Monday, December 2, 2013

The holidays are here! It’s a time of joy! A time of feasting! A time when family and loved ones will be ringing the doorbell!

Ok, did you just panic? Are you thinking about all the decorating and redecorating you want/need to do before a mass of humanity descends upon your home?

Well, just take a deep breath and relax, and remember that the family is coming to spend time with you, not critique your interior design or crafting or cooking skills. Of course, we all want to create a beautiful presentation and we want our meals to be devoured. I readily admit that I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to such matters.


So, where do you start? Well, it’s amazing what a difference it makes just to clean your home. I mean really clean your home. When my house is clean, it looks like a page out of a magazine. Of course, that is a rare occasion and it generally looks more like the scene of a robbery, but I digress. Get out those brooms and mops and dust rags and start going over every surface. Scrub those dirty spots on the doors, walls, and baseboards. Dust furniture and books and decorative items you may have strewn about your horizontal surfaces. While you’re at it, organize them too.  Clean those windows inside and out. Make sure bathrooms are sparkling and beds have fresh linens. Scatter scented candles, sachets, or diffusers around the house.

                                
When your house is clean and organized, think about what you really want to do as far as decorating. Are you thinking about trying to tackle large projects? Well, don’t get too ambitious. Unlike what you see on HGTV, projects can actually take a lot longer than people realize. Make certain that you have the time and energy to pour into larger projects. Maybe you would like to paint a room. That can be done in a weekend. A whole house? Not so much. Perhaps some new furniture? Ok, but make sure the item is high quality and in stock. Or consider rearranging furniture or purchasing slipcovers or new pillows instead. 

On that subject, new accessories might be the answer to your decorating dilemmas. New window coverings, rugs, or artwork can make a dramatic difference without the cost and time of a complete overhaul.


Now, let’s say you are thinking about rolling out the red carpet for your guests, but your flooring is not up to the task. Maybe you have been considering a new hardwood floor for a long time and this might be just the perfect time. Here are few things to think about prior to making such a big decision:

We are human and as such, we often do things at the last minute. This is true in the world of hardwood flooring. Most contractors experience a spike in sales and installation in November/December. Everyone wants a new hardwood floor and they want it by Christmas! Well, there are only so many experienced, reliable contractors around and their schedules are quickly filled, and they can only move so fast. And you should never rush an installation.

Not all products are stocked or readily available. Some sell out. Some are custom and require long production times. Some get held up in customs. A contractor has no control over this. Have your contractor or salesperson check stock before making that final decision. On the subject of products, if you want something installed quickly, then a prefinished, engineered product is your best bet.

If you have a hardwood floor and just want it to look a little more presentable, you can consider a buff and recoat. It doesn't take as long or require as much work as a sand and finish. However, if your floor needs more intensive rehabilitation, then you want to schedule that sand and finish as soon as possible, like now. Depending on many square feet you need done, it can take as much time as an installation, and you’ll want to let the floor cure a bit before everyone walks all over it.



Once you've drawn up a plan and made your decisions, don’t forget about those decorative holiday touches! Hang a wreath on your door or over your fireplace. Lay a garland on your mantle and hang those stockings. Place apothecary jars or vases filled with pine cones or glittery ornaments on your dining table. Lay soft faux fur or wool plaid throw blankets on your sofa and/or armchairs. And lights aren’t just for the tree! I like to wrap some around my stair banister and railings. Place a basket of small logs by the fireplace. And don’t forget candles. They are quick, inexpensive way to cozy up a place!



I hope these tips help. And I wish you and yours safe and happy holidays!


P.S. We have some room in our schedule if you would like to purchase a new hardwood floor   ; ) 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013


The pendulum swings again. It seems the market for distressed, oil finished floors has grown tremendously. People are no longer clamoring for smooth, shiny exotics. Now it is all about wire-brushed white oak. Perhaps it is because these floors look and feel more natural, more like the hardwood floors of yore. 

It’s not surprising. In this fast-paced, digital, plastic world, people may be looking to create simple, peaceful retreats. And natural materials are often chosen for such environments.

These particular products look and feel ‘real.’ The wider width boards lend themselves to the feeling of authenticity. They also look more handcrafted, more like the floors of yesteryear, when people, not machines, took the time to create quality. There has been a trend towards rustic spaces reminiscent of European farmhouses: less stuff, white walls, solid wood furniture, and textured linens. Wide width, distressed, oil finished floors are perfect companions to such a design scheme.

But there is no need to box yourself in. These products work in a variety of interiors, from traditional to rustic to contemporary. They can be at home in a seaside cottage or a downtown loft. And although white oak is the most prevalent, there are other species available, including walnut, hickory and maple. There is also a variety of stained products, offering different shades of brown, red, grey, and ebony. White washed floors are also finding their way into the mainstream.

Oil finished floors require different care and maintenance regimens. The oil finish is absorbed into the wood, as opposed to polyurethane or aluminum oxide which create a protective coating on top of the wood. So, the more natural look stems from the fact the wood is “naked,” so to speak. This means the floor is a bit more vulnerable to spills, dirt, and water damage. And oil finish floors require special floor cleaners. You shouldn't use the same cleaners recommended for polyurethane finished floors, nor should you wet mop. Oil finish floors also require periodic re-coating.

Don’t let any of that scare you away from an oil finished product. Because they are distressed, and not shiny, their bumps and bruises are less noticeable than on a polyurethane or aluminum oxide finished floor. Also, an oil finished floor can be spot treated, unlike the others, which require the entire floor be sanded and finished, or damaged boards replaced.

Naturally (see what I did there), I am a big fan of these products. I appreciate their beauty and the fact that I can actually feel the wood. 

If you might be interested in a distressed, oil finished product, give us a call or send us an e-mail. We would be happy to help you in creating the beautifully serene space you desire.