Design Trends To Consider

Many home décor magazines and blogs publish a list in December of trends to look for in 2016.  Now that we are a few months in to the new year, it's easy to see the predictions that are coming true.  As you begin your decorating projects, look for:

Quality craftsmanship over price. "Made in the USA" and "Buy the Highest Quality You Can Afford" are not passing fads in design. In 2015 there were several highly publicized (and still ongoing) instances of some overseas manufacturers using dangerous materials that can leech into the air, causing significant health risks.  

Also, always factor in the long-term cost of ownership.  For example, disposable furniture ends up with a much higher price tag over 20 years than one may think:  a $600 couch that only lasts a couple of years actually costs more than a $2500 model that still looks great a decade later.

Fabric wall art.  Adding texture and fabric to your space is no longer limited to upholstery & pillows. Frame a unique antique piece or find a to-die-for print and explore interesting ways to display them on you walls. 

Greys---pushing past its neutral cousins: taupe, beige, and cream---grey is everywhere:  in paint, flooring, furniture, even cabinets.  Grey is equally at home as the understated neutral backdrop in a period restoration, or the blank slate in a modern space to contrast warm hues and pops of color. 

Graphic tiles---make a big statement and hearken back to the midcentury, when tiles embraced color and pattern. Try to find something you feel you can live with for a long time, as tiles are quite durable. Think of it as art. It's an investment that will grace your walls for years to come.  Use accent tiles or decorative borders to add pizazz if an allover bold field tile is a little too much for your taste.

Sectional sofas. This trend is here to stay. Today, people are designing their spaces to be used. The formal living room is mostly a thing of the past in many homes, and creating spaces where you can hang out with friends and family in a comfortable manner as opposed to a formal one seems to be the way to go.

Reclaimed materials---turning old, worn materials into things of beauty.  Barnwood, distressed flooring, and vintage lace (curtains, tablecloths) is being seen in every room of the house.

Black window frames. What better way to bring attention to one of the most important things in your house than with a dark, bold frame? The natural light coming into your house is essential. If there's a view that goes along with that natural light, accentuate it with a bold black window frame.

Statement light fixtures. Think of light fixtures as art. You can have the most simple space, but if you put an amazing light fixture in it, you automatically boost the room's atmosphere and presence.

Stairs as a focal point. Stairs take you up or down from one floor to another. But when stairs are transformed into a design focal point, beyond merely a mode of transportation, then you lift your renovation to the next level.

Open and airy.This has to be the No. 1 request these days. Today's families tend to be incredibly busy, and multitasking is the norm. Having clear views of what's going on in your home from anywhere in the house makes sense.

No formal dining room. Just as the formal living room is a thing of the past for many, the formal dining room is also going the way of the dinosaurs. People are starting to realize that pleasures are not experiences that should occur occasionally, but rather should be part of everyday life.

Minimal design. Creating a space that's free of clutter and ornate decor means a space that's easier to focus in, easier to clean and easier to move through.

Asymmetry.Unifying mismatched elements and creating a sense of movement, asymmetric design allows you to work with pieces you adore while creating a visual hierarchy to showcase important elements.

Geometric elements---back in a big way, and not just in the kitchen backsplash. In 2016 fluid geometry paired with textures will wow us in everything from furniture to accessories. 

Natural & layered bedding.  Layering improves both design and function. Seeking out natural materials helps regulate body temperature, protects the environment, plus you'll sleep more soundly.

Warm colored wood finishes.  Think less red and more brown.  Cool mid-century woods have been a staple for a long time but as the trend fades, honey wood finishes are in. Mix warm woods to make cool colors stand out or create continuity with a single tone. 

Innovation.  Control your home from your pocket, 24/7. There are new apps on the market every day that have the power to change the way you design, live, and work. Even window coverings have gone high tech:  ask us to show you Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization.

Jewel tones.  Bold, rich, deep colors are in, for every room of the house. From rich upholstery, to bold paint colors and finishes---it's OK to be luxurious!

