Miyerkules, Pebrero 10, 2016

How Safe Is Your Home?*

Make It Difficult To Break InIn general I'd say that Jan and I are fairly sensible people. We wear protective gear when doing DIY, we don't knock walls down without getting structural advice first and we try not to hit our fingers when nailing down floorboards. Keeping safe is obviously important and when it comes to our home, we also...


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The post How Safe Is Your Home?* appeared first on Little House On The Corner.



The Difference Between 5G and Megaloc Locking Systems


Dear Bob and Betsy,

We are looking at going with Classen Artens Mephisto and would like to know the difference between 5G and Megaloc locking systems, as we noticed that this laminate has the 5G. Being that we do not know anything about laminate, we are curious to this difference. Thanks, Tim

Dear Tim,


This is a really great question! It's important to know the difference between 5G and Megaloc locking systems, so you can educate yourself on how to install your floor properly. Let's take a look both locking systems separately and then we can make a comparison!


5G Valinge Locking System


The 5G locking system is commonly found on flooring brands such as Kronoswiss, Kraus, and Timeless Designs. Locking systems are not confined to one manufacturer, however. There are many different flooring companies that use the same locking system, as it's not confined to one brand of flooring.


The 5G locking system uses a set of plastic clips on the inside of the groove to hold the attached plank in place. You will hear a slight audible click when you've installed the planks correctly. See the installation video demo below for a visualization of how to install a 5G locking system flooring.


5G Valinge Locking System Installation Demo


Megaloc Locking System


The Megaloc locking system was actually developed by Classen, so it is almost used exclusively on Classen brand flooring. It is also is commonly found on Inhaus brand flooring, as the two are sister flooring brands.


The Megaloc locking system also uses plastic clips on the inside of the groove to hold the attached plank in place. See the installation video demo below for a visualization of how to install a Megaloc locking system flooring.


Megaloc Locking System Installation Demo


So What's The Difference?


Not much really! Both installation procedures are incredibly simple, DIY-friendly, and glue-less. However, keep in mind these two locking systems are not compatible, meaning, you can't install a 5G floor and expect a Megaloc floor to be able to install together, and vise-versa. While the locking systems work in the same manner, the plastic clips are manufactured very differently and the grooves are not shaped the same. Be sure to follow all manufacturer's installation instructions when installing your new flooring!


We hope this comparison helped you in understanding the difference between 5G and Megaloc locking systems! If you have any more questions, please feel free to write them in the comments below, or give us a call 1-800-520-0961!



More On Laminate Flooring Locking Systems:



The post The Difference Between 5G and Megaloc Locking Systems appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Martes, Pebrero 9, 2016

Tile Crushes

The past few days have been filled with parental obligations - my son had an important school project due which required my support and we also hosted a big birthday party for my daughter yesterday. I sent them both off to school smiling today but then remembered, oh yes the blog, I better get back to that! :) We've had a few days of sunshine (did you see all those shots of the Bay Area during the Superbowl? Beautiful!) and I can almost feel spring in the air, I'm so anxious for it to arrive.


Meanwhile I've got my head down on planning a few space makeovers coming later this year and if given the choice, I'd rather spend an hour in a tile showroom than a shoe store. I get lost looking at beautiful tile installations spied around the web and on brand websites.


How striking is this pattern on these 24" floor tiles? One you'd never want to hide under a rug - lovely in a bathroom, dining room, sunroom, where else? Porcelain tile is Frame by Refin Ceramiche.


patterned floor tile


andrea mclean design


Below a modern pattern with a beautiful curve stands out with dark grout. Modern Ogee Drop by Fireclay Tile.


modern backsplash fireclay tile


I found this installation interesting, it's a creative way to install brick pattern subway tile: mix two high contrast tiles in the same size but on diagonally opposite walls. Suprema Mexican Hand Crafted Tile in Slate.


gray white tile medley bathroom


urrutia design


I love this artistic tile installation achieved by rotating different colored diamond parquet tiles in an abstract pattern, so stunning on a focal point wall. Imagine it in your favorite colorway. Tile source unknown.


abstract geometric tile installation


via design milk


We've seen so much white tile with gray grout in the past two years, I love this look in reverse, dark tile with white grout emphasizing the geometric pattern. Tile by LEA.


black geo tile white grout


apartment therapy


Buffalo horn has such rich chocolate variegated tones, amazing on a floor or wall application. Can you see it wrapping around the checkout counter in a menswear boutique? Horn Porcelain tile from Mission Stone Tile.


horn porcelain tile



Beautiful as a floor tile but stunning as a countertop - you can't go wrong with this classic geometric shape, the high contrast double hex pattern is so dramatic. Hex Appeal (perfect name) in several colorways by Mission Stone Tile.


hex tile mission tile


Elongated hexagons are a modern approach to the classic shape, this gray adds pattern and contrast to an all white kitchen. Dwell by Heath Ceramics.


heath ceramics kitchen backsplash


I'm crushing on iridescent and mother of pearl applications lately, find a few options here.


irridescent backsplash


domino


Find more gorgeous tile patterns on my Pinterest board. Do you have a favorite tile you're crushing on? Link to it, I'd love to see it!

DOs & DON'Ts of Kitchen Backsplash Design




Fyi: One of my blog posts on backsplashes got deleted. So now, of course... I have lots of people asking to read it. :- /  I'm republishing it here, with a similar title, in hopes that people will find it again. Also, I'm going to link to it on the Pin that's become so popular on Pinterest and is directing everyone here. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I'm SO happy you're reading my blog!







