Floor Talk! A Guide to Fabulous Flooring and Design

At Home With Commercial Carpet

Annette Callari, A.S.I.D.; CMG

Sharing creative ideas is a big part of what WFCA wants to bring to its readership. So I’d like to share a little designer secret with you–something I’ve done for quite some time with my residential clients–and something that can open a whole new world of carpets to you.

There are so many beautiful styles available residentially, mainly as a result of the sophisticated, highly computerized (multi-million dollar) machinery mills have invested in. The result of that product development has brought to market breathtaking and luxurious styles. But every now and then, I have clients who are looking for something very tailored, super-functional, and totally outside-the-box of traditional residential styling. These are my “Main Street Commercial” cross-over customers, and I know exactly what they are looking for.

This desire for low-profile, high style carpets is not just for architects’ or engineers’ homes anymore. Commercial styles are finding their way into YOUR homes more and more. Several reasons could be sighted for this phenomenon:

1. Aesthetics are totally unique and offer sophisticated designs.
2. Functionality is off the charts! Many of the carpets are solution dyed, which means the dye is actually in the fibers at the time of extrusion. This makes the carpet almost impervious to most stains (you could spill bleach and not affect it), and they are extremely fade-resistant.
3. Many styles come in carpet tile format. Tiles are easily interchanged or replaced as needed, and the end result is a floor that looks newer longer.
4. Low profile commercial carpets are children and pet friendly (but stay away from loop styles if your pet has claws). Your toddler likes to ride his Big Wheel in the house? No problem.
5. As many of us are tending to our aging parents, if they are using walkers or wheelchairs, low-profile commercial style carpets will be a safer choice for your home.
6. Color lines are not as extensive as residential carpets, but palettes offer very livable colors for the home. Loops, cut piles and amazing patterns are all part of
   commercial libraries, and you just have to ASK your retailer to see his commercial styles. (They are sampled in architect folders, but larger samples can be ordered.)
7. If you are committed to sustainability and recycling, you especially will want to research commercial carpets. Most mills have a recycling program already in place. As an example, Shaw Industries has created a line of commercial carpets that are 100% recyclable (Eco-Solution Q), including the carpet backing! And I’m talking cradle-to-cradle recycling. Their Type 6 nylon can be broken down into the basic raw materials, and rebuilt into brand new carpet. The products have labels attached to the back with phone numbers of whom to call to pick the used carpet up when you are ready to replace it. Eco-Solution Q products are just one example of the commitment commercial (and residential) carpet manufacturers have made to the cause of recycling.

So there you have a look into the world of commercial carpet—it’s different and it’s fascinating–something new for you to consider as you are planning your future interior design. The styles are stunning and truly artistic, and if functionality is at the top of your list, this may be just the solution for you.

Kitchens.com - one of my favorite websites, has launched a new sister site called iBaths.com. Kitchens.com is a place where you can find information and inspiration for your ideal kitchen.

Whether you are halfway through a kitchen remodel or thinking of fixing up your bath, Kitchens.com wants you to know about their new sister site. With lush photos, informative articles and interactive features, iBaths.com is a comprehensive online destination for anyone interested in bathroom remodeling and design.

Tools you will find on kitchens.com and iBaths.com include: blogs, forums, find a pro, product spotlights, design, planning, products, photos, videos, kitchen tours and other resources.

Check these sites out today and get inspired! There are hundreds of gorgeous pictures in the photos section of Contemporary, Country, Old World, Rustic, Traditional and Transitional room scenes where you can see fabulous floor, wall, countertop and cabinet combinations to inspire you.

Another favorite part of the site is the quizzes and questionnaires much like the ones found on the WFCA site. These interactive tools help you gain a sense of what your style is and how to apply it to the kitchen of your dreams.

Also, check out the color ideas section on iBaths.com to learn about color palettes, where to start with color, color type, describing color and color combinations.

Ok - enough telling you what to check out that I think is cool, check out the site for yourself and be sure to give yourself some time - you’re going to want to stay on the site for a while!

Aging in place is becoming more and more of a concern with new builders, re-modelers and adults with aging parents.There are many concerns that have to be considered such as heights of certain objects, width of certain areas for wheel chair access, slip resistant surfacing and more.

