5 Great Flooring Materials For Common Areas

Flooring is an important decision when deciding on design elements for a new home. Installing new flooring is a significant investment and is often the foundation of an interior design theme. Flooring in common areas needs to be functional for day-to-day life and aesthetically pleasing. This week, we’ve outlined some popular flooring choices to consider for your next renovation. 

Carpet

Carpet can be the most economical initial investment and is much softer & quieter than other flooring options. Some carpeting is too easy to stain or damage, while other carpeting hides dirt. Professional deep cleaning can be expensive but worth it if you’re looking for that extra homey feel that comes with carpet.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring is a durable, waterproof floor that has the look of hardwood or stone without the high cost. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and, thanks to its multiple layers, can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a classy and inviting choice with almost any interior design style. They are great for dry climates but don’t hold up as well in humid climates. They can also be costly and require quite a bit of maintenance.

Engineered Wood 

Engineered wood is made by binding pieces of natural wood, scrap wood, shredded wood fibers, and sawdust with adhesives to create products that look and act like wood but are designed to be more robust and durable. It can’t be exposed to a lot of moisture but are a high-quality option for a high cost.

Tile

Tile is a versatile option for flooring that comes in many colors, styles, and patterns to suit a range of interiors. A drawback of tile flooring is that it doesn’t bring the same warmth to a home and is often physically cold. In addition, tile typically requires more maintenance, such as cleaning and repainting, and cracks are possible. Tile is a permanent choice and can be a pain to remove, but it is an excellent option for those who have a specific look in mind. 

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made of composite wood with an image of natural wood printed on top. The most significant selling points are price, durability, and style. Laminate flooring is waterproof, which is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It’s also scratch-resistant, making it great for pets and kids with toys. 

Conclusion

There is a range of flooring options available to match every interior. Need help getting started on a new renovation? Contact us today!

A Peek Inside Unit 17

It’s official – there are just two units currently left for sale at The Residences at 66 High Street. Every unit completed has a design all it’s own, while maintaining the sense of luxury that 66 High Street is known for. 

The Horton Group works with residents to customize each unit to feel like home from day one. Unit 17, which recently sold, was no exception. The customized options have us inspired! 

Come take a peek at Unit 17, and learn about some of the build-to-suit options available for the remaining units at 66 High Street!

Color Scheme

Color can completely change the feel in any room. Dark, earthy tones create a grounding space, while neutrals can create a feeling of spaciousness. Pops of color are also an option for those who love a bold statement. Whatever your color preference is, this is an easy customization for any unit. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most customizable rooms in any unit. Select your preferred appliances, layout, backsplash, and added features. Unit 17 has a walk-in pantry with an extra fridge!

Molding and Trim

Do you love intricate crown molding or modern lines? Another simple way to customize a space is to select your preferred molding and trim throughout the home. 

Flooring

No matter what type of flooring you prefer, there are endless options! If you select wood floors, there are still decisions to be made on the boards’ width, length, and color. You can also decide if you want the same flooring throughout the entire home, or change it up in different living spaces. 

Cabinetry

Custom cabinetry always makes a statement and creates a unique focal point in any room. Design a kitchen to meet your needs, install custom bookshelves in the living room, create the walk-in closet of your dreams, and make sure you have the bathroom storage you need with custom cabinetry. 

Countertops

Granite, quartz, or butcher block? Countertops in the kitchen and bathroom last years, so it’s important that you love the ones installed. After you share your vision with your contractor, you can review options and view samples until you find the countertop of your dreams. 

Custom Additions

When it comes to other custom additions, we are thrilled to make your vision come to life! Unit 17 features custom wine storage in the kitchen and Swing Catalyst for perfecting the golf swing. We have worked with residents to create custom home offices, home bars, and more. These final touches make your unit unique to you – and that’s what makes it feel like home. 

Interested in learning more about the build-to-suit options available at the Residences at 66 High Street? Contact us today!

