2021 Home Design Trends
Today’s homes multi-task as offices, school rooms, and play areas. The latest home design trends aim to support these functions while still delivering fabulous style. Top 2021 trends in design cover the gamut from hardwood floors to lighting. If you’re spending more time at home, you’ll love this list of ideas for updating and refreshing your space.
Go Luxe With Navy Blue
In the past, designers used black accent walls, furnishings, and fixtures to lend glamour and sophistication to a living area. In 2021, navy blue is the new black for interior designs. Navy appears softer than black and coordinates with many colors without looking too harsh.
Navy blue enhances both contemporary and traditional living rooms. You’ll find the color splashed on accent walls with paint or pretty wallpaper prints. Get a thoroughly modern living room makeover with chairs and sofas that are upholstered in this velvety, rich color.
Brighten Rooms With Light Floors
You can’t broach the subject of interior design without challenging your flooring choices. If you love modern elements for your home, our designers recommend lighter flooring options. Light-colored floors work well with Scandinavian-style furnishings and fixtures. They also give industrial living areas a more spacious and bright look.
When creating modern interior designs, hard floors take center stage. You’ll see sealed concrete and natural stone tile floors throughout 2021’s modern homes. Hardwood flooring is a classic option that never goes out of style, and it has a wide appeal with both homeowners and home shoppers. Some hot hardwood species to consider for 2021 include white oak, birch, and ivory maple.
Modern Rustic Design Combos
If you and your spouse bicker about the benefits of modern over rustic interior design, 2021 can be a game changer for your relationship and your home’s look. Home design experts mix modern and rustic furnishings and fixtures for distinctive design combinations in 2021. There are several ways that you can get the look without making your home a total construction site.
If your spouse won and you’re starting with a completely modern living area, add some rustic elements to the space such as a sliding barn door, rough-hewn wood sconces, or a hand-made, glass-topped wooden table. Many modern spaces rely on bright, white walls as a backdrop for minimalist drama. By adding elements of dark, natural wood, you give the space a pleasant surprise with color contrasts and texture mixes.
Completely rustic spaces benefit from modern touches as well. The best way to pull off this look is by introducing sleek, natural elements into the space. Consider incorporating things such as stainless steel countertops, shiny metal-framed side tables, and lots of glass.
Get Glowing With Hidden Lighting
Lighting is the unsung hero of great interior design. With the right lights, you can make a space appear larger or smaller than it really is. You can also create a warm, elegant ambiance for a space, which is desired in both modern and traditional designs. Hidden lights top the list of 2021 trends in home lighting.
Hidden lighting goes beyond the standard recessed lights of the past. You’ll often see diffused, soft light coming from above a fixture or from its side, but you can’t see the source of the light. Hidden lights such as positional luminaries and multi-level lighting are found integrated into ceilings, walls, and floors.
Bring Indoor Comforts Outdoors
Our current pandemic situation makes a comfortable outdoor living area a must-have part of any interior design in 2021. Even if you don’t have the space or the budget for a complete outdoor living room, you can still enjoy the trend with a few decorative, weather-proof chairs, comfortable textiles, and some paint. Consider painting your porch a soothing color that you would see in an interior room such as slate blue or one that’s found in nature such as forest green. Adorn chairs with cheerful-looking cushions, lay out some textured throw rugs, and grab a cup of your favorite herbal tea for a delightful getaway without getting away.
Improve Productivity With More Storage Cabinets
If you’re working from home and/or home-schooling children, your quality of life can be affected if you’re not organized. A top 2021 trend in home design is adding more storage cabinets in your living and work spaces. By installing storage cabinets that match your room’s decor, you’ll declutter, reclaim space, improve your concentration, and increase your room’s aesthetic appeal.
Indulge in Sustainable Minimalism
Two of interior designers’ top loves have come together to form a leading home design trend for 2021. Minimalism in furniture, fixtures, and architectural design isn’t going anywhere in 2021. However, it’ll have a sustainable twist. You’ll find light fixtures with simple lines that are made of recycled materials. Cork and bamboo floors are set to be favorite options for those who want to incorporate sustainable minimalism design elements into their homes in 2021.
Conclusion
Quality flooring is the foundation of every distinctive interior design. Whether you’re the parent of a toddler who needs soft carpet for her first steps or you’re a senior who has a passion for exotic hardwood floors, Classic Floor Designs delivers on quality, style, and function. Call us today at 202-872-9860 to schedule your free design consultation.
Solid Hardwood vs Ceramic Tile with a Wood Look: The Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring
In addition to being long-lasting, solid hardwood flooring is available in a wide range of styles. The species of wood, the stain color and even the surface finish all impact the style of the flooring. With so many options, there are likely several that would look amazing in your home. Aesthetically, hardwood flooring often makes a home feel more spacious and warmer at the same time. Compared to ceramic tile, it is more comfortable to walk on as well. Because of its broad appeal, it generally adds value and appeal to the home that can be recouped when you sell the house later.