Unique hardware.  Reconsider your hardware choices:  vintage, bold, even mix and match.

Curves.  The incorporation of more organic shapes and curving structures have been redefining modern architecture for decades. Now is the time to ease away from the strict definitions of the 'modern' aesthetic and bring some softness into your spaces with curved furniture, art, lighting, and hardware.

Space savvy solutions.  The age of the sprawling suburban McMansions is coming to an end. As more and more people move into urban areas, and/or opt for smaller footprints, everyone is looking for space saving innovation. Expect new and creative ways to maximize space and utility in layout and furniture design. 

Florals---not your grandmother's florals. This year we are seeing the re-emergence of classic and bold floral pattern as a backdrop for more modern, eclectic designs. Expect pops of floral throughout the home, from dramatic wall murals to understated bedroom upholstery. 

Mixed metals.  Mixing metal finishes was once a major design faux pas- but no longer. Pair warm and cool finishes, use contrasting accents, play with texture and sheen.

Finally, no one re-decorates every few years.  For this reason, aim for a timeless design aesthetic in your major pieces and purchases, and use inexpensive accessories for the passing trends.  

Before You Update Your Kitchen or Bath

Are you thinking about a kitchen or bathroom remodel?  Then you do not want to miss our Kitchen and Bath Expo on Tuesday, February 23, from 4 til 7 PM.

Meet with the experts and learn what's in style in tile, all about cabinets, and the newest trends in appliances.  We will have a plumbing expert here to answer all of your questions and our favorite Realtor on hand to discuss your kitchen or bathroom update from the home buyer's perspective.

Wine and appetizers will be served plus you will receive a free gift for attending.  Plan on joining us and learn everything you need to know before you begin the process of renovating your kitchen or bathroom.

Window Treatments 101

Are your window treatments - curtains, valances, blinds - old and dated or damaged and worn out?   Or are you concerned about child (and pet) safety and want all the dangling cords gone?  If so, it's time to learn more about window treatments.

Window treatments can be a major investment, but smart choices will solve many of your problems and concerns, and even save you money.  You may want to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, protect your hardwood floors from sun damage, or have more privacy from your nosy neighbor. Enhance Floors & More is an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer and can help you select the right window treatment for your décor, lifestyle, and budget.  Our selection of window treatments includes blinds, shutters, and many different types of shades available in a wide variety of fabrics and woods.  Hunter Douglas window fashions have a lifetime warranty and are regarded as the highest quality in the industry.

Let's start by learning about the different types of window treatments available.  We are including a pricing guide as well:  $ is the most affordable and $$$ is typically the biggest investment. 

Roman shades---$$

Roman shades consist of one continuous piece of fabric, featuring horizontal folds down the length of the shade. These folds lay flat against the window when down but fold up nicely when raised, combining the soft look of fabric drapery with the functionality of a shade.

Shutters---$$$

Shutters are a classic window treatment choice, adding architectural design directly to your windows. Shutters are a great value when you consider they actually add value to your home.

The elegant design of shutters looks attractive from both the inside and the outside.

Solar shade window treatments---$

Solar shades are also known as "window sunglasses" for their opaque design that allows you to preserve your outside view while also providing considerable light control. Available in openness factors ranging from 3- to 14-percent, you will want to choose a higher openness to let in more light and preserve your view.

Wood blinds---$

Wood blinds are a classic choice for windows and outlast trends or styles. Made of real wood, using various grains and stains, wood blinds remain durable through the years. The warm look of wood blinds pairs well with other wood furniture, flooring and trim.

Faux wood blinds---$

Faux wood blinds have the same look as real wood, but are more affordable window treatments because they're made out of PVC, vinyl or composite wood material. Faux wood blinds are also moisture resistant, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms where real wood would otherwise warp and crack.

