Special Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Design Tips

Your living room may hold a special place in your heart. From cozy movie nights to spending quality time with your loved ones, your living room has been there for it all. Whether you are downsizing or redecorating your current space, you consider your living room to be on the smaller side. But just because it is small does not mean it cannot have tremendous potential. Let us help you turn your small living room into something as individual as its memories.

Unique Ideas for Small Living Rooms:

Barely There.
Interestingly enough, interior designers recognize the fact that light color furniture can be an excellent choice for smaller rooms. The subdued colors help create the illusion that your space is more substantial than its actual dimensions. They blend well into the room and feel as if they are barely there.

 

Neutral Tones.
Generally, in smaller spaces, neutral color schemes tend to work best. The neutral colors help to make the space flow and leave the room feeling refreshing and open.

 

Play Off of The Vertical Perspective.
In any small room, you want to use the vertical length of the room to your advantage. Play up the length of your walls by accenting them with long curtains or decor pieces.

 

Smaller Pieces.
In a smaller space, it is a good idea to use smaller pieces. Furniture and decor pieces tend to tie in well with the room’s size when they reflect the size of the space and help make it feel more appropriate to the room’s dimension.


Embrace Natural Lighting.
There is nothing quite as beautiful as natural light. Be sure to always open your curtains during the daytime to let the natural light flood the room. Also, you may want to consider buying sheer curtains that allow the light to come through even when the curtains are shut.


A Glimpse of White.
When in doubt, white can be a great color selection for small spaces. White is a tasteful and classic color that will never go out of style. It is perfect for small areas because it reflects light well and does not intrude with other decorative pieces.


The Great Divide.
If you have an open floor plan, you may want to consider dividing the room off with furniture pieces. A simple sofa or table could create a small division that separates the area visually.


Direct Traffic.
An excellent idea for small spaces is to create a clear walking path that directs guests towards the seating. Just consider the layout of the room and how functional it is to newcomers.

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks! Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

Tiny Bathroom Organization

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Bathroom

You will have a least one in your life, a tiny bathroom that is. With a small bathroom comes great responsibility. You will have to figure out how to manage the tiny space and organize it as if it were a regular-sized bathroom. This may seem tough, but do not worry because we have you covered. Here is our guide on tiny bathroom organization: 

 

Tip No. One: Have A Set Schedule. 

If you live with big family, it may be a good idea to make a schedule for getting ready in the morning. This will help create more space for the one person using it at that time. Discuss what times work best for each family member then post it outside of the small bathroom. Essential things like using the shower or bathroom should only be scheduled and encourage them to use their bedrooms for other stuff like makeup or getting dressed. 

    • Pro-Tip: Add a clock on the wall of your bathroom to ensure that your family sticks to the set schedule 

Tip No. Two: Have All Areas Covered.

In most tiny bathrooms, you will have to take advantage of any free space available. Here are some simple ideas you may want to try:

    • Hang a door organizer on the back of the door
    • Install a shelving system on the wall
    • Have each of your family members use a shower caddy (Store in hall closet)
    • Place a laundry basket in the bathroom for dirty clothes
    • Use the space above your toilet by installing a cabinet 
    • Buy a mirror that can open up to more storage

Tip No. Three: Get Rid of Bulky Containers. 

Bulky bottles and containers can take up a lot of room in your tiny bathroom. You can switch over to using a wall-mounted shampoo dispenser in your shower. Also, you can store your q-tips, cotton swabs, etc. in mason jars to get rid of their bulky packaging. 

 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks for your organizing your tiny bathroom! When you start looking to replace your bathroom flooring, please give us a call. We have a great selection available at a reasonable rate!

Your Red Oak Floors

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Design Tips

Red oak is an attractive flooring option available for your home.  Well known for its durability and longevity, this material takes stain well and has a beautiful open grain which gives it a little more character than other hardwood choices.  It is also widely available in the United States and constantly being replenished, making it a “greener” flooring option.

 

When choosing wall and decor color for a room with red oak hardwood consider its size first.  If you are dealing with a smaller space, warm colors can make it feel more closed in while cooler colors can make it appear larger.  Warmer colors are red, orange and yellow and cooler colors are green, violet and blue.  Warm colors are also best used in rooms where more activity takes place as they are more lively.  Cool colors are calming and tend to work best in bedrooms to promote healthy sleep patterns.

