As autumn takes over for summer, these days of perfect weather give us one last chance for outdoor entertaining. If you have one of those beautiful outdoor kitchen and patio spaces, enjoying the outdoor space is just a matter of picking up the food. Even if your space is limited along with your budget, you can create a lovely outdoor spot for company, or just for your family.

Here are a few ideas.

• Think about your space. Before you go shopping, take a look at your patio or yard. Would a picnic table be a good family choice? If your patio and household are small, maybe just a table to seat four would make more sense. For balconies, the bistro tables designed for two are a nice option. Would you like a small seating area beyond your table? Make a plan and do some measuring before you shop.
• Take advantage of end-of-season sales. As the weather turns colder, patio furniture drops in price dramatically. Now is the time to pick up some outdoor items to enjoy this fall and next year.
• Don’t limit your options to standard patio furniture. Repurpose an old wooden set painted by painting it a bright color. While this option may mean that you bring it into a shed or cover it when not in use to help it last, it’s an appealing and inexpensive alternative.
• Have fun with color. Vivid colors such blue combined with the yellow of the lemons creates an inviting dinner spot from an old painted table and some linens. Are there some bright colors you’d like to have in your life that don’t fit in your home? Maybe you can have them in your backyard.
• Include nature. Decorate the table with lemon branches and add fruit on the table remind you that you are outside. You can do the same with apples or pears in a more temperate climate. Celebrate the outdoors with plants, fruits and flowers.

Creating an outdoor space is a great way to expand your living area and add to your entertaining options. From a large gathering under the trees to a simple breakfast on your patio, take full advantage of the outdoors.

Contrast is a principle in art that has become increasingly popular in modern kitchens. When used effectively contrast can be the key to adding interest and drama to a space. This principle involves using elements that are different in design to add personality and make a striking statement.

Here are some easy ways you can create contrast in your kitchen.

There are many different ways you can create contrast in the kitchen area. Homeowners can mix a variety of styles such as contemporary and country styles to achieve a contrasting look. Also, you can mix up your color scheme, cabinetry, and countertops.

Below are some ideas you can implement.

Mixing Up Colors
Perhaps the easiest way to create contrast in the kitchen is by mixing up colors. Don’t shy away from bold colors. Pairing two bold colors that are different from each other will have a wow effect. For instance, imagine a bold lime green color paired with glossy white.

Contrasting Textures
You can further add contrast by using various textures within one space. You can mix wood colors and throw in colorful fixtures. The texture on texture contrast has also become trendy in the last few years. Instead of mixing and matching textures you can utilize the same texture in variations around the kitchen. For example, the same natural stone tiles can be used on your flooring and backsplashes. While the final look is subtle, these details will draw attention.

Two Toned Cabinetry

You can create visual diversity in your cabinetry selection. Here are some ideas:

• Paint the top and bottom cabinet different colors. Using such colors as red or navy blue go well.
• You can also try contrasting finishes. If your kitchen has traditional dark brown wood cabinets you can switch one set out for a stainless steel finish. You can also break up wood finishes with monochromatic materials.

Kitchen Island
If you’re looking to make one big statement then you’ll let your kitchen island stand out from the rest of the kitchen. Try painting the bottom of the island a vibrant color or replace the top surface with a finish that hasn’t been used yet. Don’t forget to further add emphasis by adding funky bar stools to add to the overall look.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any other great ideas of ways to add contrast to your kitchen! We always love to hear from you!

Are you curious about the top five mistakes homeowners make in their house? We have created a list of common eye-sores that may be bringing effecting your home’s value and your design. Let us take a look!  

Five Eye-Sores in Your Home: 

1. Messy Wires. 

Before you started reading, you may have thought of tangled wires as one of the home’s biggest eye-sores. You would be right; a lot of homeowners ignore the messy bulk of unnecessary wires behind their electronics and leave them to sit out in regularly-used spaces. To help this eye-sore, we suggest using zip-ties. Secure and tidy up all of your electronic wires into a neat circle then zip-tie them. You will instantly notice that this will look more well-kept and aesthetically pleasing. 

2. Out in The Open. 

Do not get us wrong, we love the concept of open storage. But sometimes, homeowners do not have the time to maintain the open concept’s look. If you are frequently using you open shelving, it can almost become unmanageable. While open storage may be right for some people, the messy chaos in your home can bring down the home’s value. If you choose to use an open shelving system, you may want to consider only using decor pieces on the shelves. Day-to-day use can leave the shelves looking sloppy; therefore, the minimal amount of use can make the concept doable. 

