Fall In Love With This Carpet

Coming Soon

Enhance Floors & More is moving into our new Design Center in late September.  We will be bringing in some new product lines and thought we would begin introducing you to them now.  First up is Masland Carpets.  Masland Carpets and Rugs has long been a favorite of Interior Designers and decorators and is recognized as the styling leader and producer of new original products. Masland products exemplify originality, innovative construction and color treatment as well as lasting beauty.

  Masland was founded in Pennsylvania in 1866 and still today boasts of its heritage as the leading and most fashion forward carpet manufacturer in the United States.  Masland's manufacturing and distribution plants measure over one million square feet. The facility has state of the art technology insuring quality throughout the manufacturing process.   Masland carpets aren't just floors; they are works of art!

You can sneak a peek at the beautiful Masland carpet styles on the Carpet Catalog on our website.  If you fall in love with one and just can't wait to see it, let us know and we will get the sample in early for you.

 Choosing The Right Cabinets and Countertops for Your Kitchen's Style

Many clients are telling us that they are beginning to think about remodeling their kitchen.  The amount of options you have in designing your dream kitchen is enough to make your head explode.  So, how can you make the decision a little more manageable? The easiest way to whittle down your options is by establishing and sticking to your budget. Once you've done that, you'll want to identify the design style you want to achieve. From there it's all about selecting the material that works best with each aesthetic and fits your budget.  Some of todays most popular design concepts are:

Less is more:  the contemporary kitchen. 

When designing a contemporary kitchen the thing to remember is that it's all about simplicity. You'll want to consider shakercabinets for their sleek lines, multiple color options, and ability to pair well with nearly any type of hardware. Flat cabinets are also a nice option as they afford a simple, yet sophisticated look. As far as countertops are concerned, look at solid surface, concrete, stainless steel, or glass.

Anything goes: the eclectic kitchen. 

Built by combining elements from different time periods and different origins, eclectic design creates a unified look by fusing these styles. Which is to say, anything goes. When choosing cabinets, consider distressed, bead board, inset, or shaker style. Either work well with tile, butcher block, or laminate countertops. While eclectic can be harder to design, when done right it results in a wonderfully unique look.

Celebrating structure:  the modern kitchen. 

Not to be confused with contemporary design style, modern design refers to the style popularized from the 1920s through the 1950s. Most refer to the style as mid-century modern. If this is the look you're after, you'll want cabinets and countertops that create a sleek and simple look with strong lines. Consider flat cabinets with minimal hardware and laminate or solid surface countertops.

Keeping it classy:  the traditional kitchen. 

There's nothing trendy about a traditional kitchen. Classy and always in style, the traditional kitchen is all about celebrating craftsmanship and attention to detail. When looking at cabinets, focus your attention on shaker, inset, distressed, or thermofoil. Either option will look great when paired with granite, solid surface, marble, butcher block, or soapstone countertops.

The best of both styles:  the transitional kitchen. 

For many of us it can be hard to decide exactly what style we like best. If you're stuck between contemporary and traditional, transitional design is the style that would work best. Not surprisingly, transitional design is the go-to style for many homeowners as it offers the best of both traditional and contemporary design. Pair shaker cabinets with granite, quartz, laminate, or butcher block and you'll create a space that's clean and inviting.

At the end of the day, the best kitchen design is the design that works best for your tastes, your lifestyle, and your budget. And while it can feel like a daunting task, enlisting the help of a kitchen designer and a reputable kitchen contractor is one of the easiest ways to ensure that the kitchen you've always dreamed of is the kitchen that gets built.  Enhance Floors & More is here to help you every step of the way!

Why It Doesn't Pay To Be Cheap

Wanda found a great article on Mark Hunt's Everyday Cheapskate blog.  We loved it because his points are very relevant.  We hear over and over again that if the price is too good to be true it probably isn't, but human nature is to keep hoping that this time we have finally found a true bargain.  How do we know when the cheapest is not the best?  Mark writes:

"There is a predictable progression many of us go through as we make a decision to stop living beyond our means.  We get cheap.  In fact, some even call us cheapskates-a label that personally I enjoy because it proves that I'm not the person I used to be-a credit card junkie and a totally whacked out spendthrift.