 

Another way to approach your color scheme is through what impression you would like the room to give visitors when they enter.  If you want the colors to pop and make a statement, using complementary colors will accomplish that.  If you want the room’s appearance to be more understated, your best bet is to use an analogous color scheme. 

 

The relationship between colors can be seen using a standard 12-part color wheel.  In what is called Color Theory, three colors that sit right next to one another are analogous, while colors that are opposite one another on the wheel are complementary.  Since analogous colors are more subtle in variation they can easily blend with one another while complementary colors stand out when placed side by side. While red oak can take on a different appearance when stained, we will use its unstained light reddish tone to further explain these color schemes.

 

Using an analogous color scheme which includes the color of your red oak flooring would be to combine that reddish color with orange and gold accents.  This would add instant warmth to the room and give it a traditional look. 

 

A complementary color scheme would make the room look more vibrant and provide visual interest.  With red oak being your base, incorporating greens and blues would strike a great balance between warm and cool colors.  Be sure to use neutrals throughout the space to prevent the energy of the room from becoming too overwhelming.  It is always good to give the eye a place to pause when looking at a more dynamic color scheme. 

How Your Home Can Benefit from Laminate Flooring

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Gallery

There are a lot of great options out there for home flooring. It can become a bit overwhelming thinking about all the material choices you can comb through in search of the right one for your space. A wonderful idea for your floors is laminate and it shouldn’t be overlooked.  Modern laminate is fresh and stylish.  Here are a few reasons to appreciate this choice in flooring material.

 

Cost-Effective: Laminate is an affordable alternative to natural stone or hardwood floors and you can still get the look you want without the price. Choose any color, grain or pattern you like and you won’t be paying extra for a more exotic selection.  Even if you just want to go with a tile look, you’re covered. 

 

Sustainability: When you choose this flooring, there’s no need to re-seal floors every six months. No waxing or other special cleaners needed either.  A broom or a soft mop with warm water is all that’s required to keep your floors shining and dirt-free.  Laminate’s stain-resistant surface is especially helpful in rooms like the kitchen where frequent spills can happen.

 

Stability: This material is scratch-resistant which is great for high traffic areas. Households with children and pets can feel confident that these floors can stand up to the daily wear and tear of life.  With proper care, you can enjoy them for years to come.

 

Attractive: Using a photograph of the material you are trying to imitate on its top layer is how this flooring performs its magic. With all the available looks out there, you are bound to find a pattern that works for your home.  You can also have peace of mind knowing that laminate does not fade over time through exposed sunlight as other materials do. 

 

So, if you are still searching for a flooring option that can give you a great look for an unbeatable price, look no more. Laminate is the material you need for the price you want. 

Five Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Design Tips

You are finally ready to update the flooring in your home. While new flooring can transform spaces, comparing flooring to determine what is best suited for your home can be overwhelming. If you are interested in flooring that is attractive yet affordable, laminate flooring may be a great option for you. Here are five reasons why: 

 

1. Extremely durable

Perhaps the greatest feature of laminate flooring is its durability. Laminate has a tough exterior with a resin coating, making it resistant to scratches and heavy impact. When compared to vinyl, hardwood, and other types of flooring, laminate can last much longer. The surface makes it ideal for homes that experience a lot of traffic such as households with children and pets.

 

2.  Style and Versatility

Laminate flooring can imitate the look of your favorite types of flooring including hardwood, stone, and a variety of other styles. Laminate tiles are available in many different colors, plank styles, and widths. The variety of hues and patterns allow homeowners to match their room’s style with the flooring

Plus, laminate flooring products are extremely easy to install. They can be installed over pre-existing subfloors as well as uninstalled when it is time for an update. The simple installation process can save both time and money for the customer.

 

3. Affordable Pricing

Laminate flooring products are inexpensive, especially when compared to hardwood or stone flooring products. You can find laminate flooring for almost any budget or price range.  Although laminate can be inexpensive, it does not fall short of quality. When you take into consideration the longevity of laminate floor it can be one of the best economical choices.

