R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts » Interior : Flooring / Decor

General Contractors
Many flooring companies, Martin's Flooring included, do work with contractors– from smaller renovation contractors to some of the larger new home construction companies. How we work with the contractor all depends on the contractor's preference. We can work from a square–foot allowance established by the contractor, a total budget allowance, or we can work individually with the homeowner if the contractor had you come in and pick your own flooring and pay for it independently.

While we certainly welcome homeowners who are shopping on their own, for those who are doing a project involving a contractor there are several advantages of working through the contractor.
1. Typically, contractors have established pre-negotiated pricing for their flooring materials. The purchasing power that the contractor has through on–going and large–volume purchases will usually save the homeowner more money than having the homeowner shop in–store, regardless of the current retail in–store specials and sales promotions.
2. When working through a contractor, you have one point of contact—instead of many covering several different trades—making it more convenient for most people's busy lifestyles.
3. With a contractor, you have one project manager. This helps ensure that your project stays on schedule and within budget.

Flooring Options As for your flooring options, I'm sure you know, getting the moisture out of a basement and keeping the moisture out can be an ongoing problem. There is always some risk that moisture from melting snow, heavy rain, clogged gutters and even the limestone strata beneath the basement floor can create moisture problems for your basement floors. If you have experienced moisture problems in the past, or if you have recently moved into your home, but you can see some residual evidence of water, here are some flooring choices for you to consider.

Tile. Whether it is ceramic or porcelain, tile is a great choice because of its tolerance to moisture. For this reason and the fact that tile is virtually indestructible, it would always be my first choice.

Vinyl. My first choice in vinyl would be a fiberglass backed cushioned sheet vinyl. There are so many new styles to select from. I'm sure you could find one that fits your tastes. For the children's play room, we have vinyl patterns with child based themes that would complement and enhance their play area.

Luxury Vinyl Tile. The beauty of LVT, as it is known, is that it gives you the look of ceramic tile, with the ease of maintenance and surface flexibility, since it is vinyl. With LVT, you can grout it like ceramic or butt the joints together and leave it ungrouted.

If you have never experienced moisture problems or water damage in your basement, or you are having additional outside work done on your foundation to ensure there will not be water issues in the future, here are some additional flooring choices for you to consider, beyond what I've already said.

Carpet. Carpet is always a good choice installed over a premium rebond or rubber carpet cushion. Using a premium cushion with its antimicrobial base restricts the growth of mold and mildew.

Engineered Hardwood. Engineered hardwood is rated for basements. Engineered woods are available in a variety of widths and finishes, including handscraped.

Cork. Cork is an extremely popular product for many reasons. This is not your parent's cork. It comes in a wide range of styles and colors, and is an earth-friendly product to boot.

Commercial Carpet Tile. The beauty of carpet tiles is the ease of replacing individual tiles should an area get damaged or has stains that cannot be removed. Carpet tiles come in some really modern styles and patterns.

Laminate. Last but not least is laminate. Don't count it out. It also has an upgraded style and color line, and comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses, up to 12 mm.

For more information, visit us at one of our three area locations. We offer free professional design consultation and our showrooms are loaded with top quality flooring and window treatment options (we are a Showcase Hunter Douglas dealer). We stand behind our products and offer 100% customer satisfaction.

Since you are reading R&A Magazine, I will address renovations and additions. Because you may be dealing with existing finishes of door hardware, lighting, plumbing, and accessories such as towel bars, matching the new with the old can be a challenge and costly. Even in new construction, this is a common question and problem.

Number one question is...If I have stainless steel appliances, must I have brushed nickel lights, cabinetry hardware, and door handles? Generally, door handles are the same finish throughout the home which matches the window hardware finish. In the kitchen, stainless steel appliances are beautiful with black detail and controls. Since the kitchen sink and faucet are both functional items like the appliances, I personally like to have them in the same finish. Personally, I do not care for an oil rubbed faucet with a stainless steel sink. Depending on your decorating style, you could continue the same finish with brushed nickel or accent it by mixing polished nickel, wrought iron black, or oil rubbed bronze. There are so many metal finishes to select from. Plumbing fixtures have many metal finishes of brass, chrome, nickel, bronze and black with the option of polished, matte, and distressed. The number of finishes don't compare to lighting fixtures finishes. For example, there is no such thing as just bronze. There are so many variations to the bronze finish depending on the manufacturer and the finish such as a smooth metal, distressed, crackled, glazed, etc. They almost seem endless.