Cellular shades---$$

Cellular shades are the best insulators of all energy-efficient window treatments. They get their name and insulating properties from their fabric honeycomb cells that trap air between the window and the room. This results in heat gain in the winter and heat loss in the summer.

Woven wood shades---$$ 

Woven wood shades are made out of a variety of materials, including grasses, reeds and bamboo. These textured shades instantly add a casual, natural feel to your space. You may add liners to increase privacy or include fabric trim to further customize the woven wood shade to your room.

Panel track blinds---$$

Panel track blinds are made out of a series of fabric panels that slide back and forth to give you optimal light control and privacy.

These blinds are a modern alternative to vertical blinds for covering large windows or sliding glass doors.

Roller shades---$

Roller shades are one of the most affordable options when it comes to covering your windows. These shades roll up neatly onto a tube, making them appear minimal and discreet when raised. With blackout and light-filtering options, you can choose the amount of light control that you wish for any given room.

 Sheer shades---$$$

Sheer shades are an elegant window covering. These popular window treatments feature two sheer fabric facings over soft fabric vanes.

When vanes are open, diffused light is let inside, and your view to the outside is preserved.  When closed, however, room-darkening styles of sheer shades will completely block out light.

Pleated shades---$

Pleated shades are made from a single piece of fabric with pleats that collapse and stack neatly as you raise the shade. This slat-like effect gives your home a casual, semi-sheer look that allows a considerable amount of light to filter through the window.

Drapery---$$

Drapery adds style and elegance to your home while also providing functional light control and privacy. Panels hang vertically from hardware at the top to your desired window treatment length.

Available in many different styles, fabrics, colors and patterns, you can easily coordinate drapery to layer with any existing window treatments or simply use panels only.

Other Considerations

When looking at the different types of window treatments, remember that child-safe features include a variety of options for all categories. From cordless and motorized operating systems, retractable lift cords, cord tensioners and wand controls, Hunter Douglas offers a wide array of lifting system options for enhanced child and pet safety.

Have odd shaped windows?  Not a problem.  Hunter Douglas has many different options to cover your specialty shaped window. Depending on the shape and type of window covering you choose there are even some that open and close.

Before you make a choice about which window treatment to use, consider what you will be doing in each given room. Whether you are sleeping, playing or cooking, you can customize your window fashion to match your style and provide all of the functions you need.

Enhance Floors & More offers One Year Interest Free Financing on all installed window treatment purchases over $1000.  You can enjoy your new window fashions now and spread out the payments over 12 months, another smart home improvement choice!

Make an appointment to come in and meet with Robin, our Certified Hunter Douglas Specialist, and improve and update your home with beautiful new window coverings.

Design Tip

Thinking about a kitchen update?  One of your first decisions is color.  If your kitchen is particularly tiny, then light, cool colors can make it look larger and brighter, while dark, warm colors can make an oversized kitchen more inviting.

I Ruined My Floor

One of the worst feelings is when something brand new gets broken or damaged.  You worked so hard for that new car, and look at the ding in the door from some inconsiderate person in the parking lot!  Floors are the same way.  We'd love to tell you that there are indestructible floors, but unfortunately, there are not.  And sometimes the damage is our own fault........

Here are some recent situations we have encountered.  A client called that had used a "quick shine" product on her hardwood floors and did not like the way it turned out.  She wanted to know how to get the product off.  This is what it says on the bottle she used:  "Restores the richness, color and beauty of hardwood floors. Made with pure natural plant-based Carnauba. Simply squirt and spread - Quick and easy."  This product is not a cleaner, it is a wax.  And there is no easy way to remove it.

Please, don't use random products on your hardwood floors. Always read the label carefully before you buy that new product.  Words and phrases to watch out for include Polish, Finish, Glo or Glow, Fills in scratches, Shine, Protects from water damage, Leaves a long-lasting brilliant shine, Oil soap, Wax, Refresher, Rejuvenator.  These words and phrases are telling you the product is more than a cleaner. There is some type of wax or dressing in the product which will almost certainly cause problems. Either it will not adhere (will peel or flake off) or there will be an unattractive residue on the surface of the floor. Please only use cleaners made by wood flooring manufacturers like Armstrong, Bona, or Mohawk.