3. Patterns and Prints, Oh My. 

There is such a thing as too many patterns in one space. The look can actually be quite overwhelming to the eyes. Currently, mixing patterns is a trend, but with caution. You want to limit yourself to two prints in each room. The prints must work well with each other. If you find it challenging to match prints yourself, we recommend asking the advice of a fabric store employee or a close friend.

4. Shoes on Display. 

We all live in our houses; therefore, there may be signs that someone actually lives there. A common mistake that a lot of homeowners make is displaying their shoes. This is a very common eye-sore in many households so do not feel alone! Displaying your shoes, coats, and bags can distract from the room’s design. It can take away from all of the hard work you put into the look of the room. To fix this eye-sore, we recommend storing these items in a closet or a closed container. 

5. Covered Counters. 

Countertop displays can be a great thing, but it is easy to get carried away with decorations. To keep your house looking beautiful, be sure to store all of your items in cabinets and drawers. Allow yourself to display two to three items on your countertops. For example, a vase of flowers, a soap dispenser, and a decorative piece for your bathroom countertops. This subtle approach will instantly bring an elegant look to your home.  

As always, we recommend focusing on keeping your floors cleaned and cleared. Clean floorings create for a happy and healthy lifestyle!

Are you ready to remodel your bathroom? If so, we would love to help you by bringing up four crucial points to consider before selecting your new, fabulous tile. Let’s take a look!

Safety First

Did you know tile has ratings based on grade, water absorption, and friction? In fact, beauty aside, the tile on your bathroom floors needs to be able to withstand water exposer and ensure you will not slip and fall. Therefore, you want to be sure that you choose the proper rating for your bathroom application. If you are uncertain about which grading to choose, one of our expert sales associates would love to assist you. Do not hesitate to ask!

Measure Correctly

Before measuring and calculating the number of tiles, you will need to know the measurements of the fixtures in the room. The size of the tub, toilet, and vanity all vary, so these decisions need to be made first. For example, if you have a floating vanity, the tile will be installed underneath, as opposed to a built-in vanity, where the tile will simply be installed alongside the outer edges of the fixture. Our consultants can help double check measurements before placing your final order.

Leveling

Is your floor level? If not, this is a good time to address the issue and correct it during the tile installation. A quick test is to place a marble in each corner of the bathroom. If a marble begins to roll in any direction, you will know where your problem areas are. Talk with our contractor about how you can solve leveling issues.

Design Ideas

Large tiles with large patterns will look great in most bathroom sizes. Larger floor areas offer more leeway to explore more intricate pattern ideas. Think about using two different styles of tile to create more visual interest, for example, a wood-look tile on the floor and a glossy subway tile in the shower. In a small bathroom, keep the accent tiles to a minimum to avoid a chaotic look. Definitely take time exploring our website and various design magazines to find the looks you like the most.

Visit one of our showrooms for personalized help. Our showroom consultants would love to help as you make decisions that will add value and increased enjoyment of your home!

Flooring is an excellent investment for personalizing your home to your specific needs. Plus, there are thousands of flooring options to choose from, each with their own set of benefits and styling features. That being said, there is not one flooring suited for every living situation. Many flooring projects will almost always need some sort of prep work prior to installation. Every situation is different, though, and certain dilemmas need to analyze thoroughly prior to beginning your project. Sometimes, the safest way to assess a job is by investing in a flooring contractor. More significant flooring projects can lead to challenges. However, not every situation demands a contractor to evaluate the project. Here are several instances where you may need to consider getting in touch with a contractor for your home or business:

Remodeling

If you are remodeling your home, you should consider the professional advice of a contractor. For instance, deleting walls can lead to uneven floor layouts. Plus, you can also uncover the issue of uneven floor heights from room to room. By getting in touch with a contractor before the project, you can analyze any potential problems which you may face.

Electrical Work

You should also consider professional advice or a contractor if your flooring involves any electrical work. This electrical work can be from remodeling or just having wires on your subfloor. Electrical work can even be a fire hazard if not properly installed. You can also run into electric questions when considering installing heated flooring. Therefore, some of these electrical concerns should best be evaluated by a contractor.

Leveling Subfloor

An uneven subfloor can also take different levels of expertise to evaluate. Not all self-levelers can work for the same application. It is essential to ensure whatever product is being installed over a self-level floor can bond with the adhesive poured on top. Several other issues can arise as well with self-leveling products; therefore, it is best left to the professionals.

There are many things to consider from transitions to noise, and even sloping, so you may find it best to leave it to the professionals. If you have any flooring questions for us at Century Tile, we would love to assist you with all and any questions you may have. Thanks for reading!

We are getting deeper into the winter season. The shortest days of the year are here, and we are prone to spending more time inside than usual. While we love spending time enjoying the sun and great weather, being cooped up indoors is not all that bad. It gives us time to spend with our loved ones, appreciate our homes, and relax.

