Projects That WOW With Standard 4x4 Or 6x6 Square Tiles

As an interior designer, using exquisite tiles in my many bathroom and kitchen projects feels a lot like playing with my favorite toys, because...

I LOVE tile! The more of it on the entire walls of my many of my projects the better. 

Here are some examples of what I've done with tile that WOWs:

When you come to a designer for a bathroom or kitchen design, chances are they will want to use some extraordinary tile to cover the walls and floors of your project. 

They want to provide some WOW and make your project special with products that are unique and hand-picked for your particular wants and needs.

You know, kind of like this:

Interior Designer: Carla Aston

However, many times budgets aren't that big; and, when you're covering a wall and you get into cost per square foot, then, well...there goes your money.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't want my clients thinking we can always get away with ordinary tile and have a WOW bathroom or kitchen, but… You can have a great bathroom, for less money, IF you aren't that interested in making a statement with your tile.

IF, perhaps, you focus on something else, like interesting wall finishes, unique mirrors, lighting, cabinetry, etc. OR you focus on the overall drama of having a wall of tile and the pattern created with the grout lines, then a less expensive material, like a plain square tile, can be successfully used to create impact.

I have been noticing more and more projects out there where the tile itself is not really the focus or design star of the room. I've noticed some projects that use an ordinary 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 white tile and have turned out quite remarkable.

So - and I can't believe I'm saying this - if you have to leave the 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 tiles in your bathroom remodel, or if you need budget friendly tile walls in your kitchen, you can create interest and still turn out a beautiful space. You can capitalize on the overall pattern and drama created by doing a single finish all over the place. OR you can focus the drama and the WOW factor elsewhere. 

 

I've got some projects to share today that have used a very basic 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 tile and also have dynamic and powerful design.

Here they are:

Architect: Lauren Wegel | Image via: Remodelista

Designer: Denai Kulcsar

Designer: Grant K. Gibson | Image via: House Beautiful

Designer: Carla Karsakis, Etica Studio

Image via: Dust Jacket Attic | Photo by: Anders Bergstedt

Want to see how I used standard tiles in an interesting random pattern to create a WOW factor in a local deli?

Then check this out: 

BEFORE & AFTER: A Honey Bee Ham Restaurant Goes From Tired & Dated To Fresh & Delicious!

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The Boy's New Bed

Boys are so funny. When you ask them if they want to change anything in their room (decoratively speaking) they look at you with a frown and say “Why?” At least mine did. He is ten years old and several years ago I took the time to add new paint, a new rug, a new dresser and a DIY board and batten treatment to his room, and his bedroom space has stayed the same ever since. It's a place that makes him happy so for all these years there was no reason to change it.

But my boy is growing up and he needed a desk in his room to store his personal things, the only place to add it was under the window which meant the Lego table had to be moved and that was so not happening since like so many American ten year old boys, Legos are his life. What to do? The only solution was a loft bed, one that allowed me to place his Lego table underneath it which would make room for a desk under the window. Problem solved.

I looked around for a good one but nothing came up in a green color so I bought him this loft bed in the natural finish knowing I could just paint it.

 

Which is exactly what I did.

 

Since I'm partnered with Glidden this year, they gave me the opportunity to try out a new paint called 'Complete' – one that had a built in stain blocking primer that would save me a step! With a built in primer I didn't have to take the time to prime, I could use this formula instead. Before assembly, I decided to paint it first, then assemble later and touch it up in place wherever necessary.

 

This Glidden Complete acrylic paint covers well and dries fast! I was able to paint the individual pieces in just a few hours so for this bed project this paint was perfect. It's “low odor” but not odorless, my only criticism was the mild odor which does dissipate after a few days as the paint fully cures.

 

Underneath the loft bed there is now plenty of room for storage for his Legos and other toys. It didn't take ten minutes before my boy was back playing with some favorites on his Lego table. Of all the projects I've ever featured here on the blog I can tell you this one has gotten the most mileage. Find the details on this Lego meets IKEA Lack table in this post from 2013.

