It’s getting closer to summertime, and many of us are dreaming of blue oceans and sandy beaches. While we can’t always make it to the beach, we can bring summery, coastal vibes into our homes by incorporating an Old World, Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean décor consists of bright colors mixed with Old World elements. It’s basically the opposite of modern, with lots of textures, colors, and curved shapes. The general color scheme for this look utilizes Terra cotta, turquoise, rust, and yellow all contrasted by bright, clean whites. You can find many elements of Mediterranean décor in tiles like terra cotta, hand-painted, aged, and Moroccan tile. While some may think these materials can be expensive and hard to find, we have several products that offer the perfect match.
 
Tesoro’s Grunge Oxid, Cuba mix, and Havana series of tile make a great combo for backsplashes or even accent walls that exude Old World charm. In addition, Mannington’s Deco Steel luxury vinyl is a beautiful option for kitchen or bathroom floors to give a space the look of unique, hand-painted tiles at a fraction of the cost. Aged or distressed wood also plays a part in Mediterranean design. A flooring like All South Floor’s Gulf Coast Driftwood is an excellent option for an aged wood-look to give your space an open flow and balance out high-patterned tiles. Finish off your look with European style accessories, and don’t forget to throw in some wrought iron.

These floorings and tile offer just one example of how to achieve a Mediterranean look in your home. Keeping these design principles in mind, you can explore other options in our showroom or on our website at shopabbey.com that work together to achieve your desired look.

Open floor plans continue to remain a popular interior design element. They allow for a seamless flow throughout a home and lend themselves well to a feeling of unity, conversation, and fellowship with family and friends. Whether you have a home with a large, open space or a smaller home that is cozier, the right use of flooring can open up your design.
 
One way to achieve this is by installing the same flooring throughout your space. For some, this may seem unusual because we are often accustomed to tile in the kitchen and bath, hardwood in the living room and hall, and carpet in the bedrooms. Good flooring choices to take throughout the whole house are LVT (luxury vinyl tile or plank), WPC (wood polymer composite), and sheet vinyl. These flooring choices, depending on brand, are either waterproof or water resistant and very durable, making it possible for them to be installed anywhere in the home. Each of these products are also able to be installed without transitions, thus creating a continuous flow. In addition, these products all come in wood or tile looks, perfect for whatever design you’re going for.
 
Tile is also an excellent flooring choice that can literally be installed anywhere in your home. Today’s gorgeous, stylish wood-look varieties go with any décor from rustic to modern. The options are pretty much endless with tile, whether you’re looking for a natural stone look, classic design, or something sleek and bold. Tile is easy to clean and maintain, no matter where it’s installed.
 
Laminate and hardwood also lend themselves well to open, common areas of the home, with certain considerations. Engineered hardwood is a better choice than solid if being installed in potential wet areas like kitchens. Any spills or leaks should be cleaned up quickly, and you should only use a damp mop when cleaning. Many types of laminate now come with water resistant properties, but care should also be taken in not exposing laminate to large amounts of liquid. We do not recommend laminate or hardwood for bathrooms, but they’re great for the main living areas of a home.
 
So, our takeaway tips are:

• Try the same kind of flooring throughout the home for a streamlined flow.
• Flooring such as WPC, LVT, and sheet vinyl can be installed without transitions which creates a continuous feel room to room.
• Tile can be installed anywhere.
• Take precautions against moisture when installing hardwood or laminate.

If you own a business, you know the effect a first impression can have, whether you’re a retail, medical, or service-based establishment. People are drawn to and enjoy being in a business that is clean, comfortable, and appealing to the eye. Flooring plays a big part in that aesthetic, but in addition to looking good, businesses experience a lot of traffic and need durable flooring.
 
Commercial flooring is often thought of as generic and bland. There hasn’t always been a wealth of options for durable flooring that could meet a business’s needs and be stylish. These days though, there are a lot more options as the flooring industry is revolutionizing flooring to be both durable and beautiful.
 
A go-to for commercial flooring is often carpet or carpet tiles. One of the many brands we offer is Mohawk’s ColorStrand SD which is equipped with colorfastness to sunlight, atmospheric contamination, and harsh cleaners. It’s also great against stains with its Protection Plus Soil and Stain Resistant Technology. ColorStrand is guaranteed not to wear more than 10% of its surface pile weight for the life of the carpet (it lasts!), and it’s also equipped with Weldlok Plus backing. Weldlock Plus is an advanced, high performance backing system designed to provide long-term carpet durability while delivering sustainable benefits. ColorStrand SD is also an easy, direct glue down or stretch in installation. To see more of the ColorStrand line, click here.

LVT, WPC and laminate flooring are durable and come in many different hardwood and stone looks that make any space look beautiful. But is flooring just for floors? Not necessarily. Let's look at some ways to think outside the box with you flooring.