However, solid hardwood flooring is not the perfect material for all areas of the home. Hardwood flooring is prone to scratching, such as from pets’ nails or from moving furniture. Exposure to standing water and even high levels of humidity can damage the wood as well. While solid hardwood flooring can be refinished many times before it needs to be replaced, the fact that it shows wear and damage easily is not ideal for some homeowners. Here at Classic Floor Designs, we prefer hardwood flooring in most areas of the home with the exception of bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements that may flood or have high humidity.
What to Expect from Ceramic Tile with a Wood Look
While ceramic tile with a wood look delivers all of the aesthetic benefits of true hardwood flooring, this material has the physical traits of ceramic tile. It is resistant to damage from water exposure. Because of this, it can safely be used in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Pets’ toenails and furniture will not scratch it. Because it is tile, however, it can crack if a heavy or sharp object falls on it. Compared to solid hardwood, it may feel slightly harder and cooler under your feet.
Tile is more affordable than solid hardwood flooring in many cases. However, installation usually takes longer because of the mortaring, grouting and sealing processes. Another difference between solid hardwood and wood-like tiles is that grout lines will show between the tiles. To ensure that your flooring has a true wood look, you can stain the grout to match the wood. You can also use a thin grout width to reduce the appearance of the grout lines. Many people skip this step, but in order to maintain the integrity of the tiles the grout needs to be sealed annually. However, depending on the level of traffic in specific areas the timing of when to seal may differ. We recommend sealing grout every six months in high traffic areas and every two years in low traffic areas.
Contact Us
Do you want to explore some of the beautiful flooring options available for your home? At ClassicFloorDesigns.info, we have a large selection of solid hardwood and ceramic tile with a wood look for you to discover. Browse through the possibilities on our website, and feel free to reach out to us by phone at (202)872-9860 for personalized assistance.
Classic Floor Designs Answers the Top 10 Questions about Hardwood Floors
Hardwood Floors Are More Popular Than Ever
If you love the idea of having hardwood floors in your home you’re not alone. In fact, hardwood flooring is so popular, the wood flooring market is expected to register a growth rate of 4.8% from 2018 to 2024. Whether you’re making the switch to hardwood floors or wishing to revamp your existing flooring, the professionals at Classic Floor Design are here to help.
So you’re ready to get started, but you’re not sure what you’re looking for when it comes to the ins and outs of hardwood flooring options. Here are 10 frequently asked questions we hear a lot related to installing or refinishing hardwood floors.
Which Wood Species Is Best?
Simply put, your personal preference will determine what the best option is for you. To achieve a cozier aesthetic, we recommend going with oak or hickory. If you’re more interested in establishing an open, airy atmosphere, maple or ash will do the trick. No matter your style, we’ll help steer you in the right direction.
Prefinished Vs. Unfinished: What’s The Difference?
Much like its name suggests, prefinished hardwood floors are sealed with multiple coats of finish in advance. Aluminum oxide, which is the second hardest substance after diamond, is included in the final coats to ensure optimal protection. Meanwhile, unfinished floors are finished after the installation. Aluminum oxide isn’t used because the particles within would sink to the bottom of the finish.
Can A Hardwood Floor Be Floated?
A floating hardwood floor refers to a floor that doesn’t need to be glued or nailed to the subfloor. Some prefer this method because it allows the wood floors to change based on the room’s humidity without buckling. A solid hardwood floor can’t be floated, but an engineered hardwood floor can.
Are Wood Floors Worth It?
As hardwood floor installation experts, we’re well aware of how beneficial this flooring solution can be. In addition to increasing the value of your home or building, wood floors are also easy to maintain. Best of all, they’re durable, customizable, and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Will Pets Ruin The Hardwood?
Depending on the pet you have, you may want to consider a more durable hardwood floor. Bigger, more playful dogs will warrant more protection, while an outdoor cat won’t be much of a problem. We recommend using the Janka hardness test to determine what type of wood will hold up against your pet. Between this proven method and our industry insight, we’ll help you make the ideal selection.
How Do I Prevent Wood Floors From Fading?
Much like cheese, wood floors get better with age. In other words, while it’s essential to care for your hardwood floors, they do an excellent job preserving themselves. To increase their life span and prevent fading, periodically move furniture, rugs, etc. to limit their exposure to the sun.
Can A Hardwood Floor Be Installed Over A Concrete Slab?
Thinner wood floors can be installed over concrete, but standard wood floors shouldn’t be because excessive moisture can cause swelling and contracting. Engineered hardwood would also work because it’s less likely to expand and warp over concrete.
