Floors by Big-Game

This comprehensive guide explores the diverse range of flooring and tiling options available, catering to various aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and budget considerations for home renovation and decoration projects. The article categorizes flooring into laminate, solid wood, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood, detailing the characteristics and benefits of each. Laminate flooring is presented as a cost-effective choice that mimics natural wood, suitable for high-traffic areas in family homes due to its durability. Examples of laminate flooring include Bergen Brown Oak, Albero White Oak, Navelli Light Oak, and Dark Grey Slate tile effect. Solid wood flooring, featuring options like oak, ash, walnut, and bamboo, is highlighted for its premium quality, warmth, and timeless elegance, enhancing both residential and commercial spaces. Specific products mentioned are W by Woodpecker Dark Oak, Caramel Bamboo, Classic Light Oak, and Country Light Oak solid wood flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is introduced as a versatile option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms, available in both tile and wood effects. Its self-adhesive backing simplifies installation, with examples including Novocore Herringbone Warm Grey, Medium Oak, Embossed Dark Grey, and Quick-Step Magnifico Quarry White Marble Flex luxury vinyl. Engineered wood flooring is described as a blend of resilience and aesthetic appeal, constructed with multiple layers and topped with real wood for a natural finish. Featured engineered wood products include W by Woodpecker City Oak, Beach Washed Oak, Farm Light Oak, and Arctic Oak. The guide then transitions to tiling options, emphasizing their role in creating unique looks that reflect individual personalities and lifestyles. Bathroom wall and floor tiles are discussed as essential for creating a relaxing and stylish private space, with choices ranging from traditional to contemporary and modern designs. Products like Wickes Melia Blue Patterned Ceramic, Everest™ Stone Porcelain, Calacatta Matt White Glazed Marble Effect Porcelain, and Callika™ Mist Grey Porcelain are showcased for bathroom applications. For kitchen wall and floor tiles, the article stresses their importance in shaping the kitchen's ambiance, whether for a central focal point or a cozy family area. Various colors, sizes, and designs are available to achieve desired effects, including Wickes Melia Sage Patterned Ceramic, Toronto™ Steel Glazed Porcelain, Farmhouse Blanco Ceramic, and Olympia™ Light Grey Polished Stone Porcelain. Floor tiles, generally, are presented as functional yet stylish elements that contribute to the overall home aesthetic. The selection encompasses diverse colors, sizes, and designs, with examples such as Wickes Multicolour Slate Effect, Como Travertine Porcelain, Mercia Oak Wood Effect, and Dorset Marron Patterned Ceramic. Lastly, wall tiles are portrayed as powerful style statements that are both practical and durable, ideal for creating distinctive feature walls that express personal style. Highlighted wall tiles include Wickes Cosmopolitan Flat Metro Sage Ceramic, Metro White Ceramic, White Bumpy Ceramic, and Mississippi™ Grey Matt Porcelain. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore tile and flooring trends for inspiration, offering guidance from experts to help with decorating projects, covering everything from sophisticated marble to industrial concrete looks. #Flooring #Tiling #LaminateFlooring #SolidWoodFlooring #LuxuryVinylFlooring #EngineeredWoodFlooring #BathroomTiles #KitchenTiles #WallTiles #FloorTiles #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor

This blog post showcases a curated selection of a dozen innovative flooring options, emphasizing how style and substance converge to create impactful interior designs. The article highlights products from various manufacturers, each offering unique features and aesthetic appeals suitable for diverse design needs, particularly within the hospitality sector. The selection process for these featured products focuses on durability, design versatility, sustainability, and ease of installation, addressing key considerations for architects, interior designers, and developers. Among the featured products is Daltile’s Sovran collection, which expertly mimics the elegance of marble using durable ColorBody porcelain. This collection offers both white and black marble visuals, enriched with intricate veining patterns. It includes eight distinct Art Deco-inspired designs and a unique 3D satin-polished finish, providing both visual depth and tactile interest. This makes it a suitable choice for spaces aiming for a luxurious yet robust flooring solution. Signature Flooring introduces Ornamental Lineage, a collection designed to add depth and character to spaces. It reinterprets classic motifs such as florals, geometrics, and organic forms across 13 coordinating patterns. The collection blends timeless beauty with contemporary functionality, offering designers a versatile range of options to create sophisticated and enduring interior environments. Tarkett Hospitality's Running Line collection provides tufted, solution-dyed nylon pieces that are custom-cut from 12-foot broadloom. This collection stands out for its flexibility, offering a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles in area rugs. A significant advantage is the quick turnaround time, with orders shipping within two weeks, and no minimum order requirement, making it ideal for projects with specific needs or tight schedules. Tai Ping collaborated with AB Concept, a Hong Kong-based design firm, to create the Ami series. This avant-garde rug collection reinterprets traditional cable-knit styles through clean geometries and an organically inspired color palette. The Ami series offers a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern design, suitable for high-end residential and hospitality settings looking for unique textile flooring solutions. ABK presents Alterego, a collection that uses 10 shades across satin-finished surfaces to emphasize the decorative power of color. The collection includes patterns such as Scale, Sticks, and Twelve, which introduce glossy contrasts. Furthermore, its 3D effects offer mix-and-match possibilities, allowing for creative and personalized floor designs. Bjelin’s Woodura Planks 3.0 are Scandinavian-designed, European-made floors that incorporate patented Woodura and 5G Dry technologies. These innovations ensure the flooring is durable, sustainable, water-resistant, and easy to install, providing a practical and aesthetically pleasing real wood flooring option. The emphasis on sustainability and water resistance makes it a compelling choice for various commercial and residential applications. The Rug Company’s Handloom collection, exemplified by the Russet design, is meticulously crafted in Nepal by skilled artisans using a luxurious cashmere-wool blend. Its low pile height creates a subtle sheen, and the terracotta-inspired tones add an earthy appeal. This collection reflects a commitment to quality and artisanal heritage, providing a sophisticated and comfortable underfoot experience. Kasthall’s Anemon collection updates an archival pattern from a 1991 aquarelle sketch by Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg. Made from a wool-linen blend, these tufted rugs offer both durability and longevity. The collection marries historical design with modern construction techniques, resulting in pieces of exceptional quality and timeless appeal. Nanimarquina’s Colorado collection, designed by Inga Sempé, blends traditional and contemporary elements by utilizing ancestral chobi techniques and handspun wool fibers. This approach produces shifting textures and visual richness that dynamically alter with light and movement, creating a dynamic and engaging floor surface. La Fabbrica offers the Velaris porcelain stoneware collection in four soft shades and various formats, including expansive slabs, compact sizes, and mosaics. The collection also features textured décor pieces and outdoor options, providing comprehensive solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. This versatility allows for seamless design transitions and consistency across different areas of a project. Roca Tile’s Onice Supreme collection features golden veining and translucent cream tones, known for its refined texture and marble finishes. This collection is designed to elevate any space into a luminous sanctuary, offering a luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic with the durability of tile. Finally, Bolon debuts its first tile-only collection with Reef Naturelle Chrome. This innovative product is designed for seamless installation, allowing it to be laid monolithically without visible joints or with quarter-turn variations to enhance its light-reflecting effects. This offers designers unique opportunities to create visually continuous or subtly varied floor patterns, contributing to a modern and polished look. #FlooringOptions #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #SustainableFlooring #LuxuryFlooring #TileDesign #RugDesign #CommercialFlooring #ArchitecturalMaterials

