3 Reasons to Replace Flooring in the Spring

Industry experts agree that Spring is the best time for home remodeling and to revitalize your home’s interior, including replacing your flooring.  Spring is a time of increased sunshine, new blooms of color with shrubbery and flowers and makes for a great time to spruce up your home.  Not only will you feel a need for some basic spring cleaning, but replacing your floor during Spring time is the most advantageous time of year for a few reasons.

Temperature and humidity affect flooring installations.

There is a good reason why flooring must acclimate to the room and environment in which it will be installed, days prior to actual installation.  If flooring is not acclimated to the environment, serious problems will become evident during and after installation with warped and ill fitting planks or tiles.  Wood flooring is especially susceptible to problems if not fully acclimated.

The cold, dry air of winter weather can dry out the flooring, which will shrink after installation causing cracking or the planks will pull apart.  Wood flooring that has been stored in hot, humid conditions will dry out and must be acclimated in an air-conditioned environment prior to installation.

The heat of a hot sweltering summer may also affect flooring installations if acclimation is not properly conducted and installed with adequate ventilation.  Which brings us to the next best reason for installing in the spring, you can open your windows.

Open the windows and ventilate the room.

Spring time is the perfect time to open the windows and air out the house, this is mandatory when installing flooring.  Ventilating the room with the outdoor air during cold winter or hot summer months could affect the flooring installation, causing planks to swell or contract. 

Install Your Flooring in Comfort

All of this opening and closing of doors to bring material in and out, using a saw to make specific cuts in the garage going back and forth and opening windows for ventilation are all good reasons to replace flooring in the Spring.  You won’t be wasting heat in the winter or AC in the summer, not to mention what allowing cool dry air or hot humid air in would do to your acclimated floor. You’ll want a nice comfortable temperature for your own benefit as well as the outcome of your wood flooring installation.

So, go ahead and plan your new flooring installation this Spring, open the windows, enjoy the fresh air and the look of your beautiful new floor.  Contact your experienced flooring and tile center for more ideas on sprucing up your floor this Spring.

Great Western Flooring is the leading flooring and tile center serving Chicagoland with free design consultations, quality products and professional installation.  We offer a wide selection of the best names in flooring products and experienced design ideas.  Contact us to learn more about replacing your flooring in the Spring for a beautiful floor with successful installation.   

This article was originally published at https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/3-reasons-to-replace-flooring-in-the-spring/

Minimalism in Modern Design

If you’re interested in clean lines, wide open spaces, cutting out the extras and focusing on essential, functional elements in your decor, you may be interested in the latest rage of minimalism in modern design. We often hear the terms modern, contemporary and minimalist when it comes to decorating.  All three terms are popular in interior room and home décor and are often used interchangeably. 

While there is definitely overlap in these three decorating styles, there are differences which give unique characteristics to each style.  Each style focuses on simpler forms and clean, geometric lines with less ornate décor and less traditional furnishings. Let’s review the meaning of modern, contemporary and minimalism to fully understand the similarities and differences in modern design.

Modern Style

Modern design refers to innovations developed from mid-century, modern designers who introduced neutral, white walls, bare flooring and furnishing in white, cream, brown or gray as opposed to the ornate and handcrafted furnishings prior to the 1920’s.  The modern movement focused on simple lines, clean colors and the less is more philosophy. Color is introduced in artwork or small accent furnishings with a pop of red, yellow, blue or orange being the favored color choices.  

While modern is a precursor to both contemporary and minimalism styles, there are some specific trains that make each style unique.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary style refers to clean and fashionable without overdoing it, while also referring to the current trends which are ever changing.  For example, stainless steel and brushed nickel were considered ‘in’ until just recently when we’ve seen gold and brass finishes trending, which could be called contemporary. 

Materials used in your décor play a big role in how your space is defined, either as modern or contemporary.  Modern décor may still consist of natural and wood elements while a contemporary style seems to define a more glass and metal material look. 