Flooring Options

Your choice in flooring is one of the most crucial decisions you have to make when it comes to home improvement. Different flooring can add texture, warmth, and functionality throughout your home. The material is an essential part of your interior design, and because it lasts for years, you want to make sure the flooring you choose fits your needs. Before you make your decision, learn more about the most common flooring options.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring continues to be the top choice for homeowners and homebuyers due to its clean look and long term return on investment. Hardwood floors are often the most expensive option as well, with an average installation price of $4,750. These floors are a durable option for main floor plans and easy to clean. 

Carpet

Carpet allows you to create soft, comfortable rooms while limiting noise pollution. Often found in bedrooms, carpet is one of the cheapest options averaging $7.25 per square foot for instillations. Although carpet may require more upkeep, it is a great economical solution and very kid-friendly. 

Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors are a popular and affordable option for almost anywhere in the home. Durable, affordable, and easy to install, laminate flooring comes in countless designs and textures to match a natural wood feel. The only disadvantages for laminate floorings are that they are prone to moisture and buckling, requiring a moisture barrier during installation. 

Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring 

Vinyl or linoleum flooring is multi-dimensional in regard to its durability and many different designs. These synthetic floors efficiently mimic wood, tile, and stone, therefore making it the perfect material to put almost anywhere in a home. This option is also affordable and easy to install. 

Natural Stone Tile Flooring

Natural Stone tiling is a classic look that includes granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, and travertine. Of course these looks are a bit more expensive, however they bring a real solid feel to the bathroom, laundry room, and mud room. These natural stone tiles also may require different care depending on what finish is added to the floor, such as polished marble scratching easier than a granite slate. 

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Ceramic or porcelain tile flooring is a durable and non-porous option that accents bathrooms, kitchens, and entrances beautifully. Due to its water resistance, these floors are easy to maintain and secure for your home. Unlike wood or carpet floorings, tiled floors are able to be repaired without having to redo the entire floor. 

Different floors provide different designs to bring into your home. Many homebuyers or home renovators look to preserve as much hard wood as they can due to how expensive it is to replace. Depending on the condition, vinyl and linoleum floors should be replaced in older homes, mainly because newer synthetic floors are much more appealing and affordable as well. The decision is all up to the homeowner, just make sure to educate yourself on these types of floors before purchasing the material!

10 Tile Trends of 2020

Before events were put on hold, Coverings led the fourth annual National Tile Day celebration in January. Now that people have spent a couple of months indoors, many are considering ways to add new life to their homes.

Tile is a timeless design element, as it is both durable and beautiful. While the trends and colors vary throughout the years, tile remains a popular option for flooring and backsplash in residential and commercial design. 

As the largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, Coverings gathered with sponsors Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America, and Tile of Spain to report 2020’s top 10 Tile Trends. 

If you’re considering new flooring, check out what’s trending this year:

1. Mixed Color Palettes

Classic blues, blush pinks, sage green, and dusty oranges create a calming environment. 

2. Refined Natural Wood Looks

If you prefer a natural look, wood continues to be prominent in interior design. Digital printing technology has made excellent advances, making it possible for tile to mimic natural wood. 

3. Precious and Gemstone Style Made Sustainable

Precious materials are beloved, but not sustainable. Similar to wood, the evolution of technology allows for tile to look and feel like rare marbles and semi-precious stones. Onyx, agate, and Akoya pearls can all be emulated with tile. 

4. Mixed Geometrics

There’s more to tile than the color and finish. Non-rectangular shapes, including trapezoid, rhombus, and diamond shapes, allow for attractive layouts. 

5. Counter Culture

Flooring, backsplashes, and don’t forget about countertops! Tile is durable and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for counters. 

6. Psychedelic

Bright colors and psychedelic patterns will be making a comeback this year. This trend is for the bold!

7. Industrial Chic

Concrete and stone create an industrial vibe. Just like tile that resembles wood or gemstone, this trend can replicate the look of concrete, or add in variations on color and patterns. 

8. Modernized Marble

Ceramic materials, which in the past were inspired by traditional marble design, are being modernized for people who love a contemporary look. 

