The 2016 kitchen design trends are on track to become timeless

(BPT) - Some kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become timeless style statements — and enhance your kitchen with a look you’ll love as much in a decade as you do the first moment you see it.

Those are the trends homeowners should watch for in 2016 and incorporate into their kitchen upgrade plans, says stylist and designer Emily Henderson, season five winner of HGTV’s “Design Star.” Given nearly nine in 10 homeowners plan to renovate their homes in the near future with half of them planning to do so within the next year, according to a survey by LG Electronics, being armed with the right information will help make those renovations a success.

“Timeless design has an enduring aesthetic that seamlessly complements a range of infinite kitchen styles and colors,” Henderson notes. “They create looks and enhance functionality in ways that will pay off for homeowners for years to come.”

Henderson points to three design trends to watch in 2016:

Open it up

Areas that seem small or cramped have never been a staple in homes. Look for design enhancements that create a more open atmosphere, like open shelving or glass-front cabinets, which appear contemporary, sleek and functional. Open storage encourages organization, cuts clutter and eliminates chaos since the contents are always on display. They also provide a great way for homeowners to display their pretty dishware, Henderson notes.

Let your personality shine

Modern designs and the sheer number of home décor products make it easier than ever to personalize virtually any design theme. You can add a dash of your personality to your kitchen decor in many ways. Use decorative accents on counters and focus on underscoring a theme you love in the rest of the house, for instance. A lived-in look with touches of style adds life to the space. “I love vintage salt and pepper shakers, brass or wooden utensils, glass canisters, wooden bowls, enamel pots and even vintage cookbooks,” Henderson says. “You can find so many ways to add personal flair to a design, and it’s a sensibility that will never go out of style.”

Contrast is good

Some combinations will always be on trend, and Henderson predicts more of them will be showing up in kitchen design in 2016. “Black and white, metallics like brass, gold or copper paired with natural and wooden touches — these combos will never tire,” she says. “They can be used alone or in combination with other elements. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.”

For more kitchen design inspiration contact 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.

Six style tips to prepare your home for the holiday season

(BPT) - Bored with the whirlwind of red and green decor that inundates every home during the holiday season? This year, more homeowners are thinking beyond the traditional when decorating for winter celebrations. Expert insight into the year’s top decor trends can help anyone create impressive, elegant holiday style with minimal effort.

“Red and green will always be classic, but when it comes to holiday decor, rules are meant to be broken,” says Kirsty Froelich, design director for The Tile Shop. “Anyone can use inventive color schemes, fun patterns and smart home updates to create spaces that embrace the essence of the season.”

Froelich notes six top trends to keep in mind when decorating for the holiday season:

1. Feel festive with florals
An easy first step to bring your home into the holiday season is to add festive fresh or dry floral arrangements. Evergreens and poinsettias always convey the essence of the season, but blooms in hues of rich purple, crisp white and even funky fuchsia will add cheerful energy to any room. A small floral arrangement on a bathroom vanity, for example, adds warmth and color — a particularly nice touch if you’re hosting guests.

2. Beautify with backsplashes
Tiling your backsplash is an easy update that instantly upgrades a kitchen or bar space, and serves as a great conversation starter for guests. A backsplash also can be a relatively inexpensive project with a stunning impact.

3. Be merry with metallics
To create a show-stopping visual effect, use metallics in details throughout your home. Chrome and nickel are hot, and there’s a current resurgence of brass and gold. If you have metal in your backsplash tiles, add a centerpiece in the same metal to tie the entire room together. Keep in mind that less is more. Thoughtful touches of holiday decor will have bigger visual impact than an overload of figurines and frills.

4. Get jolly with geometric patterns
From gift wrap to seasonal fabric, geometric patterns are on trend for the upcoming holiday. A gorgeous geometric tablecloth is the ideal backdrop for a big family feast. Geometric mosaic backsplashes leave a lasting impression during the holiday season and into the new year. Finally, geometric wrapping paper in vivid colors like teal or chartreuse, make for an extra stylish tree.