The article discusses the evolving landscape of structural flooring solutions in New Zealand following the Canterbury earthquakes, which prompted a re-evaluation of design standards for both new and existing buildings. Previously, concrete held over 90% of the market share for structural flooring due to its cost-effectiveness. However, the earthquakes led to a noticeable shift towards timber-based solutions, partly fueled by the perception of concrete's failure and further accentuated by the Labour Party's 'pro-wood' policy, which proposes mandating timber design options for new low-rise government-funded buildings. The Cement and Concrete Association New Zealand (CCANZ) chief executive, Rob Gaimster, acknowledged concrete's dominant market position but also noted the market pressure created by the earthquake damage. Rob Fulford, executive director of PreCast New Zealand and a member of the Standards Committee for structural concrete design, explained that the committee is incorporating recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission and forensic engineers. A key issue identified was the inability of concrete floors to perform effectively as a diaphragm, which is crucial for transferring horizontal forces from wind and earthquakes to the building's resistant elements. This failure was often linked to the breaking of non-ductile reinforcing mesh in the concrete topping, a material not permitted in the 2006 design code. Although the loss of seating of floors did not cause collapses, new design standards will require these effects to be accounted for in future building designs. Conversely, some industry experts, such as Gavin Robertson, director of Potius Building Systems, believe the construction market has been overly reliant on concrete floors. He has observed a significant increase in the adoption of engineered timber flooring solutions post-quake, attributing this to timber's performance and flexibility during seismic events. Robertson highlighted that timber floors impose substantially less weight on a building's structure, enhancing its seismic resilience. While he acknowledges the benefit of the 'pro-wood' policy for his business, he also shares the widespread sentiment that government intervention to control the market is unfair, a view echoed by CCANZ's Rob Gaimster, who warns of potential job losses in the concrete sector. Amidst this industry debate, a novel hybrid flooring system called 3PT has emerged from the University of Canterbury, developed by Dr. Alessandro Palermo and Professor Stefano Pampanin. This innovative system combines engineered timber, concrete anchorage, and high-strength pre-stressed or post-tensioned reinforcement. The pre-stressing feature creates a pre-camber that balances self-weight and a portion of the live load, while the concrete anchorage ensures movement continuity at mid-supports. This system allows for longer floor spans compared to traditional timber methods and offers a reduced weight, making it a promising solution for Christchurch's rebuild, where lightweight flooring systems are highly sought after. The 3PT system is slated for its first installation in a mixed-use timber building in Nelson, potentially offering a sophisticated answer to contemporary structural flooring challenges. #StructuralFlooring #ConcreteConstruction #TimberConstruction #EarthquakeResilience #BuildingStandards #HybridFlooring #NewZealandArchitecture #SeismicDesign #ConstructionMaterials

The article discusses the resurgence of the checkerboard pattern in home design, highlighting its transition from a retro flooring staple to a versatile and modern trend. Once primarily associated with black-and-white ceramic tiles in kitchens, this geometric pattern is now appearing in various forms and applications throughout contemporary homes. Kris Jenner's mansion, featuring a sleek square floor pattern in its grand foyer, is cited as a notable example of this trend's adoption in high-end design. Diana Mui of d.m.teriors emphasizes that the modern interpretation of the checkerboard trend is characterized by a lack of rigid rules, encouraging designers and homeowners to experiment. This newfound freedom allows for the use of bold, contrasting colors beyond traditional black and white, such as pink and black, and the incorporation of different materials like marble or wood. The pattern is also being integrated into unexpected areas of the home, including backsplashes, kids' playrooms, and even walls and ceilings. The article provides practical advice for incorporating the checkerboard pattern into home interiors. It suggests using either paint or tiles, with the choice depending on the specific location and function. Tiles are recommended for high-traffic or wet areas like foyers and mudrooms, while paint offers greater flexibility for creative control over pattern size, color, and application, and is presented as a budget-friendly DIY option. When it comes to color and square size, Cate Holcombe of Cate Holcombe Interiors notes that while black and white remains popular, muted and warmer color palettes are gaining traction. She mentions using a beige-and-white pattern with good contrast in her own home and suggests that subtle, neutral tone-on-tone patterns can also be lovely. For those with a preference for maximalist design, bold and unexpected bright color combinations are encouraged. Mui adds that experimentation extends to various hues, moving beyond simple dark and light alternations to include elegant grays, greens, and reds, underscoring the endless possibilities for customization. The structural nature of the checkerboard pattern is highlighted as providing a balancing element to softer, more fluid design elements within a space. While the scale and detail of the pattern may vary, the fundamental concept of alternating color block squares remains constant. The trend is not limited to floors; the article explores its application on other surfaces. Holcombe suggests subtle checkered wallpaper as an interesting element that won't overwhelm a room, or as a fantastic kitchen backsplash. Mui shares an instance where wood was used to create a checkerboard pattern on bedroom walls and expresses an ambition to apply it to ceilings or stairway runners. Beyond architectural elements, the article notes that accent pieces such as pillows, upholstered furniture, and coasters can also introduce the classic checkerboard trend into a living space, offering a less permanent way to engage with the style. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #CheckerboardPattern #RetroTrends #ModernHome #DIYHome #ColorPalette #DesignTips #ArchitecturalElements

