Linoleum’s Bad Rap

May 20, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Children, color, Commerical Interior Design, Custom, Flooring, greenNo Comments

Poor Linoleum. It’s name has been misused and it’s been incorrectly categorized for so long. Very often people say “linoleum” when really they are referring to “vinyl”. Today I’d like to talk about the differences and show you that proper linoleum is actually a very cool product.

“Linoleum flooring is made from natural materials like linseed oil, recycled wood flour, cork dust and limestone. Linoleum is naturally anti-bacterial and biodegradable. It is a perfect choice for a “green” floor in one’s home.” (Armstrong)

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is the sheet material that is often imprinted with a pattern to mimic tile. It comes in 6′ and 12′ widths on a roll. It is the most economical flooring available and therefore is often viewed as a negative.

I don’t know why, but every time someone refers to linoleum in a negative, they are actually visualizing or referring to vinyl. So let’s talk about the positives of linoleum.

Linoleum

Quick Facts About Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the oldest ‘natural’ floor types still in use which dates back one and a half centuries to its creation in England.
Linoleum floors were very popular until just after World War II when the cheaper priced synthetic, flexible vinyl was the new thing
Today, with the emphasis on eco–friendly, green flooring products, linoleum is staging a comeback.
Linoleum is made entirely from natural raw materials and is comprised of things like linseed oil, rosin, and wood with jute backing.
Linoleum is available in a rainbow of colors, patterns and beautiful designs and is even available as a “do it yourself” installation project.
As flooring, linoleum is durable with an expected lifespan of 40 years.
Since it is made of natural and renewable materials, it is entirely biodegradable when discarded.

In addition to the above list, linoleum is a fully customizable product. There is no end to the creative designs that can be achieved through linoleum.

Customized Flooring Design

Elle Decor

Kids Rooms Design

Armstrong Flooring

Kitchen Design

House Beautiful

Kids Rooms ideas

Commercial Interior Design

Armstrong Flooring

Linoleum (lĬnō´lēəm), resilient floor or wall covering made of burlap, canvas, or felt, surfaced with a composition of wood flour, oxidized linseed oil, gums or other ingredients, and coloring matter. In the manufacture of linoleum, linseed oil is exposed to the air in a succession of thin films until it is of a rubbery consistency, or it is thickened by heating until it becomes a spongy mass, after which it is ground, mixed with pulverized wood and other ingredients, and then applied to the foundation and rolled smooth. The final process is a thorough seasoning in drying rooms. In inlaid linoleum the pattern is built up from the base in the colors of the design and is therefore permanent. Linoleum is made in several thicknesses and in the form of tiles. It is sometimes surfaced with a durable pyroxylin lacquer. Although large amounts of linoleum are still produced, other materials such as vinyl are now more widely used as floor coverings (Linoleum, 2012)

“linoleum.“ The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2012. Encyclopedia.com. 2 May. 2013<http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Carpet Trends in 2013 | Ask the Designer

May 9, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Ask the Designer, color, Colorado, Denver, Flooring, Tips1 Comments

I was recently asked to advise on carpet decisions and I am simultaneously selecting carpet for my own house. I thought I’d share these tips and trends with everyone.

New wall to wall carpet is a big ticket item and a decision that most of us do not take lightly. The lifespan of your carpet may likely be longer then most of your furniture. There are also so many styles, colors and brands. Here are a few tips and trends to keep in mind if you’re in the market for new carpeting.

Carpet Trends as I see them (at least in the Denver market) in 2013:

Dark and Bold

Carpet colors have gone considerably darker than over the previous decade and more. In the late 1990′s and through the early 2000′s light carpets ranging from ivory to beige to tan were hot. The lighter colors helped to keep a space more open and bright, while simultaneously shrinking into the background. On the down side, those lighter colors are harder to keep clean. There has been a shift to darker carpet tones, whether a chocolate brown or a charcoal gray. And bold carpet colors are appearing too.

Interior Designer Tips

Bold Interior Design

Gray

Gray is hot everywhere – furniture, fabrics, flooring, books. It’s quickly replacing beige, tans, and browns as the hot neutral. Don’t panic if you’re surrounded by browns. They are neutrals, and a good neutral will always hold their own.

Texture

Texture and patterns are making a comeback in carpeting. This is usually created with a combination of looped and cut pile stands, creating a design and texture although the material and color are the same. And I say making a comeback, because I distinctly remember the patterned carpet of my youth. The looped valley’s and higher cut pile made interesting obstacles for my toys circa 1983. Textured and patterned carpet creates a great look and adds interest to an often overlooked surface. It can actually become a focal point in the design, rather than a bland surface on which to place furniture.

Interior Decorating Tips

Bold Inteiror Design Choices

Plush never Fails

If you are afraid to commit to a texture or worry that this trend may not have the lifespan that you want, plush carpet is always a good bet.

