The most popular debate on flooring choices is between hardwoods and tile floors.   I will be listing a question from one of our clients and then a few solutions for those concerns.

CLIENT QUESTION: “Any ideas what to do when someone wants tile and someone else want hardwood? My husband wants tile and I would prefer hardwood…I don’t like tile because it’s cold and I don’t want to worry about cleaning grout ….and he doesn’t like hardwood because he’s afraid our bulldog and our future kids might destroy it one day.  Should we go with something completely different as a compromise?….Are there any other options that would add value to our home aside from tile and hardwood?” – Meg, Cincinnati

What a great question, as this has been asked all the time of us.  It usually depends on the reason for not wanting one or the other.  Therefore, I will address each of these issues and hopefully find a solution!

Cold tile:  The fix for this is to install a radiant heated floor system under the tile.  It usually costs less than most people expect, and makes a huge difference when walking around barefoot.  From an energy stand point installing a heated floor system will save on energy bills in the future.  The radiant floor will ensure improved insulation and heating properties while reducing heat loss from the subfloor.

 Hard to clean grout:  There are a few ways you can handle the grout issue.  The first thing we recommend is going with a larger tile to cut down on amount of grout lines, while also making the grout lines themselves smaller.  A typical grout line is anywhere from 1/16 “  to ¼” grout on normal tiles.  You can go larger depending on the style and type of stone, but usually it is not recommended.  In this case, sticking with a 1/16” or 1/8” grout line would be recommended.

Choose a grout color that is a neutral tone, and similar to the type of tile chosen.  For example, if you chose a natural travertine in a tan family, choose a grout that is similar to the colors chosen.  Avoid a grout that is too dark such as a chocolate, or too light such as white. Picking a neutral color will minimize the look of dirt overtime, and make it less noticeable overall.

Lastly, if you are using normal sanded or unsanded grout… you will need to seal it.  This is very important as it will lock in the color of the grout, while making it non-porous and easier to clean.  The grout would be less likely to absorb dirt and stains once sealed.  Another grout option is the use of urethane grouts.  Urethane grouts (brand name StarQuartz) come pre-made, are easy to install and do not need sealed.  They are manufactured with all of the benefits and all you need to do is install it accordingly.

 Scratched Hardwoods:  This is usually unavoidable, but there are definite ways that you can cut down on scratches.  Some woods such as Brazilian cherry, Brazilian walnut and bamboo lend themselves to be harder woods than oak, heart pine and maple flooring.   Bamboo is growing in popularity due to the economical price points, beautiful finishes available, and sustainable features.

 You can opt for a distressed floor, and a lower sheen on the finish.  The distressing with scrapes and dents will make any scratches from the dog less visible.  While the lower sheen on the finishing coats will also cut down on the scratch visibility.  Keep in mind that ¾” hardwoods can be sanded and refinished many times over their lifetime.  Wood is also more likely to hold its value over time, due to its natural beauty and characteristics.

 COMPROMISE:  A good compromise for you both may be a hardwood look tile, with small grouts and the radiant heated floor.  You get the look of wood, with the durability of tile.  Hardwood looking tile is relatively new, and gaining popularity.  I  have seen many applications where people don’t even know the tile is not hardwood.  What do you think?

Finally, some other options are cork flooring, or laminate flooring.  Laminate flooring can be a good alternative, because it is less likely to scratch, is priced lower than hardwood, and is easy to install.  If laminate is the way you want to go I would recommend a high end laminate as real hardwoods are still more likely to add value to a home.  Laminate can also be difficult for animals as they slip and slide more so than tile or wood.

Cork flooring has its own unique look, while adding comfort and durability.  This is a good alternative to tile and wood, as cork will stand up to scratching better than hardwoods. Like bamboo, cork is also gaining popularity due to its environmentally friendly properties.

As you can see, the flooring options can be both subjective and objective.  When it comes to selecting the right flooring for your next kitchen or bathroom remodel  it is important to also keep in mind your overall style, look and feel you want in the newly designed room.  Which flooring is right for your kitchen design?

Feel free to ask additional questions… as there is so much information when it comes to flooring options!!

Quartz countertops are an engineered stone alternative to a natural stone such as granite, marble, soapstone, etc.  Known for it’s aesthetic properties like consistent pattern, and unique colors, quartz is also very durable because it is non-porous, scratch and heat resistant.  Although one will argue that quartz cannot compare to the beauty of a natural stone, Caesarstone is one of the companies that are thinking out of the box in order to do so!

Take a look at these Caesarstone quartz beauties!!!:

Although the following pictures are not true engineered quartz countertop (93% quartz crystals, 7% resin)… Concetto by Caesarstone is a quartz surface made with natural, semi-precious stones.  Yes, I said semi-precious stones.  This has been around for a few years, and it still amazes me every time I see this product.  What makes this fascinating, is that it is also made by hand.  During the manufacturing process, the semi-precious stones are embedded into the quartz surfacing, by hand, much like a jeweled inlay.   The finished product… a high end surface that is sure to catch anyone’s attention.

The Albero collection by Concetto is, again, unique in its own in that it is made from petrified wood.  Although the picture above shows this being used on the floor… I would love to see this on a bar in a lounge, or as the top to an executives desk.  There are so many creative uses that would really enhance the beauty of any of these products.