The article discusses the growing trend of designing dedicated mahjong rooms in homes, highlighting a shift in interior design towards spaces that foster human connection through games. Jean Liu, a designer, notes an increase in client requests for mahjong tables in living or great rooms, a significant change from two years prior. The focus is now on integrating game tables early in the furniture layout process to prioritize social interaction. Mahjong, a Chinese tile-based strategy game originating in the mid-1800s, translates to "sparrow," referencing the distinctive clicking sound of shuffling tiles. It began in Southern China's metropolitan areas and quickly spread across the country, becoming a popular social pastime that fostered community. The game gained international traction in the 1920s, particularly in America, where its ability to bring people together was embraced. Christine Lin of Form + Field describes mahjong as a versatile game that can be played casually or with intense focus, enhancing social engagement among players. The game typically involves four players whose objective is to form four sets of three tiles and a pair from a complete set of 144 tiles, which includes four of each tile across three suits: sticks, dots, Chinese characters, and bamboo, numbered one to nine. Mahjong's popularity stems not only from its social aspect but also from its tactile nature. Liu emphasizes the physical engagement with the tiles, contrasting it with digital experiences. The availability of beautifully hand-painted and carved mahjong sets further contributes to its appeal. Designing a mahjong room reflects a broader trend of incorporating permanent game features into home spaces, driven by people spending more time at home and valuing domestic experiences. Lin advocates for dedicated game tables with comfortable seating and adequate space, allowing games to be set up and revisited without disrupting other areas like coffee or dining tables. When designing such a space, Lin suggests considering the type of games to be played and the number of players, noting specific requirements like felt tabletops for card games. Liu also points out the importance of location, recommending placing the game table near a kitchen for easy access to food and cocktails, as mahjong games often double as social gatherings. For those hesitant to commit to a specific game, starting with a versatile option like card games is suggested due to their timeless appeal and simplicity. Overall, the trend underscores a desire for intentional spaces that promote shared experiences and connection through traditional games. #InteriorDesign #MahjongRooms #GameRoomDesign #HomeDecor #SocialSpaces #ChineseCulture #TileGames #DesignTrends #EntertainmentSpaces

This guide outlines essential steps for accurately measuring a room to determine the required amount of flooring, applicable to real wood, luxury vinyl, and laminate options. The primary method involves calculating the area in square meters (m²), as flooring is typically sold in this unit. For rectangular rooms, the calculation is straightforward: multiply the length by the width. For example, a room that is 4 meters long and 3 meters wide would require 12 m² of flooring. More complex room shapes, such as L-shaped rooms or those with bay windows and alcoves, require a more segmented approach. The strategy involves dividing the irregularly shaped room into multiple smaller rectangles. Each rectangle's area is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. Subsequently, the areas of all these individual rectangles are added together to determine the total square meterage of the room. This ensures that every part of the floor area is accounted for, preventing underestimation of material needs. A crucial aspect of flooring estimation is accounting for wastage. It is recommended to add at least 10% to the total calculated area to cover potential off-cuts, mistakes during installation, or the need for specific-sized pieces to start new rows. This 10% buffer is calculated by multiplying the room's total m² by 1.10. For instance, if a room's area is 12 m², an additional 1.2 m² would be needed, bringing the total to 13.2 m². This allowance is vital because during the installation process, cuts are often necessary around obstacles like pipes or for achieving a staggered pattern, leading to leftover pieces that cannot be fully utilized. Having an adequate buffer prevents delays and additional costs associated with ordering more material mid-project. This proactive approach ensures a smoother installation and avoids situations where necessary pieces are unavailable. #RoomMeasurement #FlooringInstallation #HomeImprovement #DIYFlooring #MaterialEstimation #WastageAllowance #FloorPlanning