Interior Decorator Tips

Do you have a design or decorating question? I’d be happy to feature your question and provide guidance. Ask here or on the Beautiful Habitat Facebook Page.

5 Tips for Creating the Nursery of your Dreams | Guest Post

February 21, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in bedroom, Children, color, Guest Post, kids, Nursery, pink, purple, Wall CoveringNo Comments

Having a baby is such an exciting time to say the least. One of the things people look forward to is decorating that nursery. Perhaps you have ideas, perhaps you don’t. Maybe the cost you see makes it feel overwhelming. The secret is to start early and avoid buying everything at once. But what things should you buy? What things to borrow? Where to put it all? What colors are great for babies? Well, here are my tips:

Color:

You may not realize that babies can only see in black and white with gray shades for the first several months and it is reported that the first color they do see is red. Does that mean you should paint the nursery red? No. The softer colors are soothing. It should be a happy space that you both love to be in together.
When choosing a color, think about the future as well. How many times do you want to redecorate? What colors are easiest for you to cover with primer and new paint? On the flipside of that, what fun are plain white walls?
If you don’t have one theme you are sticking to, neutral colors, earthy colors are calming and soothing. A color like yellow can translate to any gender and the right shade can feel like sunshine making the room feel warm and bright. You can also mix your décor and not have to stick to a theme.
Have a point of inspiration. Find a blanket, a little sleeper, or a piece of furniture to be your source of ideas.

Creative Décor:

Some people prefer a more traditional look and some like a modern twist to fit with the rest of the home. One thing that is the same in either case is to be creative in your efforts.
<a href=”http://www.megaprint.com/wallpaper.php”>Custom wallpaper</a> using your own artwork is a great way to create a focal point. What? You don’t paint? That is okay, because most photography works. Have a shot of that babbling brook in the sunshine with green ferns surrounding it? Use it! There are few better rooms than the nursery to create a natural, calm and soothing environment.
Start a “growing wall”. Start with an ultrasound photo and add photos as the child grows older. It is inevitable that you may be moving that to your living area (not many teens like seeing all their baby pictures in their room).
Frame your own baby photo, the father’s baby photo and your new baby’s photo and display them together.
Use vinyl decals to create a mural and really improve the atmosphere with large scale images that will capture baby’s attention.
Subway art is a very bold and unique way to bring your child into the room. Many pieces display the child’s name, weight, height, and date of birth.

Lighting:

Leave your options open when it comes to lighting. There will times you require more light and times that you will want it more quiet.
Dimmer switches make it easy to change the atmosphere with the turn of a dial. If you want to rock baby to sleep, turn down the lights. When you are playing, lights are on bright.
Small lamps can yield a low wattage light and keeps the light soft, being diffused by a shade.
For nighttime feedings and diaper changes, an LED nightlight can put off a lot of light.
Create a unique lighting ensemble such as lighted paper lanterns in a corner.
Use blinds and curtains on the window. Blinds will allow in plenty of light when open or lifted and drapes will cut out a lot of light for daytime naps. Using them in conjunction with each other gives you the best of all worlds. It not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but it functions well for your needs.

Flooring:

There is no right and wrong flooring choice.
Hardwood is a popular choice for cleanliness and durability. However, some parents are not sure about the comfort of it in a child’s room.
Hardwood is easy for cleanup of spills and accidents.
Carpet is soft for playtime yet it doesn’t have the life of hardwood and it is hard to keep dirt and allergens out of the fibers.
Rugs are a great alternative to wall to wall carpet. You can vacuum them and take them outside to shake the dirt out.

Furnishings:

There are staple bits of furniture you find in all nurseries. Whatever you choose, keep it neutral and able to grow with your child.
Borrowing a crib or a swing from a friend will be more budget friendly and as long as all the pieces are present and no safety hazards pop up, you are good to go.
Many parents prefer to have a bassinet for baby when they are brand new. This can roll anywhere in the house for convenience. Some pack and play sets have a bassinet insert that can be used when baby is very small and then removed to use the playpen. However, playpens should not be used as a crib. They are portable, temporary bedding solutions.
Many changing tables can be converted to dressers. If you choose to not use a changing table, a bookshelf with cloth bins for drawers can be substituted for easy organization and access. Being able to grab a diaper with one hand will be a task mastered by most parents!
Being able to play music for your child will encourage their brains to develop in great ways. Music stimulation and reading are the two best ways to prepare your baby for a lifetime of learning. An iPod docking station, CD player or a radio that plays nature sounds works well.
Don’t forget to treat yourself either. A comfortable chair for feedings or rocking the baby to sleep is essential. The quiet time you spend together is worth every bonding moment.
Never place pillows in your baby’s crib. It has been linked to SIDS in small babies as have bumper pads. There should always be a sheet on the plastic mattress to avoid suffocation. Blankets can move and shift until your baby is lying directly on the plastic.