 

 

I keep his linens basic white since there's a lot of art and color in this space but I did make him a new pillow with one of my new Summer 2016 fabric patterns – sneak peek! That brushstroke stripe will be available in 3 colorways later next week.

 

Right now my boy is happy chilling up in his new loft bed. Thanks so much to Glidden for supplying the paint! By the way, the color is 'Safari Green' and I love it!

 

*This post brought to you in partnership with Glidden paint. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!

What Does an AC Rating Mean?

Dear Bob and Betsy,

I'm trying to find the right flooring for my home and I keep seeing “ac ratings” on each product. What does an ac rating mean and why is it important for my flooring?

– Joshua C.

Dear Joshua,

The flooring you choose for your home is an important decision. You want something that's affordable, but more importantly, you want something that will last for the long haul and stay looking great for years to come. The AC rating helps with that.

What Does an AC Rating Mean?

The European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) created standards for laminate flooring manufacturers. One of the standards was the Abrasion Rating System (AC rating). To determine the rating, each laminate flooring type, style and brand will go through a series of tests. From that, it will be marked with an AC rating.

This rating shows the quality of the flooring. Here is what each of the ratings mean:

• AC1 laminate flooring is perfect for areas without a lot of foot traffic, such as guest bedrooms or home offices.


• AC2 laminate flooring can take on a little bit more foot traffic, but not much. It's great in master bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.


• AC3 laminate flooring is ideal for medium amounts of traffic including hallways or small offices with some, but not a lot of foot traffic.


• AC4 laminate flooring is tough enough to be used in small shops or offices. It can withstand quite a bit of abuse so it is often placed in areas with moderate foot traffic.


• AC5 laminate flooring is the strongest of the ratings making it ideal for areas with very heavy foot traffic, such as large stores and shopping centers.

For homeowners, the ideal type of laminate flooring is that with an AC3 rating. This will withstand quite a bit of abuse without dulling or getting damaged. If you have pets, children, or frequently host parties at your house, you might consider an AC4 rated floor. The higher quality of flooring in this rating will ensure that your busy home does not cause your new floors to get damaged and worn out too fast.

If you have more questions, please write them in the comments below or contact us at info@bestlaminate.com! We would love to hear from you!

Learn More:

• Laminate Flooring Thickness and Durability


• Is Laminate Flooring Wear Resistant? 


• Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

*This post was updated from 2014 to give you a better reading experience!

The post What Does an AC Rating Mean? appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

We've Finished Our Driveway!*

After working on it on and off for months we have finally finished replacing our driveway! We love how it turned out and although it's taken us almost a year to complete it wasn't actually difficult or even that much work to do! Most projects that we take on tend to take longer than we... 

Read More »

The post We've Finished Our Driveway!* appeared first on Little House On The Corner.

A Stunning South Carolina Vintage Beach House

Imagine having a view of the beach from your own house. Most people would agree that living in an oceanfront home would be a dream come true. It would be hard to resist the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the salty air coming in with the breeze, and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Our featured home this week is a Vintage Beach House located on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. It was designed by Interior Designer Cortney Bishop and featured in the June 2016 issue of Architectural Digest.

The Foyer

The Vintage Beach House was custom built by Bishop's client, but they clearly were inspired by the brilliant mansions of yesteryear. The foyer is extremely grand with its high ceilings and cascading staircase. The ceiling has a unique design with a dramatic chandelier in the center. The star of this room, though, is that amazing arched glass front door. We love the way it stands out with its dark black color against the pure white walls.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Living Room

There is something extremely satisfying about the symmetry in this living room. It is perfectly balanced with the two custom, round sofas on either side. The painted cabinets on either side of the fireplace are a nice touch of color to this otherwise white color palette. This room seems to be a perfect blend of the “vintage” and “beach house” styles. We love how this room looks tropical, without needing literal beach items like shells.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a blend of pure white color and mid-century modern furniture. The kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling for even more storage capacity. The kitchen counters are a light-colored marble, but the breakfast bar actually has a wood surface. This subtle design element makes the kitchen feel more “new” with all of the vintage furnishings. Eight people can sit in those amazing mid-century modern chairs at the dining room table.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Guest Bedroom