The garage, once a utilitarian space, is increasingly being recognized as an integral part of the home, leading to a surge in remodeling efforts focused on transforming it into an attractive and functional extension of the living area. This trend is driven by homeowners who have already upgraded other primary spaces, such as kitchens, and are now seeking to enhance their garages with improved aesthetics and utility. The focus extends beyond mere storage to creating a clean, inviting environment that can even host social gatherings or serve as a comfortable space for pets. Traditional flooring options like carpeting and tile are no longer considered suitable for garages due to practical concerns such as buckling under car wheels, fire hazards, and susceptibility to breakage. Instead, modern advancements in flooring technology offer more durable and appealing alternatives. Three prominent types of garage flooring dominate the market: epoxy/polyurethane coatings, polished concrete, and interlocking plastic tiles, each offering distinct advantages. Epoxy/polyurethane coatings are lauded for their durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic versatility. When applied correctly, with proper surface preparation, these coatings create a highly resilient floor that resists wear and tear, and protects the concrete underneath from damage. They also provide a non-skid surface and are easily cleaned with soap and water, requiring minimal upkeep. The aesthetic appeal of epoxy floors is enhanced by the ability to incorporate acrylic flakes, creating a stone-like appearance, such as granite, and concealing minor imperfections in the concrete. Companies offer a wide range of color combinations and patterns, including granite-like finishes and solid tones, at various price points, typically ranging from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot. While durable, epoxy floors can still be prone to staining or cracking with heavy use, emphasizing the importance of professional installation to ensure longevity and quality, as improper application can lead to costly and difficult repairs. Polished concrete offers another sophisticated option, bringing a high-end look to the garage. This method involves using diamond grits to remove the top layer of concrete, revealing a polished surface that can resemble marble or granite. An acid stain or etch can then be applied to introduce a variety of colors and patterns. This process is labor-intensive and more expensive, costing between $5 and $9 per square foot, reflecting the specialized skill and time required for its application. Interlocking plastic tiles represent a newer trend, having gained popularity in Europe before making their way to Southern California garages. These tiles are available in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for customizable patterns and designs. They form a “floating floor” that can be easily installed, cut to fit, and even removed if needed. Manufactured with high durability in mind, some products can withstand up to 40,000 pounds of roll-over weight, making them resistant to most forms of damage and staining. Cleaning is straightforward, usually involving a broom or leaf blower for dust and a damp mop with a biodegradable cleaner for spills. These tiles cater to various aesthetic preferences, from industrial to sporty or sleek designs, with prices averaging $3.50 per square foot. Overall, the transformation of the garage from a mere utility area to a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing space is a growing trend, with diverse flooring solutions playing a crucial role in enhancing both its appearance and practicality, thereby adding significant value to a home. #GarageFlooring #HomeRenovation #EpoxyFloors #PolishedConcrete #InterlockingTiles #HomeImprovement #GarageRemodeling #InteriorDesign #PropertyValue

Flooring plays a fundamental role in defining the aesthetic and functional foundation of any room, and its strategic selection can significantly influence the perceived size and openness of a space. Interior designers emphasize that while wall colors contribute to a room's atmosphere, flooring does the essential, often 'quiet' work in creating the illusion of expansiveness, particularly in more compact areas. Ali Childs of Studio Alexandra notes that flooring can discreetly expand interiors, extending beyond mere trends to manipulate light, blur visual boundaries, and influence perception through color, pattern, and installation methods. To effectively enlarge a room, visual interruptions should be minimized. Continuous, seamless flooring options are highly recommended. Stephen Nash from All&Nxthing; highlights concrete floors for their uninterrupted sweep across a space, which eliminates visual breaks and makes a room appear broader and longer. Conversely, materials with numerous joins and grout lines, such as narrow timber strips or small stone tiles, should be avoided as they introduce visual clutter. A unified, clean foundation underfoot is especially beneficial in tighter layouts, where it tricks the eye into perceiving greater space. When tiles are chosen, large-format designs are preferred due to their reduced number of grout lines, which translates to fewer visual breaks. Romanos Brihi, co-founder of Studio Vero, explains that fewer grout lines offer visual continuity and allow for investment in more premium materials, such as large-format Calcutta Oro marble tiles, which seamlessly extend across floors, countertops, and backsplashes to remove barriers and enhance cohesion, particularly in open-plan spaces. The finish of the flooring also critically impacts a room's perceived size. While glossy tiles and dark-stained wood offer a glamorous look, they are less effective at making rooms feel larger. Isabel Fernandez from Quorn Stone advocates for light, matte surfaces, as they soften and diffuse light evenly. Matte tiles, unlike high-gloss finishes, reduce glare and allow the eye to move smoothly across a space, blurring lines and fostering an open, flowing interior. For wood flooring, lighter finishes such as European oak, ash, and Douglas Fir are recommended. These woods reflect daylight, creating an airy feel, whereas darker stains absorb light, making a room feel more confined. Regarding patterns, busy designs like herringbone and chevron, while aesthetically pleasing, can make a room feel smaller by drawing the eye downwards. Long, wide wooden planks are superior for creating an expansive effect. Ali Childs explains that laying floorboards vertically guides the eye forward, making rooms appear longer and more open. Longer planks also create a cleaner, more refined look by reducing contrast and promoting uninterrupted flow, especially when the same material is used consistently across an entire floor plan. Diagonal installation of floorboards and tiles can also cleverly trick the eye, particularly in narrow spaces like entryways. Lee Thornley of Bert & May notes that diagonal patterns create an unexpected visual flow, diverting attention from fixed wall boundaries and making spaces appear wider and brighter. This method adds personality while enhancing spaciousness. The color of the flooring is another critical factor. Light, airy shades are instrumental in making a room feel larger, while darker colors tend to make a space feel smaller and cozier. Kirsty Barton from Alternative Flooring suggests neutral colors like cream, beige, and pale gray for their uplifting quality, light-reflecting properties, and ability to create the illusion of a bigger, more open area. When using carpet, wall-to-wall installation of light shades helps to remove visual boundaries and enhance the sense of space. Romanos Brihi reinforces that lighter colors promote flow and a calmer atmosphere, as seen with crisp white tiles in a bathroom, which draw the eye upward and contribute to an airy, soft environment. Lighter hues visually stretch the floor, grounding the scheme and reflecting light to achieve balance and expansiveness. Therefore, a deliberate choice of flooring finish, pattern, and color, along with strategic installation, is essential in making a room feel larger and more open. #Flooring #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #HomeDecor #DesignTips #MatteFinishes #LightColors #SeamlessFlooring #RoomExpansion

