Floor your house guests with creative design twists

(BPT) - Hardwood flooring brings enduring beauty, charm and value to a home. Not content to keep a good thing underfoot, inspired homeowners are now finding new and creative locations to use it for a dramatic effect.

Using hardwood flooring on walls and ceilings is becoming an increasingly prominent trend. The rationale goes beyond aesthetic. While the wide variety of colors and finishes do provide myriad design options, hardwood flooring is also very durable and easy to maintain.

Here are just a few of the many considerations for creatively using hardwood flooring:

1. Deck the walls.

Just like floors, there are a multitude of colors, patterns and finishes that can be installed on walls. After choosing the hardwood to match your decor, design a layout for how high you want it to go and how you want the planks positioned. Choose a horizontal layout for a traditional look, or go with a vertical or diagonal layout for a more distinctive statement. It’s important to decide this in advance to avoid wasting materials.

2. Ceilings to look up to.

If you want your ceiling to take center stage, it’s best to keep the floor neutral and muted. For cohesion, use the same tone on both the ceiling and floor. In an all-white room, try a wooden ceiling with a matte finish for a complementary look.

3. Make more of less.

Hardwood flooring accents can help you make the most of a smaller space. In the bedroom, place hardwood flooring around and above your bed to create a headboard. This creates a familiar look and ties a room together without taking up extra space. Another idea is to use hardwood flooring to create an accent wall. This makes the room feel larger by focusing attention to one wall.

4. Choose the right flooring.

It is important to choose the right hardwood flooring for specific applications. Lighter-weight products – usually 5/16-inch to 1/2-inch thick – are easier to install and keep in place over time. Flooring types and textures such as acacia or handscraped styles add a distinctive character to rooms. The team at Interior Surfaces can help you choose the right flooring.

Creative options still abound if you’re a homeowner who literally remains grounded with their flooring. When deciding how to decorate an expansive room, for example, different colors or species of hardwood can be used to section off separate areas – especially in open spaces commonly found in loft style and other contemporary construction.

Imagination is ultimately the only limit for homeowners and the staff at Interior Surfaces are here to help! Give us a call at 614.761.7856 to make an appointment to meet with us at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

Dress up your Floors with Top Tile Trends

(BPT) - If you are renovating any area of your home, it may be time to try something new—such as bringing tile into main living areas in addition to your bathrooms and kitchen. New designs, styles and technologies are making tile the most versatile and accessible flooring material.

“Tile has always been durable and easy to maintain,” says Kevin McDaniel, director of product development and design services for a leading tile retailer. “Tile has a long life span and classic good looks, making it a favorite flooring of choice wherever homeowners need a floor material that’s both practical and beautiful. Even more design options are available now, making tile a smart floor surface in virtually any room of the home.”
Homeowners, builders, designers and product developers are thinking outside the box when incorporating tile into renovations and new builds. From bringing tile flooring up the wall, to using the same tile flooring across multiple rooms, they’re working with tile in non-traditional ways. Here are some top tile trends to consider for your interior design project:

1. The look of real wood with a rustic finish. Many of the larger-format faux wood tiles mimic the look of real hardwood floors. Less expensive and more durable than real wood, these tile floors are practical yet beautiful choices for active households with children and pets. Details evoke the character of real wood, right down to the nails. “Rustic faux wood is making a huge splash because of its warm, earthy coloring and unusual time-worn finishes such as aged paint, a finish hard to achieve with real wood. I foresee it continuing to be a very popular design trend,” McDaniel says.

2. Those longer tile planks. While standard square tile sizes will always have their place in home décor, rectangular tiles – otherwise known as planks — are gaining popularity. New 12-by-24-inch tiles are a hot choice in bathrooms and 6-by-36-inch tiles or 8-inch by 8-feet planks (often in wood-grained looks) are a favorite for living areas.
“Using longer planks can help smaller spaces look larger, and create an appealing consistency across multiple rooms,” says McDaniel. “While consumers may be familiar with traditional tile shapes such as square or hexagon, these longer tiles offer exciting new design flexibility.”

3. That poured concrete look. While concrete is a trendy design material right now, it’s not practical for every household or application. New tile styles create the look of poured or stained concrete at a fraction of the cost, and with all the durability, versatility and ease associated with tile. Tile options range from long rectangular 8-by-18-inch or 12-by-24-inch planks to 18-by-18-inch squares. Tiles are rectified—the edge is cut completely straight—and grout joints are very narrow to further create the look of seamless concrete.

4. The warmth of heated floors. While heated floors were once a luxury option for homeowners, they’re becoming increasingly mainstream. Tile lends itself to radiant heat beneath the floor. You can find a full line of accessories, including thermostats, which can control the heat in any floor in your home. This includes both the shower floor and shower benches.