When’s The Best Time To Install Wood Floors?
Unless you’re building or restoring a home or property, any time is a good time to install wood floors. Otherwise, you’ll want to wait until the renovations are nearly complete before moving forward. Installing wood floors prematurely makes them more susceptible to damage.
To Sheen Or Not To Sheen?
Once again, this is entirely up to you. A gloss finish will deliver a shiny finished look and reflect the greatest amount of light. A semi-gloss finish will produce the same effects, but they’ll be subtler. For the lowest level of shine, a matte or satin finish will be your best bet.
How Much Do I Have To Order?
For your peace of mind, we suggest ordering about 10 percent more wood flooring than is needed. Ordering the exact amount is ill-advised because you’ll need extra to account for corners, stairs, doors, etc. By purchasing more than you need, you’ll have enough when it’s time to trim, cut, and fit the floors into your desired space. At Classic Floor Designs, we’ve mastered the art of hardwood installation. No matter your questions or concerns, we’re qualified to answer and address them. Give us a call today at 202-872-9860 to see how we can assist with your installation needs. If you prefer, you can also fill out our online form by following this link.
Home Office – How to Create a Productive Space
Home Office
Importance of Seclusion
If you have the flexibility, it’s important to have a workspace that’s set aside from any hustle and bustle that’s otherwise occurring in your home. If you’re able to have a closed door between you and others, take advantage of it. One of the most important factors in a person’s productivity is their ability to focus, so anything that you can do to help you focus is preferred.
With that said, make the best of your situation. If there’s no way to be in seclusion, which is the case for many, do your best to create your own bubble to keep things separated. Putting earphones in often helps as white noise or music can keep you focused while doing so also gives a visual indication that you shouldn’t be interrupted. Regardless of the setting of your home office, ensure that others know when it’s work time for you versus when you’re free to talk.
A Must Have: An Ergonomic Chair
If you take just one thing away from this article, it should be this: get an ergonomic chair. You’re probably going to be spending a considerable amount of time sitting at your desk, and you want your chair to be comfortable. An ergonomic chair will help to keep you from developing back, neck and other issues. Also look into securing an ergonomic desk.
Compactness Over Style
If your space is limited, keep in mind that compactness should be your focus over any style-related decisions. You must be able to enjoy mobility and have a chair, desk, and related items that allow you to easily access everything you need.
Personalize Your Home Office Space
Regardless of how much space you’re working with, personalize your area. That’s not only related to things such as which colors to use, but also items that help you feel productive and calm. Photographs of beautiful areas and your loved ones is a good option. Another is houseplants. Meanwhile, some like to have one or more inspirational quotes printed and visible while they work. Not only is physical comfort important, but so is emotional comfort.
Your view is important as well. If you have the option to, consider if you want to look out your window or if you believe that you’d be more efficient if you’re facing a wall instead. Also consider the effect of sunlight in your eyes or, if coming from behind you, on your screen. If you will be on many video conference calls, lighting is important. Additionally, remember to also take into account what’s in your background since others will be able to see that on your screen.
Importance of Tidiness
Ensuring that your work area is kept clean and tidy will help your productivity. That’s because having the visual of papers scattered around, empty cups sitting here and there and office supplies no longer being set up in an organized manner consciously or subconsciously affects our frame of mind and our ability to focus.
Home Office Layout
Your home office color palette for your office furniture as well as on your office walls and adjacent areas will help set the tone. You want to use colors that soothe and help you narrow your focus. If you cannot decide on which to use and are looking for inspiration, consider that blue has been viewed as a calming color that encourages productivity, green helps people work longer hours while remaining efficient, and yellow sparks optimism and creativity.
Avoid sensory overload, which often results when too many items, colors, or patterns are included in your workspace. It’s important that the colors of your office furniture blend with each other and with the walls and floor.
With regards to your flooring, consider whether you prefer hardwood floors, carpet, or a combination. Hardwood floors can provide the coloring that you’re looking for as well as be durable and safe. Conversely, maybe carpet or an area rug fits the vision that you have for your home office. Regardless of which you choose, ensure that you use flooring that’s durable and will last.
Contact Us
If you’d like assistance with your flooring, contact us! Our Classic Floor Designs flooring experts are happy to answer your questions and help you create the best workspace possible.
Five Tips for Your Floors During the Summer
As summer begins, people around the country are welcoming warmer weather. While your flooring may be down a few notches on your list of t0-do priorities, it’s still important to protect your floors from being damaged over the summer. Increasing heat and humidity accompanied by wear and tear can cause your floors serious harm. Below, we’ve compiled some tips to prevent that from happening.