5. Wow with window treatments
Don’t overlook the potential of your windows when adding holiday pizzazz to your home. By using fabrics that feature a festive theme or pattern, you can easily create temporary window treatments that bring a space together. Simply visit your local craft store, pick out a bolt of two of fabric that blends with your holiday aesthetic, and have the appropriate lengths cut. Then simply drape and enjoy.

6. Give your fireplace a facelift
A fireplace is the quintessential gathering spot for friends and family during holiday celebrations. A sleek stone makeover will update any drab or dated fireplace into a stylish focal point in your home. Add extra ambiance with candles, flowers and other simple decor on the mantel to make the space feel special.

“There’s no better time to let your home shine than the holidays,” says Froelich. “Adding holiday greenery, a few metallic touches and whimsical window updates will make your home feel festive. Now’s the perfect time to get that tile project done that’s been on the back burner, so you can show off your hard work and the amazing new space to all visitors.”

For more home design inspiration as you prep for this holiday season contact 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.

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.

Hot master bath trends for 2015 and beyond

(BPT) - When it comes to renovating spaces in your home, the master bath should be top of mind. Leading master bath trends for 2015 go beyond functionality to incorporate features that complement the design aesthetic and provide a touch of luxury for lasting results.

By understanding top trends and incorporating them into your remodel, you can instantly increase your home’s comfort, style and value. Renovated master baths are not only in demand, but bathroom remodels also provide one of the highest rates of return on investment. A midrange bathroom remodel recoups 72.5 percent during resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value report.

Here are the hottest trends in master bath renovations for 2015:

Zen-like designs meet a contemporary aesthetic
Homeowners want modern designs with uninterrupted sight lines, but they don’t want their bathroom to feel cold or calculated. Master baths are becoming spa-like retreats with upgrades that help homeowners look and feel their best. The inclusion of modern technology, like programmable water features and smart televisions, is offset by designing with organic textures, like bamboo, cotton and marble for a Zen-like feel.

Subway tiles reign king
The master bath is the perfect place to incorporate tile work – it’s durable, beautiful and water resistant. Despite the availability of thousands of tile designs, one classic option is trending: subway tile. These aren’t grandma’s bland rectangle tiles. Modern subway tiles are available in a wide array of colors to add a splash of personality to master bathrooms. A few popular subway tile colors include slate gray, cobalt blue and winter white. Tile experts mix tiles of different colors to create truly timeless, one-of-a-kind designs.

Radiant heated floors increase comfort
Cold toes are the last thing you want when enjoying your master bath, which is why radiant flooring is considered a must-have for 2015. Heated flooring is trending particularly in areas where the temperature drops during the evening or the winter is lengthy. Electric radiant heat is typically installed under tile flooring and is regulated with a temperature gauge – an effective way to add luxurious warmth to the entire master bath suite.

Spa-like showers create a personal oasis
More than just a place to get clean, homeowners are using the master bath shower as a place where they can escape the stresses of daily life and enjoy personal time. In order to create this oasis, designers are incorporating a variety of upscale features into showers. From steam showers, designed to open pores, to multiple shower heads that provide mist from every angle, the shower is more customized than ever before.

Modern metallics add visual interest
Metals used in the bathroom add visual interest and style. While stainless steel is a safe choice, higher-end bathrooms frequently feature metals that convey interesting colors and textures, such as oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel. Brass tones are making a comeback in unusual hues like warm-colored copper, and these options add richness to the overall bathroom design.

Big and bold light fixtures create personality
Homeowners are setting all subtleties aside when selecting master bath light fixtures. Unexpected lighting will be a statement piece for the master bath in 2015. From glamorous crystal chandeliers to clusters of hand-blown glass globes or drum pendants made with laser-cut metal, light fixtures are the finishing touch that redefines a master bath’s personality and functionality.

For more information about designing your dream bathroom call Interior Surfaces at 614.761.7856 and 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.