either at your home or at the cleaner's facility.  If you are having your rugs cleaned at your home, be sure they are moved onto your driveway, garage or deck for the cleaning so the floor underneath is not damaged.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
It is time to seal the granite.  First, clean your countertop thoroughly using a neutral cleaner.  Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach.  Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone.  Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.  Now apply the stone sealer.  Stone sealers will need to be reapplied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.

TIP:  While dish soap will not hurt your granite, repeated and excessive use of soap will cause build-up and dull the shine.  Also, don't use bathroom, tub and tile, or window and mirror cleaners.  The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull the surfaces.  Use only cleaners made specifically for granite and stone.

CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE
Ceramic and porcelain are very easy to clean.  Sweep or vacuum as needed and mop with a mild detergent (like Spic-N-Span or Mr. Clean) or ceramic tile cleaner.  Don't use harsh abrasives.

Now it is time to seal your grout.  Sealing your grout will make the grout less porous and more resistant to discoloration.  Manufacturers recommend sealing your grout once a year to keep it looking its best.  You can purchase grout sealer at Enhance Floors and More.

Also check any caulking.  Caulking is used where the tile is exposed to water.  Caulking prevents expensive subsurface damage.  Recaulk wet areas as needed. 

TIP:  Don't use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout.

NATURAL STONE
Natural stone (travertine, marble, etc.) should be cleaned with neutral cleaners.  Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach.  Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone.

At least once a year you need to seal the stone and the grout.  Some products are multi-purpose, meaning you can use the same product on the stone and the grout.  Others are just for either the stone or the grout; be sure to read the instructions well to make sure you are using the proper product.

TIP:  Don't use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners or degreasers.  Don't use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners.  These products that you buy at your local store contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that can etch marble and degrade the sealer, leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.  Trying to save money by using these over-the-counter products only ensures that you'll be spending a lot more time and money in the long run.
  
Thinking About An Addition To Your Family?
Don and Elisabeth are now fostering a beautiful dog for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue until he finds his furever home.  Meet Ryelee.  He is a little over four years old and is a German Shepard mix.  He is great with kids and other dogs, and is doing just fine with the cats in the Stubbs household.  Ryelee walks well on a leash, does not pull at all, and is housebroken and knows how to use a doggie door.  If you or anyone you know is considering a new dog, please let us know and we will set up a meeting.  He is a sweetheart!

Friday, April 18, 2014

How Not To Ruin Your Floor


Spring is finally here, and for many of us, spring cleaning is on our "To Do" list.  There is a lot of incorrect information about cleaning and maintaining your floor coverings, especially on the internet.  If you are the one in charge of spring cleaning at your house, please take a few minutes to review what the major flooring manufacturers recommend. 

Please be aware that most of the maintenance products and cleaners that are needed to take care of your flooring investment are available at Enhance Floors and More.

HARDWOOD FLOORS
First, check the legs of all furniture to see if the floor protectors need to be replaced and replace them as needed. 

It is now time for a thorough sweeping or vacuuming of your floors.  Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar or hard head on hardwood floors.  The plastic and/or metal parts can scratch the floor.  The vacuum head should be brush or felt; a wand attachment is preferable.

Be careful as you move furniture and appliances.  Do not drag heavy pieces.  You may need to use large pieces of cardboard or something similar to move the heavier items onto to protect the floors underneath.  Many people move the refrigerator to clean behind and under it as part of their spring cleaning.  Do not merely roll the refrigerator out.  The weight of the refrigerator can easily indent the floor.  You need to move the refrigerator onto something so you are not rolling it directly on the floor.  Use a large piece of cardboard, a thin piece of plywood or a piece of carpet with the fiber side down.  Over the years we have seen many hardwood floors damaged from moving a refrigerator.


Damp mop as needed using a hardwood floor mop and approved hardwood floor cleaner.  Do not use oil, wax, or ammonia based cleaners as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.  These products will also affect the ability to recoat your floor.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor.  Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.