The new Gearbox studio in Montreal, Canada, designed by Patriarche, showcases an innovative approach to office design within challenging architectural parameters. The primary challenge was the building's distinctively long and rectangular floor plan. Patriarche, an agency that practices "augmented architecture" by integrating technical, sociological, and scientific knowledge into its design process, tackled this by employing high color contrasts across walls, ceilings, and furnishings. This strategy serves a dual purpose: it injects energy into the various spaces and aids in wayfinding throughout the office, making it easier for employees and visitors to navigate the expansive layout. The collaboration between Gearbox and Patriarche was a continuation of a successful previous project that had received an award from the Grand Prix du Design, ensuring a high standard of both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the new workplace. The office provides a diverse range of workspaces designed to support different modes of work, accommodating the varied needs of a video game development team. It includes 208 open-space workstations for collaborative or individual tasks, 11 enclosed offices for more private work, 12 dedicated meeting rooms for team discussions and presentations, and 11 lounge areas for relaxation and informal interactions. This variety offers team members the flexibility to choose an environment best suited to their current tasks, promoting productivity and comfort throughout the day. The intentional division of space through color blocking not only creates visually stimulating zones but also subtly guides occupants, ensuring that despite the large and linear floor plan, different functions are clearly delineated and accessible. Beyond functionality, the design draws inspiration from Montreal's Old Port neighborhood, known for its urban and industrial character. Patriarche integrated elements of street art and 90s pop culture into the office environment, moving away from conventional neutral office aesthetics. This creative direction is evident in unexpected details such as stools shaped like tree trunks, a transparent yellow curtain repurposed from a welding workshop, and colored glass doors. These unconventional design choices deliberately reject the notion that office spaces must be bland or understated to foster creativity. Instead, they aim to create an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere that reflects the vibrant and innovative nature of the video game industry, encouraging a more playful and imaginative work environment. The comprehensive design ensures that the Montreal studio is not just a place to work, but a stimulating hub that supports collaboration, focused effort, and creative thinking. #CommercialDesign #OfficeDesign #ColorBlocking #Patriarche #GearboxMontreal #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceInnovation #MontrealArchitecture

Selecting the appropriate flooring for a home is a significant decision, often fraught with challenges, as it represents a long-term investment that can define a space for decades. This article consults several local design experts to demystify the process and offer practical advice on choosing the best flooring materials. The designers emphasize that while homeowners may desire the seamless experience often depicted on television, the reality involves careful consideration, including functionality, longevity, and aesthetic balance. They provide insights into various flooring options, current trends, and strategies for making informed choices that align with both personal style and practical needs. Allyson Hicks of Allyson Hicks Design Consulting advocates for timeless flooring choices, particularly for foundational elements like wood floors, stressing that paint colors are much easier to change than an entire floor. Hicks notes a shift away from the previously popular gray wood tones towards warmer hues, which she finds particularly suitable for the Louisiana region as they complement local architectural features like antique beams. While recommending a classic approach for main flooring, she encourages bolder choices and intricate patterns in smaller, less central areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms, where tile work can introduce character without overwhelming the entire home. She suggests using black and white patterns for clients who are hesitant about incorporating bold colors. Meghann Landry of McMillin Interiors highlights functionality and design longevity as crucial factors in flooring selection. She advises homeowners to consider how a space will be used to ensure the chosen material meets practical demands. Landry also emphasizes the role of flooring in achieving balance and texture within a room, comparing it to fabrics in its ability to layer and add depth. For bathrooms, she frequently opts for white marble, believing it allows other accents and bolder colors to stand out more effectively, reflecting a trend towards using white stone elements with varying cabinet colors to create visual interest. Karen Giffel of Karen Giffel Interior Design tailors her flooring recommendations to each client's lifestyle, whether casual or formal, and their specific needs, such as accommodating young children. For families with active children, Giffel often suggests vinyl wood tile floors, noting their enhanced durability and aesthetic improvements over time. These materials can withstand significant wear and tear, making them a cost-effective and child-friendly option. Beyond practicality, Giffel also discusses the importance of small, sophisticated details like brass inlays to elevate a design. She highlights that these elements can create a modern yet traditional mix, appealing to current homeowner preferences for blended styles. Ashlyn Elofson from Trends by Design suggests moving beyond traditional wood flooring to create unique design statements through patterned and shaped materials. She expresses enthusiasm for incorporating innovative materials, such as those from the Jamie Beckwith Collection, into upcoming projects. Elofson has recently utilized bleached white oak flooring, appreciating its ability to introduce warmth while maintaining a clean and contemporary look. For areas where budget is a concern, such as bathrooms, she recommends using materials that convincingly mimic more expensive options. For example, porcelain tiles designed to resemble marble offer a budget-friendly solution when combined with genuine marble countertops and backsplashes, effectively reducing costs in areas with extensive square footage while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. #FlooringDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #MaterialSelection #TimelessDesign #FunctionalFlooring #BudgetFriendlyDesign #LouisianaDesign