Minimalism in Modern Design

Minimalism is modern design includes elements from modern and contemporary design techniques, with a focus on function and eliminating anything extra.  Minimalism also places extra focus on placing only essential, functional elements in wide open spaces.  This promotes an efficient design, which can still be modern or contemporary.  Some key elements of a minimalist design approach include:

●       Clean lines and open, well-lit spaces – open areas allow an abundance of light to enter the room on clean, light colored and uncluttered spaces.

●       Uncluttered, uncomplicated wall finishes – simple materials which express physical characteristics and visual appeal

●       Simplicity in form and function – straightforward and simple floor layout with stacked spaces for efficiency and less internal walls

●       Simple details with lack of decoration – clean cabinetry without hardware and minimal trim details

●       Strategic use of texture and materials – materials provide a visually appealing texture which looks interesting even with minimal décor and furnishings.

When looking to modernize the look of your home or specific rooms, start with an open mind to reducing waste, decorations and furnishings and focus on the essentials for a minimalistic approach.  Open airy spaces with plenty of natural light and interesting textures will go along way to upgrade your space without going overboard.  Contact your flooring and tile design center for more ideas on using minimalism in modern design for your next project.

Great Western Flooring offers complimentary design consultations to make sure your next project is a raging success. We provide quality flooring and tile products with professional installation. Stop by one of our convenient design centers in Naperville, Oswego or St. Charles to learn more tips on incorporating modern, contemporary or minimalism in modern design techniques.

This article was originally published at  https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/minimalism-in-modern-design/

Tile Your Patio in Style

As we make it through yet another cold winter, it will soon be time to think about opening our outdoor patio.  Why not spruce it up to make your three seasons room, all seasons room or outdoor patio a haven for comfort this spring?  Tile your patio in style with some trending outdoor tile ideas that make lounging on the patio cozy and comfortable.

Outdoor patios in Chicago require some sturdy flooring to hold up during the cold months and weather the hot summers with the same style and beauty year after year.  Many outdoor patios look amazing all year long with a traditional natural stone tile, a little flair can be added for the Spanish tile look, or porcelain tile is becoming quite popular in kitchens and patios for beauty and durability.

If you’re considering updating your patio with a quick remodel, here are some trending flooring ideas for inspiration in updating your outdoor space.

Tile Your Patio in Traditional Stone

Traditional stone is always a winner for durable flooring options and is available in many styles and designs to match any décor.  You can get creative with installation techniques such as laying your tile diagonally for added dimension or using accent tiles to incorporate additional colors or designs.  Stone tile holds up well in any weather environment, is easy to clean and maintain and feels good underfoot. 

Spanish Tile for an Inviting Patio

If you enjoy the feel of the Caribbean and the appeal of an inviting, Mexican villa, consider installing a Saltillo stone or porcelain tile in the bright colors inspired by Spanish décor.  Install diagonally or with intercutting stone tiles or porcelain glazed tiles that provide the hand crafted Spanish feel.

Wide Plank Porcelain Tile for Patios

Porcelain tile is a popular choice in Kitchens and bathrooms due to it’s durable, water resistant properties.  Take this beautiful tile outdoors into your patio for contemporary style indoors and out.  Porcelain is available in so many styles with looks that resemble natural stone, concrete and even wood planks.

Wood Looking Porcelain Tile and Decking

Porcelain tile that resembles wood provides a warm, cozy feel, beautiful aesthetics and weathers the harsh elements with durability not found in wood products.  Real wood patios and decking require ongoing maintenance and protections to weather the sun and cold winters.  Wood looking porcelain tile is so realistic you can’t tell the difference except for the long lasting durability it provides with no maintenance and repairs needed.

These are few ideas for upgrading your outdoor space with beautiful, long lasting flooring.  For more ideas on how to tile your patio in style, contact your flooring specialists at Great Western Flooring.

Great Western Flooring has over 35 years of experience pleasing customers with a wide selection of quality flooring and tile products.  We offer free design consultations and professional installation.  Contact us today or stop by one of our convenient design centers in Naperville, Oswego or St. Charles to speak with a flooring specialist.

This article was originally published at  https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/tile-your-patio-in-style/