5. Unconventional grout and tile design ideas. Using a high-contrast grout color can make the floor pop, and it’s a tactic that works well with mosaic designs. Choosing the right grout color is just as important as the tile you select. Also popular is the concept of mosaic designs that mimic an area rug within a larger section of tile flooring and create the look of custom art within the floor.


Shopping for tile designs and inspiration is easy with help from the staff at Interior Surfaces. Give us a call at 614.761.7856 to make an appointment to meet with us at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

Choosing the hardwood floor that's right for you

(BPT) - After kids go back to school, homeowners finally have time to complete remodeling projects. This makes autumn a popular time for home improvements. In fact, home improvement activity is expected to peak in the final three months of 2014, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity developed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Installing hardwood flooring is one of the most popular renovation projects. Homeowners desire hardwood floors for many reasons. They’re durable and can withstand the wear and tear of playful kids and pets. They retain a classic, natural look and feel, adding to a home’s elegance. Plus, hardwood floors are simple to clean and maintain.

Since a floor is a key design element, it’s important to make sure the right one is selected based on its location and the homeowner’s lifestyle and personal preference. With the wide variety of flooring types, choosing the right floor for a space can be overwhelming. These key tips will help homeowners find and install the perfect hardwood floor.

Location, location, location

Where the flooring will be installed is an important consideration to ensure the floor will retain its beauty for generations. If on or above ground level, there are a wide variety of options available, from solid hardwood to bamboo varieties. For below-ground-level installations, such as basements, it’s important to choose a flooring type – such as engineered hardwood – that can withstand moisture.

Suit your lifestyle

If the hardwood floor will be in a well-traveled part of a home, or serve as ground zero for active kids and pets, it’s best to choose a wood variety that is at least as hard as red oak, as this is the industry benchmark for comparing the relative hardness of wood species. Viewing how floors compare on this scale and considering lifestyle attributes will help determine the flooring that’s right for a room. In addition, there are other flooring varieties to consider such as cork, laminate and vinyl for those who want the most durable hardwood alternative.

Color your home with style

Various hardwood floor hues and finishes can complete the look of a room or set the foundation for a room’s design, so it’s important to base color and species on personal preference. Somerset Hardwood Flooring, for example, is a premier line of hardwood flooring that offers a range of colors and finishes.

For help choosing the hardwood floor that's right for you, call InteriorSurfaces at 614.761.7856 and make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

Keep them home, happy and studying: Creating a kid-friendly space

(BPT) - Would a great study space ease your child’s transition from summer to school? Perhaps an awesome lounge area could convince your teens – and all their friends – that your house is the best hangout spot ever. Whatever your objectives, a few design and decorating tricks can help you create a kid-friendly space in your home.

The basics of good design that make grown-up spaces appealing also work for children’s spaces. When designing a kid-friendly room, however, it’s important to keep in mind not only the purpose of the room (study, fun, sleep, etc.) but the age of the occupant, his or her interests as well as incorporating fun into the design. Here are some tips to get you started:

Consider creating a theme. Kids of all ages love themes. To decide which one might be right for your project, consider things your child has shown an enduring interest in. For example, she may be into princesses right now and hate the theme next year. On the other hand, if she’s always loved the color pink and has a passion for animals, those elements could be worked into a theme that she’ll appreciate for years to come.

Choose flooring that fulfills multiple needs. Carpeting absorbs sound (for when kids play loud video games or music) and is comfortable for youngsters who like to sit or lie on the floor while they do homework, read, watch TV or socialize. What’s more, it’s available in virtually every hue and pattern imaginable, ensuring you’ll find something that appeals to both your design sense and your child’s tastes. Stain-resistant formulas and durable fibers ensure modern carpeting can stand up to the rigors of use in a child’s room. And, according to the Carpet & Rug Institute, properly cleaned carpet can maintain indoor air quality, making it a viable choice for families impacted by asthma and allergies.

A child’s space needs layers of lighting, just as adult spaces do. As you’re choosing lighting, keep in mind how your child will use the room. If he will be doing homework, task lighting and desk lights will illuminate study areas. Will the room be a movie room or a “hangout” for older teens? Recessed and dimmable lighting may be appropriate. Don’t forget to include natural light in your illumination plans. Avoid heavy drapery. Instead, opt for bright colors and lightweight materials for window treatments so windows admit ample light. If you have a larger budget, consider adding a skylight to provide light while preserving privacy.

Organization is key in a child’s room, and ample storage facilitates good organization. Depending on the size of the room and how it will be used, shelving, portable cubes, book cases and other furnishings can provide plenty of storage space. For desks, look for desktop organizers that will keep important papers and supplies tidy and close at hand. By helping kids stay organized now, you’ll be laying the foundation for a lifetime of good organizational skills.