Another client had a big holiday party and there are now little indentions all over his new hardwood floors from high heels. He was genuinely surprised that this had happened.  Did you know that measured in pounds per square inch (psi), a car has a load of 28-30 psi, an elephant 50-100 psi, and a 125-lb. woman with high heels, when she takes a step and those heels hit the floor, 2000 psi! That's a problem for any floor -wood, ceramic, carpet, and vinyl. Indentation will occur from the heels themselves, and even more so from protruding nailheads. An exposed nailhead can exert a force of 8000 psi---high enough to pulverize hardened concrete.

Now you may be wondering what our client could have done to prevent this.  Other than inspecting the shoes of every guest before allowing entry into the home, probably nothing.  Using lots of runners and rugs to protect the hardwoods is an option, but this is an expensive solution.  If you have certain friends that love their stiletto heels, consider buying several pair of inexpensive slippers and ask your guests to change into "more comfortable" shoes when they arrive.  (Maybe you will start a new fashion trend!)

With today's technology, hardwood flooring manufacturers are able to strengthen their surface finishes with everything from Aluminum Oxide, Titanium to Ceramic particles mixed with the finishes. Quality manufacturers use 6 to 10 coats of these durable finishes on their flooring. These finishes create a very wear resistant durable surface for normal foot traffic for many years. Regardless of the brand of wood flooring or finish though, all wood flooring can be scratched or indented if something heavy and/or sharp is pushed, dragged, or rolled over its surface. This includes stiletto heels or even a pebble stuck to the bottom of your shoe.

The higher the hardness is of a specific wood species will help reduce the amount of dents caused by situations listed above, but ultimately no matter what the hardness rating of the wood species, wood is wood. Wood is made up of millions of cell structures that were once filled with water making it harder to crush or dent before the tree was cut from the forest. Once that tree becomes lumber and is kiln dried at the mill, the moisture in those cells is dried out leaving hollow cell structures that can compress when something heavy is dropped or rolled on the floor leaving dents within the surface of the wood.

Sometimes clients are surprised that their dogs are scratching their hardwood floors. Little dogs with sharp nails and large dogs that actively run in the house will dig in to get traction, possibly scratching the surface of any wood flooring.  It is important to keep dogs' nails trimmed and to possibly limit their areas. Use lots of area rugs. There are companies out there that make dog booties that will protect your hardwood flooring. Also, make sure your pets are house broken. Pet urine is an acid and will damage the natural color of the wood flooring if not cleaned up right away, leaving a black stain that does not always sand out.

Another client's dog threw up on her carpet, and her trusty stain remover did not get the spot all the way up.  Please, when something is spilled on your carpet, don't grab for any cleaner you can find.  Take a quick moment to either call the carpet manufacturer or go to their website to find out exactly what you need to do to remove the specific stain.  Some cleaning products can lock in a stain or permanently discolor the carpet.  For many of the newer carpets, most stains will come up with warm water only. And never rub, scrub or use a brush. This may damage carpet fibers. 

If you have bought new carpet recently please take a few minutes to put this information somewhere handy so that when something happens to your carpet, you know exactly where to go to find the correct cleaning information.  Also know exactly what the fiber is:  nylon, SmartStrand, solution dyed polyester, etc.  Call and ask us if you do not know your fiber.  Click the manufacturer links below to be linked to each website:

Mohawk

Karastan

Shaw

Tuftex

Dreamweaver

Masland

Dixie Home

Lexmark

Beaulieu

We Did It Again!

The results are in, and for the third year in a row, Enhance Floors & More was voted Best of Atlanta for Flooring.  Kudzu.com tallies the results in numerous categories and announces the winners every January.  We are so proud to be recognized for the work that we do every day to give our clients the very best service when they are shopping for new flooring and the absolute best installation experience.  