TIP:  Just because something says it is for hardwood floors does not mean it should be used on the floor.  Read the ingredients carefully.  We are amazed by what various internet sources state to clean wood floors with.  Do NOT use Orange Glo, Goof Off, bubble bath, steam mops, Windex, ammonia, dish soap, Pledge, vinegar, Pine Sol, Mr. Clean, Mop and Glo, Rejuvenate, tea, Simple Green or similar products.  Only use cleaners made by wood floor manufacturers like Armstrong, Mohawk or Bona.

Use good quality doormats at all of your exterior doors and replace them as needed.

Now is also a good time to look closely at your floors to determine if it is time for another coat of polyurethane.  Start with the areas that get the most foot traffic.  Are these areas duller than the wood in areas that do not get as much traffic?  Do you see light scratches in the finish?  If you can see superficial scratches and the traffic lanes are visible, it is time to recoat your wood floors.  Most floors are in need of another coat of polyurethane every five years or so; in some homes, another coat may be needed every 12-18 months.  If you wait too long, a screen and a coat will not be effective; the floors will need to be refinished.

LAMINATE

There is not much you need to do to a laminate floor as part of your spring cleaning.  Vacuum thoroughly and clean using the product recommended by the manufacturer of your floor.  Check the felt tips on the legs of your furniture and replace as needed.  Be sure to use a large piece of cardboard or something similar when moving large items, like the refrigerator.  Replace your exterior door mats if needed, and just enjoy how easy it is to maintain your laminate floor!

EXTERIOR DOORS
At least once a year, check your exterior doors for possible water penetration.  Check the weather stripping for tears and deterioration.  Check the sills and exterior thresholds for damage.  Is caulking needed?  Can you see daylight through the door?  If you can see light through the door, water can also get through, especially blowing rain.  Sometimes this water gets under your floors without you noticing until the damage is done.  Thousands of dollars in damage can be caused by water penetration. 

VINYL

Now is the time to vacuum and thoroughly clean the floors.  Be sure to use a product that is made by the manufacturer of the vinyl, and do not use a vacuum with a beater bar.

Many people move their refrigerator to clean behind it.  If you are doing this, lay down a piece of plywood and roll the refrigerator onto the plywood.  This keeps you from tearing or indenting the vinyl. 




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Friday, April 4, 2014

This year winter has refused to go away.  We are all ready for spring!  These are some quick and inexpensive ways to freshen and update your home and banish the winter blahs!

~~~display vases of fruit (lemons, limes, tangerines) and fresh flowers
~~~add new pillows and throws in spring colors
~~~change out bedspreads and comforters for   lighter fabrics and colors
~~~how about a new set of dishes in fun colors
~~~new cushions for your patio furniture
~~~make an outdoor serving cart for impromptu entertaining
~~~small chiminea for your patio for the cool spring evenings
~~~a clean and stocked bird feeder
~~~add an outdoor rug
~~~wind chimes placed near windows that you normally have open
~~~a new wreath for your front door
~~~add accessories like candles and lanterns (indoors & outdoors) in fun new colors
~~~new shower curtain and accessories for your bathroom
 


We Are New Too
Have you noticed our new logo and the crisp clean design of our newsletter?  We were ready for a change too!  We have also launched an updated website.  Please check it out and let us know what you think.

How Much Does It Cost
We have had several clients recently having a hard time deciding what type of product is best.  Wood for the kitchen or tile?  Carpet for the stairs and hall or hardwood?  Laminate for the sunroom or luxury vinyl?  Each type of flooring has a unique look and feel, and each has its' own list of pros and cons.  Plus the costs are usually very different.  For some of us, just knowing the approximate cost helps us know which direction we need to go. 

Here is a grid of approximate prices for a typical 300 square foot family room.  All of these floors will look great in a family room.  These prices are fully installed.  As you can see, there is a wide range, based on the quality you choose.

                                 "GOOD"          "BETTER"          "BEST"
Carpet                       $750                  $1200               $1800

Hardwood                 $2000               $2600               $3500

Laminate                   $1400               $1800               $2400

Tile                             $2400               $3000              $5000

Luxury Vinyl            $1400                $1800              $2800

Meet with an Enhance Design Consultant and we will show you all of your options and assist you in making the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.  We're here to help!