Remember the fun factor. Whatever the purpose of a child’s room, fun should be a universal ingredient. You can infuse fun in a room in many ways, from creating a video game center for lounge rooms to choosing colorful, texturally appealing carpeting for a bedroom. A touch of whimsy, such as a swing hung from the ceiling or a wall mural of your child’s favorite cartoon character, can produce smiles every time kids see them.

With some creativity and the right materials, it’s possible to create a space that will make children comfortable, happy and ready to tackle the new school year. Your first step should be to call InteriorSurfaces at 614.761.7856 to make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

From floor to fixtures: Top spring home decor trends add style and personality

(BPT) - Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to refresh your indoor spaces to reflect the energy and optimism of the season. The top home decor trends of spring 2014 take a fresh approach to traditional design elements to create an aesthetic that is fresh and full of life. Best yet, the trends are easily accessible, so anyone can update their space with a few simple tips.

Carpet

More homeowners are seeking the beauty, comfort and safety that carpet provides, making it a top flooring trend for spring 2014 and beyond. What types of carpet are popular?

“New soft fibers,” says Vickie Gilstrap, director of design services for The Dixie Group, a top U.S. carpet manufacturer. “Consumers went away from wall-to-wall carpet, as hard surface flooring gained in popularity. Then, people began to miss the softness and warmth of carpet. Carpet absorbs sound, making homes quieter, and traps dust at the base of the carpet fibers so that dust doesn't circulate in the room air. The soft fibers give us a reason to put carpet down again.”  She is also seeing increased interest in “mixed-media” carpet styles – with hi-lustre and low-lustre yarns used in the same carpet. Additionally, patterns are being featured on top of texture, giving a multi-dimensional appearance to flooring.


Not only stylish, carpet is healthy, too. People with allergies or other sensitivities can choose carpet as a way to improve indoor air quality. A recent study supports previous findings that carpet, when effectively cleaned, traps allergens and other particles, resulting in less dust, dander and airborne contaminants escaping into the air.

Color

Thoughtful use of color in home design is a top trend for 2014. “Colors are getting warmer,” notes Gilstrap. “Taupe is the bridge color taking us from gray to browner tones. Warm pinks are returning, as well as warmer greens like moss and olive - even apple.”
This spring, more homeowners are using textures and patterns to make a visual statement through design. Strategic use of texture and patterns can highlight certain interior spaces, manipulate the light within the room and influence scale. Blending both adds visual interest and helps homeowners create a unique space to call their own.
Lighting plays an important two-pronged role: it makes a space functional and also helps define its design aesthetic. Adjusting the task lighting within a room can instantly make the space more livable and highlight the design motif. Another easy lighting update is purchasing new lamps or simply adding new shades to existing lamps – a great way to refresh a space with minimal cost.

Keep in mind adding personality to a space through use of warm color doesn’t necessarily require a complete interior overhaul. Consider incorporating spring colors using accent pieces. It’s easy to switch up pillows, throws or artwork without investing a lot of time or money. Plus it’s a fun way to update the personality of your favorite spaces every season.

Texture and pattern

“Layering of pattern and texture – in floors, walls, upholstery, window treatments – gives a more individualized feel,” says Gilstrap. Scared of mixing patterns and textures? She suggests placing patterns on stairs or in hallways. If big and bold patterns aren’t your taste, consider sticking to small, neutral patterns that can be a subtle way to add visual interest and design complexity to interior spaces.

Lighting

Keep in mind, when selecting fixtures, there’s no longer a need to avoid gold tones. “Gold is coming back– we are seeing more gold and copper and less silver,” says Gilstrap.

Want to really redefine your home’s lighting? Ornamental lighting is big this year with designers thinking outside the box when it comes to how and where these fixtures can be used. For example, dramatic chandeliers are no longer reserved for formal spaces such as the dining room or foyer. This spring, you can add a touch of elegance to any space by adding a stylish chandelier, plus it doesn't take up much design real estate space. Bedrooms, basements and bars are just a few unique areas where chandeliers can be featured.

For more tips on adding style to your home this spring, call Interior Surfaces at 614.761.7856 and make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017. 

Staff Spotlight: Rick Robinson & Affordable Custom Flooring

Rick Robinson is the owner of Affordable Custom Flooring. He has been in the construction business for 14 years and understands customers are sometimes overwhelmed by the large number of flooring options available today. He strives to educate his clients to determine the best floor for you needs. Our large showroom has a huge selection of products to fit any budget.

Once the product has been selected, the quality of the installation is equally important. The installers that Rick employs are courteous, friendly, and the best flooring installers in the city. Every floor, whether it be a new home or existing, is different. Their attention to detail ensures the floor is installed right the first time. Many of Affordable Custom Flooring’s repeat customers request the same installers by first name. He understands that providing superior customer service and installation, at an affordable price, is the key to success.