 

4.  Easy Maintenance

Laminate floors are easy to maintain. They can be cleaned with a simple cleaning solution or standard cleaning products available on the market today. Make sure that the cleaning products you use meet the manufacturer requirements. 

 

5. Environmentally-friendly

Laminate floors are derived from wood by wood products, which means that it does not use harvested or endangered tree species. Laminate does not trap dust particles and other allergens; therefore, it is a great choice for people with allergies. 

 

If you are considering buying laminate flooring for your home, feel free to visit us and ask any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to helping you choose your new flooring!

Design Tools

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Design Tips

While designing the interior of your home can be fun, it’s also an overwhelming project. When it comes to making decisions on what type of cabinetry you should install in your kitchen or whether you should select carpet or hardwood flooring, this can be difficult. With hundreds of different textures and textiles available on the market, selecting flooring, cabinetry, and furniture is no easy task.

 

That’s where we come in. We offer two powerful tools on our website that can make the selection process so much easier. Our website features both a Lifestyle and Style quiz that narrows down flooring choices and much more. Both quizzes are easy to take and can be completed within minutes.

 

The Lifestyle Style quiz starts off by asking you a host of questions regarding the size of your household, your specific preferences as well as some information about your way of life. Based on your responses the tool will generate a list of flooring options that best suited for your home. Also, you’ll receive detailed information on each type of flooring material and maintenance tips.

 

We invite you also to check out our Style Quiz. The Style quiz consists of a series of images all featuring a unique design style. You’ll be prompted to select a design style. Once you click on the pictures, your custom profile will be displayed. The style profile shows your particular style.

 

Taking these two quizzes before you visit our showroom and meet with our consultant can be helpful. Knowing what your personal design style is and what type of flooring is most appropriate in your home gives you a great starting point when you visit us. Such personalized knowledge will enable you to make the best selections.

 

When you visit our website, don’t forget to check out one of our biggest features, the Design Center. The Design lets you virtually design each room in your house. You’ll be able to:

 

-See how each room looks with a different paint color

-Try on different flooring

-Learn more about modern design styles

-View our flooring gallery

 

We want you to make your home as beautiful as possible. That’s why we offer our assistance throughout the entire process. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment with our experienced consultants.

 

Natural Drama of Hickory Floors

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Gallery

Do you desire a dramatic hardwood floor? If so, hickory may be the selection of your dreams. It is tough and durable. The natural colors range from cream to a dark espresso. This type of wood floor adds natural drama that other hardwoods just can’t offer.

Since there is so much drama in the actual grain itself, we recommend using the wide planks in order to keep the floor from being too busy. The grain itself has a lot of variation in just one plank. Thin planks will create too much movement and look busy.  The wide planks add just the right amount of drama; whilst showing off the beauty of the natural hardwood.

Hickory can be stained many different colors, just like all the other hardwoods. Although we prefer a clear stain that really showcases the natural beauty of the hardwood. Since there are many different variations in color on the wood, many different types of wood species furniture can be paired with this floor selection. The grain variation can be toned down by using a darker stain on the wood. This will limit the amount of variation that can be seen on the grain.

This wood species is perfect for rustic spaces. This unique look will highlight interiors that contain antiques and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Leather furniture also brings a depth to the entire decor when paired with this particular wood grain.

The hardness of hardwood floors is rated on what is known as the Janka scale. This scale gives each wood species number and as the numbers rise higher, so does the hardness and durability of the wood. Hickory has the highest number on the Janka scale with a rating of 1820! This gives an idea of the durability of this wood, making it an excellent choice for active families with pets.

If you desire a floor with plenty of character, consider hickory. Come into Ambassador Floors today to see how this beautiful wood grain has a unique look compared to the other hardwoods.   

Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Family Fun

Fall is the time of year to turn your attention from the outdoors to the indoors. This read will give some ideas about how to increase the cozy level of your interior!

Decide what particular focal points you would like to emphasize. Do this instead of sprinkling fall décor throughout your other décor. Having several different fall focal points throughout the home is certainly fine. We suggest decorating our mantel, dining room table, book cases and entry ways. Choosing focal points to decorate within a room, allows to showcase fall décor and decorations.