It didn't take long for me to adopt a mindset that if cheap was good, then cheaper must be even better.  As noble as that thought might seem-and it pains me to admit it-that is not always true.  Sometimes the cheapest option ends up costing the most.  It's a wise person who can see the big picture not just the cash outlay on the front end.

Case in point:  Our house was in desperate need of paint.  Spending thousands of dollars to have it painted made me queasy.  So when one of the bids came in much lower than the others, I jumped on it.  I figured paint is paint.  We'd get the house painted and still have money in the bank.

It never looked that great, and we were very disappointed from the start.  Before even two years passed, the paint job failed.  The trim cracked and peeled, making our paint look 10 years old, not two.  By the time we reached the three-year mark, paint was falling in chunks from the stucco.  It was truly pathetic and we lived with that mess far longer than I like to admit.  I know now that our cheap paint job cost us far more in the long run than if we'd gone with the highest bid from the start.

There are other times when buying the most quality you can afford is the cheapest way to go.  Buying a mattress, putting on a new roof, dental care, a decent pair of shoes-all of these are places where you are likely to pay less in the long run by opting for the most quality you can afford at the outset.

So how do you know whether you should go for the most quality you can afford or the cheapest price you can find?  Ask, "How long do I want this item to last?"  If the answer is "As long as possible," that's a sign that you need to buy the most quality you can afford.  If your answer is something like, "Until the end of the wedding reception," you don't need quality.  You need to shift your thinking to finding the best-looking wedding dress at the cheapest price.  Who cares if the quality is so poor you couldn't make it down the aisle multiple times?

Knowing when to buy the most quality you can afford, and when to go for the cheapest price you can find, is a learned skill.  The more you practice, the better you'll get.  And the better you get, the more you will enjoy some of the finer things in life that will turn out to be the cheapest way to go, after all."

Look Who Came To See Us Last Week

If you are a long time Enhance client, we know you remember Sandra!  Sandra was our favorite employee from the late '80s til she retired in 2011.  She made so many friends in her 20 plus years at Enhance Floors & More.  Sandra and her dog Chloe came by to visit last week and we greatly enjoyed spending time with her and catching up.  We'd love you to respond to this newsletter and tell Sandra hello.  

We will pass your message along to her.  We know she will enjoying hearing from you!

Is Granite Going Out Of Style?

Given the fact that trends, by definition, come and go, it only makes sense that granite will eventually lose its place as the must-have countertop material. And while granite countertops remain one of the most popular design features, some interior designers suggest we've reached the end of the granite countertop trend.

As far as countertops are concerned, granite is a material that wasn't widely used until the late 80s. However, it wasn't until the late 90s and early 2000s that it became the material of choice that it is today. With its near ubiquitous presence in kitchens across the country, granite is still one of the most popular countertop options you can choose; it's just not as in-demand as it once was.

There's lots to love about granite. It's durable, looks good, and is becoming more affordable. That being said, granite appears to have become a victim of its own popularity. Homeowners are individuals, and individuals like their homes to be a reflection of their personalities. For many, granite is just too mainstream. But there's another reason fewer homeowners are choosing it: in recent kitchen designs the countertop is less and less of a focal point and granite is almost impossible not to notice.  As we like to say, there can only be one star of the show, and in a kitchen it is usually the granite.  But if you are considering an elaborate custom backsplash design and a large island that looks like an ornate piece of furniture, a granite with a lot of movement may not be your best design choice.

There are lots of different options other than granite, the most popular choices being quartz, marble, even wood and concrete.  Today's kitchen styles are becoming more understated and neutral. Clean simple lines are the new buzzwords.  You'll find that homeowners are choosing countertops that seamlessly blend into the rest of the kitchen, rather than stand out.  A subtle quartz countertop harmonizes instead of competes with your apron- front farmhouse sink, untraditional light fixtures like chandeliers and pendants, and the new cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling.
 