After a long, stressful day… sometimes you need an escape.  Why not escape to your home spa, or …. a.k.a. master bath?!   There are some key elements to keep in mind if you want a spa like master bath.  Use natural stones such as travertine, marble and pebbles… neutral colors such as soft tans, blues or greens… and medium wood tones to enhance your feeling of relaxation.  (What also works is  the addition of music, candles and a beverage…whether it be hot tea, or a glass of wine!)

The first main objective is to try to bring the feel of outdoors in to get that ‘zen’ feel.  Mother nature in the form of trees and water is so relaxing in itself, so why not use it.

Bring the outdoors in, with large windows & rich wood tones.

Use a light stained wood for a vanity, gray tile, and a pebble shower floor to create a spa feel.

While visually stunning and relaxing, this bathroom has many various organic elements lending to its zen qualities.  Take note of the stone basin for a sink, dark metallic and ‘bark’ inspired tile, and open shower space.

Again, a pebbled floor and neutral wood tones.  How unique is this sink?

This bathroom is amazing.  The design features are simple, and lend itself to be the perfect frame and relaxation point for the beautiful view.

Horizontal lines, floating vanities and natural travertine lend itself to be more of a modern look.

However you want to achieve your spa look, the ideas are endless!  The space just needs to be comfortable, and suited to your tastes and needs.

While the ceiling here looks more like a painted wood, or a dark stain… the overall comfy feel of this room is created by the dark black ceiling.  What adds some brightness to the room is the open windows, white walls, and bright colors such as the green.  

How great is this room? Not only did they use the dark chocolate on the ceiling but they also used it on the walls.  The beautiful crown molding, base board & window casings add enough white to really make the dark paint stand out.  Dark paint can also make your white moldings ‘pop’.  You can look at it either way! 

More dark ceilings, large moldings, and light walls… noticing a trend?  

 I still love this dining room because of those beautiful aqua chairs, and the open feel of such a dark room.  It does help to have a lot of natural light, and large painted moldings.  What also would brighten this room is the use of a lighter color rug, and some art work that stands out against the gray. 

Feel how light and airy this room is!  This is a beautiful contrast of light fabrics, and wall colors.  Adding to this is the use of lighter materials such as glass, brushed steel, and white pottery.  

A bedroom which feels very cozy and large! The white trim detail on the ceiling with the dark chocolate paint adds to the height of the room.  


Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are painting your ceiling a darker color, to keep the room feeling open and brighter:

• Higher ceilings (9′ +) can tend to be extreme dark colors (chocolate, black, charcoal).  Lower ceilings will want to stay on the medium tones (tans, pewters). 
• Keep a lighter or neutral color on the walls.
• Paint your trim white, and add room crown.  Depending on budget, switch small room trim to larger room trim. 
• Ground the room with a lighter color rug.  
• Use lighter furniture, and accents that introduce some lighter or brighter colors.
• Make sure the room has adequate light if you are going extremely dark.  If it doesn’t, you may want to opt for a medium tone.  
• Introduce additional lighting in the form of lamps, wall sconces, ceiling lights, or even recessed lighting.  

As always, my tips are not ‘rules’… so every single one doesn’t have to apply to your situation to still have a fabulous space, with a stunning dark ceiling!  

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

I love the mix of wood tone and antique white cabinetry, with the porcelain blue island.  Mixing finishes (2 or more) is a custom and popular choice in kitchen design.

Warmington & North I love the soft green cabinets in this kitchen mixed with the marble countertops and dark hardwoods!

Mark Williams Design This is not a huge kitchen, but the fresh color and openness add to the illusion that it is large.

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Shaker with a twist! A twist of lime that is…

House Beautiful

Bright colors, and beautiful design! 

Henryot & Cie – Style et Confort

It may not be gilded with gold leaf, but it is with silver leaf adding modern elegance to this winged back chair and beautiful damask print. 

For you do-it-yourselfers out there… this antique has been refinished by painting the legs silver, and getting it reupholstered in a fabric similar to the Louis XV time period.

MyFab – Carla Chair

Classic print and overall shape… yet very modern!

Ikat

They can make any custom size you want but they have ready-made sizes for common Ikea furnishings.  A way to make a somewhat boring piece of furniture into a true WOW piece!

Check out this creative by Amanda Carol at Home - she started with the Ikea Malm Dresser:

And ended up with this one-of-a-kind piece!

Gorgeous, right?!  Have any great DIY projects to share?

This first one is from Kravet.  I came across this while furniture shopping with my bf, Craig, as we had the option to pick out custom upholstery.  This is one of the fabrics where I fell in love with the colors, and pattern.  Even Craig liked it… which is a huge accomplishment because he can be very opinionated when it comes to furniture and fabric, and likes to challenge the designer… (me of course!)
  

Kravet – Latika

Latika print by Kravet.  As I mentioned above, the colors and patterns drew me to this fabric.  I cannot wait to use it in our house when the time comes!  Although… as you will see from the rest of these fabrics, there are some stunning choices available…

Kravet – Idelle

Kravet – Chardin

Kravet – Malaysia

Kravet – Jacopo

Brunschwig & Fils –  Octavia velvet print – Sapphire

Brunschwig & Fils – Inwardleigh Velvet – Prussian Blue

Brunschwig & Fils – Theodora print – Cream/Mauve

Kravet – Wow Factor – Citron