Design Tip

Shiny stainless steel appliances may finally be on the way out.  What's the new hot color?  Black.  Instead of gleaming silver appliances sleek black stainless steel is the trend of the future.  

Purchase with a Purpose

Enhance Floors & More is honored to announce our partnership with Shaw Floors and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The history of this world renowned hospital reads like a fairy tale:  unsure of his life's direction, a young Danny Thomas sought guidance from St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. If the saint would point to the path he should take, Danny vowed to build a shrine in his name. Success followed Danny's plea and soon after, the legendary entertainer set about fulfilling his vow to St. Jude. The result was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Since St. Jude opened its doors in 1962, it has changed the way the world understands and treats pediatric cancer. It is one-part children's hospital and one-part research center. Discoveries made at St. Jude hospital are shared freely so that doctors across the world can expand on protocols and treatments and help cure kids worldwide. So far, St. Jude has pushed childhood cancer survival from 20 percent to more than 80 percent. In the next decade, the research hospital hopes to push survival rates to 90 percent.

At St. Jude, no family ever receives a bill for anything - treatment, travel, housing or food. It takes close to $2 million a day to run St. Jude and 75 percent of those funds come from corporate partners and individual donors. Shaw Floors has been a corporate donor since 2011. And now Shaw has decided to kick it up a notch by creating the St. Jude Carpet Collection---a collection of 46 beautiful carpet styles. Proceeds from every foot of carpet sold from this exclusive collection support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  These carpets also make gorgeous custom area rugs, and your rug purchase also qualifies for a donation to St. Jude. 

Enhance Floors & More has been chosen by Shaw Floors as a partner in this important initiative.  If you are planning on replacing the carpet in your home this year, please consider the St. Jude Carpet Collection and know that your purchase is helping to save the lives of innocent little children around the world.  

Winter Has Arrived

The below freezing temperatures of winter have finally arrived, and along with the cold comes the danger of burst pipes.  Be prepared by knowing where your water shut off valve is and be sure you have (and can find) your meter key.  TIP:  A meter key is a tool used to turn off the water valve at the meter in an emergency.  You can find one at your favorite local hardware store for around $10.

Not sure where your shut off valve is?  Locations can vary depending on city water or private well and type of home and arrangement of your plumbing.  Check these spots:

--near the curb or sidewalk in a pit under a metal plate in your front yard

--the basement, near the front of the foundation wall within 3 to 5 feet of the main water entrance

--in a crawlspace

--in a mechanical room

--around the water heater or furnace

--under the kitchen sink

Unfortunately, in some cases there is no shut off valve or it has become inoperable.  This is why you should find it in advance, and not after disaster strikes.   If you have a burst pipe, go to the valve with your meter key and turn the valve clockwise (usually 90 degrees) to shut off the water.  Then call your plumber to come out an assess the situation.

 

We Won!

We were notified by Houzz, the highly regarded web site and online community specializing in architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement, that we had won Best of Houzz 2016.  Less than 3% of the Pros listed on their website win this prestigious award.  We are so proud of our team!

 

Design Tip

Do you find yourself not loving your wall décor anymore?  Try this: Focus on one big piece of art. Lots of small frames on the wall can feel visually cluttered, especially if they are hung at different heights. Take everything down and put back just your favorite large-ish piece. One big piece gives the eye a clear place to focus on and leaves plenty of white space to keep the room from feeling jumbled or messy.

Or this:Add a crisp grid. If you don't have a large piece of art, or you want to try something different, work a number of small pieces into a grid arrangement. It's important to use identically sized frames for this and to measure carefully before hanging! A theme for the art works well for this idea - collect photos in shades of blue, a collection of photos taken in the same place, all black and whites, and so on.