If you're getting ready to remodel your kitchen you've likely given a lot of thought to what kind of countertops to go with. The fundamental question to ask yourself is who are you remodeling for? If you're remodeling for yourself and not planning on moving anytime soon, choose the materials that you like most. If that means granite, go with granite. However, if you're remodeling with an eye towards selling soon, we advise going with a more neutral option. You'll get the classy, upscale look you're going for, but not at the risk of alienating potential buyers who don't care for granite.

Did You Know

Enhance Floors & More will be moving soon?  We are thrilled to announce that we have signed the lease and that construction and build-out has begun on our new Design Center.  We hope to move into our location in East Cobb in late September.   We will be increasing the size of our showroom by over 2000 square feet and will be bringing in exciting new product lines including HGTV Home, Masland Carpets, and Hunter Douglas Window Fashions.  Look for us in the Restaurant Depot Shopping Center on Roswell Road adjacent to the 120 Loop in Marietta.

Click below to follow our progress on our Facebook page

Renovating Before The Holidays

Now that summer is coming to an end (school starts Monday in Cobb and Cherokee!), it is the prime time to start seriously thinking about those indoor renovations you have been wanting to tackle.  If you are playing host for the holidays, now is the time to get started in order to have everything done and perfect in time for the holiday season.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

Does your kitchen always seem cramped with people over for holiday get-togethers?  However you celebrate, the kitchen seems to always be at the heart of the season.  Maybe it's time to consider a mini or major makeover.  Start by assessing the things you would like changed.  Perhaps the addition of an island, new countertops, flooring and backsplash is all you need, or maybe some major construction will be involved.  Either way, you want your kitchen to be fully functional come holiday cooking time!

Finish the Basement

If you have been going back and forth about converting your basement into an extra living space, now is a good time to jump into that project.  You will be glad you tackled it.  Not only does it instantly expand your home's square footage, it can also act as a nice alternative to just a guest bedroom for relatives or friends staying overnight.  You can also turn part of it into a playroom for the younger guests to have a place of their own.  Set a budget and keep things simple.  For flooring, consider luxury vinyl or tile in your basement as these products are not as sensitive to higher moisture levels, and carpet for warmth and insulation.

Remodel the Guest Bedroom and Bathroom

A little remodeling can do wonders towards making your guests feel at home.  A new bathroom vanity and frameless glass shower enclosure are quick and easy upgrades.  A new glass shower door adds instant value to your home, and offers a sleek look that will make the bathroom appear larger.  Strip that dated old wallpaper and paint the walls.  You may also consider updating the bathroom floors and walls with new tile.  In the guest bedroom, is it time for a new mattress?  Do you need new window treatments?  Assess the carpet in your bedrooms.  We tend to update the rooms of our home that our guests see:  the family room, kitchen, and powder room, and ignore our bedrooms for years. 

Enhance Floors & More can help you get your home ready for the holidays.  Come by today and meet with a Design Consultant to begin the process.

WAKING UP A TRADITIONAL SPACE

Many of our readers live in traditional homes, and you can never go wrong with a traditional decorating style.  Traditional décor is always "in," and it creates a comfortable, cozy feel to a room.  However, traditional styles can sometimes be a little bland and boring.  Here are some tips to add a little bit of pop to your traditional spaces.

If you're tired of your living room, check to see if you have traditional furniture on a traditional rug with matched side tables and lamps. That might be your problem. This look often lacks tension, which creates strong design that rarely gets tiring.  If you absolutely love your furniture with its original upholstery, try a modern rug to give your room hip appeal. A sisal or sea grass (real or faux) is a great go-to, but if you don't prefer natural fibers, you might like a bold, graphic rug like stripes or an animal print.

Along the same lines, re-evaluating your upholstery is another good option.  The key to taking a traditional piece from tired to stylish is the tension between the furniture style and the textile you select. Patterns like tight checks, herringbone or houndstooth can update traditional furniture just right.  With the updated upholstery, changing something as simple as lamp shades can have a big impact.  Look for simple, classic drum or box shapes and skip the pleats, scallops and odd shapes. Those styles tend to look dated. Pick a simple shade that is proportional to the base and that echoes the base's shape. Black shades make almost any lamp instantly stylish.