Bishop was able to find a great balance between vintage and modern in the guest bedroom as well. The textured wallpaper reminds us that this is a beach home, but the other vintage accents make this home feel like more than just a temporary vacation house. The headboard was created locally and custom made for the Vintage Blue Beach House. The modern side tables and lamps contrast the feminine bedding, yet they come together in perfect harmony for this guest room.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Master Bedroom Sitting Area

If you're going to move to the beach, you better make sure you have a good view of the ocean! Bishop's client did not want to miss out on one tiny bit of the gorgeous view of Charleston Harbor, so she included full-length windows with 270-degree views of the ocean in her master bedroom. The pure white color of this room looks peaceful and clean. The chairs are perfect for curling up with a good book, or just enjoying the view.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Master Bedroom Sleeping Area

This room is fit for a queen. The mirrored four-post bed and matching dresser add even more glamour and help reflect the light from the many windows. This room is very simple, and yet feels very feminine. Bishop used pink tones instead of the blue from the rest of the house. This was meant to symbolize the colors of the sunset that can be seen from the wide windows of the master bedroom.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

The Boy's Room

Bishop's client has a young son who needed a space of his own in the Vintage Beach House. He ended up with this adorable room that can grow with him. The room has two beds so the son can have friends sleep over. The head board, the bedding, and the curtains all have different patterns, but they do not feel overwhelming in this small space.

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest, Katie Charlotte

Get the Look – For Less!

The Vintage Beach House features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, but you can achieve a similar look for much less! We have a few floors that match this style. If you like the look of this home, here are some ideas:

Feather Step Casey Key Laminate

Quick-Step Cider Applewood Laminate

Armstrong American Scrape Wild West Hardwood

You don't need to live by the ocean to bring tropical design into your home. Many of these design ideas would look great in a vintage landlocked home as well! It is possible to have a great design impact with subtle features. So would you try any of these looks out in your home? Let us know in the comments!

Get More Design Inspiration:

• Myrtle Beach Dream Home


• The Ultimate Basement for Entertaining 


• An Award-Winning Colorado Home

The post A Stunning South Carolina Vintage Beach House appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

What is Laminate Wood Flooring?

What is laminate wood flooring? Laminate flooring is a hard flooring surface that resembles the look of authentic hardwood floors. Laminate floors are engineered with a wooden fiber core and topped with other materials to increase durability and wear protection.

The Different Looks Of Laminate

Over the course of time, laminate flooring companies have brought in the look of ceramic tile, as well as stone. These three looks offer many unique flooring choices for today's consumer. You can have the stability, durability, and the ease of installation of laminate flooring with classic looks you love.

The Layers of Laminate Flooring

Three main layers are used when laminate flooring is constructed. The outer layer of laminate flooring is often referred to as an image layer (B). This is just what it is, a high-resolution image of wood, tile, or stone. In some laminate floors, you will even find grout lines with the ceramic tile look. This high definition photo is sealed using a resin-based coating (A) containing aluminum oxide. This is top coating is what helps give laminate flooring its scratch resistance, UV ray protection, and other durability properties.

Layers of laminate flooring – Photo Compliments of NALFA

The core layer (C) is the meat of laminate flooring. This core layer most visible when looking at the locking system. It is often made of a highly compressed (HDF), High Density Fiberboard. This is what gives laminate flooring the structure it needs to hold up to every day wear and tear.

The backing layer (D) is the layer that holds the laminate together. Without this layer, laminate flooring would not be stable. This backing layer allows laminate flooring to float, which makes it much more unique than hardwood. The image layer, core layer, and backing layer are the essential layers to make laminate flooring what it is.

Layer (E) is an attached underlayment, which is not present on all products. Some manufacturers offer laminate flooring with pre-attached underlayment to help customers install flooring even quicker! Now that's progressive thinking!