Mount Vernon's Preservation team undertook the temporary removal of the New Room's floorboards as part of the ongoing Mansion Revitalization Project. This crucial step aimed to repair the Mansion's underlying framing and offered significant insights into 18th- and 19th-century construction techniques. For years, there was debate regarding the originality of the New Room's floorboards, with the presence of 19th-century nails driven through the face of each board suggesting a later replacement. This nailing technique contrasted with the blind nailing method, a more sophisticated 18th-century practice where nails were concealed by being driven at an angle through the board's edge, creating a smooth surface, as observed in Washington's study. The face-nailing indicated that the floorboards had been lifted previously, but it remained unclear whether they were reinstalled or replaced entirely. Further investigation by Director of Preservation Tom Reinhart in 2013 provided critical clues. The New Room's flooring exhibited gauging and undercutting, a standard 18th-century Chesapeake practice to ensure a level surface. This involved planing the top and sides of boards while leaving the undersides rough-sawn, then cutting a rabbet along the underside edges to ensure uniform thickness at the joists. Additionally, clear evidence of blind nailing and doweling was found, further supporting the idea that the boards were original. Documentary evidence from a 1787 letter showed Washington requesting unusually long, inch-and-a-half-thick plank, 24-foot-long, for floorboards—measurements that matched the existing New Room floorboards. The unlikelihood of finding salvaged 18th-century 24-foot blind-nailed boards for replacement solidified Reinhart's conclusion that these floorboards were indeed original to George Washington. The removal process commenced with meticulous documentation using photogrammetry to create 3D models and label each board, ensuring a reliable guide for reinstallation. The room's mopboards were carefully removed, followed by the slow and careful release of 57 floorboards over two weeks. Preservation carpenters gently worked the boards up, often sawing through stubborn nails to avoid damage. Once the floorboards were lifted, plywood was temporarily installed, later replaced by a more robust lateral shoring system, or "dance floor," providing a stable working surface and additional structural support from the cellar below. Upon lifting the floorboards, the team discovered direct evidence of 18th-century craftsmanship, including cut dowels and bent nails from the original blind nailing technique. This confirmed the floorboards' authenticity and indicated they had been face-nailed back into place during earlier repairs. Dendrochronology revealed that much of the underlying framing, including many joists and one surviving summer beam, had been replaced in 1838. This large undertaking would have necessitated lifting the floorboards, explaining the 19th-century nailing techniques observed. The floorboards were then transported to the Preservation lab for in-depth analysis, where Project Preservationist Clay Fellows and his team documented fastener locations, providing crucial information for designing new joists and summer beams. Contract conservator Andy Compton and former carpenter Dave Weir cleaned and repaired the floorboards, plugging 19th-century nail holes to restore their original 18th-century appearance. The floorboards will be reinstalled using the original blind nailing method, ensuring the structural integrity of the Mansion and deepening the understanding of 18th-century craftsmanship for future generations. #MountVernon #MansionRevitalizationProject #HistoricPreservation #18thCenturyCraftsmanship #FloorboardRestoration #GeorgeWashingtonHome #ArchitecturalResearch #Dendrochronology #Conservation

Checkered floors, a timeless classic, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, moving beyond their traditional association with 1950s diners or kitsch aesthetics. While not always a mainstream trend, this flooring style is being reinterpreted in contemporary design in innovative ways. Many individuals might initially associate checkered floors with specific nostalgic settings. However, a closer look at modern applications reveals a versatile and sophisticated design element capable of enhancing various spaces. One approach to incorporating checkered floors involves using different materials, such as marble and slate, to create a sophisticated and natural appearance. This method was implemented in a specific project, showcasing how material choices can elevate the classic pattern. When a continuous open space may not be suitable for a bold checkered floor, it can be effectively introduced into more confined areas, such as a laundry room, adding a distinctive design touch without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. Beyond material selection, creativity in layout and color variation is key to modern checkered floor designs. For instance, a painted checkered floor in an entryway can serve as a striking focal point, demonstrating how color can transform the traditional pattern. Designers are also exploring fresh ways to lay out the pattern, creating unique visual effects that move beyond simple alternating squares. This involves thoughtful arrangement of tiles or painted sections to achieve a more dynamic and personalized look. Softening the contrast of the traditional black and white checkered floor is another contemporary trend. This can be achieved by incorporating softer colors, such as a subtle rose hue, which can lend a more elegant and less stark appearance to the space. This approach was observed in a hotel design, illustrating how color modification can impact the overall ambiance and create a more inviting environment. The use of rendered visuals further showcases the potential of such design choices before implementation. The versatility of checkered floors extends to outdoor spaces as well. The article highlights several examples where this classic pattern is used in exterior settings, demonstrating its adaptability beyond interior applications. Whether in a patio, a courtyard, or an entrance, checkered floors can define an outdoor area and add a touch of classic elegance or modern flair. The diverse examples provided in the article from various designers and sources, including Lisa Tharp, M. Elle Design, Bob White, Gachot Studios, Hayes Davidson, Architectural Digest, Martine Haddouche, Brooklyn Decker, The Fox Group, Dale Saylor, Joe Williamson, Tom House, and Victoria Hagan, underscore the wide range of interpretations and applications of checkered floors. These illustrations collectively demonstrate that checkered floors are a highly adaptable design element. They can be utilized to achieve various aesthetic goals, from creating a grand entrance to adding subtle character in a utility space, or even bringing sophistication to an outdoor area. The continuous innovation in materials, colors, and layouts ensures that this classic design remains relevant and appealing in contemporary interior and exterior design. #CheckeredFloors #InteriorDesignTrends #FloorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #ClassicRevival #MaterialSelection #OutdoorLiving #ContemporaryDesign

