Natural stone is an expensive flooring product that undoubtedly requires special care. Perhaps the biggest challenge that homeowners face is determining whether they should seal their stone floors. According to flooring experts both stone and tile, products can benefit from sealing.

Just think. There are so many different elements that tend to cling to the surface and penetrate the grout on your flooring. From oil, water, dyes, and resins such materials can cause the quality of your flooring to disintegrate over time.

What Does Sealant Do

To best determine whether you should apply a Sealant over your floors it’s important to understand exactly what a sealant does. There are hundreds of products available on the market that have been created to both protect and enhance the beauty of floor products. Such products include waxes, finishes, color enhancers as well as sealers. Sealers work by tight sealing the surface of your floors against chemicals and other contaminants.

When should I apply the sealant to my floors?
A common misconception is that sealing stone flooring is the final step. However, the sealer should be applied before the finish. Most sealants aren’t vapored permeable which means that they are semi permanent.

Water based or solvent based sealant?
Yes, when shopping for an appropriate sealant you’ll find that you can select either a water it solvent based sealant. The type of product you choose is largely dependent on where your natural stone floors are installed. Water based sealers can’t be used in outside environments and aren’t really recommended for areas that attract a lot of moisture. Such sealants have a short protection span and are affected by exposure to the cold. Most solvent sealers allow for deeper penetration which means increased protection. Solvent Sealers are versatile and probably your safe option.

Impregnator Sealers

Impregnator also known as penetrating sealers don’t change the natural look if the stone. This type if sealant maybe maintains the quality of the finishing because scratches and scuffing don’t show up. Depending on the manufacturer and surface location you won’t have to seal your floor for as little as six months to ten years.

Home is where the art is. The truth is no home design is complete with quality art pieces. Many people are scared at the thought of curating artwork for their home. However, with some planning and a bit of creative flair, you can create a home that tastefully embraces the arts.

Create A Timeless Collection
When curating your home with beautiful artwork is important to think beyond what artists and pieces are trendy and hot right now. Instead, you want to build a timeless collection of artwork that resonates with you. Art is only a good investment if it can give you some daily inspiration and improve the overall mood of your living space.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Get out of your comfort zone and look for pieces that don’t just depict the average things. Try expanding to different styles such as Industrial or Scandinavian pieces. Your collection should add a little surprise to your space. Investing in your average, catalog pieces will create bland and “cookie cutter” look.

Collect Pieces That You Love
All too often, homeowners purchase artwork just to fill up space on their blank walls. However, you should only invest in artwork that you absolutely love. Also, you don’t have to stick to just one style. Mix up the genres and sizes. There are no rules to what kind of pieces you can combine in a space. The only thing that matter is curating a collection that you’re in love with.

Create A Showcase
Do you really want to make a statement with your art collection? Turn an average area like the hallways into a showcase. The hallway is a great area to create your own gallery. Avoid hanging large pieces because they are likely to fall in such narrow spaces. Hang series of small to medium prints to capture your guest’s attention. Select a bold piece to hang at the end of the hallway to add to the look.

Blend Family Pics with Prints
Of course, no space can truly feel like home without hanging up photos of your family or personal mementos. Create a unique experience by blending your original artwork with your favorite prints.

Quality Frames
Protect your pieces will quality frames that not only preserve your prints by also adds to the overall design scheme. Look online and at consignment shops for unique frames that feature intricate designs.

Are you in the process of designing a space? There’s no doubt, that you’ll have to focus on selecting a color scheme. Color schemes are a combination of colors that best complement each other. Anyone who’s ever decorated a room knows that picking out a color scheme can be challenging. Basic knowledge of palettes and where they are placed on the color wheel can be really helpful during this process.

If you seek to use colors to create different effects and feelings than you’ll need to know the four most common color schemes in the design world which include: Complementary, analogous, triadic and split complementary.

Complementary
Complementary color schemes sit on opposite ends of the color wheel. Some examples of complementary colors include: orange, green and red. These are known as opposing colors because they are drastically different from one another. Just imagine it. A room painted green with bright red accents with no doubt be bold. Even though complementary colors are different from each other when used correctly they will draw attention and add emphasis to a space.

Analogous
Analogous color combinations are soft on the eyes because they often utilize colors that are situated side by side on the color wheel. Many analogous color schemes simulate the type of colors that we see in the natural world everyday which can provide a serene effect. Yellow, yellow-green and hunter green are some examples of analogous colors. When using an analogous color scheme experts suggest using one color as the dominant color in the room.

Split Complementary Colors
A split complementary color scheme is very similar to the complementary color combo. When using this scheme in a space you’ll have to first select a base color and then use opposite palettes on the color wheel as accents to complement each other. The base color is what brings in the design and makes it less risky.

Triadic
A triadic color scheme will consist of three that are positioned evenly around the color wheel. Orange, green and violet are some examples of a triadic color scheme. A triadic color scheme is best pulled off by using a base color.

When designing the interior of a room you should never forget about the floors. According to the experts, the right flooring can bring both function and style to any space. Since flooring can make a very big impact, when shopping for flooring it’s essential to select a material that’s durable and stylish. After all, you want your home to be stylish for a lifetime.