With so many choices in laminate flooring, the decision process is often what slows down the consumer from installing laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors and styles, as well as different sized planks. Not only is laminate flooring stunning, but it also makes for a great DIY home improvement project.

Laminate flooring works for consumers looking for a natural look, with the resistance to scratching, denting, and UV rays. Laminate flooring is the perfect choice that will keep your home looking great for years to come.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments below! We would love to help you!

Learn More:

• What are the advantages of laminate flooring?


• Is laminate flooring wear resistant? 


• How to determine the direction to install my laminate flooring?

*This post was updated from 201o to give you a better reading experience and better information!

The post What is Laminate Wood Flooring? appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Why Hickory Hardwood? Durable, Domestic, Exotic

Domestic exotic wood is on the rise. Thanks to more homeowners choosing eco-friendly products for their home, the economy and more awareness on the part of consumers, hickory hardwood flooring has become much more common.

What's so special about hickory?

A beautiful domestic exotic wood, hickory hardwood floors come in hundreds of color variations and stains (from creamy tan to reddish brown), are extremely durable and resilient and have a unique, rustic look that makes it perfect for treatments like handscraping.

In fact, hickory is a fantastic species to use for parquet and wood plank floors. One of our clients combined hand distressed parquet hickory hardwood with wide plank hickory wood floors throughout their home. The end result was stunning!

Here are 3 things you need to know about hickory hardwood floors before investing:

1. Hickory flooring can be made from true hickories or pecan hickories (which feature an irregular grain pattern, giving these floors a distinctive design). There is a wide range of colors to choose from each variety, and using them together can allow you to create a dramatic natural look to your floor.


2. If handscraped hickory is a look you like, you might also want to consider the lower grade wood. This can be a nice way to create a rustic look while saving some money. Reclaimed hickory hardwood floors are also a good option if you're looking for vintage charm.


3. Because hickory is one of the hardest and most durable species of hardwood, it's a good choice for those with children or pets as it won't easily scratch or dent.

4 Fun Facts & Figures About Hickory

Here are four fun facts and figures about hickory from ProSource:

1. There are approximately 20 species of hickory, 15 native to North America and 5 to Asia.


2. Hickory wood flooring is known for its unparalleled strength and shock resistance. In fact, it's so strong that it has been used as the primary wood for tool handles for centuries.


3. Hickory floors rank high on the Janka Hardness Scale and can withstand an astonishing 1,820 pounds of force, as opposed to other flooring varieties like red oak, which can only handle 1,290.


4. Hickory wood flooring is easy to care for, remaining brilliant with weekly sweeping and mopping as well as refinishing several times over its lifespan.

Hickory Hardwood in Action

Want to see examples of hickory hardwood floors? Here are a few of our manufacturers that carry this variety of wood:

• Mullican


• Reward Flooring


• Saroyan


• Homerwood

Make sure you come visit our showroom to see this beautifully stunning species in person! Our experts can answer your questions about this type of flooring, or tell you more about any other type of species you want to know about. Don't forget to contact us for a free in-home estimate, too!

Budget Friendly Tips To Update Your Home

Bestlaminate is here to provide you with budget friendly tips to update your home. Sometimes you want to make changes that will freshen up your home without spending a fortune. Throw pillows, cabinet hardware, artwork, paint, and laminate flooring are affordable ways you can refresh your home. The beauty of each of these updates is the fact that these can all be done on a budget and rather quickly! So lets get started!

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are one of the best ways to update your space. A simple color change can really transform a room. You can update your pillows seasonally, for example use red pillows in the fall and winter and light blue pillows in the spring and summer. If you choose neutral furnishings, throw pillows can really transform the atmosphere of your space!

Eclectic Living Room by Irvine Interior Designers & Decorators Blackband Design

Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet hardware is something we do not put much thought into. Have you ever taken a look at your current hardware and though about what a small change to it could do? There are endless cabinet hardware options and combinations, and installing something new is not only easy but VERY affordable!