If you are not matching, remember to coordinate metal finishes. Generally, mixing brushed nickel with polished brass doesn't work well together. An example of this would be mixing brushed nickel plumbing fixtures with polished brass towel bars.

Another popular question is...What finish is timeless? Trends come and go. When you select finishes for your lighting, plumbing and hardware, remember the style of home and the time period if it is historical or reproduction. If you have a modern home, I would recommend polished chrome or nickel with clean lines and sleek design instead of polished brass or antiqued distressed bronze traditional style. Mismatched finishes and style of the plumbing, lighting, and hardware, will look out of place and awkward.

Do you remember brass? It is coming back in style again! For 2012, you will see brass in more of a matte finish over polished or matte and polished together or with bronze.

Don't be afraid to mix metal finishes. It can add interest and personality to your decorating. As I like to say...it is better to coordinate than be matchy match. Life is too short to live in boring and blah surroundings. Should you have any questions or if you need help, call me at 717.354.2233 or visit us at Heritage Design Interiors.

Who hasn’t seen the TV commercials with the easy-to-use perfect edger that gives you exact cut lines or the rolling poll guard that NEVER splats a drop of paint? Oh, and don’t forget the can of paint that opens itself and magically covers your walls!

Every reputable painting professional has to laugh when they see those commercials. Is it possible that consumers are really THAT gullible? As the saying goes, "if it is too good to be true..."

Take it from someone who has many, many years of professional painting experience, there is NO EASY WAY to paint––no magic wand that can be waved to get a professional look. Good paint jobs--like other skilled work––require thorough planning, meticulous prep-work and skillful execution.

If I have learned anything from my trade (and the others that I have worked) there is a RIGHT WAY to do a job and anything less is almost always viewed afterwards with regret—big time regret. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come to the rescue of a do–it–yourselfer, especially those armed with an infomercial gadget. Don’t underestimate what a true professional painter brings to the table. Put it this way, nobody buys a $40k Acura with all the trimmings and tells the dealer to “hold the paint” and then proceeds to paint the car himself or runs it down to the local discount paint shop. Why? Because it is understood that such an investment deserves a finishing touch to match its value and quality.

Why then do some homeowners believe that a forty thousand dollar addition or remodeling project is not important enough to make sure that the finish—VISIBLE FOR EVERY HOUSE GUEST TO SEE—is not done to the same degree of quality as the project itself? Poor paint jobs stick out like a sore thumb—we have all seen them. Forget the commercials, do yourself a favor and insist on hiring a true professional who takes pride in their work and has the reputation to prove it. The 15% additional cost in the final finish is well worth the investment.

First off, let's review what wainscoting is and how it has evolved. Wainscoting is a paneling style applied to the lower portion (usually chair rail height and up to 4 feet) of an interior wall. Early on, it was constructed of individual tongue-and-groove boards or in more elaborate applications, decorative applied-moulding panels such as you would see on an ornate paneled wooden door.

Modern manufacturing techniques now allow for the milling of large beadboard sheets which dramatically reduces installation times in comparison to the original tongue and- groove process. Decorative paneling, on the other hand, remains incredibly labor intensive in its construction, installation, as well as its ongoing repair requirements due to seasonal expansion and contraction. Until now.

The custom, ornate raised-paneling look is now available for a fraction of the labor costs associated with the traditional approach of applied-moulding construction. Based on the time-saving principle as beadboard sheets, the Churchill wainscoting is manufactured from panels up to 8 feet in length and offers a variety of custom panel design patterns and sizes. And because our panels are computer balanced, you don't have any size difference on the wall panels.

For technical specifications, Churchill wainscoting is crafted from Glacier GreenTM Low Emission MDF. This 100% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber employs state-of-the-art EcoBind technology to meet a variety of current standards for low emissions including the Composite Panel Association (CPA) Environmentally Preferred Product Standard (0.2ppm or below) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 1 ceilings.

For an installation comparison, imagine a wall 30 feet in length. Using the traditional method for paneled wainscoting it would require a carpenter to use over 50 pieces and one to two days to assemble. Using our product and methods there would be three panels taking a carpenter about 1 hour to install ...total! From a maintenance point of view, because our product is milled within the MDF board itself (rather than applied), there is no ongoing maintenance to repair expansion and contraction issues.