9. Speckled Surfaces

Technicolor dots and specs, along with modern terrazzo styles, will make an appearance in 2020. 

10. Large-Scale Patterns

Ceramic tiles will be used to create bigger, bolder patterns. 

The versatility of tile allows it to be used in any room, no matter your style. Which of these ten trends are you most likely to bring into your home?

Kitchen Design: Forbes’ Top Trends in 2020

As the heart of the home and one of the most popular rooms to remodel, kitchens are always a main focus in residential construction. 

At the start of the new decade, Forbes gathered predictions from seven industry professionals to share the top kitchen trends for 2020. Here’s what they had to say:

Floor Plan and Layout

An open floor plan has been a desired layout for many years, and this is one trend that isn’t going away. However, experts are noticing a trend toward semi-open spaces. Jean Brownhill, founder and CEO at Sweeten, said semi-open spaces use “decorative architectural elements like archways to define ‘zones’ without closing off the room entirely.”

Kitchen Storage

With the number of cooking appliances, tools, and utensils, storage is essential in the kitchen. Here are a few trends in kitchen storage this year:

  • Drawers with customized storage options. 
  • Hidden storage is a key trend. Michele Alfano, principal at Michele Alfano Design, said, “Kitchen cabinetry is acting more like furniture with flat panels and integrated hardware. Our appliances are starting to be hidden and not visible in our kitchens.”
  • Floating shelves and glass-front cabinets open up the kitchen.
  • Soft close drawers and cabinets. 

Appliances

Convection and induction cooking are becoming more popular options with homeowners. In addition, most appliances are becoming “smart.” With advances in technology, appliances can do more than ever before. For those more interested in the finish of appliances, the experts agree that stainless steel will remain popular. 

Countertops

Quartz and porcelain are moving in, and granite is moving out.

“Porcelain slabs are proving to be more durable than granite and maintenance-free,” said Alfano.

In addition to countertops, these materials are being used for bar tops, island overhangs, and backsplashes. 

Flooring

Porcelain is also making its way to the floor in kitchens, in the form of large, sleek tiles. People are becoming more playful with the design and texture of the flooring. Alfano said,

“We will see more surprising textures, unique shapes, and richer veining.”

Sinks and Faucets

Smart faucet sensors will continue to appear in kitchens, allowing people to turn the water on and off with the wave of a hand. Black and brushed brass fixtures are trending with pro-style chef sinks in the kitchen. 

 

Kitchens are not only a place to prepare meals, but a room filled with social interaction, memories, and of course, good food. To make the most of a kitchen remodel, make sure the design reflects your style and way of life.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood floors are a sought after finish in any home. Hardwood floors create a high-end look, are durable and easy to clean, and have a low-allergy surface. But solid hardwood flooring can expand, contract, and warp during warm or humid months. This is why we choose to install engineered hardwood flooring from Neal’s Wood Flooring in The Residences at 66 High Street.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of several layers. The top and bottom layers are 100% natural wood. The middle layers consist of plywood, hardwood, or fiberboard, and are crossed in different directions. Engineered hardwood flooring is typically between ⅜” and ¾” thick.

What are the benefits?

The construction of engineered hardwood flooring prevents warping and bowing, leaving you with durable, long-lasting floors. This allows you to install engineered hardwood flooring in areas of the home that are subject to moisture, such as basements or bathrooms. In these rooms, installation should occur with a protective moisture barrier.

What type of wood can be found in engineered flooring?

When it comes to engineered wood flooring, the possibilities are endless. You can find just about any type of wood, including hickory, oak, maple, walnut, birch, tigerwood, and even bamboo. You also have options for the surface finish, including wide or narrow boards, gloss or matte finish, or hand-scraped or distress for a rustic appearance.

Getting the right look is important when choosing wood floors. Depending on the room size, flow of traffic, and level of the room, some options will be more suitable than others. Neal’s Wood Floors answers some additional frequently asked questions here.

 

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