Jessica and Andrew Turner, parents to Gabriel, Liberty, Joy, and Creed, sought to transform a spare room above their garage in Birmingham, Alabama, into an organized and inspiring play zone for their children. Jessica, Chief Operating Officer at Alabama Chanin, prioritized a streamlined design that would encourage creativity and address the pervasive issue of scattered Lego pieces. She enlisted Karla and Ray Graves of Raka Home, known for their expertise in creating stylish and functional family spaces, to realize this vision. The Graves, who are also parents to four children, specialize in crafting custom-designed elements that maximize space and organization, a skill honed by their own family's growth and spatial needs. The design brief included creating a media area to conceal electronics, distinct zones for various activities like drawing and coloring, and dedicated storage for toys such as magnet tiles, dress-up clothes, dollhouses, comic books, and Lego. Jessica's overarching goal was to make their home fun without being overly prescriptive about where items should be stored. The Graves' approach centered on a balance of playfulness and practical problem-solving. Ray, a woodworker, crafted custom organizational solutions, while Karla, an interior designer, provided the spatial vision. Understanding the multi-faceted needs of the Turners' extended family, the playroom was designed to evolve into a guest room and a part-time office. This multifunctional layout challenges the conventional idea of a room serving only one purpose. Ray's observation of the children's constant reading inspired the creation of a plush, round reading nook, which became a popular spot for overnight guests. Magnetic wood panels along one wall allow the room to be reconfigured, revealing hidden storage, a velvet reading nook with built-in bookshelves, a TV and game station with a floating console, pull-out bins, and spacious drawers beneath a daybed. Beyond storage, the room was designed for dynamic play. Rope swings, easily detachable when not in use, and climbing-wall steps cater to active play, utilizing the room's trapezoidal architecture. The most notable feature is a 19-foot-long jute rug that conceals two trap-door twin beds, complete with separate storage for bedding, installed directly into the floor. These beds, inspired by Batman's hidden features, are accessed with a magnetized key and often serve as a makeshift trampoline park. A hidden door within the rock wall also provides storage for dollhouses and accessories, doubling as a hide-and-seek spot. The success of the playroom demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating healthy boundaries and organization into design. The children, including the youngest, Creed, have embraced the organizational system, understanding where each item belongs. This structured yet playful environment fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride in maintaining their space, making the "magic" of the design both enchanting and practical. The project, initially published in the Kids 2020 issue under the title “Practical Magic,” highlights how thoughtful design can meet both aesthetic and functional demands for a busy family home. #KidsRooms #SmallSpaces #HomeOrganization #CustomDesign #MultiFunctionalSpaces #PlayroomDesign #HiddenStorage #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome

Choosing the right flooring for a home involves considering the specific needs of each room, as no single type fits all situations. For instance, while prefinished solid wood might suit a living room, high-traffic areas require surfaces resistant to scratches, spills, and dents. Rooms exposed to strong sunlight benefit from flooring that resists UV-induced color changes. Li Wang, a test engineer at Consumer Reports, emphasizes the importance of selecting flooring based on the activities it will endure. Hardwood flooring, for example, is generally not recommended for kitchens due to its susceptibility to stains, nicks, scratches, dents from dropped items, and warping from water spills. Alternatives like tile or vinyl, which are now available in styles mimicking hardwood, are better choices for such areas. The article categorizes and reviews various types of flooring based on Consumer Reports' rigorous lab tests of over 40 products. Prefinished solid wood flooring, made of factory-finished planks, offers the aesthetic of unfinished hardwood without the installation complexities. However, this category generally shows poor dent resistance in tests. Engineered wood flooring provides the look and feel of solid wood but with enhanced stability, as its solid wood layer is bonded to multiple substrate layers (plywood, vinyl, or composite). This construction makes it less prone to seasonal shrinking and swelling, thus minimizing gaps between boards in dry conditions. Laminate flooring, a more budget-friendly option, simulates wood through a photographic image sealed on a dense fiberboard. It comes in various wood patterns and is often easy to install as a floating floor over existing surfaces. Vinyl flooring, typically made of flexible PVC, is available in squares, planks, or sheets and can mimic diverse textures like wood, stone, and various patterns. Porcelain tile, another durable option, can replicate materials such as marble, stone, hardwood, or ceramic tile. While it excels in resisting foot traffic, scratches, and stains, it can chip or crack if subjected to heavy impacts. For kitchens, porcelain tile's hardness can be a drawback, necessitating cushioned mats for comfort. Consumer Reports employs a comprehensive testing methodology to evaluate flooring. Foot-traffic wear is assessed by rubbing abrasive discs on samples, with successful products showing no damage after 500 cycles (50,000 rubs). Dent resistance is measured by dropping blunt and pointed weights from increasing heights, noting the point at which visible damage occurs. Water resistance is critical for longevity and is tested by leaving water on the surface overnight and by submerging samples to observe swelling, deformation, softening, or delamination. Fading is evaluated by exposing part of a sample to UV rays for two weeks and comparing it to an unexposed section. Regarding installation, the decision to DIY or hire a professional depends on the flooring type and the individual's experience. Floating floors, which click together and rest on an existing surface, are relatively easy to install and remove. This method is not suitable for solid wood or porcelain tile, which require direct attachment to a subfloor through nailing, gluing, or mortar. Professional installation is advisable for these more complex types. The article encourages readers to consult Consumer Reports' full flooring ratings and buying guide for more information. #Flooring #HomeImprovement #ProductReview #ConsumerReports #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHome #MaterialScience #DurabilityTesting

The article examines the evolution and implications of the open-plan house design, tracing its origins from early 20th-century modernist architecture to its current ubiquity in American homes. Initially appearing in publications like the Ladies Home Journal through designs by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, these layouts were envisioned to foster connection and tear down obstructions. However, their early iterations were primarily accessible to the wealthy, who could afford domestic staff to manage the practicalities of an open-concept kitchen. As modernist architecture evolved, particularly through Wright's "usonian" designs and the work of his disciples like Richard Neutra and R.M. Schindler, open plans became more associated with middle-class homes. The fusion of kitchen, dining, and living spaces was rationalized by notions of efficiency and the perceived need for mothers to supervise children while performing household tasks. This shift, however, often resulted in increased labor for women, who were expected to manage both the domestic sphere and the social demands of an open living area without the aid of domestic help. The article highlights how open-plan living, despite promises of relaxation and conversation, often merges leisure with labor, converting recreational time into additional obligation. Tasks like meal preparation, cleanup, and childcare become intertwined, requiring constant multitasking. The concept gained further momentum in the post-war housing boom and solidified its place in popular culture through home renovation shows like "Fixer-Upper" and "Property Brothers," which consistently advocate for wall removal to create open-concept spaces. Homeowners are often drawn to the idea of communal family activities, overlooking the practical challenges such designs present. The article also discusses contemporary architectural responses to the challenges of open-plan living, such as designers creating bespoke storage solutions for appliances and electronics to maintain tidiness. A more extreme example is the emergence of the "messy kitchen" or "prep kitchen"—a secondary, hidden kitchen designed to contain the clutter and mess of food preparation, thereby preserving the aesthetic of the main, open kitchen. This innovation, offered by companies like Schumacher Homes, essentially reintroduces the separation that modernist design initially sought to eliminate, albeit in a contemporary form. While high-end estates have long featured catering kitchens, the "messy kitchen" brings this concept to a more affordable, albeit still aspirational, segment of the housing market. Ultimately, the open-plan design is portrayed as a paradox: a layout that promises freedom and connection but often imposes more work and pressure on its occupants, particularly in the kitchen. It embodies a uniquely American struggle between the desire for convenience and the realities of domestic labor, perpetuating a cycle where increased demands are met with a stubborn insistence on the desirability of the open concept. The article concludes that the initial aspirations for egalitarian integration through fluid spaces have largely given way to an individualistic ideal where family members coexist while pursuing separate activities, often with underlying tension rather than harmonious living. #OpenPlanLiving #ModernistArchitecture #HomeDesign #DomesticLabor #FrankLloydWright #KitchenDesign #SchumacherHomes #SocialImpactOfArchitecture