With all this time indoors, it is time to make your home feel cozier. In the hospitality industry, a turndown service is when a room is serviced in preparation for their guests going to bed. Sometimes, when you leave your room for dinner at hotels, they will come in and switch out your pillows for sleeping pillows, fold your blankets on the bed for easy access, put out alcoholic beverages, and dim the lights. We like to take this similar concept and bring it into our own homes. However, instead of making a hotel room more comfortable and cozier for sleep, we will cozy up our homes for winter. To help you accomplish this, here is everything you should consider in your own turndown service:

Replace the Sheets

The average person sleeps eight hours every night. With twenty-four hours in a day, we will spend nearly 1/3 of our lives in our beds. If you go into your bed early to watch television, you could be spending even more time in your bed! This reason is why your sheets, pillows, and comforters should all be top-notch and ready to go for winter. Have some winter sheets or a heavier comforter, which you add during winter. This feature can make the nights feel even cozier and your bedroom more comforting.

Utilize Your Fireplace

The Danish word for comfy lifestyle is “hygge.” Try to get a little more hygge in your life by using your fireplace now that winter is here. If you have a fireplace in your home, this is a fantastic amenity to start facilitating. Cut or buy firewood and make your home feel even warmer with a comforting fireplace that burns every evening.

Add Throw Pillows and Blankets

Even our living rooms can be serviced with this turndown. Make the couches, sofas, and chairs a little more inviting. Try adding some seasonal throw pillows and bringing out some fluffy blankets. This feature can become part of your décor while making an even more comfortable atmosphere.

Start making your home more relaxing and comforting with these simple investments. We also suggest getting some comfy clothing to wear around the home. Slipper or pajamas can make the whole experience that much more relaxing. Happy winter!

Have you been saving year after year for a kitchen remodel or similar home renovation project for what seems like forever but never actually doing it? Instead of talking about what you want to do, there are many ways you can actively take charge of your home and bring new light to it on your own. Not everyone is as handy as they would like to be, but that does not mean you have to forgo improving your home altogether. There are many simple ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank or even needing to hire a handyman!

Outlet Covers

Outlet covers are a quick way to clean up the appearance of your walls or even add a pop of detail to an otherwise plain wall. You can find almost any color or shade of outlet cover at your local hardware store, making it easy to find one that blends with your wall. You can also choose to have them stand out, creating more dimension, by choosing from a variety of fancier options. The most significant part of this project is its simplicity, all you need is a screwdriver, and you can replace your cracked and painted-over outlet covers with new ones and bring a cleaner overall look to your home.

Doorknobs

Replacing your doorknobs is a slightly more involved task than replacing your outlet covers may be, but the tool list is just as simple: a screwdriver. The options for replacing door handles are almost endless and offer a chance to change the appearance of the doors in your home drastically. Whether you have gotten paint on them attempting to repaint your doors or simply want to change the shape or look of your handles, the end result of replacing them is positively noticeable and not much harder a job than replacing your outlet covers will be.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves can add dimension to any wall and quickly bring life to a room. You may need a drill to complete this project, but it is an endeavor that not only offers drastic change to a room by itself but also opens your wall up to many different decorating options. You can fill them with live plants or succulents that are easy to maintain. Books can also offer great conversation starters and an opportunity to display your interests in your home. Another option is candles to quickly brighten up a wall and add a bit of warmth to your home. No matter what you decide to put on the shelves, adding them to your home is a simple way to bring visual change without too much effort on your part.

and work your way up to the big stuff. You may find that a few small changes can make a big difference. These three DIY projects are a great place to start, but there are plenty of other easy ways to create a big change in your living space. What are some of your DIY project ideas? Let us know below in the comment section and remember to subscribe!

Years ago, open-concept floor plans were reserved for homes that were utilizing limited square footage. However, in recent years, open-concept living has become incredibly trendy. While some homeowners still desire separate rooms with their own function, many homeowners are taking a sledgehammer to their walls to create an open floor plan.

Benefits of Open-Concept Living

So what is all the fuss about open floor plans, and why are homeowners set on creating this architectural design? Well, there are many features of open floor plans that you cannot get traditional separate rooms:

• One feature of an open concept floor plan is that it can transform the smallest spaces. It creates an open and airy feeling, making a space appear bigger. If you desire to bring more light and width a room, tearing down walls may be a solution.
• Perhaps the most significant feature of open concept living is that it is multifunctional, and it allows for multitasking. For kitchens with open and combined dining and living room areas, you will be able to entertain your guests while preparing a meal. If you have a family, an open concept floor plan allows you to take care of things around the house while being able to keep an eye on the children. In addition, you can use the allotted space for more than one task. For instance, a portion of the living room can also serve as your office area by simply adding in a workstation.