As our customers can attest, Churchill wainscoting can add beauty and richness to your home without the hassle of a prolonged installation or the recurring repair requirement inherent to traditional applied-moulding paneling. Get the look you are looking for...quick and easy! For more information, please call or visit us online. We'll be happy to hear from you.

There are many homes on the market that may lack curb appeal due to dated features and tired interiors. Some houses may appear to be hopeless but they are just an ugly duckling waiting to become a beautiful swan. There are a few homes on the real estate market that may be a real challenge and an unwise investment due to their condition. There are many more that just need some TLC and some sweat equity to enhance your investment. An interior designer can help with space planning, furniture layout, and ideas on colors, renovations, and additions.

Is it wise to consider space for an addition when purchasing a home? Yes, it is always wise to plan ahead. Later, you may need the extra space for a growing family, home business/office, or first floor master bedroom & bath. Depending on the lot size, setback lines, and zoning, it may be wise to check with the local township or borough before purchasing the property.

An interior designer can help with ideas for an addition and renovations; the talent and skills of an architect can help with drawings of floor plans and elevations. Basic drawings can be very helpful to help you visualize your renovation, addition options and involvement of cost and time.

What types of ideas can update a home? Depending on the age and condition of the home, the renovations can be a facelift or a major renovation. Whether you are a "do it yourself" person or use the help of contractors, you can improve the home's appearance when aesthetic pleasing choices are made.

On the exterior, new landscaping or just grooming the existing shrubbery and trees can give great curb appeal. Adding new walkways and architectural detail can update the exterior. Changing the paint color of the trim, doors and shutters can give the house a new makeover. Don't forget to add landscape lighting.

The interior has many options for change and updating. Sometimes the paint color or dated wallpaper can be a little scary but changing the wall appearance is simple. Paint is great for making changes fast without major cost.

Natural and artificial lighting is very important to the interior of your home. Windows, skylights, and solar tubes can be added for natural light. Depending on the structure of the house, recessed lighting is a great option for additional lighting. Don't forget those light fixtures. They are very easy to change. Updated finishes and new style will enhance the house's appearance.

Depending on the condition, kitchen and baths can be a major renovation or a simple facelift. If the cabinetry is in good condition and a good quality, new countertops, and hardware are a great way to update the kitchen or bath. Plumbing and light fixtures are also easy upgrades. Then change the flooring and wall finish for a completely new look.

If you are adding new tile or hardwood flooring, the base trim needs to be removed. It is a great time to upgrade your base trim to a higher height and new profile. While the trim carpenter is there, add crown molding and/or chair rail.

There are so many great options for improving homes. It can be overwhelming to a buyer as they tour homes while visualizing furniture layout and needed changes. If you are in the market for purchasing a home, consider working with a realtor who is ALSO an interior designer.

Anita C. Yoder, a realtor with Home- Town Realty Professionals in New Holland AND an interior designer with 20 years experience, can be reached at 717.575.4191.

When most people think of faux finishes, sponging and rag rolling come to mind. Today, these finishes have fallen out of favor in light of the trend toward upscale finishes, where layers of subtle texture and color create depth and beauty on formerly dull, “vanilla” walls.

Professional faux finishes are made up of any number of decorative finishes that may include glazes, textures, Venetian plaster, patina, metallic, marbling, Tuscan, crackle effects, and more. These finishes are applied to walls, ceilings, woodwork, and floors in multiple layers, using many different application techniques. It is these layers, as with a pearl, that help create the depth, color, and beauty that we find attractive in many faux finishes. Most of the professional materials used today are water-based, safe, and virtually odorless.

Whether you are looking for a bold statement or a classic finish, a well thought-out faux finish is timeless. Most customers choose faux finishing because they want to invest in their home and they value the benefits over wallpaper and paint. They want a high end designer-look without having to contend with unsightly seams. They want a wall finish that coordinates perfectly with their interior furnishings and adds value to their home; a custom made finish that makes their home feel uniquely theirs. Some customers like the fact that many finishes hide minor wall imperfections.

The right faux finish can do more than make a room look beautiful, it can also create a dramatic, sophisticated, or relaxing living space. Certain finishes can make a room feel larger or make a two-story foyer feel warm and inviting. With the right textures, colors and materials, a faux finish can even have the effect of bringing the outdoors indoor!

Professional faux finishers often work with interior designers and will listen carefully to achieve your vision for the room you are redecorating. Based upon your desires, colors, and budget, a faux finisher will show you their portfolio of finishes and may recommend specific ones. Custom-made samples can be created to achieve the exact look and style you desire. Two items should be considered prior to beginning work in your home. First, always approve a sample board that represents the exact finish and coloration you have chosen. Second, sign a detailed contract stating the area to be done, the agreed upon finish and price, and when the job is scheduled to start and end.

