HomeInfoNet.net

With the advent of new wood treatments and synthetic products such as laminate, flooring choices have become more varied in recent years. Formerly a simple selection between basic carpet samples and hardwood, choosing materials for flooring has grown complex. In fact, it has developed into an entire industry complete with professional designers to aid in the selection process.

Interior design centers can be overwhelming with the sheer volume of wood and laminate samples. There are thousands of combinations of wood types and colors. The grain variations alone are enough to send a shopper back to beige carpeting. Despite the plethora of choices available, however, there is an obvious winner when it comes to function, style, and price. Hardwoods, laminate products and carpet can not compete with the durability and simple beauty of bamboo flooring.

Wood floors are considered a classic design element. The sheen and expanse of the wood denotes quiet sophistication. Unfortunately, this class and polish comes with a heavy price tag and social burden. Hardwood flooring is expensive to install and difficult to maintain. In addition, the creation of hardwood flooring contributes to the destruction of forests around the globe.

If a room design requires the beauty and style of hardwood, bamboo flooring can offer or improve upon this vision without the guilty conscience and high price tag. Flooring created from one of the world’s most prolific natural sources, bamboo, is almost identical in appearance to many hardwoods. Ironically, bamboo is considered a weed by many, but it is quite possibly the most attractive weed in the world. In fact, bamboo has become the preferred material for many designers simply for the attractive range of shades and styles available.

Designers attempting to achieve the subtle look of hardwood floors, but with greater durability, use bamboo flooring. The bamboo is also considerably less expensive. The spectrum of colors available in bamboo flooring for design projects range from blonde to mahogany. There is another expansive range consisting entirely of variations of grain appearance. The sheer volume of variety accommodates any design project.

Dark, wide planks of bamboo flooring create the traditional feel of antique and richly textured homes. Urban contemporary styles are complimented by pale colors and interesting textures. Warm honey tones are crucial to classic Americana and country styles. Bamboo flooring is perfect for every design.

Traditional hardwood floors are easily marred and require substantial maintenance. This maintenance involves special cleansing products and even refinishing on a regular basis. The construction of bamboo flooring and the finishing products used make bamboo closer to laminate flooring in its durability and ease of care. There is no substitute for the quality, price, and durability of bamboo flooring. It simply has no equal.

Discover more great things about functional and stylish Bamboo
Flooring and how it can transform your living space, visit http://www.bambooflooring.biz

Share This

So you’ve got Spring Break coming up and the Easter Holidays around the corner too. This is a great time to give your interiors a lift. Certainly you probable already planned some Spring cleaning, but really make it count and clean out. This is a perfect chance to get rid of clutter and give to those needing more. April is the showcase month for the Atlanta Furniture Bank’s charity event Chairish the Future. Funded by generous donations from major manufacturers, corporations, and individuals, the furniture bank is a hopeful repository of all types, sorts, sizes, and styles of furnishings, many in need of some repair. For this event, primarily chairs (though some other pieces are included) are donated by the bank to artists, designers, and architects around Atlanta. These talented folks then redesign and redecorate the pieces and they are displayed at Atlanta’s Lenox Mall (April 8 - 14, 2006) before being auctioned. The proceeds benefit many of Atlanta’s homeless citizens. (Your city may have a similar event.)

While you are cleaning up and sorting it all out, take a moment to review your furniture. Are they still all your favorite pieces? Perhaps you’ve got one or two that are bit worn around the edges, frayed at the seams, or you just really want a change. This is a chance to provide valued used furnishings to others, get a tax write-off, and give yourself an excuse to splurge on a new piece or two. The Furniture Bank of Atlanta needs your castoff furnishings! Of course, you might want to check out what goes up for auction, in case chairs are your bag. Personally, I collect them! At last count, I have 6 spare chairs, 2 benches, and 2 poufs all in my living room with my sofa, tables etc. Yes, it is a bit crowded, but great for those entertainment opportunities, and very flexible. My mini-chair collection is a bit larger, but fits on a bookshelf, so easier to manage. So take a look around, what furniture pieces are you collecting?? What do you need in your room that will add function, fun, and bring a smile??

Almost every room benefits from a single piece of furniture included that is a bit unusual in shape and form, and can be moved easily to accommodate extra guests. It could be a chair, a bench, a stool, a pouf, an ottoman, or anything you can sit on, even a bicycle in the corner. Speaking of which, sometimes it is best if the extra piece is mobile on wheels. Be careful, if you have children, this may become an interior mode of transport, scooted room to room!

Some of my favorite examples are a cardboard (yes, that stuff that boxes are made of) rocker a client found. Astonishingly comfortable, very sturdy and velvety with wear, a wonderful surprise. The hidden recliner in leather is also a good option, satisfying the men in the family with their LazyBoy dreams, while still fitting in even the more formal of rooms because it doesn’t look like what it is! Storage ottomans are always a good bet, providing secret space for games, a snack stash, or even too many remotes (go universal!) Again, my collection is eclectic enough to include a clear acrylic chair (a bit disconcerting to sit on though), a chair with bells in the back stiles, and still another with a twine woven seat. It adds interest, texture, and curiosity and best of all, still functions.

‘Tis the season to clean out and clean up! Take advantage of a Spring Fling getting out the old furnishings and welcoming some new pieces. You’ll have a fresh perspective, and a great excuse to entertain.
© 2006 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally, on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

Share This