Breaking up a set is a refreshing effect.  A matching set of a table and chairs was suited to the more formal lifestyles of days gone by. To relax your room, it may be time to break up the set. If you're happy with your table, then change the chairs to enliven the look.  There are so many ways you can play with this. Add new his-and-her chairs at either end, for instance, or upholster the two chairs at either end in a different fabric.

Historically, textile manufacturing and fiber dyeing processes weren't able to produce fabrics and patterns in hues as vibrant and saturated as the ones we see today. Using black adds a level of contrast that wasn't achievable years ago and makes a room look more current.  You don't need a lot to anchor a room with black. Black lamp shades, upholstery, throw pillows, picture frames - any of these can add an edge of graphic appeal that will update the look.

Adding a high contrast graphic pattern is another use of the advances in textile production that wasn't available years ago.  Today's mills and print processes are capable of producing high-contrast patterns in saturated colors. Traditional furniture paired with traditional textiles and wall colors can be so muted. Adding a graphic element instantly delivers a wake-up call to a tired room.

Last but not least, don't be afraid to embrace the abstract.  Throw in some contemporary art, a clear coffee table or a bold, modern rug into the mix.  If there is one outstanding characteristic of a tired traditional room, it is too much formality. So loosen up and have some fun!

MODERN RUGS IN TRADITIONAL SPACES

Inspired?  Need a new rug or two but having a hard time finding one that work?  Here are a few tips if you are shopping for a rug.

Modern rugs come in all shapes and sizes, and are suitable for every area of the house, including hallways and staircases. When introduced into a traditional or rustic setting, they can add vibrancy, a touch of the unexpected and a striking counterpoint.  Keep in mind when pairing a modern rug with a more traditional setting:

~~~Go overscale. An overscale floral rug pattern in bright colors provides a pop of bold contrast in an otherwise all-neutral room. Don't be afraid to use large-scale patterns in a small space - they can bring it to life, especially when there aren't many furnishings.

~~~Repeat a pattern or color.  Using a simple geometric pattern on a rug that ties into another pattern, say, a light fixture of a modern style, can add a great visual to a traditional space.  Subtlety is key here; maybe you have a particular pattern in the wall decorations or windows.  The subtle visual of 