Some of the flooring considerations and guidelines:

• Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior
• If carpeted, use low (less than ½ inch high pile) density, with firm pad
• Color/texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels

Some bathroom considerations as it pertains to flooring and tiled areas:

• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
• Contrasting color edge border at countertops
• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 - 300 pounds
• If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and minimum of 36 inches wide
• Bathtub - lower for easier access
• Fold down seat in the shower
• Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6-foot hose
• Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes
• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

There is a council designed especially for more knowledge on aging in place called The National Aging in Place Council.The National Aging in Place Council is a membership organization founded on the belief that an overwhelming majority of older Americans want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, but lack awareness of home and community-based services that make independent living possible.  NAIPC has created a national forum for individuals from the aging, healthcare, financial services, legal, design and building sectors to work together to help meet the needs of our growing aging population, so they can continue living in the housing of their choice

To learn more about aging in place, click here for the National Aging in Place Council.

Carpet One Intros Mat Line to Help Breast Cancer Research

During the month of March we had quite a few reader questions and quite a few news and noteworthy events happen. Below is a recap with links to each post of the happenings of March 2009!

SOME READER QUESTIONS INCLUDED:

Cleaning laminate with vinegar - can vinegar be used safely to clean laminate floors?

Area rug padding - what types of area rug padding are out there and why it’s important.

Flooring for extreme temperatures - a reader wants a floor that can withstand extreme temperature changes.

Rubber Flooring - a cake decorator is looking for a soft flooring alternative for her business.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS INCLUDED:

Warmly Yours - introduces radiant heating for showers.

Wilsonart introduces laminate tile - a new lineup of classic high pressure laminate flooring that reflects the hottest style trends in both residential and commercial interiors.

WFCA color trends report - latest flooring designs take inspiration from fashion runways.

Shaw education on allergens and energy - this post talks about Shaw’s efforts to educate and debunk the many myths  about carpet regarding allergies and indoor air qualities.

OTHER POSTS INCLUDED:

Fabulous Find: Waterworks and Walker Zanger tiles - noteworthy products from Waterworks and Walker Zanger tile companies.

Highlight of rug info site called Rug Rag - the premier destination for information about area rugs.

Leather tiles - features, design options, durability, installation, maintenance and benefits of leather tiles.

Beaulieu’s Bliss carpet - get a cleaner feeling home with Bliss carpet by Beaulieu.

The meaning of colors - color were broken down into what they mean from a decorating standpoint as well as their tie to emotions.

How to deal with carpet issues - this post covered carpet issues such as crushed pile, shedding, snags and footprints and what should be done about them.

Top 10 things your housekeeper should know about your floors - tips such as why you should not drag furniture across the floors, what types of mops should and shouldn’t be used on hard surfaces, why walk off mats are important and more.

Do you have a topic that you would like to learn more about. Leave a comment!

WarmlyYours Intros Radiant Heating for Showers

For more than 30 years, Waterworks has brought impeccable style, craftsmanship and service to the American bath. Based on an appreciation for a time when all objects were made by hand and held to exacting standards, Waterworks melds European artisanal quality with 21st century precision for today’s home. Their products now encompass bath and kitchen faucets, surfaces, bathtubs, washstands, accessories, home furnishings and much more.

A unique collaboration of designers, artisans, and manufacturers create each Waterworks product. Every fitting or fixture, tile or textile meets their uncompromising standards for quality assurance and excellence - proving that functionality and inspired aesthetics go hand-in-hand.

Shown here is a collection of glass called Tempo. Notice the incredible detail of each mosaic. These pieces are the type of tile that set a room apart from any other.  These tiles can be used sparingly for an accent effect or in large formats for a WOW effect. Imagine these tiles as wainscoting on a bathroom wall, a kitchen, bath or wetbar backsplash, an accent stripe in a shower or tub surroud, a border for an area rug created out of tile, a mirror frame, an accent wall in a powder room, a wall plaque in a shower - imagine the possibilities!

These are just a sampling of the many unique and decorative products available from Waterworks. For more selections, check out their website.