Protect your Hardwood from Sunlight
UV rays can easily cause color deterioration in hardwood. Shutting your blinds, drapes, or shutters can keep your home cool and prevent UV damage. If your home has horizontal blinds, simply tilt them upwards. This directs the sunlight up towards your walls and ceilings instead of down on your hardwood floors. You can also use large area rugs in the parts of your home that are exposed to significant amounts of sunlight.
Regulate Humidity
Wood responds to humidity by expanding and contracting. Failing to keep your home at a consistent level can cause your hardwood to warp. Keeping your home’s humidity level between 35% and 55% is a good practice. Using a dehumidifier may also be necessary in areas with natural high humidity, but otherwise, regulating your home’s temperature with air conditioning should be enough to keep your hardwood safe.
Use Doormats
Homes typically see as much or more in and out traffic during the summer months. This leads to mud, dirt, and sand being easily tracked into your home. Even trace amounts being tracked in can damage the finish of your hardwood. A doormat conveniently located at all outside entrances is a simple way to prevent that from happening.
Vacuum and Sweep
As much as we try to avoid it, outside substances will undoubtedly make their way into your home. Consistent sweeping and vacuuming around your home can add years on the life of your floors. It’s important to follow a two step process: sweep with a broom, then vacuum the same areas, at least once a week.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
Some products can strip your hardwood of its shine, damage the wood, and lead to faster aging. Harsh and damaging cleaning product chemicals will exacerbate the damage to your floors. Always make sure to do proper research on the products you use for your floor.
Contact Us
Contact us today to get in touch with a Classic Floor Designs expert. We are here to help make your next project come to life! With over 40 years of experience, Classic Floor Designs provides hardwood floors, wool and nylon carpet, carpet, area rugs, leather, cork, exotics, and green flooring services to residential flooring, commercial flooring and government clients in the DC area.
Hardwood Flooring Trends 2020
Hardwood remains the most popular flooring choice for homeowners across the country. While other trends flow in and out of style, hardwood has always kept its status as a timeless look. You can count on almost all new constructions and renovations to feature hardwood in a prominent area of the home. It’s just what buyers are looking for!
So, you’ve decided on hardwood, but what style? There are so many options to consider: the wood, the stain, the finish. It can be hard to settle on the right one. But, you can take comfort in knowing the top home designers today ask themselves the same questions! Let us do some of the work for you as we cover the top hardwood trends of 2020:
Dark hardwood
For homes that prioritize style over maintenance, the trend of installing dark hardwood flooring has been on the rise and doesn’t seem to be slowing down now. Dark hardwood is synonymous with drama and having dark flooring opens up a world of wall color options. From ebony to deep browns, dark hardwood floors look luxurious. Cool-toned hardwood
Cool-toned hardwood
Cool-toned hardwood flooring is the hottest new trend for many new townhomes and apartment complexes. Aimed at attracting a younger buyer and renter, this trend has been gaining popularity over the past few years. This style of flooring works best with walls decorated in cool tones. And, since dark hardwood is easier to keep clean and maintain, cool-toned hardwood floors make a lot of sense for your home. Consider this cool-toned style, like many designers, and replace dark hardwood with cool-toned hardwood to stay on trend for 2020.
Grey and grey blends
Grey hardwood floors are another popular choice among new homeown
ers and first-time renovators. Many new constructions go for a grey color scheme to enhance neutral furniture. Certain woods can be stained grey, so refinishing rather than replacing your existing hardwood floor may be something to consider.
Light and natural
Light, natural hardwood flooring is timeless. And compared to dark flooring, light hardwood floors show less dirt and scratches. Another benefit to lighter floors is that they tend to make rooms look larger rather than smaller. While the trend today might seek to drown out more of the yellowish tint for a contemporary look, it’s still tried and tested. It can also give you more flexibility in the color and style of your furniture than other hardwood.
Solid hardwood
Hardwood flooring, as a rule, increases the value of your home. How much, however, depends on the quality of the wood. Popular types of hardwood flooring include oak, hickory, and maple. Once installed, hardwood is known for its durability and transformative effect on the space. Whether its purpose is a powerful selling-point or revamping the flooring you have always dreamed of, let us help you every step of the way. Solid hardwood can last 100+ years. It consistently holds up to heavy use, and allows homeowners to sand, refinish, and change the colors and styles as their preferences change.
Wider planks
There has been a shift in recent years from the standard size strips of old. Installation is faster since the wide planks take up more room per square foot than a thinner board. Many homeowners appreciate that wider planks make their space look and feel larger, and make contemporary homes feel more rustic and authentic.
Contact Us
At Classic Floor Designs, we know flooring. We’ve been providing top-notch flooring products and services to homes and businesses in and around the Washington, D.C. area for more than 40 years. We’re always pleased to put our expertise to work for our clients. To learn more about flooring trends or explore our services, contact us today to arrange for a free design consultation.