These days there are increased innovative flooring solution. New flooring trends place emphasis on sustainable and natural materials. If you’re set on swapping out your flooring now is the time to do so.

Below are some of the top flooring trends this year.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring has been around for several decades but it’s been becoming increasingly popular this year in a plethora of colors and styles. Traditionally, bamboo is much harder than hardwood especially when. It’s dried. However, new bamboo flooring products have been engineered to be straight woven making it twice as hard. Such bamboo flooring products have been manufactured in wide wooden planks that simulate the look of hardwood floors.

Reclaimed Hardwood

Reclaimed wood also known as antique wood has become popular because it adds character to space. Reclaimed wood is classic and gives off that hand hewn look. The best part about this manufactured style is that it saves you from having to pay the hefty cost of salvaged timber to create this look.

Luxury Vinyl

In recent years, vinyl has come a long way. Luxury vinyl has made its way to the forefront because it can actually simulate the appearance of popular and expensive flooring options. Luxury vinyl has been produced in many different colors and textures. Unlike other types of flooring, vinyl is softer to walk on and it can withstand spills and heavy traffic from pets and kids.

Cork

Cork flooring has expanded its color palette over the last few years. Cork had some amazing benefits. Cork serves a great insulator and it has great acoustic properties making it perfect for individuals that live in apartments or condos.

Before you make the finish decision it’s best to go and look at samples of trendy flooring options.

Whether you are moving or redecorating your home, upgrading the flooring is a perfect way to increase the value of your home. Keep in mind that upgrading your floors is always a good thing, but various flooring types increase the value more than others. Go ahead and start increasing the value of your largest investment, your home!

Here are some tips that will not only fit your budget, they will fit your design esthetic:

• Vinyl Flooring– Average cost $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 square foot. With new technology, vinyl floors are quite the rage now. With improved printing processes, vinyl really looks like hardwood and tile. Vinyl plank flooring is installed by the individual planks, just like hardwood. Consider luxury vinyl tile (LVT), it is durable with amazing style. Don’t forget, if you live in a high-end community and are planning on selling your home, buyers will want top of the line products like hardwood.

• Tile – Average cost $ 2.00 – $ 5.00 square foot. The toughest residential tile is color porcelain tile. If you have children and animals, tile is your best bet. It is water resistant and does not succumb to scratches. Tile is also beautiful and stylish. If you choose neutral colors like gray and beige, they will mesh beautifully with your decorating style and other flooring.

• Natural Stone – Average cost $ 3.00 – $ 9.00 square foot. Travertine, slate and other natural stones are stylish, durable and timeless. Not to mention, they are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Natural stone is a product that blends well with other décor and flooring. It comes from the earth and has been around forever, and will continue to be popular!

• Hardwood Floors – Average cost $ 4.00 – $ 10.00 square foot. Home buyers will pay more for hardwoods, because they are beautiful and timeless. Harwood’s offer many species and styles, even though they scratch. You can choose from Oak, Pine, Maple, Brazilian Cherry, Hickory, and many more. Harwood’s are easy on your back and feet, compared to tile floors, plus they are easier to clean than carpet. Hardwoods are the “king” of floors!

Please let us know your plans for upgrading your floors, while boosting the current value of your home!

If you find yourself struggling for space in your home, it is time to do something about it. Your house cannot reach its maximum potential if it is full of unnecessary items and clutter. The family room is at its best potential when your family is using it and spending time with one another, but sometimes life gets busy. The busier our lives get, the more clutter tends to build up in our homes. Stop what you are doing and devote thirty minutes this week towards cleaning your family room.

Six steps towards eliminating clutter:

Step One: Take a deep breath and turn on your favorite music playlist. The cleaning process will go by faster if you are jamming out to one of your favorite songs.

Step Two: Everyone is to blame for a family room getting out of hand because everyone typically uses it. To start off, you will want to divide people’s things into different piles. Each family member will have their own pile.

Step Three: Once the piles are made, you can determine what items can stay in the family room and what items need to go into that person’s bedroom.

Step Four: There will be some items that you decide to keep in the family room like toys and blankets, but it is important to organize these items before they become clutter. In order to organize, you will want to buy containers for each of your family members. The containers can be as big or as small as your desire, but try to tie the containers into the style of your family room by looking at decorative bins or baskets.

Step Five: Once you have purchased your bins/baskets, call each family member into the room. Give them the instructions that all of their items must return back into their bin before they leave the room. To keep things looking sharp, do not let things overflow the basket. Once the bin is full, all other belongings must go in that person’s bedroom. Younger kids may need some extra guidance with the cleaning process. Try to help them decide what toys to keep in the family room and what to put into their bedrooms.

Step Six: Your family room should already be looking better than before, but there is one more step. Typically, we own items that every family member uses like DVDs or CDs. Sit down as a family to go through these items. Create a rule that five things must go in the give-away box and in order to take something out, another item must go into the box. This will help reduce clutter and useless items.

As flooring experts, we understand that you cannot appreciate your beautiful flooring when clutter is running your life. We hope you enjoyed these six steps towards eliminating clutter in your family room.