Question:

We installed laminate floor in our home and have never mopped it, however I have damp clothed it w/a solution of the following:  in a 12 oz bottle I put in water and a cap of white vinegar - is this considered acceptable?

Answer:

For day to day maintenance an occasional damp mop, quick sweeping or light vacuuming with the hard floor attachments are usually all it takes to keep your laminate floor clean. Do not use soaps, detergents, or cleaners with wax because they may leave a film, dulling the floor. You can mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup vinegar or ½ cup of ammonia per gallon of water. Laminate floors must never be waxed, polished, sanded or refinished and never use a wet or jet mop when cleaning.

For more information on laminate maintenance: http://www.wfca.org/laminate/care.aspx

Wilsonart Flooring has developed a new lineup of ‘Classic’ High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Flooring in a rectangular tile format that reflects one of the hottest style trends in both residential and commercial interiors.

With the subtle, luxurious look of travertine, Wilsonart Flooring’s new Rectangular Tiles deliver the same high level of color and shade variation found in nature. The tiles are available in three desert-inspired colorations that blend beautifully with today’s interiors.

“The rectangular format adds the ‘pop’ of high style to traditional interiors,” says Tammy Weadock, Wilsonart Flooring marketing manager. “The characteristics of travertine turn a room into a place of tranquility and relaxation.” These new designs come with a 20-year residential warranty for wear, fade, stain and topical moisture and a 5-year commercial warranty for wear, fade and stain.

Sonora Sage

A complex mix of dark and light brown, cream with gold highlights, and taupe throughout. This combination blends warm tones of chocolate and cool tones of grey together in one material.

Sahara Gold

Cream and gold are fused with light and dark browns to create a coloration that addresses the more traditional honey tones found in oak cabinetry.

Mojave Breeze

– The lightest of the three tiles, Mojave Breeze incorporates the warm/cool color trend combination, using taupe mingled with cream, beige and brown. This light floor would contrast nicely with espresso stained cabinetry.

“All Wilsonart Flooring is made using High Pressure Laminate (HPL) construction, versus the other residential products made from thin low pressure or Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL),” explains Weadock. “In comparison, the HPL wear surface atop Wilsonart Flooring is 3-5 times thicker than DPL. This thickness translates into superior impact and dent resistance, providing assurance against the demands of everyday life: dropped cans, heavy furniture, children and pets. Every product in the Wilsonart Flooring portfolio is applicable for commercial environments and as such, it remains the best-performing laminate flooring option for consumers seeking unsurpassed durability for their home.”

Through a comment on Floor Talk!, I found the site called rugrag.com, the premier destination for information about area rugs. This site is filled with knowledge, useful information and hints and tips if you are in the market to buy an area rug.

The site contains special features such as a quiz on what’s your ideal style where you are asked questions about the thickness, detail, field, colors and price. Then, based on your preferences, they give you a recommendation for which type of rugs you might like.

Below is an example of their suggestions that include descriptions and images:

Another section is on celebrities and their rugs!  For example, on March 2nd, the news was about Michael Jackson’s rugs being auctioned.

Another great section is a section for first time buyers where you will find an interactive rug forum, rug style guide, a stain removal guide, rug estimator pro, rug washing estimate, verification, FAQ’s, rug care cleaning and repair and purchasing decisions.

The Rug Rag forum is the best way to ask questions on and about Oriental Rugs, and have an expert in the field to respond quickly.  This is the first ever Oriental Rug Forum which is not hosted by a Rug Seller, or engage in heavy “technical talk.”  On the Forum, they encourage users to link to items under purchase consideration, in addition to asking any and all questions relating to rugs in appropriate topic areas.

The Rug Rag Style Guide is the First Ever interactive Web Tool for Consumers to be provided with key search terms for their Oriental Rugs.

Rug Rag Verifications are the ultimate tool for both Oriental Rug Buyer and Seller.  You may note in listings for rugs on the Internet, a Rug Rag Badge has been located in or near the item description.  By clicking on this badge, you will then be directed to a Report Card outlining important points on that specific rug.

There are many tools and pieces of advice on this site to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing an area rug. They even have a guide to help you guy rugs on Ebay!

If you are in the market for an Oriental rug, this site is a must to check out before you take your first step.