Midcentury Kitchen by Minneapolis Interior Designers & Decorators Design By Lisa

Laminate Flooring

Depending on your budget, laminate flooring might be the perfect update for your home. For under $1000, you can completely transform a space. Especially if you are currently working with carpet, laminate flooring will add a chic, clean modern and fresh touch.

Contemporary Living Room by Palo Alto Windows Integrity Windows and Doors

New Paint

A simple change like painting the walls can make a tremendous difference! Get some paint swatches and see what color will look best with your existing furnishings and theme of your home. If you are working with a little space, go for lighter colors that will make the room appear bigger. If the space is large, have some fun with the paint! A popular new trend is painting the room one color, and making a focus wall with a different color. This fun trend adds dimension to your space!

Contemporary Living Room by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers House + House Architects

Pictures and Art

Invest in a few beautiful pieces of art! It is amazing what filling up a wall with something beautiful can do. Look for art that is in a similar color scheme to your space, and maybe look for a pop of color that will match the current interior! If you don't want to  splurge on art, buy a few fun picture frames and print some photos of family and friends. This will add a personal and colorful touch to your space and make it yours!

Eclectic Living Room by Boardman Photographers Adrienne DeRosa

Design More:

• Blue and White Home Design Ideas


• Easy DIY Entryway Designs to Warm Up Your Home


• 10 Interior Decorating Tips to Make Your House Look Like a Designer Home

*This post was updated from 2010 to give you a better reading experience and updated tips!

The post Budget Friendly Tips To Update Your Home appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

7 Good Looking Fans To Keep You Cool This Summer

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

It's almost always hot in Houston, and we handle that with central air conditioning. 

We also have our share of ceiling fans in almost every room of the house - which, as a interior designer, I'm not too fond of.

However, I know there are places on this earth that don't have central A/C constantly running. There are places where it's normally cool and A/C and ceiling fans aren't typically used. My daughter's LA apartment is one. While it was cool when we were there a week ago, last year it was unseasonably warm in LA. We just happened to have rented a house there for the family right when the heat was really bearing down in September. There was supposed to be A/C in the house, but it wasn't working downstairs and the rooms down there got really hot, especially the room my son slept in. :-(

My daughter's apartment, on the other hand, was cooking at like 98 degrees. She had a small fan for her room, so we tried to get her another one while we were out there. I think all of Los Angeles had a run on fans and there were none available anywhere. She just toughed it out during the heat wave along with her roommates.

 

I sympathize with all you non-A/C people out there. 

When the heat does hit, it's really unbearable for you. We had the same thing when we lived in Australia and in Norway, when we didn't have air conditioning. You wouldn't think it would get hot in Norway, but for a couple of weeks a year it can get downright uncomfortable, so having a good fan around is necessary.

I've done a little online shopping for you here, linking to some nice-looking fans that no one would object to pulling out and using during an uncomfortable heat wave or even when you just want a fresh breeze.

Have a look at some of these fab fans that'll keep you cool this summer, without sacrificing your interior design and decor.

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Disclaimer: The following images contain affiliate links, which means I receive a very small percentage if you make a purchase using the links provided, at no additional cost to you.

 

This has to be my fave. I love the wood drum and the black touches. It would work well in many styles of rooms, but especially something mid-century or contemporary.

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

This little vintage-look cutie would be great on a desk or countertop. A home office perhaps?

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com

This tripod model is appealing and looks rather sculptural. Believe me, I'd pick this over some of the ceiling fans I see around here, any old day.

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

I think this would be awesome in an industrial style space. Maybe a man cave or a cool garage?

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

Want your fan to disappear and not be noticeable? Don't have much floor space? This is a sleek option that doesn't look anything like a fan.

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com

I like this one in chrome. It's sleek and oscillating.

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

These are cute in all their bright colors.

Purchase this fan @ Wayfair.com!

Want to see some of my best ceiling fan choices for design conscious rooms?  

Check these out here: 

MUST-HAVE: In a World of Dull Ceiling Fans, These Are Actually Pretty Cool

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