matching patterns will create appeal without taking away from the modern style.  You can do the same with colors.  Even though the rug will not match the style of the room, matching the colors with the furnishings or decorations can tie everything together and create a cohesive feel.

~~~Don't be afraid to add color, pattern, and energy.  Modern rugs add a refreshing edge to traditional style spaces, and are a good way to spice up a plain room.  Keeping with the same color palette will allow you to be as bold as you want without distracting the eye.

Need More Design Help?

Then simply schedule an in-home design consultation with us.  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 (if you are redecorating your kitchen), take some pictures of the room(s), and spend time with a showroom design consultant for complimentary decorating assistance.

Scared of a White Kitchen?

 Year after year white is one of the most popular kitchen colors.  Pinterest and Houzz are filled with pictures of beautiful white kitchens.  But if you are like many of us, your first thought is "How pretty" and then "How will I keep my white kitchen white?" or "I love the clean, white look but don't want it to look dirty all the time."  Is it possible to have a clean white kitchen?

The truth is, it IS possible to have your all-white dream kitchen, and you don't have to be a compulsive cleaner to get it.  You just have to be a little diligent is all.  The perfect white kitchen is one that looks like no one ever cooks there. And that is, of course, the very best way to keep that white kitchen sparkling. If, however, you insist on actually using your kitchen, you are likely to encounter yellowing cabinets, accumulations of grease, and stained and marred sinks and countertops. What fun.

Before we can tackle the problem, let's look at why cabinets start to yellow.  The first culprit is exposure to direct sunlight, which tends to jaundice or fade painted wood (and laminated surfaces). You should consider draperies, blinds or window film to shield your cabinets from direct sunlight.  The second culprit is actuallyusing your cooktop. As soon as you start cooking, those mouthwatering aromas rise into the air in the form of microscopic food or grease particles, and since they have to land somewhere, why not on your white cabinets? The result? Cabinets that turn yellow.

To prevent this, you can't let grease accumulate on your cabinets. As soon as you begin boiling, broiling or deep-frying, turn on the exhaust fan or range hood to filter out at least some of those minuscule bits before they reach the surrounding surfaces.  To keep cabinets looking their best and sparkling white, give them a monthly "bath" with a solution of warm water and a grease-busting dish soap.

Then there is the inevitable muck and grime that accumulate from oil and grease splatters, and food and beverage spills.  You should not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on painted cabinets, as they can scratch or dull the finish.  A soft 

cotton cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient.  The most important thing to remember is  to not let those stains linger.  Prolonged exposure to spills can cause permanent damage and discoloration to your cabinets' finish.

  

White sinks in many homes take approximately five minutes to look yucky. You can brighten them and remove stains with common household bleach. Experts suggest laying paper towels flat across the bottom of the sink and wetting them with bleach. This prevents the bleach from running straight down the drain. Leave the paper towels in place for half an hour to allow the bleach to do its job, then remove them and rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water.  

  

White tiles with white or a light grout can be tricky.  The whiter and cleaner your white tile looks, the dirtier your grout will look.  Keeping the grout clean is an important part of keeping your white kitchen looking its best.  The best option is to have the grout sealed (or to have chosen a stain resistant grout like Fusion), and keep it clean with a cleaner specifically made for tile and grout.  Use a toothbrush or scouring pad to really get the grout clean.  Do not use harsh cleaners such as bleach that will erode your grout over time.

Stains show up easily on white marble or granite counters. Prevention is the best cure, so blot spills immediately, before they penetrate or dry on the surface. If that is not convenient, you can make stains disappear with a solution of hydrogen peroxide with a few scant drops of ammonia added. Natural stone will etch when cleaned with acids or abrasives, but the naturally occurring chemicals in peroxide and ammonia will safely remove even tough stains. Stone sealers should be applied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.  (You can purchase sealer at our showroom.)

   

In the grand scheme of things, just remember:  Any kitchen will be a cleaning nightmare, dark or light.  So prepare to roll up your sleeves and pick the kitchen you've always dreamed of!

Which Metal Is Your Favorite?

Metal finishes are important design considerations in your home.  Look around:  metal is used in faucets, lighting, accessories, furniture, staircase balusters, appliances, sinks, and shower heads; there is probably something metal in every room of your home!   Brass, copper, chrome, nickel, gold-plated, oil-rubbed metals, wrought iron, matte or shiny finish, a smooth satin sheen or  texture----these are among your choices, available in all price ranges.  It is also important to blend your finishes with the rest of the elements in the room.  You can mix finishes within a room but be careful doing this.  Make sure the overall design flows and is harmonious.    Choose an oil-rubbed finish if your home is more of the rustic style.  If you are more into the sleek, modern look, go with chrome.  Your choices include:

CHROME