When selecting items to decorate with, consider using natural items. Real pumpkins and gourds are a wonderful way to add bright colors from nature. There are many different ways you can treat these items easily, in order to keep them from rotting during the season. We suggest finding a method that is right for you via the internet. Type in a simple search like “preserving pumpkins during the fall season”. Chances are there will be several different options for you, using items that you already have in your pantry!

White candles are one of our favorite ways to warm up a space for fall. Candles also provide a warm accent light to highlight seasonal fall vignettes. Of course you can use whatever kind of candles, but we love white. White candles provide a classic crisp look to any seasonal decorating. Keep white candles on hand year round for all types of seasonal decorating.

Gnarly branches are a neat way to add a natural fall touch to any area. Use these in floral arrangements or incorporate them into table setting décor. If you decide to gather branches, instead of buying them, make sure to spray some cleaner on them. This will kill any insects that may be living on the branches. Do this before bringing branches inside.

We also like adding a little moss to the base of indoor potted plants. This adds a fall whimsy that makes you think of crisp, foggy fall mornings.

Get creative and select items that are warm and brightly colored for your seasonal fall vignette!

Battle of the Formal Dining Rooms

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Entertaining

Both of these photos are of formal dining rooms. One works better than the other and for several reasons. Find out how to pull off a formal dining room that works by being inviting and timeless.

Image #1 is similar to the look of formal dining rooms over centuries. This look has become a standard in formal and feels can feel rigid. Unfortunately, there is simply too much going on in this space for a modern home.

By having a large table with many seats, the look is made complicated by using ornate dining furniture. The entire space looks and feels busy, which is amplified by the mirrored panels on the wall. Mirrored panels can be a successful tool in a small, tight space, but should not be used in a large, open room. Mirrors make the room feel even larger than it is and amplifies the appearance of the elaborate table settings.

The formal look of image #1 uninviting and overwhelming. The drapery is heavy as well. Simple floor to ceiling panels with a classic pleat at the top would be a much better selection.

Ornate furniture, lighting and millwork are making the room in image #1 look too busy. The space is so large that smaller scaled ornate pieces look out of place. Such a long dining table really needs two chandeliers or two to three pendant lights hanging over it.

Image #2 works as a formal dining room because it feels more balanced. The furniture size fits perfectly in the size of the room. The clean lines of the furniture have a classic look without all of the fuss. The architectural details can be noticed because the space is not busy or over whelming. Balance is the key to this room’s success. Anyone would feel comfortable having dinner at this table; which makes for exceptional dinner parties!

Bedroom Retreat: Choosing Your Floor

Written by creatingyourspace on . Posted in Design Tips

Our bedrooms are one of the most personal rooms in our home and a place we want to feel comfortable and restful. It’s a place you’ll retreat after a long day of work or play, a place to snuggle with loved ones and lounge away some weekend hours.

The floor you choose to install in the bedroom is important because often, because you’ll want to be comfortable while barefoot as well as fully enjoying the aesthetic of the space.

A few important criteria you will want to consider are:

Your personal design style

Room size and layout

The climate you live in

 

Carpet is the obvious choice if you want softness underfoot at all times in your room. Choose a nice pad and a quality, soft pile, and your feet will thank you. Consider the foot traffic in your room when selecting the carpet to be sure you select the appropriate durability level.

If you’re a hardwood fan, you’ll love it in the bedroom. If you already have hardwood throughout your home, you may want to stay with the same kind for the sake of consistency. Or, to give your room a set apart look, choose an entirely different wood and finish. Maybe have fun with a different layout, like a herringbone pattern, for even more of a defining look. Find an area rug to fit under the bed, to include some softness underfoot. This can add both color and pattern interest to your room, depending on the style of rug you select. If your room layout and budget allows for a large rug to fit under the bed and won’t be a tripping hazard as you move about the room, this is a great choice. If the space is too small for a large rug, you can always opt for a small rug along the side of the bed.

Tile and stone are also beautiful options in warmer climates. They’ll help keep the space cool and they win the durability prize. If using the same floor in the bathroom, you’ll have a nice flow visually between both rooms.

 

At Ambassador Floor, we are happy to help you choose the option that will be best in your bedroom retreat!