​You might have recently had flooring installed, and you have some extra left over. What are you supposed to do with it? Don't underestimate the style and texture a wood or stone-look accent wall can bring to a space. In addition, wood planked ceilings are stunning and easy to achieve with lightweight materials like LVT, WPC, and laminate. Hardwood can also be used for ceilings and accent walls, but it’s just a bit more labor-intensive because of the weight of the wood (want to make sure it’s secure to your surface).
 
If you don’t have enough excess flooring for an accent wall, what else can you do with it? Wood or stone-look picture or mirror frames are a stylish and easy way to use up those extra pieces. How about a wood plank headboard? Since LVT, WPC, and laminate are lightweight and very durable, they’re easy to work with and can be used almost anywhere. You can use those extra pieces on the walls in other ways too like funky wall art or floating shelves.  LVT, WPC, laminate, and even tile are perfect for covering shelves and tables, giving them a stylish wood or stone look. Another benefit to using that extra flooring to make accents in your space is that it draws the look of your space together with the color and texture of your floors.
 
Maybe you've already had your floors installed and have extra flooring, or maybe you’re about to buy new flooring. Either way, don't forget the other uses for the leftovers that can really draw your space together and make it unique. 

​The great outdoors is amazing, especially when you have your own little piece of the outdoors at home. Maybe it's sitting on the patio or balcony reading, fun times by the pool, or a welcoming walkway in a garden or court yard. Either way, it's these outdoor spaces that really bring something extra to our homes. Let's take a look at how to make a welcoming outdoor space and the flooring you can use to do this.
 
One of the most popular outdoor spaces is the patio. These usually consist of a concrete slab off the house, sometimes with a roof to provide shade. A sliding glass door connecting your living space with your patio will make your living space feel open and add lots of natural light. You can take your patio to another level by continuing your flooring in the home out onto the patio. To do this, though, you will have to choose a floor covering that is suitable to be outdoors.
 
Floor coverings like hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile, and carpet are not ideal for outdoor use or in any areas that are not regulated. (Some hard wood can be used outside but requires an extensive of amount of maintenance). If planning on using these kinds of floor coverings, keep in mind they are susceptible to moisture damage and not recommended for outdoor use. Still want to carry your wood or tile flooring outside? Well not to worry. There are several options available.
 
The WPC flooring category offers wood and stone looks that are perfect for indoor or outdoor spaces, allowing you to continue your look from the inside out. You may love sipping drinks and relaxing on your porch but hate the maintenance that comes with wood. The porch is a prime example of an area WPC wood-look flooring can bring a new look and more comfort to your outdoor space with less maintenance.
 
Tile is beautiful outdoors, whether it's on a patio, porch, walkway, or poolside. When opting for tile outdoors, stone or ceramics are not ideal because they absorb too much moisture. Stone and ceramic tile is also susceptible to cracking and breaking when the temperatures rise and fall. However, slip-resistant porcelain tile that is rated for outdoor use is perfect. Slate is also a great choice for outdoor spaces. When properly sealed, this natural stone is a champion of beauty and durability. Keep in mind that using larger-sized tiles can make your space feel bigger, and wood-look tile will add texture and warmth.
 
So, when looking to expand your home to the outdoors, remember to keep the space open to allow the outdoors in. Think outside the box when it comes to the walkways and floors. Remember the maintenance that will be needed for the flooring you choose and be sure to pick a floor covering that is not only beautiful but durable and meets your needs.

Two of the hottest products in the flooring world today are LVT and WPC, but they lead customers ask many questions: What does that stand for? What's it made of? Is it wood? Is it waterproof?--the list goes on. Let's take some of the mystery out of these flooring categories for you. We'll start with LVT.

LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile, also know as luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl flooring (LVF). LVT is a vinyl based flooring that mimics the look of stone and wood. LVT consists of five layers. First is a finish that protects from light scratching and shoe scuffs. Second is a clear film that protects against rips and tears. Third is the design layer--this is your stone or wood print. Fourth is the core, which gives it structure. And finally, the fifth layer is the backing.

LVT captures the realistic look of wood and stone designs with the use of photographic technology. The design options don't stop at color though. LVT also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Square pieces range from 12x12 to 24x24, and rectangle piece come in 12x24. You can even get LVT in hexagonal shapes!

Besides its design advantages, LVT has many practical angles. Unlike the stone and wood that it mimics, LVT is very water resistant. In fact, it is pretty much impervious to wet spills. While stone is susceptible to cracks if something heavy is dropped on it or if not installed correctly, LVT is very durable, giving it the stone look without fear of it cracking. Tile is beautiful, but many don’t like its cold feel—something that LVT does not have.