If your floors need replacing or you're just tired of looking at the same thing, don't wait! Rick Robinson or any of the other staff at Interior Surfaces would be delighted to assist you in your choice of the highest quality flooring products. Call 614.761.7856 and make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4343 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

Tips to spruce up your home for the holidays

(BPT) - Holidays are when most people open their homes for friends and family. Sharing the

season's greetings is always the priority but these gatherings are also an opportunity to show off improvements made during the year.

This is one of the reasons that autumn is a popular time for home improvements. Fifty-two percent of homeowners plan to make home improvements this fall, according to the leading real estate website Zillow. It is also a great time of year for deals as retailers unload inventory to make room for new styles.

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere includes much more than just poinsettias and Santa Claus centerpieces. There are a number of affordable steps homeowners can take to add a real "wow factor" to their holiday entertaining.

Kitchen updates

The kitchen is commonly one of the busiest rooms during the holidays. Since guests often gather there, it makes sense to make the space the focus for a few improvements before the holidays. Simple and inexpensive updates, such as adding new knobs and handles to cabinets or installing a new backsplash, will make a big difference. Stylish new light fixtures can also give your kitchen a quick facelift that will impress your guests.

Install hardwood floors

The warmth and beauty of hardwood floors can transform the look and feel of your home to create a space that will stun your guests. And unlike carpet, hardwood floors do not stain or wear as easily from inevitable spills and foot traffic that the holidays bring.Visually unique flooring options such as bamboo bring together both the aesthetic and practical advantages of hardwood flooring. Many flooring options carry transferable warranties that assure these benefits will be sustained for a lifetime of holiday gatherings.

De-clutter

It's important to create inviting open space for guests to enjoy. De-cluttering bookshelves and removing miscellaneous furniture can help make a room feel larger and more open, and will allow room for festive seasonal decor. Spending time to organize the refrigerator will make space for any holiday dishes a guest brings.

Improve the entry

The front entry provides the first impression of a home, so it's important to create a stylish, cared-for and welcoming look. Homeowners can complete small projects outside, such as updating house numbers, painting the front door and creating holiday-themed arrangements. Simple decor updates just inside the door - such as adding family photos and new rugs - will add a warm and personal feel.

Looking to spruce up your home for the holidays? For more tips call Interior Surfaces at 614.761.7856 and make an appointment to meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017. 

3 Ways to Make Your House Look Like a "Million Dollar Listing" for Less

(BPT) - A new report reveals houses are selling faster and for more money, yet another indicator of a rebounding housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, full-year sales of previously owned homes increased by 9 percent in 2012 over the previous year. Plus, home prices jumped up 12.3 percent, the biggest percentage gain since January 2005. -

This will challenge sellers to sharpen their competitive edge as more homeowners, encouraged by promising indicators, put their house on the market. Josh Altman, one of the top 10 realtors in the country and star of Bravo's hit TV show "Million Dollar Listing: L.A.," shares three strategies for making houses more desirable to buyers.

1.) Install hardwood floors

"Installing hardwood floors is one of the smartest investments a seller can make," said Altman. "Hardwood flooring is easy to install, never goes out of style and is extremely desirable to homebuyers."

Countless hardwood flooring options, including popular bamboo varieties, allow homeowners to easily select a floor that looks great and fits within their budget. Homeowners can even differentiate their floors - and houses - by transferring the flooring's warranty to the new owner.

Laminate or vinyl flooring is another option for getting a fresh, updated look. Laminate enables homeowners to get the look of hardwood for less, and there are even options for DIY novices, such as flooring that easily clicks together without glue or nails.

2.) Increase the curb appeal

First impressions matter, and home buying is no different. "Making a few updates to a house's exterior goes a long way in making houses more inviting and valuable," said Altman.

Homeowners can put their green thumbs to work by weeding their garden, trimming plants and branches and adding color by planting vibrant flowers in containers or planters. Simple repairs and updates offer a lot of bang for your home improvement buck, whether it's getting a new front door, updating house numbers or painting the trim, downspouts and gutters.

3.) Update the kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen can bring a home to the top market value, and you don't have to tear down walls or break the bank to do it. "No matter what budget a homeowner has, there are simple ways to add that wow factor to a kitchen," said Altman.

Unique, stylish light fixtures can create a warm and inviting environment, while new appliances add visual interest and help increase the value of a home. Even subtle touches like updating cabinet hardware or installing a tile backsplash behind a stove can give a kitchen the facelift it needs.

Interior Surfaces would love to help you make your home more desirable for buyers. Call 614.761.7856 and make an appointment and meet with any of our staff at 4353 H Tuller Road, Dublin, OH 43017.