Granite continues to come out on top as the preferred choice for kitchen and bathroom counter surfaces. The most obvious reason for granite’s popularity is its visual appeal. Granite is a unique natural stone with wide variations in color and pattern. There is a granite to suit any home décor. A slab can boast rich earth tones like vibrant shades of green, blue, and yellow, to more basic black, white, and beige tones and anywhere in between. Granite encompasses so many colors and also patterns vary from bold with veins or color flecks, to more neutral, clean lines.
 
Aside from the unmatchable beauty of granite, it’s also very practical because of its durability. Granite is tough, resistant to staining and etching, and won’t scorch if you happen to place a hot object on it. Maintenance is also easy. Once the granite is professionally installed and sealed, it only requires a wipe down with a damp cloth and gentle, non-abrasive cleaner.
 
Another aspect of granite that makes it a popular choice is its longevity. Granite countertops will last a lifetime or more when properly taken care of, including being sealed every two to four years. Man made surfaces are not as durable, and though the initial cost may be cheaper than granite, they may have to be replaced or show signs of wear long before a granite surface. In addition to style, durability, and easy care, granite will add lasting value to your home, making it a good investment for years to come. Visit our website to find out more!

Summer’s almost over, and fall is right around the corner. For many, fall is a favorite time of year. The cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice just makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. Often, these fall feelings carry over into our home décor.
 
This year a popular home décor trend is all about the use of textures and shapes, along with organic accents. You can accomplish this look using touches like wood accessories, furs, plants, tribal or animal art, and textured fabrics. Other great choices are chunky, oversized pillows and throws (think cable knit) and soft rugs in warm, organic colors like oranges, reds, and browns. Cork flooring is an excellent complement to this design. It’s neutral and earthy (and sustainable!) but also comes in many unique patterns and textures. Walking on cork is quite comfortable as well, lending a cozy feel to your home. Other excellent, earthy flooring choices are bamboo or exotic woods like acacia.
 
Bold on black is another popular style this fall, involving tasteful contrast. The look is easy to achieve, still keeping a neutral base with black, white, and golds or browns but throwing in some bold, dark aspects with pops of color. Make a statement with navy, violet, or berry colors for sofas, chairs, or accent pieces, and throw in a few black and white pillows with graphic text. Dark or black stained wood floors or even grays are perfect for this contrasting look. All together this look really compliments fall’s contrasting beauty.
 
Finally, whatever style you choose, make it your own. Create looks or vignettes of things you already have. Put your flea market finds and personal treasures on display so that your home tells the story of who you are. Mix up vintage and modern items for an eclectic, homey vibe.

​More often than we’d probably like, we find ourselves in the laundry room. It’s often a dreaded chore, but it must be done. Does your laundry room leave you feeling lost in a sea of mismatched socks, towels, hampers, and stinky gym clothes? If so, we hope to share some tips to make your laundry room inviting and efficient. 
 
No matter what the size of your laundry room, one of the most important features is storage. The area above the washer and dryer has so much potential for this. This is a great spot to hang a clothing rod, a shelf with baskets, or even install a cabinet unit to store supplies within easy reach. If your laundry room has room for counter space, utilize it for a folding area; or, if you have a front-loading washer and dryer, you can also consider installing a countertop above your machines. This also makes for a great folding and sorting area. Need drying racks? Two space-saving options are a hanging rack that folds out from the wall or a pull-out drawer rack.
 
Of course, we can’t talk laundry without mentioning clothes hampers. A stylish free-standing clothes hamper can add a personal touch to your laundry room. This kind of hamper comes in many shapes, textures, and sizes ranging from wicker to plastic, and even metal. If you need a more space-efficient hamper, you can put those floor cabinets to good use by installing a pull-out, drawer-style hamper. Another option is a floor unit with cubbies for laundry baskets.
 
Another crucial element to your laundry room is flooring. Laundry rooms are exposed to water, chemicals, mud, and dirt, so the flooring in these spaces needs to be durable. There is also potential for water leaks from the washing machine and scratched floors from shaky machines. Here are some flooring options to consider for the laundry room:

• Ceramic or porcelain tile (water resistant).
• WPC (waterproof) flooring, rigid core, or vinyl planks
• Luxury vinyl (waterproof)

 
All of these options are available in wood or tile looks and even decorative patterns.
 
With the right storage, organization, and a little style, you can make your laundry room more efficient and enjoyable. Call us today to get your project started! 256.231.0008.

​Muddy shoes and backpacks with overflowing school supplies--is this what you see when you walk into your house? Entryways and mudrooms can get messy and cluttered, especially with school back in session and kids coming and going. In this blog, we’ll look at what you can do to make either your entryway or your mudroom stylish, durable, and functional.
 
Mudrooms are usually a small room or area near an entryway where people generally tend to discard their items in a hurry. So, how can you foster tidiness in this space? Functional storage is the key, one of the most useful mudroom items is a bench with cubby storage. A bench makes it easy for all to remove their shoes, and hooks and cubbies are perfect for hanging back packs and helping keep items off the floor. You can really express yourself in these little areas of the house because they are generally separate from the rest of the living spaces. Use your imagination and make a fun and welcoming space with lots of color, accessories, and even a fun rug.
 
Not every home has a mudroom but still has a need for a functional entryway. Just like mudrooms, your entryway needs storage too. You can use a small bench with decorative storage baskets underneath and hooks on the wall above to create useful storage in a smaller space.
 
In addition to storage, both entryways and the mudrooms need durable flooring because these areas are subject to a lot of foot traffic and outdoor elements. A favorite flooring option for these spaces is tile because it’s durable, easy to clean, and comes in many styles.
 
Tile is not your only option though. There are so many flooring types now that can handle heavy traffic and even water, just as well as tile. Two very popular alternatives are WPC (waterproof or rigid core flooring) and luxury vinyl or luxury vinyl tile. Both of these options come in wood and even tile looks. If you do decide to use hardwood, consider investing in a stain-resistant or outdoor rug to protect your hardwoods from damage in this area of your home.
 
If you’re ready to give your mudroom or entryway an overhaul, stop by our showroom, and one of our flooring advisors can help you pick out the perfect flooring for your space!