Drawbacks of Open Floor Plans

While the flow, space, and added brightness are significant features of open concept floor plans, there can also be drawbacks to living within such space. Some challenges include:

• Loss of privacy
• Lack of wall space which means fewer electrical outlets and unconcealed wires.
• Designing open-concept floor plans can be challenging.

Should I Opt for a Home with Open Floor Plans?

Whether you are in the market for a new home or you are planning on remodeling your home, you may be considering open concept living. How do can you determine whether this design scheme is for your family? Well, you need to assess your family needs and desires. You will want to take into consideration your lifestyle and see how well the concept will work for your everyday life. Once you do so, you will be able to determine if it is right for you.

Luxury vinyl planking has made a significant impact on the flooring market. It is an extremely versatile flooring option that can be ideal for almost any environment. In fact, we continue to see the LVP market grow as many people love the beauty this floor has to offer with the extreme levels of durability. While these can all be great perks to flooring, another pro is the simplicity of cleaning LVP. Luxury vinyl planking can be extremely easy to clean, yet if this is your first time having this floor, you may have some concerns. Here is everything to note about cleaning your luxury vinyl plank flooring:

Sweep

Luxury vinyl planking is incredibly easy to clean. Essentially, your first plan of attack is to protect your floors from dirt and debris. This can be done by simply taking your shoes off in your home or having a welcome mat. If dirt does get on your LVP, however, simply sweep it up and dispose of it. It is that simple!

Microfiber Mop

For more serious messes, you can use a microfiber mop to clean them. A light cleaning agent can do the trick. Since LVP is waterproof and can be wetted to help clean or break down debris, be sure to use a none wax-based cleaner. A simple home remedy is mixing water and vinegar to help clean your floors.

Do Not Wax

While LVP does dull over time, waxing is not the solution. Most LVP has a protective film on top of it. Do not attempt to wax your LVP floors! This will not bond properly to your floors. It will just harden and create an unwanted film on top of your flooring, which will need to be removed. Check with your manufacturer to see what recommendation they suggest to help give your floor a shiny finish. However, that being said, typically, LVP will just be matte or low gloss.

Cleaning your vinyl plank flooring is quite simple! This is just one more added benefit to consider when shopping for your next flooring option. From durability and aesthetics to waterproof features and easy to clean properties, this versatile flooring is a great choice for any home!

The flooring industry is always expanding and bringing new innovative technology and ideas to the marketplace. In fact, a very common product used in commercial applications and even homes is carpet tiles. Carpet tiles are available in many different colors and patterns to help work with any design theme. So if you are looking to add carpet tiles to your design, you should investigate all the pros and cons these flooring systems have to offer. Today, we are going to explore some of the main pros and cons to help you decide if carpet tiles are best for you. Let’s get started!

Pros

Replace Just Wherever Needed

The main dilemma with traditional, wall-to-wall carpet is if you stain the carpet in a noticeable area, you have to replace the whole rug. However, with carpet tiles, you have the option of just replacing the single tile that becomes damaged. This factor can save you from expensive replacement projects in the future.

Extremely Durable

The lack of comfort is used to help make these carpets more durable. It is not uncommon to see carpet tiles used in heavy traffic areas like gyms, airports, or malls. They are laid in a pattern that can help eliminate the sight of traffic wear as well.

Large Variety of Styles and Designs

Carpet tiles come in an incredibly large selection of styles and designs. From Modern and Contemporary styles to basic flecks or patterns, this feature can allow carpet tiles to work in virtually any themed space.

Cons

Not as Soft and Commutable as Regular Plush Carpets

Carpet tile is not going to be the option you want to use in a room that you will be spending a lot of time on the ground. It is more for commercial use and heavy traffic areas in residential applications. For instance, you may decide to use it in a basement or home gym at your house rather than a bedroom or living room. Carpet tile is glue-down or occasionally loose laid. They go directly over your subfloor without the padding affecting the comfort.

Cost

If you are looking for the least expensive carpet option, carpet tile will not be the best choice. If you know the floor will need to be durable; however, it will be worth the investment. Having the option to switch out individual tiles as they get damaged can also save you money in the long run. However, for short term or comfort, carpet tile is not the optimum selection.

If you are considering carpet tiles, make sure you fully understand the versatility of this flooring. It is a great and durable flooring for many applications but may not be suitable for every home. If you still feel a little uncertain if carpet tiles are right for you, one of our expert sales associates would love to assist you. Please do not hesitate to call or visit us with any questions. Thanks for reading!