SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
FIVE HOT TRENDS IN HARDWOOD FLOORING
More than ever, homeowners are appreciating the added
value that hardwood floors bring to a home.
Here’s a look at five top flooring trends that will help if you
can’t see the wood for the trees.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead, and try to avoid
harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture
of the outdoors, will help transform a windowless area into a more
inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange will
also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry where
office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight. Shelving
that is custom-designed for the way you work can transform even a
tiny space into an efficient work area. Having cabinets and shelves
that are suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal
of frustration and overwhelming feelings of disorganization. A
designer and expert carpenter can help you get the most from your
workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house
to dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean you can’t have a
dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be put
away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted desk
that can be extended when in use and collapsed flush with the wall
when it’s not. Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can also
provide places for storage in a tight space. A creative builder can help
you make the most of your available space.
If your work area is not separated from the rest of your home
and building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways to
define your space. For example, tall wooden shutters can be linked
together with hinges and painted any color to create a private area.
Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate atmosphere of
privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients. Tall silk plants,
such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you
will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure it’s
comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to
being an attractive addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com
for some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will
work best for you.
BATHROOM BEAUTY
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to
hold your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements your
bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you live
Made in America
“There’s a growing demand for American-produced
hardwoods,” says Michael Martin, President and CEO of the
National Wood Flooring Association. “It’s part of the general
trend toward locally sourced materials of all kinds in the
U.S.” Consumer concerns about sustainability, quality, safety
and environmental factors are more easily addressed when
a hardwood is domestically grown and milled. Plus, the U.S.
offers an unrivaled range of readily available species suitable
for flooring.
Stains and Finishes
Gray is a classic “neutral” that’s never truly out of fashion. It’s
currently one of the most popular colors, ranging from pale
smoke to deep charcoal, showing up in hardwood flooring.
“Whether light or dark, gray stains bring out any wood’s
natural grain and texture,” says New York interior designer
Laura Bohn. “Grays are versatile and timeless—quiet and
soothing colors that recede into the background without
losing personality or becoming faceless. They work in any
style décor, yet always look modern.”
Species
For several years, the trend was toward woods like hickory,
but recently white oak has moved to the front. Along with
abundance, durability and reasonable cost, white oak offers
aesthetic advantages. Many of the popular gray-brown shades
look especially sophisticated applied to white oak.
The Wider, The Better
It’s all about wide, wider, widest. Planks of up to 7 inches in
width are considered normal now. Traditional strip flooring
still remains popular, but wide-plank is the market leader.
Wider floorboards can make a space look larger and more
modern. The floor can be treated like a canvas: ebonized for a
sleek, dark look; light-stained for an urban vibe; distressed for
a rustic effect—the possibilities are endless.
Popular Patterns
One way to set your home interior apart is by tapping into the
trend for herringbone and chevron pattern hardwood floors,
which show up increasingly in decorating magazines. Since
installing herringbone floors is a time- and labor-intensive
process, they’re more common in high-end projects. Still, if
you can afford to splurge, these floors are a gorgeous addition
to any room.
Continued on next page >
MURRYSVILLE ❘
SPRING 2019
19