What's Hot in Hardwoods

The old-world European look is becoming increasingly popular in hardwood flooring.  You may be wondering what the European look is.  Imagine the wood flooring in an old castle:  lots of character and knots, worn from centuries of foot traffic, and a patina gained from time and polishing.  These floors have a matte (no shine) finish and an earthy feel which works well with any room décor. It's warm, rough, and rustic, and most offer a wide width plank to capture the timelessness and nostalgia from decades past.

Many of the European woods are wire brushed, atechnique that uses wire bristles to remove the sapwood (soft wood) and to open and enhance the wood grain, adding texture & character. The matte finish hides scratches and wear particularly well, making it an amazing option for rooms that get heavy foot traffic and homes with children and pets.

Some of the European-styled woods are dual hand-stained.  This is a technique using highly skilled craftsmen, applying the finest quality stain by hand, twice. Dual hand staining enables two slightly different hues to join into a rich final color-enlivened by deep undertones that are beautifully complex to the eye. This two-stage process results in hardwood floors that are as beautiful as a work of art.

If you are intrigued by this European influence, a few specific styles to consider are Armstrong Artistic Timbers, Mohawk Architexture, Northfield, and Sandbridge, and Palmetto Road Chalmers Collection.  Choose from Oaks, Hickory, and Maples in beautiful new stain colors including Castlerock, Dark Forest, Medieval, Cobble Stone, Drawbridge, and Barnwood.  Come in today and fine the perfect new floor for your castle!

A Big Thank You

To our vendors for donating to our Weeksgiving Food Drive for MUST Ministries.  If you dropped off canned goods (or plan to) here's of a list of the gift cards we will be giving away and the manufacturer that donated the card for our drawing.  Many of our vendor partners also contributed food for our week-long event.  Thanks to:

           

Mohawk Carpet---3 $45 Kroger gift cards, cookies and pastry trays

            Interceramic---$50 Kroger gift card, big basket of snacks

            Daltile---3 $25 Publix gift cards, chicken nuggets and fruit

            Karastan---$25 Target gift card

            Somerset and Homerwood Hardwoods---$60 Honey Baked Ham gift card

            Shaw and HGTV Home Hard Surface---$50 VISA gift card

            Tuftex---$25 Publix gift card

            Mohawk Hard Surface---$50 Honey Baked Ham gift card

            CFS Hardwood Flooring---$25 VISA gift card

Our week of giving ends Saturday, November 21.  Receive a free gift for your canned good donation plus register to win a gift card.  We hope to see you in the next few days to help us fill the large container for MUST Ministries.

Before You Go Out Of Town

Many of us will be going away for Thanksgiving.  Here are some tips to make your home more burglar proof:

~~Put your newspaper and mail on hold

~~Put your lights on a timer Also leave the light over the stove on all the time, as the kitchen is one room that tends to have lights on the most.

~~Leave a stereo on a talk radio station

~~Drapes There is some debate about leaving drapes open or closed. Some maintain that by closing them you indicate that you are not at home. Others feel that by leaving them open in order to look like you are at home you invite look-ins by potential burglars. Still others recommend a combination, leaving some open (that look into rooms where there is little of value) while closing others (those that look into what should be occupied rooms.) A nice compromise is to leave upstairs curtains open while first floor drapes shut. Whatever your decision remove expensive and inviting items from view from outside the window.

~~Park your car in the drive way This is another debated tactic. Some highly recommend it to make it look like someone is home. Others maintain that a car that doesn't move is a tip off. Still others recommend offering your neighbor a place to park.

~~Padlock all gates Make your backyard inaccessible. Padlocking your gates when you are at home can be inconvenient, but the advantages of doing it while you are on vacation are great. It not only makes getting into the 

back yard more difficult (not impossible mind you, just difficult), but it seriously hinders getting out while carrying items like stereos and computers. This difficulty level serves as a strong deterrent.

~~Let a neighbor know where you are going and leave a contact number and a key

~~Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave.  Make sure the alarm system is armed As obvious as this may sound, quite often in the rush to get out the door this can be overlooked.