Chrome is a very popular choice for hardware finish.  It offers a sleek, clean look with a lot of shine.  When it comes to shine, no other finish can offer the brilliance that chrome does.  Chrome's versatility is what makes it one of the most popular finishes.  It looks good with most styles and it is easy to clean and maintain.  Chrome is also inexpensive and very easy to find.  On the downside, chrome shows water spots and finger prints because of its high shine. 

  

POLISHED BRASS

Polished brass is a long-time favorite.  A polished brass faucet can give a bathroom or kitchen a vintage look.  Brass is coming back into style and looks great in modern, traditional and eclectic settings.  Some of the advantages of brass are it is a very durable finish, it's easy to clean and easy to find.  One disadvantage is that it is more expensive than chrome or brushed nickel.

  

SATIN BRASS 

A nice twist on polished brass, the brushed-gold look has a lot of class. It's bold without being too showy. Don't be surprised if you see a lot more of this color in the future.  Satin brass is very durable and offers a nice accent color without the polished look.  It is also a matte finish, so it doesn't show finger prints or water spots easily.  On the disadvantages side, it is expensive and hard to find.  It could also be difficult to match other accessories to satin brass.  Satin brass looks best in modern and contemporary styles.

OIL RUBBED BRONZE

A great aesthetic alternative to standard chrome and brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze gives the room a more traditional look and feel.
Working on a budget? if you don't want to purchase all the matching accessories and you have other brass items in your bathroom, such as an old light switch plate or cabinet knobs, you can always use a brass darkening solution to make all the hardware match.  It can be more expensive than other finishes, but it is very durable and won't show fingerprints or water marks.  Oil rubbed bronze works best in a Tuscan or traditional setting.

  

COPPER

Copper is unmistakable and bold. It gives the room a rich feeling, especially when mixed with a subtler material, such as marble on a countertop.  Copper has natural antibacterial properties. It's fairly easy to find and also has the ability to "heal" itself. Over a short period of time, a scratch in copper will become darker and eventually blend with the patina.  A shiny copper finish might require a little more maintenance than brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome, but if you let it age naturally, copper will develop a beautiful patina. It's harder to match accessories and other fixtures to copper, and it's not as durable as other finishes.  It works best in farmhouse and Tuscan styles.

  

SATIN BRONZE

Satin bronze has a nice, smooth finish that's in between copper and oil-rubbed bronze. Having a subtler color gives this finish more flexibility for different room styles and settings.  Durable and easy to clean and maintain, this is a great alternative to copper and a lighter option than oil-rubbed bronze. Water spots and fingerprints won't show.  On the down side, it can be hard to find and hard to match other fixtures to it.  Satin bronze looks best in traditional as well as eclectic styles.

  

POLISHED NICKEL

If you like a smooth, shiny finish but are tired of chrome, try polished nickel. It's darker than chrome, and with different levels of lighting, it can appear to change in color.  Some advantages are it is a durable, easy to clean finish and a great alternative to brushed nickel.  It is harder to find and more expensive than chrome, but like chrome, it works well in pretty much any style.

  

BRUSHED NICKEL

The soft metallic look of brushed nickel has stood the test of time.  This is one of the most durable finishes; it has a tendency to keep its finish longer than oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. It doesn't show wear, fingerprints or water spots. It's easy to clean, easy to find and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures. It's relatively inexpensive. Brushed nickel tends to be pricier than chrome but does not cost as much as oil-rubbed bronze.  One of the only disadvantages is that it does not coordinate well with stainless steel due to the sheen differences.  Brushed nickel will work with almost any style.

  

MATTE BLACK/WROUGHT IRON 

Black faucets are becoming increasingly more popular in bathrooms and kitchens, because of their ability to match other items, such as cabinets, vanities and accent pieces. If you want to make a classy statement matte black may be the perfect finish for you.  It is easy to clean and does not show dirt, fingerprints or water spots. It can be hard to find and is expensive compared with more popular finishes, such as chrome and brushed nickel.  Matte black tends to work with eclectic styles.

  

WHITE

Looking for a clean, brilliant finish? Go with a white as a contrasting statement piece or something that blends beautifully in an all-white kitchen or bathroom. The white finish comes from durable plastic or porcelain.  It is easy to clean and does not show water spots or fingerprints.  Porcelain fixtures are more fragile than metal, which makes them more prone to chipping. Porcelain can be expensive, too.  White works well with farmhouse and modern decors. 

It's Like Free Floors!

Do you know about Enhance Decorating Dollars?  This is a great program where we reward you for referring your friends, family, and neighbors to us, and you get a certificate for 5% of the total purchase.  Just this month a client used $859 in Decorating Dollars on her $1500 carpet purchase and another repeat customer pretty much got tile for her small bathroom for free because she had Decorating Dollars.

It could not be any easier to get in on this---no coupons to clip, no loyalty cards to sign up for, just refer Enhance Floors to people you know that are making home improvements!  And there is no limit to how many Decorating Dollars you can receive.  We deeply appreciate the referrals; this is our thank you for spreading the word about your experience with Enhance Floors & More.