A home’s curb appeal can make or break first impressions. Your home’s curb appeal is judged immediately upon your guest’s arrival and there is no going back once they have seen the exterior of your house. If you are concerned about your home’s curb appeal, you can put your mind at ease. We have five simple tips for boosting your curb appeal. You can take on these tasks in one weekend and instantly improve the exterior charm of your home.

5 Tips for Boosting Curb Appeal:

Tip No. One: General clean-up.

To start off, you will need to do a general clean-up of your yard. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and pick up dead leaves. You will want to emphasize your home’s natural beauty and focus on all of the outside greenery. Make sure everything is in tip-top shape before moving onto the next step.

Tip No. Two: Rebrand yourself.

Your house numbers can really set the style of the exterior of your home and you can update them every few years to keep them fresh and stylish. Explore all the internet has to offer before just settling on the first pair of numbers you see.

Tip No. Three: New door, New home.

Buying a new front door can be quite the investment; therefore, if you are hesitant, a fresh coat of paint will get the job done. Colorful doors can set your house apart from your neighbors. There are a ton of possibilities for front door colors other than the basics that you can choose for your home.

Tip No. Four: Play it up with plants.

Plants can add color and vibrance to your front porch unlike any other object. Dress up your front yard with colorful greenery and make sure to keep them fresh and watered constantly to achieve the perfect greenhouse look.

Tip No. Five: Accessorize like it’s your job.

Now that you have created a new image overall, it is time to add the final details to your house. Buy a new doormat, some fun throw pillows, a flower wreath for your front door, etc. This is your chance to add character and charm to your outdoor space and set your house apart from the rest of the neighborhood.

We hope you enjoyed these five simple tips for boosting your curb appeal. Let us know what you think in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.

Do you often feel defeated by your small space? You are constantly struggling between the limited space and the amount of items you own. Fighting for space in a small home or apartment can be difficult! You should not be forced to get rid of your favorite things because there is no where to put them, but instead you should focus on good organizational systems. Organizing your small space effectively can change your life by making your small space, livable. Here are our four quick tips for creating more space in your small place:

Tip No. 1: Doors are so much more!

If you are not using your doors for extra storage, start using them ASAP. Doors can help organize things that you currently do not have a place for like shoes, coats, jewelry, dog leashes, etc. Try to purchase a door organizing system for as many doors as you can. It can ultimately help eliminate and reduce clutter.

Tip No. 2: “Double” your dining set.

When shopping for furniture, look for a dining room table that can be expanded when you have guests and retracted when it is just you. This can help create more space when you need it most.

Tip No. 3: Systematic shelving.

Shelving utilizes your wall space and it is never a bad idea in bathrooms, entry ways or kitchens. The extra space can be used for essential items that you do not have enough counter space for like your beauty products, car keys, and kitchen spices.

Tip No. 4: Fold-away Furniture.

Fold-away furniture is typically attached to the wall and allows you to bring it out when you need it and tuck it away when you do not need it. For example: if you do not have the room to keep a desk in your bedroom all day long, you can incorporate a fold-away desk. The desk will attach to the wall and you can bring it up when you need it and put it back when you do not need it. This solution is used in a lot of small city apartments because the owners do not have enough space for a full-sized desk.

We hope you enjoyed these four quick tips for creating more space in your small place. Let us know what you think in the comment section!

Decorating can be a fun and exciting way to express your personal style and creativity. Each homeowner has the opportunity to show off their unique taste with their home decor. If you are looking for new ways to decorate, we have four quick tips for decorating this summer.

Decorating Tips & Tricks:

1. Patterns. Homeowners may be scared of using too many patterns in their home and avoid using them all together. We recommend embracing patterns in your decor by accenting the room with a statement patterned piece. If you are up for a challenge, use two different patterns in one room. You may be surprised with the beautiful outcome. A floral chair can pair well with a polka-dot lamp. If you are nervous, we recommend using the same base color in different pattern pieces to help them go with each other. The same base color will make it easy on the eyes.

2. Pastel Colors. Pastel colors are back and taking the interior design industry by storm. From appliances to decorations, pastels can make a subtle statement on your room’s design. If you are into neutrals, pastels can provide the pop of color you are looking for in your room. You can even gain inspiration from a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

3. Mirrors. Mirrors are the perfect decorative piece for any room! From your bedroom to living room, mirrors make quite the impression on your rooms decor. Shop for antique mirrors or your local thrift shop to transform a mirror to fit your unique style.

4. Walls. Your walls can be so much more than just a simple paint color. From chalkboard paint to stencils, you can recreate your current space into something spectacular. Try adding a chalkboard wall into your kitchen for a unique grocery list. Also, you can try incorporating a beautiful stenciled wall as an accent to any room in your house.

We hope you enjoyed these quick and easy tips for decorating your house. The final step in home decor is brand flooring from Dolphin Carpet & Tile. With a wide selection at an affordable price, we are proud to be one of the top flooring providers. Call us at (1-800-NEWFLOOR) or visit or showroom for more information. We look forward to working with you.