Your walls are an important part of your home. They encompass a large area in each room. They surround your fireplace, cabinets, windows, doorways, furniture, wall hangings, and light fixtures. Your walls accent your room like a frame and matting surrounds a picture. Your newly faux finished room will bring added value and create an inviting living space to enjoy for many years.

To learn more, contact artist & faux finisher Jeff Shultz at 717-799-1533. To see completed rooms, read client testimonials and learn “Ten Tips on Hiring a Faux Finisher,” go online to www. distinctivewalls.com.

As defined by the Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc, an Oriental rug is “…handmade of natural fibers (most commonly wool or silk) with a pile woven on a warp and weft, with individual character and design, and made in the Near East, Middle East, Far East, or the Balkans.”

An Oriental rug is hand woven and varies in quality. Quality is generally determined by quality of the wool, intricacy of design, and knot density. Wool quality is defined by the length of its fibers, springiness, and luster. Today, the wool used in hand-knotted Oriental rugs either originates exclusively from the country of origin, or is a blend of indigenous and imported wool. Intricacy of design refers to the degree of detail a design possesses as well as the number of different colors needed to execute the pattern. The more complex the design, the more experienced the craftsman must be to weave the pattern. Knot density and fineness of weave are the same. The more knots tied per square inch, the finer the detail in the design and the more labor is required in weaving the rug. Also worth noting, all oriental carpets feature a slight variation in color or design, which is part of the special charm and appeal of this handcrafted product.

 

A handmade Oriental rug is a woven product of timeless beauty and cultural mystique that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The earliest surviving piece dates back to about the 4th or 5th century B.C. It was discovered in an excavated burial site in southern Siberia. Although weaving techniques and traditions have remained virtually unchanged, other dramatic changes have occurred. In today's handmade Oriental carpet industry, the weavers and importers have found it advantageous to adopt more designs and colors to better satisfy western decorative tastes. The sharp increase in production of Persian-design carpets in other countries, particularly China, India, and Pakistan, offers consumers a wide variety of color and design choices available in a full range of prices. While machine-made carpets are manufactured to machine-like standards, handmade rugs reflect the human element; the individual's own interpretation of color and design, which is the essence of their beauty and oneness.

 

Handmade Oriental rugs are the very latest floor covering fashion statement. Consumers and interior designers allover the country have discovered their tremendous versatility in style, color, type and size, and are using them to define or enhance residential and commercial decors. As stated earlier, Oriental rugs are being woven to suit an infinite realm of decorative styles spanning the traditional oriental looks to European, Art Deco, and contemporary.

 

Like any other work of fine art, the Oriental rug is designed to provide enjoyment to its present owner and generations to come. However, to ensure its beauty and long life, some simple steps are recommended. Normal care is to vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and grit from sifting into the roots of the fibers. Do not vacuum the fringe; brush the fringe. You should use a quality, recommended pad under the rug and rug protectors under the legs of heavy furniture. Over time, grit and dirt become embedded so deeply that professional cleaning is required. Professional cleaning will remove this dirt as well as the surface soiling that gradually dulls the appearance of a rug. Depending on the amount of traffic, cleaning every 3 to 5 years is recommended. Cleaning should be done by a professional service specializing in Oriental rugs, one that is familiar with hand woven products. It is strongly recommended that cleaning not be attempted by a “wash-at-home” service. For emergencies such as spills, tears, holes or worn spots, call your professional rug dealer.

 

A few words of advice when purchasing your work of art—you should purchase it from an established retailer of Oriental rugs, whose integrity and reputation can be verified in the community. You should avoid traveling auctions, often held at hotels and airports. They may be here today and gone tomorrow. You should protect yourself by being able to deal with someone on an ongoing basis. You should beware of “Going-Out-Of-Business” sales, which may be promotional schemes, where values are exaggerated and the quality of the merchandise is mediocre or below average. Once you find the rug that appeals to you, it is acceptable to question the retailer about quality, suitability, etc., and, if you like, take it home to try. Most respectable retailers of Oriental rugs will allow you to try a rug at home without obligation.

 

A handmade Oriental rug will add a unique blend of excitement, mystique and charm to your home or office. It is a work of art to be treasured, not only during your lifetime but also generations to come.