Your decorating options are limitless when you browse and look at all the products and furnishings that are available in today’s world. Simple is always better, yet unique and bold can still be considered simple when done correctly. Put some thought into what you are about to do. Many themes get old after a short time. Choose well and have a lot of fun welcoming that new addition into your life!

Chris Garrett is a large format printing expert and freelance writer for the custom printed wallpaper expert Megaprint.com. He frequently blogs on the topics of design and printing.

Gold Is Making a Comeback | Love It or Leave It?

December 4, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in Accessories, Bathroom, bedroom, color, Dining, Gold, lighting, Love it or Leave It, mirrorsNo Comments

Gold and brass finishes are creeping back into Interiors. It started with a few small features – a mirror here, a brass knob there, gold leaf inside of a lamp shade. Now the moves are getting bigger and bolder. Gold. Shiny, shiny gold. It’s making a comeback in Interior Design and Decor. Will you love it again, or are you going to leave it?

Hudson Valley Lighting

Source Unknown

Gold. Love it or Leave it?

Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

November 20, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in arrangements, color, Dining, Entertaining, holiday, Nature, orange, tableNo Comments

Are you ready for the holiday season? Sadly, I am not. Not even close. My mind is somewhere in early October. But it is officially upon us and I’ve got to face it. Have you planned your decor or table settings for the Thanksgiving holiday? I am thinking about it today. Below are several images that I find inspiring for the 2012 Thanksgiving celebration at Casa Wood. I hope you’ll find inspiration for you decor, too. Enjoy!

I love the contrast of blue and orange together. It’s a nice twist in the decorating color scheme. The rustic place mats are a nice textural element.

Simple, yet clever use of candles in a centerpiece.

A modern take on Thanksgiving table settings. It’s simple, with a great color palette in the graphic table cloth.

A wonderful natural centerpiece – pine cones, twigs, berries, gourds, rice. It feels very mountain cabin -like to me.

A colorful take on Thanksgiving. This feels like Cinco de Mayo meets Thanksgiving and I love the energy.

A wonderfully simple design. The burlap place mat and brown paper and a great contrast to the white plate. And the message is perfect.

For more information on each image, visit the Pinterest Board Falling for Fall

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out previous posts on Holiday Decor:

The Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving Decor Round Up

Happy Thanksgiving!

7 Ways to Modernize Your Home’s Entryway | Guest Post

October 18, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in color, Foyer & Entry, Guest Post, lighting, mirrors, pink, TipsNo Comments

Many of us use our homes as blank canvases to express ourselves through art, furniture, and home décor. Some people like to renovate their entire homes all at once, while others prefer to go one room at a time. Where we choose to spend all of renovation efforts is a reflection of where we enjoy spending time. Some people like to spend hours pampering in the bathroom. Other folks want to build fully equipped home entertainment centers. Still others pour their hearts, souls, and dollars into conjuring up the bedroom of their dreams. And you can’t forget the homeowners that spend as much time on their own abodes as they do for their pets – doghouses get renovations too!

But no matter which room you decide you want to invest the most time and money in, you should be careful not to forget about your home’s entryway. After all, the entryway is the first thing your guests see when they walk through your front door. The good news is that updating your entryway is fun, easy, and often inexpensive. Here are seven different ways you can modernize your home’s entryway.

1. Create an interesting focal point – Sometimes an entryway can be entirely transformed with just the hanging of one great piece of art or a stunning, large mirror. TJ Maxx always has some unique pieces at fair prices. A small investment can make a big difference, entirely changing the area from ho-hum to modern and new.

Interior Design Tips Source: www.simpledesignideas.com

2. Paint the entryway a new color - When you first moved in, you probably focused your painting efforts on the rooms in your house, possibly forgetting the hallways and entryway. Spruce the area up with a new coat of paint in an unexpected hue. Just be sure you coordinate the new paint job with any existing furniture and décor you are keeping.

Interior Decorator Tips Source: www.housebeautiful.com

3. Update your doormat - Some people love doormats, other people loathe them but if you use one, it needs to be replaced every now and again. Use a doormat as an opportunity to breathe fresh air into your entry area. Try something unexpected like bamboo or even plastic. Doormats are often inexpensive so consider getting a few different ones and changing them according to your mood.

Foyer Design Source: www.houzz.com

4. Switch up the lighting – Light fixtures are easy to replace and can make a big impact on the look of the room or area. Find a light fixture that inspires you and see what happens! You might find yourself spending time in the foyer from now on instead of the living room! And light fixtures also tend to last for years and years, so they are a good place to invest.