National Home Improvement Month is the perfect time to shop for new flooring or to try a new design trend in your home.
Consider Replacing Flooring
One of the first steps in shopping for new flooring is deciding the type of product you’re looking for. Not the style or the color. Not the texture or finish. Not even the price range. The basic starting point — do you want soft carpet, durable tile or elegant hardwood floors?
However, knowing the price of different flooring can make the decision easier. There certainly is a wide range of prices based on the type of floor you select. As an example, assume you have a 400-square-foot family room that is carpeted, over a wooden subfloor (i.e., over a basement or crawl space). If you were to choose a medium-priced product, the average professionally installed cost for each type of flooring approximately is:
• Carpet — $2,000
• Laminate — $3,200
• Luxury Vinyl Plank — $3,400
• Hardwoods, 3/4 inch — $4,000
• Tile — $7,500
There are many other variables to consider, as well. For instance, the average person replaces their carpet every nine years. So, if you are in your home for 20 years, you will replace your carpet at least once, maybe twice. However, you almost certainly would have the same wood floor for 20 years. Over time, the higher-priced options tend to pay for themselves, due to the longevity of the product. Although, this doesn’t necessarily make you feel better when you initially write the check!
Try New Interior Design Trends
If trying a new design trend is more aligned with your budget, consider “coastal grandmother” — a relaxed, elevated way of living. Think of light-filled rooms, fresh flowers, an abundance of books, comfortable slipcovered furniture, neutral hues, baskets and natural elements — anything that represents a chic, lighter way of living and decorating.
Here are some items often found in spaces designed with this carefree look in mind:
• Jute, wool or sisal rugs.
• Soft cotton or linen slipcovers and bedding.
• Ceramic or terracotta planters.
• Fresh herbs on the windowsill, a vase of fresh flowers, orchids or lush plants.
• Linen aprons, napkins and dish towels.
• Copper pots and pans displayed on an iron pot hanger.
• Fruits and vegetables on display on the kitchen counter.
• Wood cutting boards and marble pastry boards.
• Flowing white or off-white curtains, cotton or linen.
• Baskets, candles and mementos from your travels.
• Lots of books, stacked and displayed on shelves, side tables, console tables or coffee tables.
You can use pieces you already have, or slowly incorporate these elements into your kitchen and living room. Avoid overdoing it with ropes, anchors, signs with sayings, sea creatures and nautical motifs.
– Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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