LVT is very easy to clean: damp mopping is the recommended cleaning procedure for LVT. Because it is very durable, it is not uncommon to see 20 to 25-year warranties on LVT.
WPC (wood plastic/polymer composite) shares many similarities with LVT, but at the same time, they do have some differences. Let's take a look at why you might consider WPC for your floor covering.

There are many different versions of WPC (wood plastic/polymer composite). While the “W” in WPC stands for wood, the majority of WPC-type products entering the market today don’t contain wood. These kinds of WPC are often called enhanced vinyl plank, engineered luxury vinyl, and water proof vinyl. We’re going to focus on the features of these types of WPC.

WPC is like LVT in that it is vinyl based and mimics stone and wood. The core is made of plastic/polymer, which is the same material PVC pipes are of made. When this kind of core is used in WPC, it is totally water proof. WPC can be installed in places with high exposure to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements. WPC’s core is rigid, thus hiding imperfections in the subfloor. The rigid core also allows for longer and wider planks. Like LVT, WPC is very easy to clean and has a lengthy warranty.
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If you would like the look of wood or stone but with added durability and protection, LVT and WPC are both excellent flooring choices for your home.
 

Everyone needs their own space, a place to get away and have things just the way they like them. This is especially true for children whether they’re newborns or teens. Let's look at some design tips for fun and functional space for kids of all ages.

Every room begins with a good foundation: beautiful and functional flooring. Kids’ rooms and playrooms take a lot of wear and tear. For flooring that stands up to messes and high traffic, your best bet will be WPC, LVT, or stain-resistant carpet. Highly recommended products are Mohawk’s SolidTech WPC, Mannington’s Adura Max, and Mohawk’s SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet. SolidTech and Adura Max are completely waterproof and come in a variety of wood and tile looks to suit any décor. WPC flooring is also a softer surface than traditional wood or tile. If it’s carpet you’re looking for, the softness, stain resistance, and durability of SmartStrand is unequaled. Whatever flooring you choose, choose a style that can “grow” with the room as your child ages.
 
Organization and easy access will be your best friend as your child grows from cradle to college. You don't have to have a big space to stay organized; just use your space wisely. If you can’t go out, go up with wall hooks, floating shelves, or shelves with slide-out containers. Buy multipurpose furniture pieces like a storage ottoman, combination dresser/changing table, and crib that converts to a full-size bed. Utilize any empty spaces (like under the bed) for pull out baskets or tubs to organize and store everything from toys to extra linens.
 
As needs and styles change, make the transition into your child's next stage of life smoother by picking furniture like convertible cribs or daybeds and using neutral paint colors. Your child's favorite color will likely change almost weekly, so it's best to choose a neutral paint color and use accent pieces, wall art, bedding, and personal mementos to bring in bright colors, patterns, and individual style.
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When designing your kids’ spaces, remember that style and function need to go hand-in-hand. Keeping your flooring and paint color neutral and utilizing multi-functional furniture provides a great foundation for changes in needs and personal style. Pulling all these together to create a timeless look will allow the space to grow with your child. 

​The rustic look is a very popular décor style and for good reason. The look feels homey and welcoming with an aged style. You don't have to live on a farm or in a cabin in the woods to have a beautiful, rustic home. Follow these design tips to bring this style into any space.
 
Garage sales and thrift stores are great places for finding furniture and treasures that can be repurposed. You can easily turn an old window into a picture frame or even a table top with a new coat of paint, some sanding, and a little hardware. For more window ideas click HERE. Find an older-looking piece, such as a dresser, and paint it a creamy white or beige, and then stand it down to create a gently-worn look. If you prefer a pop of color, you can use just about any color you like if used correctly. The most important thing to do when using a bright color such as red or turquoise is to sand off some of the color, making it look worn. For more inspiration, click HERE. A little paint and a sander make it easy to turn something into a beautiful rustic piece.
 
Other rustic touches are old clocks and woven baskets for storage. Textures are another quality of the rustic look, like old metal, rope, burlap and maybe one of the most important, wood. Another key component is the color pallet: creamy whites, beiges, and browns are the primary colors of the rustic look. If you’re looking for even more projects and décor ideas, check out our Farmhouse Pinterest Board.
 
Your floors will be an important factor to your rustic-style home. There are a variety of rustic, weathered looks available in hardwood, LVT, WPC, tile and laminate. The color of wood flooring you will use depends a lot on the color of wood used in the furniture in your home. Do you want to coordinate or contrast? Many hard surface floorings come with aged features like wire brushing and distressing in any color from black to blonde. In addition, there are many selections in rustic, wood-look tile that make it difficult to tell tile from wood.
 
When designing your rustic home, don't be afraid to bargain hunt and break out the sander. Keep your colors rustic by giving the surface a worn look. Find flooring with distressed features and a color that complements your décor. Before long, you’ll have your whole design put together and can enjoy the farmhouse life!