Classic Floor Designs
2120 L ST NW
Washington, DC 20037
202.872.9860
Open:
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday by appointment
Classic Floor Designs
2120 L ST NW
Washington, DC 20037
202.872.9860
Open:
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday by appointment
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Home Office – How to Create a Productive Space
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishHome 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
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishAs 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
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishHardwood 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.
Add a Wood Accent Wall in Your Home
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishLooking to bring life to a lackluster wall in your home? Adding a focal point with a wood accent wall will add interest, texture, and dimension to your room. This trend is being adopted by top designers across the country are incorporating flooring to define the space and create a statement piece.
The style of your home and your preferred aesthetics will help you determine which type of flooring will work best on your accent wall. The type of hardwood flooring that can be used on your walls can run the gamut from oak, cherry, or birch to bamboo.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Showcase your (and your home’s) personality
Wood walls bring warmth and natural beauty into your home while also creating a focal point. An entryway wall is an ideal place to consider because it the space that visitors first encounter so it will really make a statement. As an added bonus, a wood accent entry wall can achieve form and function; adding hooks to hang your coats and jackets or shelves to display art and photographs and convey a homey vibe.
Create a focal point
Many homeowners disregard the importance of creating a focal point in a room. Focal points create a well-balanced space and also a sense of harmony. Some homes come with a built-in focal point like a big picture window or an interesting fireplace. However, if your home lacks an existing architectural element, you can create one. A wood accent wall is a perfect solution to garner attention, draw the eye, and give your room character.
The fifth wall
Often times a room already has a built-in focal point. For that reason, adding an accent wall can confuse the eye, clash with your existing furniture and other elements, and consequently diminish your wow factor. Remember the fifth wall, otherwise known as your ceiling! Eliminating your white, boring ceiling will result in a show-stopping statement. Furthermore, a hardwood ceiling will enhance your room and make it unique.
Contact Us
Contact us today to get in touch with a flooring 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.
How to Stay Busy and Healthy At Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishWays to stay busy while you’re practicing social distancing and following CDC guidelines during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put many Americans under stay at home orders. For some, that means working from home. For essential workers, it means altered work schedules, or even increased hours. We send our sincere support and gratitude for those who are on the front line of this health crisis. We are thankful for you! For those who find themselves stuck indoors or with more time on their hands during this period of social distancing while following CDC guidelines, we’ve compiled a list of endeavors to keep you both healthy, busy, and productive.
Keep a Clean Home Environment
Keeping your home clean during this pandemic goes hand in hand with keeping your household healthy and strong. For those essential visits to the grocery store or pharmacy, we might not be thinking of the dirt and germs we bring back home on our shoes and clothing. Diligently disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, remotes, and light switches, and keeping your carpet and hardwood floors clean will help to reduce the risk of bringing the virus home and spreading the virus. It’s advisable to remove your shoes before you enter your home. Don’t walk through your house with your shoes on, rather leave them at the door or in a designated spot (such as a garage) as not to introduce the virus from a simple trip to the grocery store or a walk around the block. And of course, every time you come back home remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Home Maintenance
If you’re like us, you’ve been procrastinating and avoiding fixing and sprucing up things around your home. If you’re stuck at home, there’s no time like the present. Small repairs and home projects you’ve been putting off can help make this time spent sheltering in place feel productive, and give you a real sense of accomplishment. It can also have real health benefits!
If the weather outside is suitable, start your yard upkeep and begin cleaning up the exterior of your home. Getting fresh air outside, remaining productive while being sure to still follow social distancing recommendations is a healthy and rewarding way to utilize your time.
Virtual Learning and Communication
The internet is a great blessing during this time of isolation. Not only is there a wealth of knowledge available for free online, but we can also connect with loved ones instantly with the touch of a button. Take some time to research a new skill, learn a language, or just unwind with that movie or TV series you’ve been meaning to watch. Keeping entertained and in touch with friends and family can help you stay social and connected and reduce the feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Even if you can’t visit in person, thanks to technology, you can stay connected from a distance which is proven to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Stay Healthy & Physically Active
Following general advice to keep yourself healthy, such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are the best recommendation for staying healthy during quarantine or self-isolation. For those who usually dine out, or can only have quick meals in between their busy schedule, time at home can be a perfect excuse to meal plan. Remember that eating a well-balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant and animal proteins, and healthy fats is the most effective way to get all the essential nutrients your body needs to keep your immune system in tip-top shape and stay healthy. Practice mindful eating and be sure to watch your portion sizes since there’s a tendency to eat more and be less active while we are self-isolating.
Healthy adults should plan for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; the recommendation for healthy children is at least one hour of daily exercise. Many of us rely on gyms and trainers for an exercise regimen. With gyms shuttered it can be challenging to find the motivation to work out and stay physically active while you’re stuck in your home. Luckily, there are both paid and free workout classes available online. Some of these services are pre-recorded, so you can access them at any time that is convenient for you during your “new” daily routine.
Contact Us
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.
How to Kill the Coronavirus and Germs Living in your Home
/in Uncategorized /by Mitch NydishPeople across the globe are staying at home on the advice of the CDC with regard to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. While non-essential travel is discouraged, trips to the pharmacy, grocery store, gas station, and doctor’s office are currently permitted. Venturing out of your house offers plenty of opportunities for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be brought back into your house. Recent studies have shown the Coronavirus lasts up to 72 hours on surfaces, so anything you touch out in public is potentially contaminated. Remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds upon arriving home, and make a daily effort to clean and disinfect your surroundings until the virus has run its course. Below are some helpful tips to accomplish that goal.
Clean your car
If you’re traveling anywhere, your car is the most likely mode of transport for the virus. You can use disinfectant wipes on high-touch areas such as car door handles, controls, steering wheel, keys or start button, touchscreen, seatbelts, and cup holders. The virus can also attach to your clothes and spread to your seats. Lysol and similar disinfectant sprays can sanitize your seats when given time to dry.
Wipe down surfaces at home
Think about the high-touch areas of your home: doorknobs, refrigerator handles, tables, counters, light switches, and remotes. Especially when living with others, germs can accumulate quite quickly on these surfaces. A daily wipe down of these areas will go a long way in prevent the spread of any illness.
Spray areas that cannot be wiped down
Spray your carpets, couches, and other seating areas with disinfectant spray in a sweeping motion, then wait for it to dry. If you run out of wipes for your other surfaces, you can always spray disinfectant into paper towels to achieve the same outcome.
Clean your floors
Your shoes can easily bring the virus into your home. Remember to remove your shoes immediately upon entering your home to minimize the amount of flooring you need to disinfect. For non-porous flooring, use a mixture of 1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water. For porous flooring such as hardwood, use a half cup of white vinegar and 1 gallon of water. A disinfecting mop cloth works as well.
Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can kill the coronavirus within 8 minutes. It’s recommended to pour the chemical directly on surfaces like your sink, countertops, toilet, shower, or bathtub. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to soak, then scrub the area and rinse with water.
Other items to remember
While cleaning all the things around us, we often forget the highest touch area of them all, our mobile phones. We touch our phones more than any other item during the day, yet we never remember to disinfect it. A few swipes a day using a disinfectant wipe should do the trick. Similar items include our wallets, money, and credit cards, laptops, and keyboards.
Classic Floor Designs in DC’s premier source for all your flooring needs. Contact us today!