Fyi: One of my blog posts on backsplashes got deleted. So now, of course... I have lots of people asking to read it. :- / I'm republishing it here, with a similar title, in hopes that people will find it again. Also, I'm going to link to it on the Pin that's become so popular on Pinterest and is directing everyone here. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I'm SO happy you're reading my blog!








Here's a tip I'd like to share that really makes a difference in the quality and look of your kitchen:

You know that little 4" slab backsplash that most fabricators or builders put on top of granite countertops?

That is generic.

You can buy it at Home Depot or Lowe's. I see so many DIY-ers leaving this and just tiling on top of it.

While you might want a backsplash to match your counter (and there are many custom, lovely ways to do that), don't be tempted to tile above a 4" granite, or stone, slab backsplash.

Instead, before you tile that area, take the 4" slab backsplash off.

Why? Because, typically, you only have 18" of height there. And if you're doing a pattern, or some kind of detail, it will appear even more chopped up with that slab-material hanging around at the bottom.

So...

Don't do this:







Don't do this





Don't do this














Don't do this





Don't do this














Don't do this





Don't do this














Don't do this





Don't do this














Don't do this





Don't do this








Instead...

Do this:









Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, photo by Tori Aston







Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, photo by Tori Aston








Read more about the project above at "Before & After: A Dark, Dismal Kitchen Is Made Light and Bright!"









Do this / Designer: Carla Aston, photographer: Tori Aston







Do this / Designer: Carla Aston, photographer: Tori Aston








Read more about this project above at "Before & After: The Extraordinary Remodel Of An "Ordinary" Builder Home."









Do this |  Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston







Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston








Read more about this project above at "Before & After: This Living Room & Kitchen Remodel Shows How 'Transitional Style' Can Feel Warm & Personal"









Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston







Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston








Read more about this project above at "After An Awkward Beginning, This Kitchen Gets A Dark, Dramatic Makeover."









Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston







Do this | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston








Read more about this project above at "Before & After: A Tired Kitchen Is Awakened w/a Coffee House Ambience"









Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak







Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak








Read more about this project above at "Before & After: A Dated House Gets A Contemporary Revival For A Young Bachelor"









Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston







Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Tori Aston








Read more about this project above at "A Dull, Drab Interior Goes Light and Bright"









Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak







Do This | Designer: Carla Aston, Photographer: Miro Dvorscak









Read more about this project above at "Design Tour: A White Kitchen With A Soft Look And A Whole Lot Of Pretty"



So what have we learned here today?

If you're going to tile the 18" of space between your counter and the upper cabinets...

Don't leave the 4" slab backsplash!


Need more help on kitchen backsplash design? Try these posts, below.

The Side Backsplash Dilemma: Should You Have One, Or No?

Backsplash Tips - Part II: Dealing With Outlets And Switches

How A Bold, Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Can Make A Stunning Artistic Statement

Where Do You End A Kitchen Backsplash?

Lunes, Pebrero 8, 2016

Transform Your Kitchen With White Cabinets

Your kitchen is one of the busiest places in your home. White cabinets can transform your kitchen in the blink of an eye. And yes, there are many shades of white kitchen cabinets, so you will be guaranteed to find a shade that matches your style. White cabinets are not only sleek, they are also stunning and beautiful. With a little bit of planning, your kitchen transformation can move rather quickly.


Country Kitchen


White kitchen cabinets are perfect for those wanting to go with a country or farmhouse kitchen! If you don't want to go with a stark white, you can choose a soft beige or off-white to achieve the same effect. The brightness in your kitchen will reflect off of the cabinets, giving this room a warm, country glow. Choose cabinets with ornate hardware and beveling on the face for a complete country kitchen look.


AllAboutHome_PICsbyAmy08012014019-X2

Country Kitchen from All About Home Designs. Photo by Pics by Amy



Modern Kitchen


White cabinets are an obvious choice for a modern kitchen. Choose cabinets without any hardware for a sleek looking finish. We recommend a glossy white cabinet paired with a dark colored laminate floor for a nice pop. The less detail on the cabinets the better. Remember K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple, Stupid! and you will have a modern looking kitchen with white cabinets in no time!


Pergo vinyl 2



Coastal Kitchen


Coastal kitchens are also the perfect candidates for white cabinets as well! We recommend a snow white, which is a little softer than the stark white of modern decor. Opt for a little bit of decoration on the face of the cabinets and choose some dark hardware for a little bit of contrast. To finish off this perfect country kitchen, install some white washed laminate flooring for the perfect cohesive look!


_MG_0034

Coastal Kitchen by Wright Real Estate Group



Have you used white cabinets in your home? Did you go with one of the themes we mentioned above? Tell us all about it in the comments below!


*This post was updated from 2013 to give you a better reading experience and better design tips!



More White Kitchen Designs:



The post Transform Your Kitchen With White Cabinets appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

How To Find Great Second Hand Furniture (& Recycle Things You No Longer Need)

As you've probably already guessed, we're big fans of matching and mixing bits of furniture from all different sources. We have items that we're given to us, antiques we've inherited from our families, furniture we've found second hand and of course have a few new bits and pieces, too. By finding things that you like...


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The post How To Find Great Second Hand Furniture (& Recycle Things You No Longer Need) appeared first on Little House On The Corner.



Biyernes, Pebrero 5, 2016

We're In A Magazine!

We're In A Magazine!Just a quick one today as I'm too excited to type because this happened... Yep, we're in a magazine! The shoot for HomeStyle magazine was actually back in November and now that the magazine is out we can share it with you, too! To say that it was a bit weird (& cold!) posing for...


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The post We're In A Magazine! appeared first on Little House On The Corner.