Leather has always been a symbol of luxury and leather floor and wall tiles are no exception. The same softness and warmth enjoyed on leather furniture, by leather shoes and handbags and clothing is enjoyed on leather floors and walls. Leather floors and walls compliment most any decor and can instantly add warmth and comfort to a room. Literally, leather will warm to your body temperature, literally keeping you warmer!

Leather tiles:

• Are available for floor and wall/ceiling installations
• Have a high degree of dimensional stability
• Come in smooth or textures surfaces
• Come in a variety of sizes and colors
• Are sustainable and renewable

Design options - leather tiles are available in many colors and can be embossed, distressed, antiqued, sandblasted or produced with custom inlaid designs. Sizes offered range from: 2×6,3×3,4×4,6×6,8×8,10×10,12×12,18×18, 24×24, 26×26, 4×6, 6×12, 9×18, 12×18, 18×24, 2×8 and 2×14 for borders.

Durability - one very important thing to keep in mind is that leather is a natural product and is not wear or scratch proof. In fact, leather will scratch, nick and show markings from traffic and daily use. This is considered one of the more desirable features of a product like leather and the look that is achieved by the natural wear on leather tiles is called “patina”. Much like copper and other materials that change or age with wear and use, leather falls into the same category.

Installation - Leather tiles are glued directly down to the floor or wall. For floor installations, tiles are glued to plywood, wood or concrete subfloors with proper floor preparation. Some tiles are available where they are pre-glued in order to make gluing directly to drywall easier. Proper installation is important because if not installed properly the floors can unadhere from the floor or the edges can curl up and detach.

Recommended Areas - Leather floor and wall tiles are recommended for virtually every application except for bathrooms and kitchens. The harsh detergents used in these areas are not good environments for leather products.

Maintenance - Daily leather maintenance is simple. Only a damp mop or soft cloth should be used to clean leather tiles and a soft attachement on a vacuum when a vacuum is being used. Leather tiles do need to have wax applied to them 3-4 times a year to protect the finish and nourish the leather.  Also, do not use rubber backed or non-ventilated rugs on leather floors.

Recycled leather tiles - another option for leather tiles are recycled leather tiles.

Benefits of recycled leather tiles are:

• Available in larger formats
• Less humidity absorption levels
• Regular liquid wax can be used rather than hard, pasty wax
• Higher resistance to abrasion
• Made of 65% post industrial waste

Whether you are considering leather floor or wall tiles or recycled floor or wall tiles, you will be able to enjoy this product for years to come. Be creative with the different places you can install leather tiles or use them as accents. Send us your pictures and show off your leather floors or walls!

Question:

I have several area rugs in my home over different types of floors. I am wondering if I need rug padding under every rug? If so, what kind and why?

Answer:

Rug pad is a very important part of the placement of area rugs for the following reasons:

• Rug pad keeps the rugs from slipping on hard surface floors
• It protects the finish of hardwood floors from the friction of the backing of some rugs as well as color transfer and staining
• Rug pad also reduces wrinkling of the area rugs
• Rug pad provides a cushioned feeling when walking on the rugs
• It can extend the life of your area rugs by preventing wear
• It allows you to vacuum your rug more easily

There are different types of rug pads for hard surfaces such as ceramic or hardwood and different types for carpet. There are premium pads for more cushion and there is a separate type of cushion for outdoor rugs. Some companies offer different rug pad for oriental carpets. There are also some types of tape that are designed to hold area rugs in place. A full padding works best as provides more of the assets listed above.

When purchasing area rug pad, you don’t want to buy or order the rug pad in the exact same size as your rug. You want at least a 1/2″ on all sides less than the size of the area rug. Pre-packaged rug pads already take this into account so you don’t have to do any trimming.

Another tip: Be sure and read the instructions to make sure you are putting the rug pad down in the correct fashion. Some rug pads have different textures on each side in order to either grip to the rug or provide slip resistance to the floor.

To locate a dealer in your area, click here.

Bliss Silver and Zinc Release^TM was created for households on the go! It’s durable, kid friendly, and easy to clean. Best of all, it inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew to help your home feel cleaner. While carpet doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria, mold or mildew, foreign particles on any moist surface can promote its growth. Silver and Zinc Release^TM works to inhibit its growth through tiny, microscopic silver and zinc ions.

