HOME TRENDS
Laminate flooring
If you like the look of wide hardwood planks , but you don ’ t necessarily have the money to spend on them , a laminate copycat is your solution . Laminate flooring is now more popular than ever , and exceeds all expectations we , as homeowners , have ever put on it . The stain and mold resistant properties of laminate make this flooring choice an overall no-brainer , and a top contender when following trends , especially if you plan on keeping up as the years go by . Laminate used to be the cheap solution when flooring had to be replaced at an inconvenient time ; Not these days .
Now , laminate is competing with the most expensive flooring options in the industry , and by creating a surface that resembles the real thing without the hefty price tag , laminate is quickly tipping the scale . More and more homeowners are choosing laminate over any other type of flooring , especially when they ’ re looking to increase resale value , because of the final look that laminate achieves . New eyes take in the flooring , along with all of the other design elements , and see a completely upgraded space that should have cost an arm and a leg , but didn ’ t .
Carpet
Carpet was thought to be dead . Because it is a long-term investment , hard to clean , and so easy to stain , we ’ ve distanced ourselves from carpet without ever giving it a proper farewell . Before you start conjuring up your closure letter , think twice ; Carpet is back . The neutral tones and short-fibered cuts on modern carpet not only carry an organic feel , but most carpet these days is truly made from organic or recycled materials . This added bonus screams “ trendy ,” so we ’ re back on board . The fun part ? There are carpet tiles !
They ’ re eco-friendly , they come in a rainbow of fun colors , as well as a variety of basics , and they ’ re excellent for families . If baby comes along and spills juice on the carpet , all you have to do is remove the stained tile and replace it with a new one . No more ripping up old layouts , and no more hassling with commercial steam-cleaners , or groaning over snags made by the vacuum bristles . Carpet is also trending because of its soft properties , which are totally in this year ; Baby will be much happier plopped down on carpet , rather than cold tile or hardwood . Today ’ s carpet tiles are nearly stain-resistant , highly durable , and extremely affordable . If replacement is necessary , it won ’ t put a damper on the savings account .
66 l Spring 2017