The current trends in flooring emphasize bold choices in patterning, materials, textures, and colors, moving away from neutral palettes. Designers and homeowners are increasingly opting for statement flooring in their projects, embracing an 'haute bohemian' style. This style incorporates colors and patterns reminiscent of Moroccan fabrics, featuring earthy and regal tones like maroons and deep sea greens in carpets and rugs. While metallics, millennial pink, and mustard tones from 2017 are less prevalent, a warmer terracotta has emerged, and chrome is a popular choice. Geometric patterns, especially in large formats such as hexagonal mosaic tiles, are favored for hard floors. In timber flooring, traditional herringbone and chevron patterns are making a resurgence, alongside band-sawn timber for a textured appearance and bleached wood. Reclaimed timber boards, with visible paint tinges or markings from their previous uses, align with the bohemian aesthetic. Companies like Forté flooring and Southern Demolition in New Zealand offer recycled timber boards, and wood planks are now extending to walls and ceilings to maintain a cohesive rustic interior. For those preferring a more subtle look, sisal rugs and carpets offer a softer palette that complements timber furnishings. Artisan's new range of handcrafted rugs by Tammy Kanat, made from Tibetan highland wool, nettle, and silk in subtle colors, exemplifies this trend. Natural fibers, including bamboo silk, are also gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to true silk. While bold patterns are an option, a lush, mid-tone charcoal carpet provides a versatile and safer choice that pairs well with on-trend fabrics or neutral interiors. Alternatives to traditional timber flooring, such as luxury vinyl floors, are also widely available. These options can be customized with various patterns and tones, mimicking stone or wood, as seen in the Moduleo Moods range. These timber alternatives are highly convincing and come in diverse tones, grains, and finishes. Designers are noting a demand for larger-format tiles and boards to achieve a modern aesthetic. Maria Chen of Athfield Architects particularly recommends large-format cork tiles from Wicanders, praising their marbled texture, warmth, and durability. She emphasizes the importance of investing in durable flooring, even if it means a higher initial cost, to avoid frequent replacement and maintenance. Chen also advises integrating flooring choices with the overall design scheme, including paint colors, kitchen finishes, and even the exterior of the house. Chris Tate of Chris Tate Architecture echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for consistency and complementarity between flooring and the broader aesthetic of a project. Tate favors concrete flooring, especially with a burnt power floating finish, which creates an organic, mottled appearance. He stresses the importance of proper sealing to prevent staining and recommends heating concrete floors to enhance comfort. Tiled flooring offers a wide array of patterns, configurations, and materials. Ceramic tiles, available in glazed or unglazed finishes, provide options for low-maintenance, stain-resistant surfaces or those that develop a unique patina over time. Gallery 4, for instance, offers highly durable and recyclable handmade encaustic cement tiles. Cork flooring is experiencing a revival due to its comfort, acoustic and thermal properties, and its status as a sustainable and renewable resource. It is naturally hygienic, resistant to mould and water, easy to clean, and available in various forms and colors, with companies like Portugal Cork offering extensive customization. Concrete flooring is valued for its thermal mass properties, which help regulate indoor temperatures, and its durability. Modern concrete finishes allow for unique surfaces through the incorporation of colors, textures, cuts, and sealants. Stone flooring, including limestone, travertine, granite, slate, and marble, provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and offers a primal connection to natural materials. It is important to research the specific properties of each stone to ensure its suitability for a given application. Man-made versions of stone are also available as a more affordable alternative. Linoleum and rubber flooring, traditionally made from natural materials like solidified linseed oil and latex, are recognized for their durability and flexibility. Modern options include vibrant designs, such as Sabo Project's rainbow-striped rubber floor and Forbo's Marmoleum range, which features herringbone woodgrain and tartan patterns made from 97% natural materials. Carpets and rugs are increasingly appreciated for their insulation properties, softness, sound absorption, and safety benefits. Wool carpets, for example, can reduce static electricity. Timber flooring, a classic building material, is now available in an extensive range of options, including bamboo, new and reclaimed timbers, engineered flooring, and laminated flooring. Parquet flooring has seen a comeback, with engineered kitset forms making it more cost-effective and easier to install. Engineered flooring offers greater stability than natural timber, while laminate flooring provides superior wear resistance. Finally, luxury vinyl flooring is a growing trend, offering distinctive colors, patterns, and realistic printed surface treatments that mimic timber, concrete, and stone. Being 100% plastic, it is hard-wearing, moisture-resistant, quiet underfoot, and budget-friendly, making it suitable for various spaces, including wet areas. Designers like Jean Nouvel have created textured vinyl flooring that mimics hand-woven effects, engaging with the light in a space. #FlooringTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalFlooring #TiledFlooring #CorkFlooring #ConcreteFlooring #TimberFlooring #VinylFlooring