• Bliss Silver and Zinc Release is proven effective against a broad spectrum of mold, mildew and bacteria in your carpet
• It works naturally, using silver and zinc ions found in nature.
• Environmentally safe and meets EPA standards.
• Completely safe and meets FDA standards.
• Naturally beneficial, uses silver and copper ions – elements found in nature.
• With self-renewing, odor-destroying Magic Fresh® technology

Put Bliss Silver and Zinc Release to work for you

Silver has long been recognized as a powerful antimicrobial element and has been used since ancient times in water preservation. In fact, the saying “born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” is largely based on the fourteenth century practice of placing silver spoons in the mouths of wealthy children. Silver coins were also added to milk and water cisterns to control the growth of bacteria. Zinc has been recognized in modern times to have strong antibacterial properties as well. Bliss has put both together for the carpet industry’s only anti-bacterial protection of its kind!

How Does It Work?

The key to the effectiveness of Bliss Silver and Zinc Release is a unique, balanced combination of silver and zinc ions. Moisture in the environment, the same moisture required by microbes to grow, initiates the release of silver and zinc ions from the carpet fibers. These ions bind to the microbes, inactivating them.

Bliss Silver and Zinc Release won’t make you a healthier person. You (or your pet for that matter) can’t roll around on your new Healthy Home carpet and get cured of whatever ails you. You can, however, roll around on your carpet knowing that it’s as healthy, clean and fresh as it can be.

Bliss also offers Magic Fresh

An exclusive self-renewing, odor-destroying technology that keeps your home feeling fresh! It’s an innovative approach to enhancing your indoor environment. Magic Fresh was specifically designed to improve the indoor air quality of your home. Magic Fresh captures odors and pollutants from their sources and helps purify the air.

• Environmentally friendly.
• Captures smoke, pet, and common household odors and pollutants.
• Does not mask odors; it chemically absorbs and decomposes them over a period of time.
• Does not disappear and is self-renewing.
• Withstands numerous cleanings and excessive abrasion.

For a floor store near you, click here to check and see if they carry Bliss.

Color is an important factor in our everyday lives. It can determine our moods, our emotions and even our eating habits! Below are some descriptions of different colors and what they mean in the world of decorating and in your day to day life. There are more complex meanings behind some colors - this is just a birds eye view of the meanings of some colors.

Black

* signifies authority, power
* from a design standpoint, it is stylish and timeless
* too much can be depressing because black absorbs all light

White

* symbolizes innocence and purity
* in decorating, it is neutral and goes with everything
* also can imply sterility
* can be hard to maintain
* can create a sense of space or add highlights

Red

* an emotionally intense color
* symbolizes warmth and comfort
* watch out painting your kitchen red because it can make you want to eat more!
* great color for accents and places you want to draw attention

Blue

* regarded as peaceful because it is reminiscent of the sky and ocean
* overall is the most popular color choice
* great choice for bedrooms because of it generates peaceful feelings
* be careful because some shades of blue can be depressing!
* productivity is increased in blue rooms so blue is a good choice for offices or boardrooms

Green

* currently the most popular decorating color perhaps because of the correlation to the concern for the environment
* green is “easy on the eyes” and is considered relaxing
* dark green can be considered masculine and conservative

Purple

* hot decorating color right now
* symbolizes wealth and royalty
* lighter shades can feel more romantic and feminine

Brown

* popular because of its tie to nature and the earth
* darker shades (chocolate) are popular to mix with other colors as accents
* light brown implies genuineness

Question:

I am writing to find out what kind of wood I should use on a floor in a house that has extreme temperature changes.    It is a vacation house in northern Maine that I visit for short times at any time of year. I do not leave the heat on when I am not there so the floor will go from 10 degrees or lower to 75 degrees or higher rather quickly.

What do you suggest?

Answer:

I would not use any type of hardwood flooring in a house with extreme temperature changes because of the rate that the floor will expand and contract. There is really no flooring type other than porcelain or natural stone (wood, laminate, vinyl or carpet) that can withstand temperatures lower than 55 degrees.